based on 15 reviews
Bellarmine College Preparatory School
960 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA
95126
(408) 294-9224
By: parent
Date: March, 2007
My son attended Bellarmine and entered as a shy, hesitant person; in four years he emerged a confident, well-spoken, poised young man. His verbal and written skills blossomed under the traditional Jesuit approach; he developed his critical thinking and inquiry skills to such a degree that he chose a Philosophy major in college. He learned discipline, an expectation that high grades require hard work, and the ability to handle disappointment when things didn't go his way. Bellarmine tells you they will take your son and give you back a man, and they are right. Although my daughter attends a fine girls' school, my feelings for it no way compare to the fondness I have for Bellarmine and their contribution to making my son who he is today. When you meet a Bell, you know it. They are polite, love their moms, and shake your hand confidently. There is a Bell legacy!
By: parent
Date: March, 2007
Bellarmine isn't for everyone and the farther away your child lives from San Jose, the harder it may be to fit in with the San Jose money crowd, even if you live in Hillsborough. The academics are excellent but if your son doesn't place well his freshman year, it will be hard for him to jump to accelerated or honors classes his sophomore year. It's also real bummer if your child tries out for a sports team and doesn't make it, but for a confident kid who is willing to jump into a big pond, Bellarmine is a great place.
By: parent
Date: September, 2006
My son is an alumni at Bellarmine. Now that my son is in his 2nd year at SCU, I can have a better sense of what Bellarmine has given to my son. First of all, I'd researched throughout the San Francisco bay area on which school to place my gifted son in. I've looked at schools in SF, the Peninsula, East Bay and Inland and Bellarmine has come to the top of the list, hands down. The curriculum has challenged my son, the sense of belonging, community, the brotherhood 'men for others' all continues well after he'd graduated. I know that my son will always have 'his brothers' through life. He'd so far met other alumni and the instant bond forms as soon as they find out that my son was a Bellarmine graduate. Bellarmine has prepared my son with things that he'd encounter academically and does it with ease.
By: former student
Date: May, 2006
Top quality academics along with a nurturing and caring environment really makes bellarmine college prep one of the best places to educate and mold a 'man for others'
By: student
Date: May, 2006
The academics are great and there is so many activities, coolest school every by far
By: parent
Date: April, 2006
Bellarmine has excellent academic program. Students can excell way beyond the grade level and their are encourage to do so. Teacher retention ratio is very high, and a lot of them have postgraduate degrees from colleges like Stanford or Berkeley. Bellarmine has great sport program. They lead in many afters school activities. Their debate, robotics teams score highest in state. 99% of graduates attend college. Parents involvement is very high, but not obligatory.
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
Really extraordinary school. A sense of community that is unparalleled. It is a Catholic school for Catholic families, however, non-Catholics are welcome. Non-Catholic families often feel isolated. The level of instruction is extraordinary. Most graduates go on to the most selective colleges in the country. Last year, 48% of the graduates attended a university that was on the London Times list of the '200 Best Universities in the World.' Bellarmine is the oldest high school in California, and as a Jesuit high school, it encourages critical thinking, regular questioning and higher level thought. About 40% of all applicants get into the school. They have one of the finest speech and debate programs in the country, regularly winning state and national competitions. They have the best sports program in Northern California. They are ethinically diverse.
By: parent
Date: March, 2006
Very High academic programs and great variety of classes. Teachers are helpful and avalilable. Lots of extracurriculum activities and clubs to choose from. Parents are welcome to volunteer to the degree they can.
By: former student
Date: March, 2006
This is the best investment that parents can provide for their son(s). As a graduate of Bellarmine who went on to be a mentor in college, I've seen the value of such a great education. Acadmically, it can't be beat (in Northern California)> Every student is there to get prepared for college. No girls means no drama between teens,etc. This really is much more valuable than one might think (I've seen so many students get caught up in the MTV reality-shows and go to school thinking it's all about girls/boys.. Religious views are presented at Bellarmine, not forced upon. There is also a great sense of history at Bellarmine, a sense of family. Bellarmine also teaches the importance of social awareness and service, which are just as important as math skills and a new language learned.. Bellarmine graduates students who are prepared academically as well as socially.
By: parent
Date: February, 2006
Great place for boys to become well rounded, caring, college ready young men.
By: student
Date: September, 2005
Bellarmine is a wonderful private high school with many excelled academic and extra curricular activities. Despite the fact that your son will at first dislike the idea of not having females in the school, he will come to realize a greater good to that factor. Your son will thank the fact that if he has concerns or questions about a topic during class, he will not be ashamed to ask those questions. He will excell in class because there is no pressure in feeling 'dumb'. Bellarmine also provides many chances for social time with girls, we have monthly mixers, and also are invited to our neighboring girl schools Presentation and Notre Dame. Bellarmine provides technological advances in learning, and also has a great atmosphere for it. For your children who love sports, we are ranked number one in our diocese and have won many CCS title championships.
By: parent
Date: May, 2005
Bellarmine is one of the best academic schools in the Silicon Valley area. The clases are challenging and grading is very strict especially in the sciences. The honors curriculum is rigorous and compares well with AP classes in other schools, no extra credits and students are expected to keep up or drop the class. Most of the teachers are very experienced and have a caring attitude and takes time to ensure everyone keeps up. The school has national ranking in speech and debate and has been California state champion. The robotics team is in at the same level. Sports are usually outstanding with most teams winning their league on a perennial basis and placing finalists in state sectional and state tournaments. School is well organized with daily web mail updates. There is a very serious academic atmosphere and success in all areas are expected.
By: former student
Date: April, 2005
This is the best school in the area, bar none. Bellarmine is a serious college-prep environment and high effort and performance is expected from each student. Activities are amazing. The school competes and succeeds on the national level in every activity from journalism to water polo. Expect your child to work hard at this school, but expect great results.
By: parent
Date: January, 2005
I had my sons go here and they loved it. They got a great education, in addition to getting well-rounded exposure to everything from social justice, community service, debating, to athletics. Top notch school and perhaps the best in the San Francisco bay area.
