Catholic schools for struggling student
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Anonymous
| We are moving to Alexandria and would like to keep our kid in a Catholic school (starting high school), but she’s struggling academically. The DC area seems like a big pressure cooker. Are there Catholic schools that would accept her? And would she just be overwhelmed? She’s likely looking at community college or perhaps no college, which is fine with us. But we are looking for a community that won’t crush her spirit. (And yes, we’ve had her tested for learning issues, and she’s ok—just takes her longer than most of her peers to learn stuff.) |
Anonymous
| There aren't a ton of high school options in Alexandria, but I have heard really good things about Ireton and the supports they offer. I would definitely check into it. Even if they do not have a diagnosis, the environment at Ireton could be more supportive. |
Anonymous
| Take a look at both Ireton and O’Connell. Both take a wide range of students and do a good job of support where needed. Students can make their experience as challenging (or not) as they need through course selection. |
Anonymous
| The Diocesan Catholic schools generally can accommodate a wide range of students, including those who struggle with academics. Since you’ll be living in Alexandria, you definitely should consider Bishop Ireton. Bishop O’Connell (in Arlington) is farther but also is within a reasonable distance from Alexandria. |
Anonymous
Agree with this. It will be easier to get in if you’re coming from Catholic school. What grade is she in right now? The diocesan schools already sent out acceptances for next year, so if you’re looking for the 26-27 school year, you are behind, unfortunately. O’Connell will probably be easier to get into than Ireton at this point, if that’s the case. And there is also Saint John Paul the Great, though that is even farther away. |
Anonymous
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She’s in 9th and would be starting in 2026. We know we’re behind but just found out about the transfer!
If she does non-honors classes at Ireton or O’Connell, will she be drowning in homework? |
Anonymous
So Ireton follows a block schedule, which means you take half your classes one day, and half on the next day. For my ds, that has helped him manage his work as he gets those couple of days to get things done. Ireton also offers their Academic Support program, which is basically a supported study hall where a counselor works with the student to make sure they are on top of their work and helps them access resources as needed. My ds used it his freshman year as he came in with an SAP due to dyslexia. He dropped it the next year, but kept a study hall to help stay on top of his work. Something like that could be helpful to her. |
Anonymous
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Bishop Ireton serves all levels of kids. A real gem, please reach out to them. Wonderful community. (BI parent to kids of varying abilities and raving fan.)
Chesterton Academy of Christ the King is set to open for Fall of 2026 in Alexandria and could also be an option - will be looking for students to fill the opening 9th & 10th grade classes. Small, classical school. Probably a bit different high school experience but worth looking into! |
Anonymous
| It might be too late for BI for Fall enrollment, but it is worth a call. Reach out to Pope John Paul the Great in Woodbridge as there is a bus from the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria in Fairfax County. |
Anonymous
The deadline for 9th grade applications passed, but it’s my understanding that the application process for 10th (and above) happens later in the year and depends on space. I would call the schools you’re interested in, explain that you just found out about the transfer, and ask about the application process. We’re at a different Catholic (all boys so not an option for your DD) and reenrollment contracts for next year haven’t even gone out yet. So schools probably don’t know how many spots they open yet for next year. |