Bishop O'Connell - what's it like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Regular NW (not AA) Kid-does play sports but not sure if they would make teams... Probably though

My kid knew no one and did great at O. I think a freshman sport makes it easier to meet people. Cross country is a great practically no cut fall sport.

[Anonymous]

If there is any chance your child may realize they're gay, bisexual etc, it is not the place for them. Highly destructive for these kids.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! mine does winter and spring sports....But if they like the school and they get in I can suggest they do cross county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there is any chance your child may realize they're gay, bisexual etc, it is not the place for them. Highly destructive for these kids.

Please elaborate.

[Anonymous]

A friend’s daughter attended BO to play basketball and for a better academic experience. Coaches went above and beyond to help her land a lucrative basketball college scholarship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not an O’Connell family but am familiar with it and know many kids there. We toured it. And went to a presentation that was given during the practice HSPT. Was on a much smaller scale than the open house. I was very impressed by what they offered. DS was offered a scholarship with his acceptance letter. He also got a scholarship from another school and ended up there instead. I think for kids that are driven and stay on the right path, the school would be fine. That said, many of the kids that we know there are your run of the mill high school kid. I really don’t mean that in a negative way. There are great kids there, and not so great kids. But that can be found anywhere. It really felt to DS like a public school with some Catholicism and uniforms. Knowing the experiences/behaviors of other kids and families that we know there, I’m glad I didn’t pay money for it, even with the scholarship. DS is in the right fit for him. I do think though that he would have been ok there but would have had to work harder to stay on the right path academically and socially. If you’re on the fence, apply, and then have the child shadow after acceptance. In terms of difficulty getting in, I can only speak for parish schools where it is 100% a safety and yes, they all get in. I have never heard of a diocese kid turned away.

I love the way you explained this. You put this very nicely without putting anyone down. Very un DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been very pleased with DS's experience. Teachers are very engaged and involved with the students and there's at least a 50/50 split of male/female teachers, giving boys a wide variety of role models and mentors. DS plays a lot of sports and the coaches are good people with high expectations. We like their approach of building men of good character who will go on to contribute to their community after graduation. Coaches spend a lot of time with players, and I like the general messages they're sending - be grateful to your parents, take responsibility for yourself, etc.

College counselors are very active and run group workshops and one-on-one meetings for parents every year the kid's in school. We'll see how it all pans out.

One of the differences in this school and publics is that they kick out kids with behavior problems. I've seen it in action.

+1
Another mom of boys who appreciates the male-heavy teacher population that provide a wealth of role models. They really do teach character along with the academics. And those that don't get the message get shown the door. One of my son's classmates got kicked out for cheating on an exam.

We're conservative and I'd say that our kids feel enabled to speak their minds and engage in debate rather than being dismissed or insulted.

[Anonymous]

Wondering if the BO teachers are open to respond WHY questions from students. My kids’ teachers in FCPS didn’t like the WHY questions and responded in a rude way.

[Anonymous]

I have never heard anyone refer to O’Connell as BO. It is either DJO or O’Connell. Is this new?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have never heard anyone refer to O’Connell as BO. It is either DJO or O’Connell. Is this new?

You may be right