Admissions
Late Applications: The Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior classes are full for next year (2013-2014). Limited seats may open up before the school year starts. Applications are being accepted on a wait-pool-only basis. Please see below for instructions on how to apply.
TOUR JP the Great:
If you’ve not yet seen our beautiful campus, or have questions about admission to JP the Great, please join us for a tour! (or contact us for an appointment:admissions@jpthegreat.org or (703) 445-0218).
Current tour dates:
- No tours currently scheduled. Please call for an appointment.
Please arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time and check in at the main office for a visitor badge. Tours usually last an hour or more, depending on number of people on the tour and questions. Your RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary.
For directions to the school, please visit the Our Campus page of this site.
SHADOW at JP the Great:
JP the Great offers 'shadow' opportunities for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students. Come to campus and experience what it's like to be GREAT for a day! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To access the on-line Shadow Day Registration System, please click here.
7th graders may shadow in May!
Snow closings and delays: We follow Prince William County. If we are closed, tours and shadow visits are canceled; if delayed, shadow visits are also on delay, however, a scheduled admissions tour may be canceled...please call (703) 445-0300 to verify. Please check the local news or radio stations for up-to-date information on Prince William County decisions.
2013 - 2014 Applicants:
Please consider these important dates:
- November 18, 2012: Open House from 1 - 4pm (presentation at 1:15)
- December 1, 2012: Admission and Placement Test #1 (see below)
- January 12, 2013: Admission and Placement Test #2 (see below)
- January 28, 2013: Priority Admission Application Deadline
- January 28, 2013: Priority Financial Aid Application Deadline
- February 22, 2013: Decision letters mailed
- March 14, 2013: Registration Party - an opportunity to register
- March 16, 2013: Diocesan Registration Deadline
You are encouraged to add your email address to our distribution list so that you will recieve timely updates and reports about JP the Great activities. Please email info@jpthegreat.org to be added to the list!
We seek students who:
- demonstrate a desire to succeed in all areas of life: spiritually, academically, and socially.
- have applied themselves in school to the best of their ability, successfully passing courses and grade levels.
- Have been respectful towards fellow students and teachers.
- are willing to take a leadership role in our classrooms, in our student clubs, on our athletic fields, and in other important areas of our school life.
- are interested in how best to use the knowledge they will acquire in the classroom for the benefit of society.
- are motivated to provide service to others because it is the right thing to do, not because there is extra credit involved.
- understand that there is great value and satisfaction in being part of something bigger than themselves.
A student need not be Catholic to attend the school, but all students are required to participate in the established curriculum.
Application Process:
In addition to the application which is completed on-line, additional information is needed from each student. For step-by-step instructions, please first view each category below, then carefully follow the requirements as outlined:
1. Determine if you have to take the High School Admissions and Placement Test (below)
2. Find the Step-by-Step instruction set appropriate for your application (below)
3. Complete and submit the on-line application for admission (below)
4. Download and submit necessary supporting documentation to your school, principal, and teacher (below)
I. High School Admissions and Placement Test (HSAPT)
WHO must take this test?
ALL freshman applicants, as well as 10th grade applicants transferring from a home school program.
WHEN is this exam offered?
The HSAPT will be offered twice at JP the Great:
Saturday, December 1 , 2012
Saturday, January 12 , 2013
Paid registration must be received at least 3 days prior to the exam.
Exam time: 8:30am - 12:00pm
HOW do I REGISTER for the HSAPT?
Download the registration form found here, and carefully follow the instructions. Registration, and a check for the $35.00 test fee, must be received at least 3 days prior to the test date.
II. Step-by-Step Application Instructions
Current 8th Grade Students:
A) 8th Grade students applying for the 9th grade who currently attend an Arlington Diocesan Catholic School, AND who marked Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School as their FIRST choice on the High School Placement Test:
Submit application and application fee
All other necessary records will automatically be sent to us from your current school.
B) 8th Grade students applying for the 9th grade who currently attend an Arlington Diocesan Catholic School, AND who did not mark Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School as their first choice on the High School Placement Test:
Submit application and application fee
Submit request for records to current schoolC) 8th Grade students applying for 9th grade who currently attend a public or other (non-Arlington Diocesan) private school:
Submit application and application fee
Submit request for records to current school
Submit Teacher recommendation form to current teacher
Submit Principal recommendation form to current administration
Current 9th and 10th Grade Students:
A) 9th and 10th Grade students applying for the 10th or 11th grade who will transfer from an Arlington Diocesan Catholic High School:
Submit application and application fee
Submit request for records to current school administration
Submit Principal recommendation form to current administration
B) 9th and 10th Grade students applying for the 10th or 11th grade who will transfer from a public or other (non-Arlington Diocesan) private school:
Submit application and application fee
Submit request for records to current school administration
Submit Teacher recommendation form to current teacher
Submit Principal recommendation form to current administration
Home School Students
Pope John Paul the Great welcomes applicants transferring from home school programs. Because programs vary, clear and concise information about each student and program is necessary in order to properly evaluate your application for admission and placement purposes.
How to apply:
1. Rising 9th and 10th graders transferring from a home school program are required to take the High School Placement Test. Please see the Admissions page for dates, registration form, and other important information.
2. Submit application and application fee.
3. Submit 2 Teacher recommendation forms: One from the primary parental educator; the other should be given to a non-parental adult (such as a co-op teacher) who can speak to some area of the student’s academic ability and character. The second recommendation should be sent confidentially to JP, not through the applicant.
4. Submit transcripts
* Rising 9th Graders: Please submit 7th and 8th grade transcripts. Please click here for Transcript Instructions, and a sample Middle School Transcript form. This form may be used by any home school program, and should be used by any home school program that does not use a recognized, standardized, home school curriculum and grading service.
* Rising 10th and 11th graders: Please submit high school transcripts for years completed. Please click here for Transcript Instructions, and a sample High School Transcript form. This form may be used by any home school program, and should be used by any home school program that does not use a recognized, standardized, home school curriculum and grading service.
ALL: If a standardized home school program is used for curriculum and grading (such as Seton Home School, Abeka, Kolbe Academy, etc…), please request their standard transcript. Our Records Release Form may be used for this purpose.
Please click here for a printable version of the instructions above.
International Students
We value the richness that different cultures bring to our community and welcome applications from international students to attend JP the Great for one year, or for graduation.
International transfer students (currently on F1 visa) may apply to transfer to JP the Great for their 10th or 11th grade year only.
In all cases, establishing proficiency with the English language is critical as JP does not offer ESL programs, ESL support, and does not modify the college preparatory curriculum for any student.
Tuition rates for international students are the same as for domestic students, and follow the Catholic/Non-Catholic rates.
Special Education: The Options Program
The Options Program serves students with mild to moderate cognitive impairments in a modified inclusive setting. A primary goal for each student is to be as fully integrated as possible into the total life of the school community. There is a tuition supplement to participate in this program. If you are interested in this special education program, please contact Megan Battle, Director of Special Services, for more information: m.battle@jpthegreat.org.
Submit JP the Great application and application fee
An additional application for the Options Program must also be completed. Please contact Megan Battle, Director of Special Services, for more information.
Tuition, Tuition Assistance, and Scholarships
We realize that the expense associated with choosing Catholic education for your child is a significant commitment. We also know that this investment is one of the best you will ever make on behalf of your child. We take our responsibility to protect your investment very seriously. We commit to providing a superior education steeped in the Catholic faith, positioning students to successfully move forward in higher education.
Tuition:
Tuition rates for Pope John Paul the Great are on-par, or less than, rates at other diocesan Catholic high schools, and the percentage of yearly increases is also less. In addition to tuition, which may be paid up-front or on a monthly basis, certain standard expenses, such as text books and uniforms, also apply.
Tuition rates for the 2013 - 2014 school year:
Catholic Rate*:
First student: $10,860
Second student: $7,970
Third student: $6,900
Non-Catholic Rate:
First student: $14, 450
*The subsidized rate for Catholic students reflects the tithing commitment made by parishioners and parishes in the Diocese of Arlington.
FACTS Tuition Management Program
Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School collects tuition and transportation fees through FACTS, a third party tuition management company. This allow families to spread the cost over multiple payment periods. You also have the option to pay the full amount of tuition in advance directly to us via your personal check.
To enroll in FACTS, please complete the agreement form found here.
For questions regarding tuition payments, please contact Andrew Hawley, Business Manager: Andrew.Hawley@jpthegreat.org
Tuition Assistance
A limited amount of financial aid is available each year to families who demonstrate sufficient need. The Diocese of Arlington has contracted with FACTS Tuition Aid to process financial aid applications for Pope John Paul the Great families. Information submitted as part of your aid application is kept confidential and is analyzed with weight given to many factors such as housing costs in this area, other tuition obligations (Catholic elementary schools, college) and general living expenses. Those awarded financial aid are automatically included in our popular Work-Study-Contribute program, enabling sophomore and junior students to help their families and their school while gaining valuable life experiences. More information about the Work-Study-Contribute program will accompany financial aid reward letters. Financial aid awards will only be communicated to those who have been accepted as students to JP the Great.
Tuition Aid applications should be completed online at www.factstuitionaid.com. You will be asked for the school's zip code as part of the application process. It is 22026.
The first-round application deadline for 2013 - 2014 aid is January 28, 2013. Priority consideration is given to those who meet the January 28th deadline.
Questions regarding financial aid may be emailed to: finance@jpthegreat.org
Scholarships
A limited number of academic and need-based scholarships are offered to incoming students at the beginning of each school year. The value of these scholarships will range from $1,000 to several thousand dollars. Scholarship recipients will be notified of this award prior to the start of the school year. The deadline for submitting a scholarship application is the same date as the admissions deadline.
For rising freshmen who wish to apply for an academic scholarship, Pope John Paul the Great must be marked as "first choice" on the High School Admission and Placement Test.
Academic scholarships are renewable. Current John Paul students have a number of other scholarship opportunities available to them, including JP Pride and The Four Seasons. This information is disseminated to students and parents via internal communications.
2013-2014 Scholarship Opportunities - click here
Click here for an overview of the 2013-2014 admissions process
Please contact Ms. Jennifer Cole, Director of Admissions and Marketing, or Miss Carolyn McNelis, Admissions and Marketing Assistant, with any questions you may have: admissions@jpthegreat.org or (703) 445-0300.