Mission & History

Peter Leo Ireton served as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond from 1945 until his death in 1958, establishing 42 parishes and 24 schools during his tenure. In collaboration with Monsignor Edward L. Stephens, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria (the oldest Catholic Church in Virginia), Bishop Peter L. Ireton recognized the need for a Catholic, all-male high school to serve the needs of a booming Northern Virginia area and complement the nearby Catholic school for young women. This all-girls’ high school, St Mary’s Academy, was a private Alexandria school founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1869. 

 

Under the leadership of the Diocese of Richmond, Bishop Ireton High School opened its doors to young men in 1964 and was staffed by the Oblates of St Francis De Sales. In 1974, the Diocese of Richmond was reconfigured, and Bishop Ireton High School became part of the Diocese of Arlington. In 1990, Bishop Ireton High School became a co-educational institution in response to the closing of St. Mary’s Academy. The administration worked closely with the Sisters of the Holy Cross to ensure a smooth transition for the students. Enrollment grew and facilities increased with the addition of a new auditorium wing and several new classrooms.

The Oblates of St. Francis De Sales announced their last year on staff in 2008, and the “Live Jesus Charter” was implemented to maintain traditions and the school’s Salesian spirituality. Under diocesan direction, Bishop Ireton High School’s lay professionals continued leading with outstanding academics while also infusing the curriculum and activities with Salesian charism. In 2013, the Diocese of Arlington transitioned all high school leadership to a Head of School-Principal model, and Bishop Ireton High School operates under that model to this day. The school built a new academic building, front entrance and renovated athletic wing in 2020, and continues to expand its academic support services while remaining steeped in tradition and Salesian spirituality.

Over the past sixty years, Bishop Ireton High School has provided a first-class Catholic education to over 10,000 young men and women, teaching them to “Advance Always” and “Live Jesus” through the charism of St. Francis De Sales. Bishop Ireton High School cherishes the sacred dignity of every individual and values the contributions of all school community members. We strive for academic excellence rooted in Catholic social justice teaching, with a shared sense of belonging and the understanding that cultural and racial diversity enriches the quality of our learning, faith, scholarship, service and leadership. The faculty and administration continually strive to teach and live the core Gospel values, and emphasize the humble spirit of “the gentleman saint.”