Why Choose FAW?
We inspire the potential in each of us!
Offering a Catholic education allowing for the development of a strong faith in God, understanding the importance of serving others and learning values that will last a lifetime. One of only 314 schools across the country and only one of 50 private schools selected as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. 24% of our staff has worked at Father Andrew White School for 10 years or more, including 4 staff members with 20 or more years. All full-time teachers have Maryland state Teacher Certification and one third of our teachers have advanced degrees. Reading and Math standardized scores for grades 3 – 8 are in the top 10% of the country. Since 2011, 30% of our graduates have been accepted into specialized high school programs including Global and International Studies, STEM Academy, Medicine & Health and Academy of Finance, and 28% of our graduates have earned scholarships to St. Mary’s Ryken for academics, leadership and fine arts. Parent partnership encourages volunteers to share their gifts of time and talent in the classroom and in many school activities.
Father Andrew White, S.J. School
2012 National Blue Ribbon Recipient
Father Andrew White School (FAW) was established in 1954. It is a Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic School sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. We look at each child as a gift from God and focus on Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow and Living Our Faith. Father Andrew White School embodies the true spirit of learning, as evidenced by receiving the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Academics. We are building future leaders while embracing Christian values.
Learning Today
FAW is a leader of academic excellence and is the only school in Southern Maryland to be chosen as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2012, placing us in the top 10% of schools in the nation. Our students have won numerous science fair and STEM awards. Six of our teachers have earned the Archdiocese of Washington Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award. Our students participate in a number of advanced academic programs and technology integrated curricula:
- Presidential Excellence in Education Awards
- National Junior Honor Society
- School-wide Spanish and Advanced Math programs
- Accelerated Reading program
- Full-day Pre-Kindergarten program
- Educational Partnership with Naval Air Station Patuxent River’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Program
- Computer and Science Labs
- Beginning and Advanced Bands
- Chorus and Drama Programs
- School Yearbook
- First Place in SMECO Math Challenge
- Middle School Electives
- Basketball program and Cheerleading grades 5 – 8
- Volleyball program grades 6-8
- After-school Bible Study
Leading Tomorrow
Our students use their talents in the community and are proud to represent FAW. Service to one another and the community emphasize leadership and concern for others.
- Student Council Association
- Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Mission Drive
- Food, Clothing and Coat Drives
- St Vincent DePaul Society Walk for the Poor
- St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-a-thon
- Baby Shower for CareNet Pregnancy Center
Additional School Services
Extended Day (before and after care) Program offers teacher-supervised recreation and study time as well as an afternoon snack in a nurturing and safe environment.
Free Bus Transportation within St. Mary’s County
Daily Hot Lunch Program
Hear what our students, parents, and staff members say about FAW!
WHY FATHER ANDREW WHITE?
“We chose FAW because of its devotion to the Catholic faith, sense of community, faculty, academics and extracurricular activities. The faculty at FAW do an amazing job of teaching and helping the children live the Catholic faith in every aspect of their academic experience, not just religion class. We love the buddy system, which promotes positive interaction between the lower and upper grades, the academics they offer beyond the baseline classes like Spanish and advanced math and reading, and the extracurricular activities like robotics, Destination Imagination, basketball and band.”
Parents of 4th and 6th grade students
“I love going to school at Father Andrew White because I get to learn about God every day. Hearing the wonderful stories of God during my daily religion class has really boosted my faith. Father Andrew White has also offered new opportunities for me to try new things. While here I am learning to speak Spanish and also learning to play drums.”
5th grade student
“Father Andrew White is an extraordinary school. As you walk through our halls there is a nearly tangible sense of God’s work being done: it is evident in the classroom environment, in the exchanges overheard between teachers, parents, and students, and in the camaraderie and professionalism of our staff. We are a school community living and sharing our faith with joy and with grateful hearts for the mission God has given us.”
Mrs. Amy Gavin, Art teacher
“Father Andrew White School (FAW) isn’t just a school to us, it is part of our family. We have had children attending FAW since 2004, with our last of four graduating in 2020. FAW provides an excellent education with a good balance of faith and academic instruction. Our children have been given many opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities geared towards their individual personalities to include basketball, theatre, Destination Imagination, Lego League, Band and Chorus to name a few. We have found Teachers and Administration to be extremely involved in our children’s lives both in and outside the classroom. We would highly recommend FAW and would be happy to speak with prospective families about our experiences.”
Parents of 7th and 8th grade students
“I love going to school at Father Andrew White because everyone is friends no matter how long you have been in our school. The teachers treat you like family. And we get to go to Mass every Friday.”
7th grade student
“FAW is a strong family community where children are loved and valued. Being able to share and live my faith is by far the best thing about our school. It’s a place where students are challenged to be their best selves both academically and spiritually. Seeing former students succeed in both of these areas is so rewarding as a teacher in the school.”
Ms. Chas Johnson, 3rd grade teacher
“Our family has been part of the Father Andrew White family for 10 years now as our oldest child graduated last year and our youngest child is in 2nd grade.
We chose FAW for its strong Catholic faith-based education and its excellent academic standards and achievements. We love FAW because we are part of a family community that fully supports our children in growing in faith, in developing as members of the community, and enhancing their education. We love all of the extracurricular programs and sports that meet our children’s diverse interests from Basketball to First Lego League to Destination Imagination. You will not find a faculty and staff that cares more about our kids and their education than at FAW!”
Parents of 2nd and 8th grade students
“I love going to school at Father Andrew White because all the teachers are so nice and FAW feels like a second family to me.”
2nd grade student