Education for the Mind, Body & Soul
EdNews Virginia | March 19, 2026
ARLINGTON, VA — The crowd at EdReform Virginia’s fourth annual school choice event was a strong visual testament to a growing demand for educational diversity. Among the exhibitors on March 7 was Bishop O’Connell High School, widely regarded for both its rigor and inclusion.
A Meaningful Connection
The school’s presence was personal for many in the room, including EdReform Virginia’s own leadership. During his remarks, Executive Director Nathan Brinkman shared the “frustration” of having a son “effectively stuck” in a school that just wasn’t a good fit — and the “joy” following his enrollment at O’Connell. Brinkman’s son, now a sophomore, staffed the O’Connell table at EdReform Virginia’s event, sharing information with attendees.
“That is our vision here at EdReform Virginia: that every Virginian kid — from Arlington to Virginia Beach and everywhere in between — can get the education they deserve in a safe environment that does not fundamentally conflict with the values parents are trying to instill at home,” Brinkman concluded, after sharing his own family’s journey.
Inclusive Excellence: Expanded Services
One of the most distinctive features of O’Connell is the school’s commitment to inclusion. While others have struggled to accommodate students with diverse learning needs, O’Connell has earned a national reputation for its inclusive model.
Through O’Connell’s Muller Center and expanded services, students with disabilities are integrated into the life of the school, growing academically and socially alongside their peers. With a team of highly credentialed, specialized educators, the school ensures that “excellence” does not mean “exclusion.”
Maintaining High Standards
Beyond its inclusive mission, O’Connell remains a true academic powerhouse in the D.C. metro area. The school currently offers:
- 51 honors courses and 31 Advanced Placement courses (more than any high school in the area).
- A Global Studies Certificate Program, allowing students to focus on areas like international politics, law and the arts.
- Dual enrollment partnerships with Marymount University and Catholic University of America, allowing students to earn college credit.
- Rigorous STEM offerings, including engineering through “Project Lead the Way.”
A School for the ‘Whole Person’
The school’s philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of excellence for the “whole person”— mind, body and soul. Whether through its demanding classrooms, its focus on community service, or its 100+ clubs and activities, O’Connell offers a robust alternative for those wanting a more holistic, values-based education for their teenagers. Families who are interested can visit the school’s official website to learn more.
Watch Nathan Brinkman’s Remarks
EdReform Virginia’s executive director talks about his own son’s journey to O’Connell in the video below.