Archbishop Carroll High

“Pro Deo et Patria”

At a Glance

Archbishop Carroll High School is a Catholic, co-educational college-preparatory high school serving grades 9-12 in Northeast Washington DC. Operated by the Archdiocese of Washington and founded in 1951, Carroll has served DC families for more than seven decades as an accessible parochial school option combining rigorous academics with faith formation and community values.

Located on Harewood Road NE in Ward 5, the school draws students from across the District and surrounding areas who are seeking a structured, values-based high school experience. As a Catholic school with diverse enrollment, Carroll offers families an alternative to DC public schools while maintaining tuition rates generally lower than many independent private schools in the region.

What Parents Should Know

As a parochial high school, Archbishop Carroll admits students through a direct application process separate from the My School DC lottery system used by DCPS and public charter schools. Catholic schools typically give enrollment priority to Catholic families and parishioners, though many accept students of all faiths depending on space availability. Families interested in Carroll should contact the school directly about application timelines, which often begin a full year before the intended start date for ninth grade.

The 9-12 grade configuration means students enter as freshmen and remain through graduation, so families should consider the four-year commitment and whether their student thrives in a traditional high school structure. Unlike K-8 or middle school options, there's no mid-enrollment transition to manage, which can provide consistency during the critical high school years.

Location matters for DC families without cars—Archbishop Carroll sits in a residential area of Northeast DC that may require bus transfers or coordination for students coming from other wards. Families should realistically assess commute times before enrolling, especially for students participating in after-school activities or athletics.

Tuition is a consideration at any private or parochial school. While Catholic schools generally cost less than independent private schools, families should inquire early about actual costs, payment plans, and financial aid availability. The Archdiocese of Washington and individual schools often offer tuition assistance based on demonstrated need.

As a Catholic institution, faith formation is woven into daily school life through theology classes, Mass, service requirements, and school culture. Families of all backgrounds enroll in Catholic schools, but parents should be comfortable with religious instruction and observance as part of their child's education.

Programs and Approach

Archbishop Carroll High School follows a college-preparatory model designed to ready students for post-secondary education. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses that allow motivated students to earn college credit while still in high school, a significant benefit for families thinking ahead to college costs and competitiveness.

Catholic high schools typically emphasize a core curriculum with requirements in theology, English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages, alongside electives. The integration of faith and academics is central to the educational philosophy, with religious instruction not treated as an add-on but as foundational to student formation.

Athletics play a significant role in school culture—Carroll's teams compete as The Lions—and participation in sports can build community and school spirit while teaching teamwork and discipline. Performing arts opportunities provide creative outlets for students whose talents and interests lie beyond the athletic field.

The school's longevity since 1951 means it has established traditions, an alumni network, and institutional stability that newer schools are still building. For some families, that sense of history and continuity holds real value. Faculty commitment and the school's position within the larger Archdiocese of Washington network offer resources and support structures that independent schools may not have.

Families considering Archbishop Carroll should weigh what they're looking for in a high school experience: the structure and values of Catholic education, the college-prep academic focus, the sense of community that comes with a faith-based school, and whether the location and logistics work for their family's daily life.

Visiting and Contact

Archbishop Carroll High School is located at 4300 Harewood Road NE in Ward 5. Prospective families should visit https://www.archbishopcarroll.org for information about tours, admissions events, and current programming, or call (202) 529-0900 to speak with the admissions office directly.