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Student Life

A large crowd of people, some holding up a blue megaphone with the word %22Bellarmine%22 written on it, are gathered in an outdoor setting at night.

The Best High School Co-curriculars in San Jose

Bellarmine College Preparatory is home to some of the best high school co-curricular programs in the Bay Area. With award-winning programs in robotics, speech and debate, performing arts, and more, we help you find what you love and get really good at it. 

Along the way, you’ll build the kind of leadership, teamwork, and dedication that top colleges look for in every applicant.

“The best part about being a student at Bellarmine is always having the opportunity to contribute to something bigger. With so many activities to join, Bells are bound to make an impact in anything they are interested in. With a strong sense of community, it pushes everyone to be their best. Seeing how the brotherhood uniquely translates to different fields at Bellarmine is overall what stands out and makes being a student at Bellarmine worth it. There is always a place for anyone here.”

— Yassel Sanchez ’26
 

The World’s Best High School Robotics Team—5x Champions
The World’s Best High School Robotics Team—5x Champions

Bellarmine’s legendary robotics team, The Cheesy Poofs, is not just the best in San Jose. It’s the best high school robotics team in the world. It has the most championship wins, blue banners, Einstein appearances, and regional victories in the entire FIRST Robotics Competition. 

When you join, you get to build real engineering skills and compete at the highest level of high school robotics. It’s a huge boost for your college applications—especially if you’re aiming for a top STEM program.

Explore Robotics

Nationally Ranked Speech & Debate Program
Nationally Ranked Speech & Debate Program

Bellarmine’s Speech & Debate team is one of the best in the country—named Top Overall School at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament four years in a row. Open to all levels, this team gives you the chance to build confidence in your voice and learn how to make your case on any stage.

“Bellarmine has the best speech-and debate program in the nation, and I wanted to be a part of that. I've paved my way to become top 20 in the state as a junior, and I'm poised to be a captain next year.

— Leo Billante ‘26

Explore Speech & Debate

Bellarmine’s Co-Ed Theatre Program: A Standout in Bay Area Performing Arts
Bellarmine’s Co-Ed Theatre Program: A Standout in Bay Area Performing Arts

With three major productions each year and professional-grade stages, our co-ed theatre program is one of the strongest in the Bay Area. Over 200 students take part as actors, musicians, designers, and crew. Alumni have gone on to Broadway, television, and film. 

Bellarmine's theatre arts program also includes two improv comedy troupes: Sanguine Humours and Nonsensicals.

Explore Theatre Productions

Our State-of-the-Art Maker Lab
Our State-of-the-Art Maker Lab

Our Maker Lab gives you the tools to turn your ideas into something real. With 3D printers, CNC mills, laser cutters, and more, it’s one of the only high school labs of its kind. Explore engineering, design, and innovation in a welcoming community.

“Very few high schools can match the quality and opportunities available within Maker Lab. I find this experience has been invaluable as I aspire to pursue engineering in my career.”

— Diego Vasquez '26

Explore Maker Lab

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100+ Clubs, Endless Ways to Get Involved

With more than 100 student-run clubs, Bellarmine offers endless opportunities to explore your interests, discover new passions, and take on leadership roles. From chess and aviation to entrepreneurship and cultural organizations, there’s something for everyone:

  • African American Student Union
  • Latino Student Union
  • Aviation Club
  • Environmental Club
  • Esports
  • Mock Trial
  • Investment Club

...and dozens more. Don’t see a club that fits? Start your own! Our community is here to support your ideas and help you build something meaningful.

See All Clubs & Organizations

 

Double Your Leadership Opportunities

Colleges want leaders—and leadership takes practice. Bellarmine’s all-boys model means every leadership position is held by a young man, giving you twice as many opportunities to lead.

Leadership opportunities include:

  • Associated Student Body (ASB): Our student government and event planning council
  • Big Brothers: Juniors and seniors who mentor incoming freshmen
  • Arrupe Ambassadors: Leaders focused on service, justice, and community-building
  • Kairos Retreat Leaders: Upperclassmen who guide spiritual growth for their peers
  • Club presidencies for over 100 clubs and groups on campus

Co-Ed Events and Activities

Though Bellarmine is an all-boys school, student life includes regular collaboration with nearby girls’ schools. Co-ed theatre, retreats, cultural events, and service trips offer plenty of chances to connect.

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The image shows a group of graduates wearing blue graduation gowns and caps, standing together in a ceremony setting.

College Counseling That Starts Early

With six full-time college counselors—more than any other school in the Bay Area—you get personalized guidance through every step of the college process.

  • One-on-one advising
  • Dedicated college guidance classes
  • Parent workshops
  • Over 120 college reps visit campus each year

Explore College Counseling

In Their Own Words: "What Does the Bellarmine Brotherhood Mean to You?"

“Brotherhood means camaraderie. I support my brothers in all facets of the school: athletics; affinity groups; extracurriculars; theater. I know the love evident throughout our school campus is mutual. We are all here to support one another.”

— Bradley Kemp '25

“Brotherhood at Bellarmine is the strong connection between not only friends but classmates that makes Bellarmine unique. It is a unique bond between our fellow Bells that, regardless of whether we knew each other before Bellarmine or not, there is constant support, kindness and most importantly fun between each other.”

— Yassel Sanchez ’26

“There is nothing more important than having your brothers next to you that you have built relationships with to go through the ups and downs of high school. There are no "rivalries" at Bellarmine like a lot of other high schools. Everyone is mostly fine with everyone else, and people work together without problems. Bullying is basically nonexistent at Bellarmine because everyone has a tie to the overall goal of being a bell — "a man for and with others.”

— Shrey Chettiar '25

“To me, the "Bellarmine Brotherhood" means seeing the value in creating deep and meaningful connections with my male friends, as it is rare that young men allow themselves to be emotionally involved in their platonic relationships. Bellarmine has taught me to create meaningful relationships through all aspects of my high school experience, which has allowed me to learn about myself and the world around me.”

— Miles Duncan '25

“The Bellarmine Brotherhood means that someone will always have your back, and you will never be alone.”

—Gavin Wells, '26

“The camaraderie and the relationships you develop with your friends are connections that you wouldn't be able to make in such a deep fashion otherwise. These are the guys that you will be friends with in 40 years, making memories in the time in between, maybe business partners, figuring out things together.

— Nolan Lyle ’27

“I feel that going to an all-boys' high school provides one with a true sense of brotherhood that does not exist at other co-ed schools. Knowing that all your peers are united in a bond of "Bellarmine Brothers" creates such a meaningful sense of pride that can't be found anywhere other than Bellarmine.”

— Aaron Bastianelli '25

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Life

Join the Bellarmine Brotherhood
Join the Bellarmine Brotherhood

The Bellarmine Brotherhood is the connection, support, and camaraderie that students carry with them for life. Through clubs, classes, service, and fun, you’ll build deep friendships that go far beyond graduation.

Ready to Meet Your New Brothers?

Start Your Application