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Admissions

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A group of graduates in academic gowns and mortarboards are tossing their caps into the air, celebrating their accomplishment against a backdrop of trees and a clear blue sky.

Apply to the Bay Area’s #1 All-Boys High School

“My four years at Bellarmine challenged me, taught me resiliency, helped me learn the importance of service and solidarity, and gave me the skills to succeed in college and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me lifelong friendships and access to an alumni network that spans the entire globe. The Bell brotherhood lasts a lifetime!”

— Steve Connolly ‘04

Nicholas Adams ‘03

“My Bellarmine experience shaped not only my character but also my career. Over twenty years later, the strength of the alumni network continues to open doors, foster connections, and inspire success in my professional life. Some of my closest personal friends to this day are Bellarmine brothers — a testament to the lifelong bonds formed during those years."

— Nicholas Adams ‘03

Seamus Ruiz-Earle ‘17

"As the only guy from my middle school to go to Bellarmine, I was unsure as a freshman whether or not I had made the right decision to attend. Today, I am certain that when I look back on my life 50 years from now, being a Bell will remain one of the things of which I will be most proud. The others, hopefully a legacy of service, fraternity, and friendship, will come from a lifetime of honing the skills and talents planted and developed through the incredible teachings and support of the faculty, staff, and fellow members of the Bellarmine brotherhood.”

— Seamus Ruiz-Earle ‘17

Bradley Kemp '25

“Bellarmine is the place to find who you truly are, and it unlocks the person you strive to become. Without Bellarmine, I would not be the confident, passionate leader others see in me today.”

— Bradley Kemp '25

Conor Salcido ‘07

“Bellarmine gave me some of the best years of my life and helped me discover what it meant to be a full person through its commitment to cura personalis. I met lifelong friends at Bell, some of whom were in my wedding, and I still see them often nearly 20 years later. The Bellarmine brotherhood never dies."

— Conor Salcido ‘07

Why Choose Bellarmine?

A wooden cross stands in the foreground, with a sign reading %22Bellarmine%22 visible. In the background, a multi-story building with architectural details can be seen, surrounded by trees and greenery.

For over 170 years, Bellarmine has shaped young men into leaders, innovators, and “men for and with others.” Our students graduate academically prepared and join a powerful alumni network that spans industries and continents.

Bellarmine students have access to:

  • More full-time college counselors than any other Bay Area high school
  • A rigorous college-prep curriculum with 23 APs and 14 Honors courses
  • Award-winning Speech & Debate, Robotics, Theater, Athletics, and more
  • A welcoming community for students of all faith backgrounds
  • A 17,000+ strong alumni network to support you for life
     

A Bellarmine Student Today, a Leader Tomorrow

Bellarmine alumni are shaping industries and serving communities around the world. Silicon Valley innovators, Pulitzer Prize winners, Olympic champions, and more—these graduates reflect the lasting impact of a Bellarmine education:

  • Brian Armstrong ’01 – Founder & CEO of Coinbase, a global leader in cryptocurrency
  • Viet Thanh Nguyen ’88 – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer
  • Steve Schott ’56 – Former Owner of the Oakland Athletics
  • Stephen Mirrione ’87 – Academy Award-winning editor of Traffic
  • Mark Canha ’07 – Major League Baseball player
  • Pablo Morales ’83 – Olympic gold and silver medalist in swimming
  • Matt Mahan ’01 – 66th Mayor of San Jose
  • Tony West ’83 – Former U.S. Associate Attorney General, Chief Legal Officer at Uber
  • Ryan Vasquez '10 – Actor featured in Broadway productions of The Notebook, Wicked, Waitress, and Hamilton

Their paths may be different, but these alumni share a common foundation: the academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and values-driven education they got from Bellarmine.
 

A well-dressed man with short dark hair and a serious expression is standing on a stage in front of a dark background.

Matt Mahan '01 at a climate policy panel in 2025 (Wikipedia)

“Four great years at Bellarmine turned into a lifetime of friendships and opportunities. While living and working in the Bay Area, I run into a Bellarmine alum on a daily basis. Once you say, 'Go Bells' it opens doors like no other two words can."

— PaTrick Crema ‘88
 

Admissions Process: How to Apply

We’re looking for students who are academically curious, community-driven, and eager to grow. If that’s you, here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Create a Ravenna Account

Register on Ravenna, select San Francisco Bay Area, and add Bellarmine to access the application, event sign-ups, and deadline reminders.

Step 2: Experience Bellarmine

Once signed into Ravenna, sign up for one of these opportunities to see our campus:

  • Shadow Days: Attend classes with a current student.
  • 7th Grade Days: Get a taste of high school life as a 7th grader.
  • Be-a-Bell Night: A one-hour program with demonstrations, performances, and testimonials of some of our award winning programs.
  • Open House: A full campus tour, faculty meet-and-greet, and program showcases.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Preliminary application, essays, and recommendations are due in December.
School records and additional recommendations are due in January.
Take the HSPT entrance exam in January.

For due dates and full details, visit our How to Apply page:

How to Apply

Placement Testing

The High School Placement Test (HSPT)

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a required element of the 9th grade application to Bellarmine as well as other Catholic Schools in the Bay Area.  

For more information, including dates and registration, click the button below.

HSPT Information

Math Proficiency Testing

All incoming freshmen must take a math proficiency test — even those who wish to take Algebra 1. For more information, click the button below.

Math Testing Information

What Are the Admissions Criteria at Bellarmine?

Bellarmine is looking for students who are academically motivated, eager to grow, and ready to contribute to our community. While admission is competitive, we look beyond grades to understand the full picture of who you are and who you’re becoming.

We consider the following:

  • Strong academic performance, typically As and Bs (GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  • Insightful recommendations from teachers who know your character, effort, and potential
  • Engagement in co-curriculars, such as sports, clubs, the arts, or other personal interests
  • Curiosity, initiative, or leadership potential—a willingness to get involved, explore new things, or make a positive impact
  • Positive conduct and citizenship, with you in good standing at your current school

We're not looking for perfection, we’re looking for potential. If you’re excited to be challenged, supported, and inspired at Bellarmine, we invite you to apply.

Start Your Application

Applying as a Transfer Student

Bellarmine welcomes transfer students who are eager to grow academically, socially, and spiritually within our Jesuit tradition. All applications are submitted through Ravenna and reviewed after the deadline. Qualified applicants may be invited for an interview in early May, with admissions decisions released in mid-May.

See our Transfer Application Steps page for the latest deadlines and details.

Transfer Application Steps

Making Bellarmine Affordable: Tuition Assistance

Cost shouldn’t prevent you from attending Bellarmine. If you’re a qualified student, an education here is within reach, regardless of your family’s financial situation.

At Bellarmine: 

  • 26.2% of enrolled students receive Tuition Assistance.
  • The average student tuition award is $16,100, or around 51% of the total yearly tuition cost.
  • We distributed $6.9 million in Tuition Assistance last year, with $7.75 million budgeted to be distributed this year.
  • Our admissions decisions are based only on your qualifications, not financial need. Tuition Assistance is awarded separately and based on need. 

Learn more about applying for Tuition Assistance by clicking the button below.

Apply for Tuition Assistance

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Easy Access from Across the Bay Area

Bellarmine students come from more than 160 middle schools across a 45-mile radius. Getting to campus is simple with multiple transportation options:

  • Four dedicated bus routes serve areas including Los Altos, Cupertino, Almaden, Silver Creek, Fremont, and Milpitas.
  • Diridon Station, just a short walk from campus, provides easy access for students commuting by train.
  • Our Carpool Portal includes a customizable map and a downloadable list of families near your home address.
  • Bellarmine’s transportation network makes it possible for students from across the Bay Area to take advantage of a top-tier education. 

Learn More About Transportation Options

Think an All-Boys School Isn’t for You?

Many students are skeptical about an all-boys school at first. But within days of starting here, their doubts quickly fade away. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • A Strong Brotherhood: Lifelong friendships built on shared experiences.
  • More Opportunities to Lead: Every student government position, club leadership role, and team captaincy is held by a young man.
  • Teaching That Works for Boys: Our curriculum and classroom approach are designed for how young men learn best—through collaboration, healthy competition, and hands-on engagement.
  • Plenty of Co-Ed Opportunities: Students connect with girls from nearby schools through co-ed theater, speech & debate, cultural clubs, service projects, and social events.
  • Female Teachers and Leaders: Students interact with women every day in the classroom and on campus.
  • Authentic Growth: Students gain the confidence to speak up in class and truly be themselves.

 

 

 

Two individuals, a man and a woman, are standing on a stage wearing traditional Asian-inspired costumes. The background is a solid purple color, creating a vibrant and eye-catching contrast with the colorful outfits.

“Transitioning into an all boys school can be scary but trust me, you will make a lot of friends that you will consider your family.”

— Robert De Guzman '28

“I think the primary misconception about Bellarmine is that people don't talk to girls, but it's honestly quite the opposite. If you involve yourself at Bellarmine, participate in clubs, sports, affinity groups etc., you will have more than enough interactions with girls.”

— Shrey Chettiar '25

“Personally, I was hesitant to go to Bellarmine as it wasn't co-ed, and I was afraid of missing out on the high school experience. However, what I found at Bellarmine was unmatched brotherhood and camaraderie that I will cherish forever.”

— Aaron Bastianelli '25

Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions

Admissions Department

Ben Sigrist
Director of Admissions
bsigrist@bcp.org

Tina Briceno
Assistant Director of Admissions
tbriceno@bcp.org

Michael Davis
Alumni Volunteer
mjdavis@bcp.org

Adal Zeratsion
Admissions Associate
azeratsion@bcp.org

Take the Next Step
Take the Next Step

Our students and alumni say it all the time: There’s no place like Bellarmine. Here, you’ll be supported and prepared to thrive for the rest of your life. Apply today and join the Bellarmine Brotherhood.

Start Your Application