Step 1: Create a Ravenna Account
To start the application process, every family will create an online account with Ravenna. Ravenna is also used by other Catholic and independent high schools for their applications. After creating an account, select San Francisco Bay Area as the region. Then, search for Bellarmine. This will allow you to sign up for Shadow Days, Open House, and other events and submit the application. Also, by creating this account and selecting Bellarmine, you will receive updates and reminders about these events and application deadlines.
Applications for admission and registration for events are open beginning September 5, but families can create a Ravenna account at any time.
Step 2: Visit Bellarmine
There are several options for visiting our campus and it is highly recommended that applicants attend at least one of the following. Registration for events opens September 5 in Ravenna:
Shadow Days
Grade-8 students can be a Bell for a day with a current Bellarmine student as their guide during classes 8:15am - 12:50pm. Students also have the option to shadow together with a friend. Find out more about Shadow Days HERE.
For parents and guardians, every shadow day also includes an optional Q&A with school leaders and faculty in the morning following drop-off. No additional registration is required for the Q&A, and all parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
Be-a-Bell Nights
Applicants, parents, and guardians can visit our campus in the evening to learn more about our programs, including academics and co-curriculars such as Athletics and Robotics. Hands-on experiences are provided for prospective students so they can feel what it is like to participate. Parents can meet faculty and ask questions, as well as hear from current Bellarmine parents. Two dates are available for this event: Tuesday, October 10 or Wednesday, November 8, both 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Open House
Families can visit Bellarmine’s campus on Sunday, October 29 10:00 am – 1:00 pm for a full experience of our programs and facilities. All family members and ages are welcome. Guided tours, meetings with school leaders, demonstrations from co-curriculars programs, interactive information about our academic programs, and more are available at the event.
Step 3: Submit Application and Register for HSPT
Applications are due December 15 through Ravenna, which also guides families through application requirements including submitting academic records, teacher recommendations, student essays, and a parent/guardian statement.
Bellarmine and other Catholic high schools offer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in January. Testing at Bellarmine or another school is required for a complete application. Students can register for the HSPT at Bellarmine through Ravenna.
Bellarmine offer two testing dates: January 20 or January 27, both 1:00 – 4:00 pm. To request testing adjustments such as extended time, please contact Bellarmine’s Director of Accessible Education, Katie Hogan, at khogan@bcp.org by November 1.