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The Pillars of DeMatha
St. John DeMatha Mass

Mission & Philosophy

DeMatha Catholic High School stands at the intersection of several great traditions: the 2,000-year-old Catholic intellectual tradition of reason informing faith, the 800-year-old tradition of the Trinitarians and their commitment to faith and redemption, and its own history of excellence since 1946.

The Pillars of Dematha

One of the great strengths of DeMatha is that we know what we stand for and our students embrace this knowledge when they graduate.

DeMatha builds its program on both the formation of faith, community and service, and the information of academics, arts and athletics that come together to create Faith-Filled Gentlemen and Scholars.

Faith. Community. Service. Academics. Arts. Athletics

Affixed to the main building and visible from the front circle is a banner that outlines the six core promises that we make at DeMatha. Each promise represents a pillar of DeMatha’s foundation.

The first three pillars are dedicated values that inform the pursuit of excellence of the second three pillars.

Faith

A Life of Faith in Action

Faith is woven into the daily life at DeMatha. A strong faith life inspires students to lead with integrity, compassion, and to be committed to serving others.

Community

Brotherhood that Lasts a Lifetime

Shared experiences in the classroom, on the field, on stage, and in service create friendships and a brotherhood that continues long after graduation.

Service

Social Teaching in Practice

Service is an essential part of a DeMatha education. Students are challenged to live their faith through meaningful action in their communities. 

Academics

Preparation for Life

Rigorous academics, dedicated teachers, and personalized support prepare students to thrive in college, in careers, and in living lives of purpose.

Arts

Creativity Without Limits

National award-winning music, visual arts, and theater programs inspire students to develop their talents, perform at the highest levels, and discover new passions.

Athletics

Competing with Character

With over a dozen varsity sports and countless other levels of teams, athletes at DeMatha learn discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership while competing at the highest levels.

Mission

DeMatha Catholic High School is a college preparatory institution dedicated to educating young men in the Trinitarian tradition. Our historic and ongoing mission is to serve students of differing abilities, interests, and backgrounds from the culturally rich and diverse greater Washington Metropolitan area.

Faculty and staff work to help young men develop a way of life characterized by: Attention to Scholarship, Dedication to Moral Principles, Devotion to Hard Work, and the Awareness of the Need to Serve Others.

This is through a: Broad-Based and Rigorous Curriculum, Numerous Opportunities for Spiritual Growth, a Wide Range of Co-Curricular Opportunities, and a Comprehensive Service Program.

DeMatha cultivates a respect for other people that finds its most complete expression in students who become faith-filled gentlemen and scholars.

School Philosophy

Fr. Albet in the Chapel

DeMatha Catholic High School offers to young men in the Washington area a college preparatory program in which faith and knowledge complement each other.

The DeMatha student develops spiritually and morally in a community where faith seeks understanding and is lived in service to neighbor. Religious instruction provides the student with an intellectual appreciation for the Judeo-Christian tradition as well as an ecumenical respect for diversity in religious expression and creed. Intellectual growth occurs within the moral framework and is achieved through a broad-based curriculum that incorporates appropriate pedagogical techniques and technological innovations.

A rich co-curricular program provides an opportunity for informal and formal instruction where students witness and understand the sound principles for human rights and the corresponding need for self-discipline. By experiencing healthy competition and sportsmanlike behavior involved in physical education and athletic events, students grow toward physical and social maturity.

DeMatha’s administration and faculty are engaged in a continuous program of self-study, but the goal of a DeMatha education remains the same, to produce Faith-Filled Gentlemen and Scholars.