Anonymous
02/26/2026 09:51
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St. James in Falls Church has 2 classes per grade. It has a nice community (houses in City of Falls Church will be out of your price range, but there may be some in the part of Falls Church that is in Fairfax County).
Super MAGA community if that matters to you.
As a Saint James family would strongly disagree with this characterization.
I know some families that changed to the parish because they wanted a more conservative vibe, but I don't think there is a direct correlation to the school's vibe and how Mass goes.
There definitely is. St James is definitely for conservatives. My kids attend another diocesan school and it has a totally different feel.
Anonymous
02/25/2026 09:57
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St. James in Falls Church has 2 classes per grade. It has a nice community (houses in City of Falls Church will be out of your price range, but there may be some in the part of Falls Church that is in Fairfax County).
Super MAGA community if that matters to you.
As a Saint James family would strongly disagree with this characterization.
I know some families that changed to the parish because they wanted a more conservative vibe, but I don't think there is a direct correlation to the school's vibe and how Mass goes.
Anonymous
02/25/2026 09:53
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Recommendations?
Silver spring?
Anonymous
02/25/2026 09:51
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St. James in Falls Church has 2 classes per grade. It has a nice community (houses in City of Falls Church will be out of your price range, but there may be some in the part of Falls Church that is in Fairfax County).
Super MAGA community if that matters to you.
As a Saint James family would strongly disagree with this characterization.
I know some families that changed to the parish because they wanted a more conservative vibe, but I don't think there is a direct correlation to the school's vibe and how Mass goes.
Anonymous
02/25/2026 09:47
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
If you’re set on a SFH, check out Silver Spring and that side of Maryland. If you’re ok with a townhouse or apt, you can still look in DC proper and close-in Virginia suburbs. I would not commute from a Virginia suburb that is far enough away to buy an 800K SFH, unless you want a real fixer upper!
Anonymous
02/25/2026 08:28
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Recommendations?
For a SFH in NoVA and factoring in the commute, you could look in West Springfield, Burke, or Ft Hunt. Closest Catholic schools with 2 classes per grade would be St. Bernadette's, Holy Spirit, St Louis and St Mary's. Burke might feel more familiar compared to what you're used to but the driving commute would be longer. It does have the VRE though which stops at L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station, and it's a very comfortable commute, as far as commutes go anyway.
But it's generally better to live on the same side of the river as you work, so I think it would be worth it to at least explore the Silver Spring or Cap Hill rowhouse idea more.
Sorry, just read the OP again. Of those schools, St. B's, Holy Spirit, and St. Louis will have more newcomers to the area, lots of military and people coming and going. St. Mary's a bit less so.
Anonymous
02/25/2026 08:08
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Recommendations?
For a SFH in NoVA and factoring in the commute, you could look in West Springfield, Burke, or Ft Hunt. Closest Catholic schools with 2 classes per grade would be St. Bernadette's, Holy Spirit, St Louis and St Mary's. Burke might feel more familiar compared to what you're used to but the driving commute would be longer. It does have the VRE though which stops at L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station, and it's a very comfortable commute, as far as commutes go anyway.
But it's generally better to live on the same side of the river as you work, so I think it would be worth it to at least explore the Silver Spring or Cap Hill rowhouse idea more.
Anonymous
02/25/2026 00:16
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Recommendations?
You have to be pretty far out to find a SFH, e.g. Greenbriar, near Chantilly HS. This is not a great commute.
Townhouse in Reston close to the Silver line, maybe?
Anonymous
02/24/2026 23:54
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Recommendations?
Anonymous
02/21/2026 18:25
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would figure out where exactly you are going to live. Most of the Arlington diocese Catholic schools are good. I would pick based on distance from your house. One thing to consider is that some have one class per grade and some have two classes per grade. Personally, two classes per grade was my preference, but YMMV. I have found all of the schools to be warm and not very cliquish.
Sorry for commenting on an older post! What schools (if you remember) offer two classes per grade? We’re possibly relocating there soon and have twins who we would prefer to be in separate classes. Thanks!
There are lots that have 2 or even 3 so it would be helpful to know which area of NOVA you'll be living in to narrow it down.
Yes, for sure! We are in the beginning of research stages so at the moment are flexible to find somewhere that best fits our needs.. our kids attend a Catholic school now and we want to continue there. So far we know one job will be near Capitol Hill, the second will be flexible (healthcare). We are coming from the Midwest/South so our budget doesn’t stretch as far there and we know our options will be limited. We could go up to 700-800k and prefer a SFH (really want a yard even if small). It’s a totally different world there than the large suburb neighborhoods we’re coming from, so we know we need to adjust our expectations!
Also considering MD (around Silver Spring etc?) as we’ve noticed the large pocket of Catholic schools there as well.
With 700k to 800k budget, I would never consider Vienna/McLean/Falls Church. Most families there live in $1.5 to $3m homes. Mostly boomer retirees occupy older/smaller SFHs, which still are not $700k to 800k.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 17:26
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
I’ve found St. James a bit cliquey but no more or less than any school of a similar size, I’m guessing.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 09:18
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:I'm in the same boat OP. Are there any schools that have a cliquish culture that you would avoid?
You will definitely want to avoid OLGC in Vienna.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 09:06
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
My daughter is in one of the lower grades at St Agnes, and yes they use OG strategies in K (red words and tapping out). Both my husband and I work - I haven’t noticed any cliques but I also don’t have tons of time to socialize.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 09:00
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:St James & Our Lady of Good Counsel both look like great schools. If you chose one over the other, why?
Also, are there particular catholic high schools that the students from St James or OLGC tend to go to?
St. James primarily flows to DJO with some boys going to Gonzaga and girls going to Visi. Then there will be a kid or 2 that might go to Ireton or PVI or Stone Ridge or something like that.
OLGC will be more evenly split between DJO and PVI. But you will still get some boys going to Gonzaga and girls to Visi and the same odd kid going somewhere else.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 08:46
Subject: Northern Virginia Catholic Schools
Anonymous wrote:St James & Our Lady of Good Counsel both look like great schools. If you chose one over the other, why?
Also, are there particular catholic high schools that the students from St James or OLGC tend to go to?
Those may seem close to each other, but they really aren’t, so check that closely. I would assume OLGC has mainly Vienna and surrounding area families, whereas St James has Falls Church and surrounding.
The St James pastor is Scalia’s son, so it may not be MAGA, but a lot of conservatives like that and a lot of liberals are turned off by that.