Understanding Paul VI High School Tuition Costs: A Comprehensive Guide
Since its founding in 1983, St. Paul VI Catholic High School has been dedicated to its mission of fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, and compassionate service within a nurturing Catholic community. The school strives to provide a holistic education that not only focuses on intellectual development but also nurtures the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of its students. Choosing a Catholic school for your child’s education is a thoughtful family decision, and the school understands that sending your student to Paul VI requires a significant financial investment.
Overview of St. Paul VI Catholic High School
St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school overseen by the Diocese of Arlington. The school's motto is "Grow in Grace & Wisdom," reflecting its commitment to the spiritual and intellectual development of its students. The patron saints of the school are St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane de Chantal, and St. Paul VI. The school was established in 1983 and is located in Fairfax, Virginia. Thomas Opfer is the Principal and Laura H. Swenson is the Head of School.
Historical Context
Paul VI opened for the 1983-84 school year, accepting freshmen and sophomore students only. The next year (1984-85), the school was open to freshmen through juniors, and 1985-86 saw the first senior class. The Diocese of Arlington purchased the school building, which was in a dilapidated condition, from George Mason University, which had owned it for about a decade. The structure had originally been Fairfax High School, which opened in 1935 and relocated to a new facility in January 1972. During its first years, the school was ministered by five Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who also taught classes and one of whom (Rev. Donald Heet, OSFS) served as the principal. The remainder of the faculty were lay teachers. The other ordained faculty were Rev. Robert Mulligan, OSFS and Rev. John Lyle, OSFS. In 2000, the school selected its first principal who was not from the Oblate order. Mr. Philip Robey was selected for this position, and stepped down seven years later and was replaced by Mrs.
In May 9, 2001, Bishop Paul Loverde of the Diocese of Arlington led a group of civic and school officials at the groundbreaking for a $6.5 million student activity center. The expansion was the result of five years of planning and fundraising by the school to refurbish its grounds. After a generous grant from the Diocese of Arlington, school officials were able to make some needed repairs to the old building. The two-story addition was completed for the 2003-04 school year. After the canonization of Pope Paul VI in October 2018, the school was renamed St.
Academics
Courses are offered on five levels with the exception of theology, social science, electives and required computer courses. The average number of academic courses a student takes per semester is 7 (minimum is 6; maximum is 8). Advanced Placement Courses (25) are effectively reserved for juniors and seniors; exceptional sophomores may be eligible. Students enrolled in any AP class are required to take the AP exam. Dual Enrollment Courses (27) are available to juniors and seniors capable of college level courses through Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). Students must meet the entrance test requirements set by NVCC. The school considers dual enrollment courses to be equal in rigor to AP and weighs them accordingly.
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DE courses taught at Paul VI this year are:
- Acting (CST 131, 132)
- Beginning Chinese (CHI 101, 102)
- Beginning German (GER 101, 102)
- Biology with Lab (BIO 101, 102)
- Chemistry (CHM 111, 112)
- College Composition (ENG 111, 112)
- Environmental Science (ENV 121, 122)
- Fundamentals of Design 1 (ART 131)
- Genetics (BIO 256)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 141, 142)
- Intermediate Chinese (CHI 201, 202)
- Intermediate German (GER 201, 202)
- Intermediate Spanish (SPA 201, 202)
- Microbiology (BIO 205)
- US History II (HIS 122)
- Theatre (CST 130)
Honors Courses (31) are for students capable of advanced learning and independent work.
Athletics
The athletic teams compete in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and the Virginia Independent State Athletic Association (VISAA). The school has a high-profile athletic rivalry with Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington. The school mascot is the "Panthers" and was voted by the student body during the school's first year. The original school colors were brown and gold until the 1999-2000 school year.
The Paul VI basketball team won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference boys' basketball championship in 2012. They did not lose a game in conference play, winning 21 consecutive conference games. No other team in the history of the WCAC has had an undefeated season while winning 21 games.
The baseball program at Paul VI had a record of 121-32 and seven championship titles between 2004 and 2008. Former coach Billy Emerson had an overall record of 138-44 upon arriving in 2003. He was named coach of the year several times by the Washington Post, and Washington Examiner, as well as coach of the year in the WCAC and the VISAA. In 2008, he was also named Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association and was one of eight finalists for National High School Coach of the Year.
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The PVI men's lacrosse program made its first appearances in the WCAC championship in 1993 and 1994. They made a first appearance in the State Championship and another trip to the WCAC Championship game in 2013. In 2014, professional lacrosse player Steven Brooks became offensive coordinator. The lacrosse program has made a final four every year since 2013. Since 2013, the men's lacrosse program has been ranked in the top 25 three different times and has stayed in the top 50.
On November 5, 2016, the Lady Panthers took home the Washington Catholic Athletic Association (WCAC) girls soccer title for the first time since 1993, when the league was named the "Catholic Girls Athletic Association.
Extracurricular Activities
Paul Vi High School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Paul Vi High School also offers a summer program.
Understanding Tuition Costs
While specific tuition figures for St. Paul VI High School were not provided, information about comparable schools can offer helpful context. For example, a top-ranked New Jersey school with grades 9-12, an enrollment of 983 students, has a yearly tuition of $10,370. The average private school tuition in Camden County, NJ is $15,332 for elementary schools and $16,049 for high schools. It is important to note that tuition costs can vary significantly based on location, school reputation, programs offered, and other factors.
Factors Influencing Tuition
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of tuition at private high schools:
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- Faculty Salaries: Attracting and retaining qualified teachers and staff is a significant expense.
- Academic Programs: The breadth and depth of academic offerings, including specialized courses like AP and Dual Enrollment, impact tuition.
- Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of sports, arts, and other extracurriculars adds to the cost of running the school.
- Facilities and Maintenance: Maintaining modern facilities, including classrooms, labs, athletic fields, and technology infrastructure, requires substantial investment.
- Financial Aid: Schools that offer robust financial aid programs often need to factor these costs into their overall budget.
Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance at St. Paul VI
PVI actively seeks faith-filled young men and women who will contribute greatly to the Catholic community. The school understands that sending your student to Paul VI requires a significant financial investment and is committed to making education accessible to students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
How Tuition Assistance Works
Today, the money for Paul VI’s tuition assistance program is generated by endowed funds, special gifts to the school, and The Fund for Paul VI, our school's annual giving effort. Applications are submitted to a third-party vendor, FACTS, which conducts an independent assessment. Applications are due January 12, 2026. No application will be reviewed or given consideration until all supporting documentation has been uploaded and accepted in FACTS Grant & Aid. In addition to need-based tuition assistance, St.
Application Process
- FACTS Assessment: Families seeking tuition assistance must complete an application through FACTS Grant & Aid, a third-party vendor that provides an independent assessment of a family's financial need.
- Supporting Documentation: Applicants must provide all required supporting documentation, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, and other financial statements, to ensure accurate assessment.
- Deadlines: It is crucial to adhere to application deadlines. For instance, applications are due January 12, 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Other Financial Considerations
Beyond tuition, families should also budget for additional expenses associated with attending St. Paul VI High School:
- Fees: Tuition costs may include certain fees, but it's essential to clarify what is covered and what is not.
- Books and Supplies: Textbooks, notebooks, and other school supplies can add to the overall cost.
- Uniforms: If the school requires uniforms, factor in the initial purchase and ongoing replacement costs.
- Activities and Events: Participation in sports, clubs, and social events often involves additional fees.
- Transportation: Consider the cost of transportation to and from school, whether it's bus fares, gas, or carpooling expenses.
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing a high school is a significant decision that involves both academic and financial considerations. Understanding the tuition costs, available financial aid options, and additional expenses associated with St. Paul VI High School will help families make an informed choice that aligns with their values and financial capabilities.
Questions to Ask
- What is the exact tuition cost for the upcoming academic year?
- What fees are included in the tuition, and what additional fees can I expect?
- What is the average financial aid grant awarded to students?
- What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
- What payment plans are available for tuition?
- Are there any scholarship opportunities available?
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