About Us...
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School is the newest addition to the proud tradition of Catholic education in the Diocese of Arlington. Our new 40 acre campus in Dumfries, Virginia, is more than just an impressive state-of-the-art facility, it is a place where students will be challenged and nurtured academically, socially, and spiritually.
Our doors will open in August of 2008 to our very first freshman and sophomore classes. An additional grade will be added each year with an estimated 1,000 students by 2010. We look forward to celebrating the first graduating class of Pope John Paul the Great in 2011.
Our Leadership
Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, O.P., Principal of Pope John Paul the Great, is the seasoned educator and administrator chosen by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (also known as the “Nashville Dominicans”) to work with Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde to provide an excellent Catholic institution of learning for the families of Prince Williams County.
Over the past 145 years, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia have given the fruits of their contemplation in the apostolate of Catholic education. With a love of Truth and a dedication to the Church, the sisters have brought generations of young people the message of Christ.
In their own words, the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia is, among other things, committed to:
- A love of study, and a strong preparation for work in the field of education
- A thorough background in Theology and Philosophy
- Excellence in education
- The religious formation of youth so that they understand what it means to respect life, live actively the Catholic faith and seek God’s will with eternal life as the final goal.
The Congregation is presently in 32 schools across eleven states, teaching children and young adults from pre-school through college level. It serves in suburban, inner city, private, and diocesan schools.
Our Campus
Our beautiful tree-lined property in Dumfries is just minutes from Rte 1. Our state-of-the-art facilities include wireless Internet access, video-conferencing, football, soccer, and baseball fields, eight modern science labs, bistro seating in the food-court-style cafeteria, two gyms with varsity and junior varsity locker rooms, and a chapel which serves as the architectural and spiritual center of the school.
Our Academic Program
Our accredited academic program will meet the needs of students at every level and provide superior college preparatory learning. College preparation is completed through an academically rigorous curriculum within the following subject areas: Religion, English, Math, Science, History, Language, Fine Arts, Business, Computer, Physical Education, and Health. AP and Honors courses will be offered in each of the core disciplines.
In addition, Pope John Paul the Great students will learn about important issues facing our world through the unique and integrated Bioethics curriculum written specifically for our school.
Our Athletic Programs and Extracurricular Activities
Opportunities for leadership and creativity will abound for students attending school in the inaugural year. They will be in the unique position of helping to shape the culture of Pope John Paul the Great and will participate in everything from choosing the style of school uniforms and mascot, to the formation of sports teams, clubs, activities and service projects.
Currently, athletic teams at Pope John Paul the Great include football, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, cross country, wrestling, soccer, and swimming. In addition to the three fields on campus, we have been granted special access to the adjacent county-owned sports park currently under development.
Extracurricular activities will include drama, a school newspaper, community service projects, faith-building activities, and academic clubs. Additional sports or clubs will be added, depending upon student interest.
Our Inspiration
We are guided first and foremost by The Most Holy Trinity –Father, Son and Holy Spirit— and through the example and intercession of the Blessed Mother.
We are inspired by our beloved namesake, Pope John Paul II. By his example, and through his intercession, we embrace the call to live lives of joyful holiness, to teach and celebrate young people, and to respect the life and dignity of each person.
We are guided as well by the spirits of Saints Dominic and Cecilia, as experienced through the congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
With gratitude, we walk with the wise shepherd of our diocese, Bishop Paul Loverde. The vision and dedication of Bishop Loverde, and the Diocesan team he has worked with for years, has made the dream of opening a Diocesan Catholic high school in Prince William County a reality.
To learn more about our school, or to apply for admission, please continue to browse the pages of our web site. Thank you for your interest in Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School!
Contact:
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School
P.O. Box 550
Dumfries, VA 22026
703-670-3061
Admissions@jpthegreat.org