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.
Step 2: Join us for a Shadow Day! Register via Ravenna.
Step 3: Submit Preliminary Application
The following application steps are due by Friday, December 13, at 11:59PM
- Preliminary application form
- Accessibility Information
- Submit two student essays
- Submit a parent/guardian statement
- Student Video (optional)
- Request two Academic Recommendations (i.e., provide the recommender's email address in the Delegate Form)
- Request one optional Non-Academic Recommendation (i.e., provide the recommender's email address in the Delegate Form)
- Register for the HSPT
- Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee (all steps must be completed before payment is accepted. If this fee is a burden to your family, please email admissions@bcp.org)
The following application steps are due by Friday, January 24, at 11:59pm
- Current School Records Received
- Two Teacher Recommendations
- One Non-Academic Recommendation (optional)
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.
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 Night
Applicants, parents, and guardians can visit our campus in the evening and experience an engaging one-hour program to include demonstrations, performances and testimonials of some of our award winning programs.
Event Date: Tuesday, October 15, from 7-8PM.
Open House
Families can visit Bellarmine’s campus on Sunday, October 27, 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: about the HSPT
The HSPT is required of all applicants. Testing at Bellarmine or another school is required for a complete application. Bellarmine and other Catholic high schools offer the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in January. If you plan to test at Bellarmine, it is recommended that you register by December 13. through Ravenna on the events page. For more information and frequently asked questions, see the FAQ.
Bellarmine offers one two testing dates: January 11 and one make-up date: or January 25, both are 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.