Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Bishop McNamara High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Bishop McNamara High School

  • LocationForestville, MD
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 887 students
  • SponsorBrothers of Holy Cross, Moreau Province
Official website

Bishop McNamara High School is a coeducational Catholic high school in Forestville, Maryland, sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross and part of the Archdiocese of Washington. The school gathers for a monthly liturgy, most often a Mass, and its calendar lists a Daily Mass in Moreau Chapel on campus. Four years of theology are required, and each grade has a retreat.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Monday–Friday7:15 AM–8:00 AMMoreau Chapel · Listed on the school calendar as 'Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel'.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Calendar | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM”
    The school calendar lists a Daily Mass in Moreau Chapel from 7:15 to 8:00 AM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Bishop McNamara High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miMount Calvary Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Saint Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church: 1.8 mi2Saint Philip the Apostle: 2.5 mi3Campus Ministry Department (Moreau Chapel): 0.1 miBishop McNamara High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Mount Calvary Catholic Church — 0.1 mi
  2. Saint Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church — 1.8 mi
  3. Saint Philip the Apostle — 2.5 mi · 5416 Henderson Way, Suitland

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

69 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (The whole school gathers each month for an all-school liturgy; liturgies are Masses.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each month the entire school gathers Mt. Calvary Catholic Church for a liturgical celebration, which is most often a celebration of the Catholic Mass.”
      The whole school gathers monthly for a liturgy, most often a Mass, at Mount Calvary Catholic Church.
    2. Theology | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students, regardless of faith tradition, are required to attend a yearly retreat and our all-school liturgies each month.”
      All students attend a yearly retreat and monthly all-school liturgies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (The school calendar lists 'Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel' at 7:15 AM to 8:00 AM; read as every weekday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Calendar | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM”
      The school calendar lists a Daily Mass in Moreau Chapel from 7:15 to 8:00 AM.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A Daily Mass is listed on the school calendar.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Calendar | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM”
      The school calendar lists a Daily Mass in Moreau Chapel from 7:15 to 8:00 AM.
ATheology and curriculum: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The school requires 4.0 theology credits, and its theology page says all students at BMHS are required to take four years of Theology.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Yes, all students at BMHS are required to take four years of Theology.”
      All students are required to take four years of theology.
    2. Departments & Programs | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Theology | 4.0”
      Theology is listed as a 4.0-credit graduation requirement.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkYes (The theology page says the school implemented a curriculum in accordance with the USCCB framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “we implemented a new curriculum that is in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' framework, effective August 2010”
      The school states its curriculum is in accordance with the USCCB framework.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The About page says the school integrates its faith message within all its activities by relating the Gospel to content areas.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The School integrates this faith message, rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, within all its activities by relating the Gospel to content areas”
      The school states it relates the Gospel to content areas across all its activities.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The campus ministry page lists a retreat for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat is a part of the Freshman orientation process and focuses on introducing students to the Bishop McNamara Holy Cross heritage”
      Freshman students have a retreat.
      “Sophomore Retreat is an off-campus retreat in which students will focus on the pillar of”
      Sophomore students have an off-campus retreat.
      “Junior Retreat is called Kairos which is a 3-day, 2-night opportunity to literally retreat”
      Junior students have the Kairos retreat.
      “Senior Retreat provides an opportunity for the entire class to come together on a day-long retreat”
      Senior students have a day-long retreat.
    2. Theology | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All students, regardless of faith tradition, are required to attend a yearly retreat and our all-school liturgies each month.”
      All students attend a yearly retreat and monthly all-school liturgies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Four campus ministry staff are listed: a director, an assistant director (who is also theology chair), a service coordinator and a campus minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Ms. Amanda Saunders Director of Campus Ministry & Student Activities”
      Amanda Saunders is the Director of Campus Ministry & Student Activities.
      “Mr. Samuel Hardwick Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, Theology Department Chair”
      Samuel Hardwick is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Theology Department Chair.
      “Ms. Nova Tate Campus Minister & Student Activities Coordinator”
      Nova Tate is a Campus Minister and Student Activities Coordinator.
      “Ms. Brynna Sherony Campus Ministry Service Coordinator”
      Brynna Sherony is the Campus Ministry Service Coordinator.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Two faith-based student groups are listed on the clubs page: Closer to God and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which is an interdenominational Christian group.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Clubs & Organizations | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Closer to God Fellowship is a passionate community devoted to helping each other grow in our relationship with God.”
      Closer to God is a faith-based student club.
      “the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ”
      Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a faith-based student group listed by the school.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Each school day begins with Morning Prayer, and each class period and lunch begins with prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each school day begins with the entire school community pausing for Morning Prayer”
      Morning Prayer begins each school day.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (The 2026-2027 requirements are 15, 20, 25 and 30 Holy Cross service hours for grades 9 through 12, totaling 90 hours over four years.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “our students are assigned a minimum number of Holy Cross service hours to complete each year”
      Students are required to complete a minimum number of Holy Cross service hours each year.
    2. Back-to-School Hub | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/back-to-school-hub · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Student Holy Cross Service Hour Requirements for the 2026-2027 school year: 9th grade: 15 hours due Tuesday, March 16, 2027 10th grade: 20 hours due Tuesday, March 23, 2027 11th grade: 25 hours due Tuesday, April 6, 2027 12th grade: 30 hours due Tuesday, April 13, 2027”
      Holy Cross service hour requirements are 15, 20, 25 and 30 hours for grades 9 to 12 in 2026-2027.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (A March for Life trip is listed with a fee in the Campus Ministry payment form for SY 2025-2026, the preceding school year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “March for Life ($15.00)”
      Campus Ministry lists a March for Life trip fee.
      “Campus Ministry Payment Cart SY 2025-2026 Please complete the form below for your Campus Ministry fees.”
      Campus Ministry offers trips and programs with fees for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Justice and solidarity programs include the Belize Mission Fellowship, the Holy Cross Service Program and the Winter and Romero Center service trips listed in the SY 2025-2026 payment form.)
    Sources (2)
    1. McNamara Global Fellows | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/mcnamara-global-fellows · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Stand in solidarity with the people of Belize through a partnership with Bold Hope. This fellowship focuses on humble service”
      The Belize Mission Fellowship is a service immersion focused on humble service and solidarity.
      “Dates: June 21-27”
      The Belize Mission Fellowship is scheduled for June 21-27.
    2. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Holy Cross Service Program at Bishop McNamara High School is guided by love of neighbor and the work of social justice.”
      The Holy Cross Service Program is guided by the work of social justice.
      “Winter Service Immersion Trip ($330.00)”
      A Winter Service Immersion Trip is offered through Campus Ministry.
      “Romero Center Summer Service Trip ($380.00)”
      A Romero Center Summer Service Trip is offered through Campus Ministry.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Daily Mass is listed on the school calendar in Moreau Chapel on campus.
    Sources (1)
    1. Calendar | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about/calendar · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Mass - Moreau Chapel 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM”
      The school calendar lists a Daily Mass in Moreau Chapel from 7:15 to 8:00 AM.
  • All students are required to take four years of theology, and the school states its curriculum follows the USCCB framework.
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/academics/departments/theology · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Yes, all students at BMHS are required to take four years of Theology.”
      All students are required to take four years of theology.
      “we implemented a new curriculum that is in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' framework, effective August 2010”
      The school states its curriculum is in accordance with the USCCB framework.
  • A retreat is listed for each grade from freshman through senior year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshman Retreat is a part of the Freshman orientation process and focuses on introducing students to the Bishop McNamara Holy Cross heritage”
      Freshman students have a retreat.
      “Sophomore Retreat is an off-campus retreat in which students will focus on the pillar of”
      Sophomore students have an off-campus retreat.
      “Junior Retreat is called Kairos which is a 3-day, 2-night opportunity to literally retreat”
      Junior students have the Kairos retreat.
      “Senior Retreat provides an opportunity for the entire class to come together on a day-long retreat”
      Senior students have a day-long retreat.
  • Holy Cross service hour requirements total 90 hours over four years for the 2026-2027 school year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Back-to-School Hub | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/back-to-school-hub · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Student Holy Cross Service Hour Requirements for the 2026-2027 school year: 9th grade: 15 hours due Tuesday, March 16, 2027 10th grade: 20 hours due Tuesday, March 23, 2027 11th grade: 25 hours due Tuesday, April 6, 2027 12th grade: 30 hours due Tuesday, April 13, 2027”
      Holy Cross service hour requirements are 15, 20, 25 and 30 hours for grades 9 to 12 in 2026-2027.

Concerns

  • The monthly school liturgy is most often a Mass, and it is held at Mount Calvary Catholic Church rather than on campus.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each month the entire school gathers Mt. Calvary Catholic Church for a liturgical celebration, which is most often a celebration of the Catholic Mass.”
      The whole school gathers monthly for a liturgy, most often a Mass, at Mount Calvary Catholic Church.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Department (Moreau Chapel)

  • Address: 6800 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Moreau Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: bmhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bmhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bmhs.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

17 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 3 off campus, 12 location not published

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Monthly all-school liturgyOff campus
    Monthly
    The whole school gathers at Mount Calvary Catholic Church for a liturgy, most often a Mass.
    bmhs.org, bmhs.org
  • Daily Mass in Moreau ChapelOn campus
    Weekdays, 7:15 AM to 8:00 AM
    Daily Mass listed on the school calendar in the on-campus chapel.
    bmhs.org

Retreats 4

  • Sophomore RetreatOff campus
    An off-campus retreat focused on the pillar of building respect.
    bmhs.org
  • Freshman Retreat
    Part of the freshman orientation process, introducing students to the Holy Cross heritage and values of faith, family and diversity.
    bmhs.org
  • Junior Retreat (Kairos)
    3 days, 2 nights
    A three-day, two-night Kairos retreat for juniors.
    bmhs.org
  • Senior Retreat
    A day-long retreat for the senior class.
    bmhs.org

Service 6

  • Belize Mission FellowshipOff campus
    June 21-27
    A service fellowship in Belize in partnership with Bold Hope.
    bmhs.org, bmhs.org
  • Holy Cross Service Program
    Required Holy Cross service hours, guided by love of neighbor and social justice.
    bmhs.org, bmhs.org
  • Teens in Action
    A teen leadership and service program of Camp Fire listed as a school service club.
    bmhs.org
  • March for Life trip
    A March for Life trip with a fee listed on the Campus Ministry payment form for SY 2025-2026.
    bmhs.org, bmhs.org
  • Winter Service Immersion Trip
    A winter service immersion trip with a fee listed on the Campus Ministry payment form for SY 2025-2026.
    bmhs.org
  • Romero Center Summer Service Trip
    A summer service trip with a fee listed on the Campus Ministry payment form for SY 2025-2026.
    bmhs.org

Faith formation 2

  • Morning PrayerOn campus
    Each school day
    A student Peer Minister's prayer is read over the PA at the start of each school day.
    bmhs.org
  • Peer Ministry
    Senior year
    An application-based senior theology course on faith, justice, communication and leadership, with student liturgy and retreat roles.
    bmhs.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Closer to God
    A faith-based student fellowship listed by the school.
    bmhs.org
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
    An interdenominational Christian group for athletes listed by the school.
    bmhs.org

Other 1

  • Life Information for Teens (LIFT)
    Listed by the theology department as a way to engage in theology outside the classroom.
    bmhs.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Faith & Service: Campus Ministry | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/campus-life/faith-service-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Each month the entire school gathers Mt. Calvary Catholic Church for a liturgical celebration, which is most often a celebration of the Catholic Mass.”
    The whole school gathers monthly for a liturgy, most often a Mass, at Mount Calvary Catholic Church.
    “Ms. Amanda Saunders Director of Campus Ministry & Student Activities”
    Amanda Saunders is the Director of Campus Ministry & Student Activities.
    “Each month the entire school gathers Mt. Calvary Catholic Church for a liturgical celebration, which is most often a celebration of the Catholic Mass.”
    The whole school gathers monthly for a liturgy, most often a Mass, at Mount Calvary Catholic Church.
  2. Our Campus & Directions | Bishop McNamara High Schoolbmhs.org/about/our-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “CAMPUS FACILITIES 1. Main Office: All Visitors Check-In 2. Moreau Chapel”
    Moreau Chapel is a campus facility.
    “Bishop McNamara High School - 6800 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747”
    The school's address is 6800 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747.

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
89 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.98%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.11.6 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Washington, DC
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)887
Students in grades 9–12887
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio11.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges98%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Washington

His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

Source: adw.org, adw.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Bishop McNamara High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Bishop McNamara High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Washington. Its sponsor is Brothers of Holy Cross, Moreau Province.
What is Bishop McNamara High School’s Compass Score?
91 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Bishop McNamara High School?
Mass is listed at Moreau Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Bishop McNamara High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Bishop McNamara High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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