Who We Are
An All-Boys Jesuit Education Rooted in Faith, Purpose, and Service
Bellarmine College Preparatory is an all-boys Jesuit high school in San Jose, attracting students from throughout Silicon Valley, San Francisco, the East Bay, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and beyond. For over 170 years, Bellarmine has been dedicated to forming young men of faith, service, and academic excellence.
Our Mission
Bellarmine College Preparatory is a community of men and women gathered together by God for the purpose of educating the student to seek justice and truth throughout his life. We are a Catholic school in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus. As such, our entire school program is dedicated to forming "men for and with others"—persons whose lives will be dedicated to bringing all their God-given talents to fullness and to living according to the pattern of service inaugurated by Jesus Christ.
Built for Boys to Succeed
We understand how boys learn and grow, and we tailor our approach to help them thrive. Our education is built on:
- Teaching methods that align with how boys learn best
- A culture of collaboration and healthy competition
- A brotherhood that fosters confidence, character, and lifelong friendships.
A Legacy of Jesuit Education Since 1851
Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Society of Jesus began with just seven men dedicated to faith and service. Today, it has grown to nearly 17,000 Jesuits across 80 provinces worldwide, continuing its mission of education, ministry, and social justice.
Our story began in 1851 as Santa Clara College, founded by Fr. John Nobili, S.J. Over time, the school evolved—separating from Santa Clara University in the early 1920s and relocating to our current College Park campus in 1925. In 1928, we became Bellarmine College Preparatory, honoring St. Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit scholar and Doctor of the Church.
Bellarmine is proud to be the first Jesuit high school in California and the second Jesuit high school west of the Mississippi, carrying forward a long tradition of faith, leadership, and academic excellence. Our approach is guided by Our Way of Proceeding, a framework that defines Jesuit education in five key areas:
- Jesuit and Catholic Mission & Identity
- Governance and Leadership
- Spiritual Formation
- Educational Excellence
- Faith That Does Justice
Inspired by the Jesuit motto ad majorem Dei gloriam—for the greater glory of God—we challenge students to cultivate their gifts and talents not only for personal success, but in service of a greater purpose.
Jesuit Presence on Campus
Bellarmine is blessed to have a community of Jesuits living on campus. They are actively involved in school life, from teaching in the classroom to supporting students on the sidelines.
We offer weekly Mass in Leontyne Chapel and all-school liturgies throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation.
Through ongoing formation and personal commitment, Bellarmine’s faculty and staff strive to bring St. Ignatius' vision to life—helping students develop intellectually, spiritually, and morally, both inside and outside the classroom.
Online Resources
Bellarmine College Preparatory is sponsored by the Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus. Sponsorship is the affirmation that Bellarmine is a work of the Society of Jesus, in the Jesuits West and is a Catholic, Jesuit school.
Jesuits on Campus
Robert Scholla S.J. — Superior of the Jesuit Community
rscholla@bcp.org
Michael Manalastas S.J. — Jesuit | Religious Studies Faculty
mmanalastas@bcp.org
Jose Oros — Jesuit Regent | Campus Minister
joros@bcp.org
Developing the Whole Person: The Graduate at Graduation
Bellarmine challenges students to embody six essential characteristics throughout their high school journey. Known as the "Graduate at Graduation," These qualities are shared by all Jesuit high schools. They reflect the holistic nature of a Jesuit education.
By graduation, a Bellarmine student is:
Our Diverse Community: A Reflection of Silicon Valley
Bellarmine’s 1,600+ Students Come From All Across the Bay Area
North to Burlingame, south to Watsonville and Gilroy, east to Pleasanton, and west to Santa Cruz and Capitola—our student community reflects the diversity of Silicon Valley. Rooted in the Ignatian value of "Finding God in All Things," we embrace the belief that every person is created in God's image and is a unique expression of the Divine.
At Bellarmine, students of different backgrounds, experiences, and faith traditions come together as brothers. As a Catholic, Jesuit school, we cherish our faith while embracing students from all religious backgrounds. Our religious studies curriculum, retreats, and interfaith events help students explore their spirituality. Exposure to diverse perspectives prepares them to engage in meaningful dialogue and lead with compassion.
Learn more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Progress
Ties to the Local Community
Bellarmine’s impact extends far beyond our 28-acre campus. Rooted in the Jesuit mission to "educate the whole person of solidarity for the real world," our students engage with the community through service, outreach, and immersion experiences.
Each year, students support local organizations through initiatives like the Winter Warmth Drive and Spring Food Drive, as well as through required service hours. Our partnerships with over 100 schools and agencies—including Bachrodt Elementary, HOPE Services, Sacred Heart Community Service, and Second Harvest Food Bank—offer hands-on opportunities to make a difference.
Beyond local outreach, students also participate in domestic and international service immersions, where they broaden their perspective on justice and solidarity.
A Commitment to Inclusion
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focuses on eight key areas that reflect the many backgrounds and experiences in our community:
- Race & Ethnicity
- Religion
- Gender
- Age
- Ability & Disability
- Sexual Orientation
- Geography
- Socioeconomic Status
Through the Bellarmine Outreach Program, we support first-generation, college-bound, and low-income students by providing bilingual (Spanish-English) resources, academic counseling, and college guidance.
We also celebrate cultural diversity through events like Diwali, Fiesta de Guadalupe, Santo Niño, Black Student Union Cultural Night, and Lunar New Year, organized by the Bellarmine Mothers' Guild Diversity Liaisons.
With a range of student-led ethnic and cultural clubs, including the African American Student Union, Filipino Student Association, Latino Student Union, and Vietnamese Student Union, Bellarmine ensures that every student feels valued and supported.
The Bellarmine Brotherhood
The Bellarmine experience is built on a strong sense of brotherhood. Students collaborate in the classroom, compete on the field, and support each other academically and socially. This connection lasts beyond graduation. Over 17,000 alumni continue to live out the Jesuit mission in their careers, families, and communities.
The biggest dealbreaker for me as an incoming freshman was the idea of going to an all boys school. However, as time passed, I realized that being an all boys school makes Bellarmine enjoyable and fun. So to all the freshmen that are nervous about the idea that Bellarmine is an all boys school, don’t worry. That is what makes Bellarmine unique and worth it.
— Yassel Sanchez ’26
![Bellarmine Mothers' Guild (BMG)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759274018/bcporg/nu6rdj6qddg17bwskevn/Mothers-guild-outside.jpg","width":2000}])
Bellarmine Mothers' Guild (BMG)
The Bellarmine Mothers' Guild (BMG) coordinates several events each year. From their largest endeavor, the annual Mothers' Guild Fashion Show for Financial Aid, to their assistance with the winter warmth and spring food drives, the BMG embraces the philosophy of being "women for and with others." The organization also provides the opportunity for mothers to deepen their relationships with their sons, with their friends, and with God, by sponsoring several events every year including the Mother-Son Event, the Women's Day of Reflection, and the Mother-Son Liturgy, in addition to cultural events such as Diwali and Lunar New Year.
![Dads' Club]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761858612/bcporg/b3idsvfxwiegajd6z7nr/DadsClubBoard2025_26.jpg","width":2200}])
Dads' Club
The Dads’ Club is also a service-minded organization, with its mission to aid in the development of "men for and with others." Parents in Bellarmine's winter warmth and spring food drives, they add their own twist by bringing football and friendly competition into the mix. The Dads' Club runs concessions at football and basketball games, sponsors annual events such as the Father-Son Christmas Mass and Brunch, and proffers their support on the Tijuana immersion trip and the K-Bell Track Meet.
Environmental Sustainability
Bellarmine is committed to serving God by educating our community about ecological stewardship and solidarity with creation.
![Join a Brotherhood 175 Years in the Making]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1753640965/bcporg/sgazrzx01w7muwkzbqwr/back-to-school-rally_Moya_01.jpg","width":2200}])
Join a Brotherhood 175 Years in the Making
At Bellarmine, we challenge and support young men as they grow into leaders of faith and service. We invite you to learn more about how Bellarmine College Preparatory can shape your son’s future.