Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Program
- Is Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School accredited?
- What is Bioethics, and how does it fit into the curriculum?
- Are there AP and Honors classes?
- Is there a learning resource program for students needing academic support?
- Is there an Options Program for students with intellectual disabilities?
Admissions
Sports
Tuition, Financial Aid, Scholarships
- What is the tuition for the 2010-2011 academic year?
- Is financial aid available?
- Are scholarships available?
Miscellaneous
- How many students will attend Pope John Paul the Great?
- Do students wear uniforms?
- What about transportation options to and from school?
- What about the faculty and staff of Pope John Paul the Great?
- Who are the Dominican Sisters, and what is their charism?
Employment at JP the Great
Academic Program
Is Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School accredited?
Yes. Our school is accredited as part of the Diocese of Arlington Office of Catholic Schools, as are the other Diocesan schools. We are recognized as a rigorous college preparatory high school with the added enhancement of our flagship Bioethics curriculum. We will be reviewed every five years by the Southern States Accreditation Council, as all of the Diocesan schools are, to maintain our status as an accredited school.
What is Bioethics, and how does it fit into the curriculum?
Bioethics is the field of study concerned with the ethical implications of certain biological and medical procedures, technologies and treatments. Our Bioethics curriculum is designed to provide an ethical perspective on these issues based on the dignity of the human person.
The bioethics curriculum is just one aspect of the challenging academic program at John Paul the Great and is designed to enhance the overall curriculum. Bioethics courses will be required for students in each of their four years of study. Two credits are required to graduate.
In the past ten years, science and medical technology have made many discoveries. As these discoveries advance into our society, we need to provide students with a foundation of knowledge to think clearly about issues that impact the human person. A background in bioethics will help our students develop a wider ethical lens as they embark on their journeys toward college studies in science, medicine, politics, law, history and more. John Paul the Great students will have the skills and critical tools to make well-informed personal decisions and participate thoughtfully in forging public policies about scientific and ethical issues related to new knowledge and new technology.
Are there AP and Honors classes?
Yes. Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School has a comprehensive academic program providing a superior college-prep curriculum for students who have the ability to achieve at the highest academic levels.
Please visit the Academics page of our web site for detailed information on our complete academic program.
Is there a learning resource program for students needing academic support?
Yes. We offer an Academic Support Program for our students who may need additional support. Please visit the Academics page of this site for more information.
Is there an Options Program for students with intellectual disabilities?
Yes. We offer the Options Program for students with intellectual disabilities, modeled after the successful program at Pope Paul VI Catholic High School. The Options Program will serve 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. If you are interested in this program, please contact Megan Battle, Director of Special Services: megan.battle@jpthegreat.org.
Admissions
Students who desire to participate positively in building our school community, delve deeper into their relationship with God, have academic ability and a good work ethic are encouraged to apply.
Any students wishing to transfer mid-year to Pope John Paul the Great should contact Ms. Cole, Director of Admissions, directly: admissions@jpthegreat.org.
Applications for students interested in applying for the 2009-2010 are currently being accepted. Rising 9th, 10th and 11th graders are encouraged to begin the application process immediately. Please visit the Admissions page for the most up-to-date information, including instructions on how to apply.
A student need not be Catholic to attend the school but all students will be required to participate in the established curriculum and school-wide activities. We welcome applications from students who are not Catholic.
How do I apply?
Please visit the Admissions page of this web site for step-by-step instructions.
Sports
Is there a full athletic program at Pope John Paul the Great?
Yes. We have an impressive athletic program at Pope John Paul the Great. We recognize that athletics help build a strong sense of community and identity within our student body. Please visit our Athletics page for more information.
Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships
What is the tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year?
Tuition rates for Pope John Paul the Great are on-par, or less than, rates at other diocesan Catholic high schools. In addition to tuition, which may be paid on a monthly basis, certain standard expenses –such as text books and uniforms-- also apply.
However, at John Paul the Great, we have decided to include many other expenses – such as participation fees for athletics, band, and extra-curricular clubs— as part of our standard tuition rate.
Tuition rates for the 2009-2010 school year are as follows:
| Catholic Rate for One Student | $8,900.00 |
| Catholic Rate for Second Student | $6,200.00 |
| Catholic Rate for Third Student | $5,200.00 |
| Non-Catholic Rate for One Student | $12,750.00 |
| Non-Catholic Rate for Second Student | $9,500 |
For families with a student enrolled at another ARLINGTON DIOCESAN high school, the second or third student discounts may be applied to the student enrolled at John Paul the Great for the period of this dual enrollment if the student(s) at the other high school initially enrolled prior to the 2008-2009 school year.
Please note: The subsidized rate for Catholic students reflects the tithing commitment made by parishioners and parishes in the Diocese of Arlington.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Bishop Loverde and the Diocese of Arlington are committed to helping make it possible for students accepted to Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School to enroll by providing tuition assistance when financial need is demonstrated.
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. There is no income range minimum or maximum as every family has different circumstances.
We encourage every family to apply for tuition assistance if it will allow them to become part of the Pope John Paul the Great community.
Please visit our Admissions page to learn more about applying for financial aid.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships are offered to deserving students at the beginning of each school year. Students who have applied for admission, and have been accepted, will receive information on how to apply for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the start of the school year. There will be no athletic scholarships awarded but all students are eligible to apply for need-based tuition aid. All scholarship applicants must complete the application for tuition assistance.
Miscellaneous
How many students will attend Pope John Paul the Great?
The school was built to accommodate 1,000 students. In 2008 we opened with 9th and 10th grade classes, and will add one incoming freshman class in each of the following two years, admitting qualified students until we are at capacity and serving students in grades 9-12.
Do students wear uniforms?
The students at Pope John Paul the Great wear uniforms reflecting the school colors of green, black and white. Uniforms -head to toe- are ordered through Flynn and O'Hara.
What about transportation options to and from school?
We operate school buses from the following areas: Fredericksburg, Gainsville/Manassas, and Alexandria/Springfield. Please see the Bus Routes and Registration form below. In addition, we may be able to run shuttle buses the Rippon Landing VRE station depending on the VRE schedule and student interest. These transportation options are offered at an additional cost.
- Bus Routes and Registration Form
Carpools are a popular option for our students. Those families interested in car pools should complete the Car Pool Inquiry Form below and return it to the school office as soon as possible. A directory will be made available to participating families.
What about the faculty and staff of Pope John Paul the Great?
We have hired an excellent team of educators. Please see the Faculty and Staff page to learn more!
Who are the Dominican Sisters, and what is their charism?
The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (also known as the “Nashville Dominicans”) were invited by Bishop Loverde to lead Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School.
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.
The Congregation presently serves 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.
A Dominican education provides a foundation for life, forming the entire person. The Dominican Life can be described in terms of four pillars:
Prayer: The Dominicans provide an environment- through daily prayer, mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary – in which the Catholic faith is vibrant so that students can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and are motivated to take an ever more active role in His church.
Study: In order to teach the Truth, St. Dominic and his followers studied. They valued truth and development of the intellectual virtues. Study will likewise be important to students at Pope John Paul the Great.
Community: The community at Pope John Paul the Great affirms the dignity of each student, and creates an environment where talents and gifts can be shared. Also, a school that is closer to home makes social interaction easier for students and families.
Service: Students will work actively for the good of themselves, their families and their society, treating every human being with the utmost respect. Person-to-person service enlarges the heart and has a positive impact on society.
Employment at JP the Great
Who may I contact for information regarding employment opportunities?
For information on current or future employment opportunities, please email your resume and cover letter to us. Please note that for faculty positions, applicants must complete the Diocesan employment application procedures which can be found at the Diocese of Arlington website.