Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I or my child have to be Catholic in order to attend a Catholic School?
Catholic Schools warmly welcome students regardless of parish or religious faith. Our schools are communities rich with religious backgrounds and practices. Students study the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Catholic faith, participate in Catholic liturgies and, if Catholic, are prepared to receive the Sacraments.
Non‐Catholic students are expected to participate in liturgies, religious functions, and religion classes that are part of the academic curriculum. While non‐Catholic student are expected to be knowledgeable about Catholic teachings and practices, they are not expected to give their assent to the faith.
Are the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Arlington accredited?
The Virginia Catholic Education Association accredits each Metro School and every teacher meets the VCEA or Commonwealth of Virginia certification requirements
How can i find out more about catholic schools in my area?
You may obtain information on any of our Catholic schools by visiting the Directory of Schools, and clicking on each school's site.
My family is relocating to the area, how do I determine which parish/school my family belongs to?
Visit the parish finder to locate parishes near your new home. Call the parish to see if your new home falls in parish boundaries and if the parish has a school.
Which Schools have early childhood centers or extended day programs?
Click HERE to see a list of all the schools with early childhood centers and extended day programs.
Which school do you recommend?
All our schools are fine institutions of learning, here in the office of Catholic Schools we feel that each school is different and unique and we highly recommend each one!
What is a Blue Ribbon School? Does this mean that the blue ribbon schools are better than the other schools?
Blue Ribbon Schools are those schools that have been nationally recognized for their excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. This in no way indicates that our other schools are academically inferior as there are many requirements to attain the Blue Ribbon Award. Follow the link to learn more about the Blue Ribbon Program.
Do you have schools with special needs resources?
Yes, you find a listing of all schools that have special needs resources HERE.
We are a military family, can we transfer mid-Year?
The Metro Schools regularly receive children of military and Foreign Service families. They come from across the country and from around the globe. The schools strive to be accessible to these children throughout the school year and to make the child’s transition (and the parents’) to his or her new school as smooth and as welcoming as possible. Because most Catholic schools, regardless of location, follow similar curricula, placements are easily accommodated. Because our Metro Schools provide individual attention to each student’s needs, it is possible to place an incoming student in enrichment programs, on sports teams, and in clubs and activities that might otherwise be closed to new arrivals at other schools.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Please see HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY? on the Diocesan Tuition Grant Program Overview found on our Diocese of Arlington Tuition Grant Program Page.
Who is eligible for tuition assistance?
Please refer to WHO IS ELIGIBLE? on the Diocesan Tuition Grant Program Overview found on our Diocese of Arlington Tuition Grant Program Page.
What are the deadlines for submitting an application for financial aid?
The deadlines are posted on the Diocesan Tuition Grant Program Overview found on our Diocese of Arlington Tuition Grant Program Page.
What happens if we apply for tuition assistance after the deadlines have passed?
Please contact the school at which you are applying for school guidelines regarding families applying for tuition assistance after the deadline has passed.
What is the Office of Catholic Schools' stance on homeschooling?
Please read our Homeschooling Position Paper
How do I go about enrolling an international student?
Please see the Guidelines for Enrolling International Students on the International Students Page.
Where do I get information on fees associated with an I-20?
You can find the I-901 fees schedule and other important information regarding international students on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement web site.
Where do I find an I-20 application?
The Diocese of Arlington I-20 application with instructions and other important information can be found on our International Students Page.
for more information
To request the Office of Catholic Schools most recent Annual Report, please email: catholicschools@arlingtondiocese.org.