The website for Sports Illustrated posted a list of the top athletic programs in each state, including the District of Columbia.

Based on state tournament results for the 2008-09 school year, input from athletic directors, overall results, and nationally excelling athletes and teams, fourteen Catholic high schools from around the country made the list.  Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School, located in South Philadelpha, took the top honors for the State of Pennsylvania.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia quoted Mr. John Murawski, President of Neumann-Goretti as saying, "We are very excited and thrilled with the news. This was made possible by the dedication and hardwork of our coaches, staff and, of course, our student athletes. I am most proud of the fact that along with being outstanding athletes, these students excel in the classroom as well. Neumann-Goretti could not be more happy with the recognition that was given to us by Sports Illustrated."

The 2009 graduating class earned over $7 million in college scholarships, and their Boys Varsity Basketball team won the 2009 Catholic League Championship.

Originally two separate single-gender schools, St. John Neumann High School (boys) and St.Maria Goretti High School (girls), the schools merged in 2004 to become a co-ed high school with an enrollment of over 1200 students.