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 an academic support program?
- Is there an Options Program for students with intellectual disabilities?
Admissions
Sports
Tuition, Financial Aid, Scholarships
Miscellaneous
- How many students 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 through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We will be reviewed every five years, 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, including Honors and AP level classes in all core subjects.
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 students with documented learning disabilities. Other resources exits for student who may need support from time to time, including daily homework assistance, peer tutoring, and more. 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. 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. 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, who desire a deeper relationship with God, and who have demonstrated 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.
To apply, please visit the Admissions page for the most up-to-date information, including detailed instructions and key dates.
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 are the tuition and other costs?
School-related expenses at Pope John Paul the Great are more affordable than other diocesan and similar non-diocesan private schools. In addition to lower tuition and lower tuition rate increases from year to year, you will not pay extra for a yearbook, or pay participation fees for athletics, band, or other extra-curricular clubs. The purchase of text books and uniforms are the responsibility of the student/family, as at all diocesan high schools.
Tuition rates for the 2012-2013 school year are as follows:
| Catholic Rate for One Student | $10,150.00 |
| Catholic Rate for Second Student | $7,450.00 |
| Catholic Rate for Third Student | $6,450.00 |
| Non-Catholic Rate for One Student | $13,500.00 |
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 merit and need-based scholarships are offered to deserving students during the annual admissions/acceptance cycle. Students who have applied for admission will receive information on how to apply for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the start of the school year. There are no athletic scholarships awarded, but all students are eligible to apply for need-based tuition aid. All need-based scholarship applicants must complete the application for tuition assistance. Please see the Admissions page for more information.
Miscellaneous
How many students attend Pope John Paul the Great?
The 2012 - 2013 school year opened with 565 students. Grades 9, 10, and 11 are completely full and a waiting pool has been established.
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/Stafford, Gainsville/Manassas, and Alexandria/Springfield. Please see the Bus Routes and Registration Form below. These transportation options are offered at an additional cost.
- Bus Routes and Registration Form
Carpools are a popular option for our students. Registered JP families who are interested in exploring car pool options can add their name to the list, and access it when needed in order to network with other families.
What about the faculty and staff of Pope John Paul the Great?
We have hired an exceptional 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.