Our portfolio includes more than 350 prestigious high schools, each carefully selected based on our experience with what international students value. We’ve been partnering with high schools in the USA and worldwide for 20 years. By collaborating with our schools throughout each student's lifecycle, we ensure that students are prepared and happy with their choices. While the schools focus on academic excellence, Educatius takes care of the rest.
Academic Year: USD 65,395
Good Counsel: Inspiring Minds, Building Character, and Cultivating Faith
Nestled in the heart of Olney, Maryland, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Established in 1958 by the Xaverian Brothers, this coeducational Catholic institution has cultivated a rich tradition of nurturing students to excel, serve, and love. At Good Counsel, the pursuit of knowledge is harmoniously blended with faith-based values. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses and the esteemed International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the oldest among Catholic schools in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Recognizing diverse learning needs, the Ryken Program supports students with mild learning differences, ensuring personalized educational experiences.
Highlights
Good Counsel’s commitment to holistic development is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities. Situated on a 51-acre campus, opened in 2007, the school boasts 12 science and technology labs, a 150-seat chapel, and a 650+ seat Performing Arts Center complete with a dance studio. The Thomas Fortune Fay Learning Center and the Steve Dean Memorial Library further enrich the academic environment, offering resources that inspire curiosity and innovation.
Facilities They Have
The facilities at Good Counsel are designed to foster both academic and extracurricular excellence. The school features two indoor gyms, a new turf field, an Olympic running track, a baseball stadium with batting cages, five practice fields, two weight rooms, and a comprehensive athletic training room. These spaces ensure students have access to top-tier resources to support their growth in both academics and athletics.
Sports & Arts They Have and Excel In
Athletics and arts are integral to the Good Counsel experience. With approximately 75% of students participating in interscholastic sports, the Falcons compete vigorously in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. The Fine Arts program inspires students to interpret and express themselves through theater, visual arts, and music, fostering a lasting appreciation for creativity and performance. The school’s commitment to both athletics and the arts ensures a well-rounded education.
Special Programs They Offer
Good Counsel offers distinctive programs that set it apart. The STEM Program has earned national recognition, being named a "Distinguished Project Lead the Way School," a distinction held by only 2% of qualified schools nationwide. The Ryken Studies Program provides a structured, small-group learning environment for highly motivated students with mild learning disabilities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Awards & Accomplishments Received
The school's dedication to excellence has garnered numerous accolades. Good Counsel has twice been honored as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2023, student-athlete Leah Stephens was named the Gatorade Maryland Girls Cross Country Player of the Year, exemplifying the school’s ability to nurture both academic and athletic talent.
Community & Area Information
Located in Montgomery County, Olney is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 35,000 residents. The nearest major airport is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), facilitating convenient travel. The bustling city of Washington, D.C., is just 15 miles south, offering a plethora of cultural and historical attractions. Notable alumni include Olympic gold medalist wrestler Kyle Snyder, professional basketball player Lindsey Pulliam, and journalist Kevin Blackistone, underscoring the school’s legacy of excellence.
Why Choose This School?
Choosing Our Lady of Good Counsel High School means embracing a community that fosters academic rigor, spiritual growth, and personal development. With its comprehensive programs, exceptional facilities, and a commitment to nurturing each student's unique gifts, Good Counsel stands as a premier institution dedicated to inspiring students to excel, serve, and love.
