Class of 2025 Enrollment Manual

bcp.org/admissions

BELLARMINE CLASS OF 2025 Enrollment Manual

Welcome from the President Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam • For the Greater Glory of God

Welcome to Bellarmine College Preparatory!

Congratulations on your son’s acceptance. We are looking forward to forming a strong partnership with you in the education of your son.

The 470-year-old Jesuit school tradition seeks to educate young people’s minds, hearts, spirits, bodies, and imaginations according to the values of the Gospel. We take the responsibility of our mission and our partnership with you seriously, and we are grateful for your confidence in us.

Your son and you now become part of the 170-year-old tradition that is Bellarmine. In that long history, I don’t think there has ever been a year like this past one. But even during this time, the hallmarks of a Bellarmine education have shone through as we have adapted, educated, continued to care for our students, and have sought to foster a faith that does justice. We have provided an outstanding education to our students remotely when we have needed to, and have sought ways to bring students back to campus for academics, athletics, and other co-curricular activities. Through it all, we have placed an emphasis on a key aspect of Jesuit education: cura personalis – care for the individual. Doing so has been more challenging this past year, but also has never been more important than it is now.

Last month, I shared with our returning parents that it is our expectation and plan to return to fully in-person instruction at the start of next school year. There are some things we don’t and can’t know yet about what next year will look like – such as whether masks will be required or how many spectators will be allowed at sporting events – but as long as the county and state allow it, we will offer in-person instruction to students five days a week, along with the full complement of co-curricular activities, retreats, and service opportunities. At the same time, we realize that some families will not feel comfortable sending their children back to school in person, and for those students we will continue to offer a robust remote learning environment.

At their February meeting, Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees set the tuition for the 2021-22 academic year at $23,980. Over the past decade, annual tuition increases have ranged from 3.5% - 5.6%, although this year’s increase was only 2.2%, an unusually low increase due to the pandemic. While we do not know what tuition will be in future years, we can tell you that it will be higher due to local inflation and our commitment to fairly compensating our outstanding faculty and staff. We never want to lose a student due to finances, so if these increases in the future will put tuition out of your reach, you will have the opportunity to apply for our tuition assistance program each year.

If you have applied for tuition assistance this year, a letter has been sent to your home with the status of your application.

To secure your son’s place in the freshman class for the 2021-22 academic year, please pay your deposit through the online enrollment system by Tuesday, March 30th.

It is a pleasure to welcome you and your son to the Bellarmine family. We certainly want to make him feel at ease with the knowledge that he will find our educational experience a life-changing one with faculty and staff who are excited to be part of his life and who will guide him in a nurturing, supportive, and effective manner, accompanied by other students who will become his lifelong friends.

I look forward to getting to know you in the coming years. Thank you for saying “yes” to Bellarmine and, as always, Go Bells!

Sincerely,

Chris Meyercord ‘88 President

Welcome from the Associated Student Body Frank Anderson ‘21, Ryan Milligan ‘22, Sam Otto ‘23, Eddie Bae ‘24

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Class of 2025, and welcome to the Bellarmine community! Your efforts have paid off and it’s now time for your next steps on the journey of life.

You will be joining a community of men and women who will guide and support you through these next four years. At Bellarmine, you will have the resources and support you need to succeed. Know that through it all, your brothers will be there for you, as we know you will be for them. So, don’t be afraid to take risks, embrace your failures, and ask questions on your path to success.

As you will learn throughout your time here, the Bellarmine community is a group of men and women who are committed to working for and with others to go forth and set the world on fire. We share a dedication to living out the values of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each of us are committed to justice; cura personalis, care for the whole person; and the magis, doing more than our best for the greater glory of God. We each seek to raise the bar for ourselves, our peers, and our society.

As you begin your high school experience, it is important to begin to discover the person you are and the person you wish to become. Take the time to explore the vast opportunities Bellarmine has to offer, both inside and out of the classroom.

Venture beyond your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow as a person and as a student. From Robotics, to Ultimate Frisbee, to Fortissibros A Cappella, to Unity Council, there is something for everybody to engage in. Your involvement in the community will help you to explore your passions and cultivate friendships that will last a lifetime. Interpersonal connections you develop between both peers and teachers will instill compassion, integrity, and justice. Your hard work and diligence will continue to pay off, but do not forget to enjoy the time you have here because it flies by.

Class of 2025, we are proud to call you fellow brothers and members of the Bellarmine community. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish and how you will grow during and beyond your time here.

Welcome to the Bellarmine Brotherhood and Go Bells!!

Mark Your Calendar!

MARCH 19th: Online Course Request (OCR) system opens 22nd: Virtual New Bell Welcome 23rd: New Bell Welcome on campus 30th: Deposit due to secure enrollment 30th: Online Course Request (OCR) system closes

5th: Registration for Welcome to Bellarmine meetings (Pick one date - see step 6) 7th: Math ALEKS assessment period begins 9th: Essay due if requesting Rhetoric course 12th: Final day to submit Percussion Audition video 13th: English 1 Honors placement exam 14th: French 2, Latin 2, & Spanish 2 Language placement exams 15th: Mandarin 2 Language placement exam 21st: Mothers’ Guild Fashion Show Kickoff 21st: Math ALEKS assessment period ends

MAY

3rd: Welcome 4th: Welcome 5th: Welcome 6th: Welcome

APRIL

to to to to

Bellarmine Bellarmine Bellarmine Bellarmine

meetings meetings meetings meetings

JUNE 15th: First Day of Summer Programs 18th: Final 8th grade report card due 30th: All Health Information Due

JULY 2nd: Last day of Summer Programs 2 16th: Schedules released (if health forms have been submitted)

AUGUST 13th: Freshman Orientation 15th: Get Acquainted Picnic (GAP) & Mass 16th: First Day of Classes 26th: Back to School Night

To confirm dates and for more details on these events, go to bcp.org/bell2025

6 Steps to Enrolling

READ ME

You can now enroll as a student at Bellarmine!

Let the following pages help you navigate the process.

Bellarmine uses online enrollment and tuition management systems. The $1,650 non-refundable deposit (which is part of the $23,980 tuition fee) is due Tuesday, March 30th, and must be paid using the process outlined below to secure your son’s place in the freshman class.

As part of Bellarmine’s 1:1 program, the school will issue a tablet device to each student at the beginning of the school year. While the cost of the device is included in the cost of tuition, we do require payment of a limited loss and damage fee of $60/year. This fee is due with the first tuition payment and must be paid prior to the tablet being issued to the student.

1

Go to bcp.org/bell2025, click on the “Enroll” button and use your Ravenna account information to log in.

2

Update your contact information and choose your student’s email address.

3

Pay your deposit with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AMEX. No credit card fees will apply.

4

Enroll with Smart Tuition, our tuition management system, and select your payment option. (If you have a current Bellarmine student, you will bypass this step and your incoming freshman will automatically be added to your pre-existing account.)

Select the number of payments that works best (1, 2, or 11) Select payment dates: 1 Payment due July 5th 2 Payments due July 5th and November 5th* 11 Payments due the 5th or 20th of each month, June through April* Select a payment option (personal or cashier check, money order, ACH from checking/savings account, debit or credit card**) * A $45 fee is assessed by Smart Tuition when opting for 2 or 11 payments. ** Please note Smart Tuition assesses an additional 2.85% fee for using a debit or credit card.

5

Submit course preferences through the Online Course Request (OCR) system, beginning on March 19th. This process also registers students for any exam(s) they will take. We test every student for proper placement in mathematics via ALEKS, an online exam. We also offer placement exams for students interested in advanced English or Classical & Modern Language courses. You must submit your course preferences by 11:59 pm on March 30, 2021.

6

Schedule your virtual “Welcome to Bellarmine” meeting for Monday, May 3rd or Tuesday, May 4th, Wednesday, May 5th, or Thursday, May 6th by visiting bcp.org/bell2025/welcomemeeting. At this meeting you will receive your courses based on your OCR preferences and placement testing.

7

Important Questions How many courses do I need per semester?

Every student will be scheduled with six academic classes plus a free period (unless you select a music course which will replace the free period in one of the semesters) and a Cura period each semester. The Cura Personalis period is time built into the schedule that is dedicated to the development and wellness of the student as an individual.

How many honors/AP courses can I take as a 9th grader?

We follow a scaffolding learning model, where students have the ability to take one more AP or honors every year. As incoming freshmen, students are allowed, based on eligibility determined through placement exams, to take up to two honors courses.

Do I have to take Physics?

Yes, all freshmen take Physics 9.

Are there placements exams?

Yes. Placement exams can occur in the following subjects; please review the department pages for more information:

English

Modern & Classical Language

Mathematics What and where can I study for placements exams?

Our exams are based on current knowledge and/or skills in the subject. Because of this, we do not recommend studying for the exams but recommend a good night’s sleep the night before. Please note you are not obligated to enroll in the honors/ accelerated course.

How many times can I take the ALEKS assessment?

You can take the ALEKS assessment up to three times, and we will take the highest score out of the three.

Can I accelerate in the summer?

We do not have a summer acceleration program for any department.

What is the Art requirement?

All freshmen will take one semester of art unless a student takes Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble or Symphonic Band, in which case they are required to take two semesters. If you select music, you will only have a free period one semester.

Is P.E. a requirement for freshmen?

Freshmen do not take P.E. Can I take American Sign Language (ASL)?

Enrollment in ASL is very limited. Students who select ASL as their first choice of language may be assigned to their alternate language. Students will find out their language and level placement when they receive their schedules.

What is the Cura Personalis Period?

Jesuit education springs from the fundamental Ignatian value of Cura Personalis, a Latin phrase which means “care of the whole person.” To that end, the Cura Personalis Period provides flexible opportunities for students to pursue personal growth and overall wellness according to their individual needs, usually in areas outside the formal academic environment.

All freshman enroll in a Cura class which supports them in their transition to Bellarmine and provides them with tools for their spiritual, academic, social, and personal growth. For the remaining three years, students will often choose for themselves how to spend their Cura Period time. They might catch up on homework, talk to a teacher, or simply take a break. At other times, students will attend a small group meeting led by their personal counselor. The overall goal is that the Cura Period allows and supports students to take the initiative in developing healthy habits and mindsets for high school, college, and beyond.

Course Preference Information

You will submit your course preferences through the Online Course Request (OCR) system. Go to bcp.org/bell2025 to begin the process.

NOTE

Detailed course descriptions can be found later in this manual. Please use these pages to make decisions about the courses in which you would prefer to enroll. You can submit your course preferences anytime from March 19th through March 30th but only once you have completed the preceding steps (i.e, steps 1 through 4 detailed on the 6 Steps to Enrolling page).

Course information, curriculum options, and graduation requirements can be found on the BCP website. Please note that all necessary information for freshmen families can be found in this manual.

Placement Exams

What You Need to Know Everyone Tests for Math Placement Every student will be tested for placement in mathematics - whether he wants to opt for an advanced math course or not.

The ALEKS assessment is taken at home between April 7th and April 21st.

Placement Exams for Other Courses For students seeking to pursue advanced courses, placement exams are offered for incoming freshmen in English and Modern & Classical Language. Proficiency in the subject must be shown for placement in a higher-level course. Please note that if you select a higher-level course in the OCR, you are expected to complete the placement exam for that subject. If you have questions or concerns, please email lmadison@bcp.org.

If you are intending to take any subject exam, please complete the OCR as soon as you accept Bellarmine’s offer. See Step 5 of the enrollment process.

Notification Students taking a placement exam will be notified of their placement during their “Welcome to Bellarmine” meeting (May 3rd–6th). The Welcome meeting is scheduled in Step 6 of the enrollment process.

Mathematics Bellarmine uses ALEKS, an online, adaptive math assessment tool, to measure math proficiency. The following is our process: • All incoming freshmen must take the ALEKS math exam - even those who wish to take Algebra 1.

• Each student has up to three attempts to complete his assigned ALEKS exam.

• Assessment period that opens at 8:00 am on Wednesday, April 7th through 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 21st.

• The highest score among his attempts will be used for placement.

• All exams are taken at home.

Information about requesting math courses, and the math assessment and placement process, can be found on the “Math Placement” portion of the bcp.org/bell2025.

Once you have submitted your course preference through the OCR, and the OCR closes (March 30th), the Math Placement Team will contact you with details about the ALEKS exam along with login information.

Do not contact the Admissions Office or Math Department until you have received the email that was used for your Ravenna account with your exam information. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder. If you do not receive your information by 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 8th you may email deptmath@bcp.org.

Social Science The freshman curriculum includes one semester of either World History: 1200-1700s or Rhetoric. Students interested in Speech & Debate might consider applying for Rhetoric, please note it is not an honors course. Rhetoric enrollment is limited and students are selected by the instructor based upon their submitted essay. Students selected for Rhetoric will not be able to take World History. (The other semester of the freshman year is completed with a Visual/Performing Arts class.)

World History: 1200-1700 Thematic exploration of world history from 1200-1700 that focuses on the development of close reading, analytical writing skills, and the interpretation of primary documents.

Rhetoric This course helps students become comfortable with their voice by learning the art of public speaking and debate. Students will master the basics of effective delivery, argumentation, research, and persuasion.

If you are intending to take any subject exam or apply for the Rhetoric course, please complete two typed responses via email to rhetoric@bcp.org by April 9th. The responses should be submitted as either a Word document or a PDF. Google docs, Pages, and other formats will not be accepted. Please save your responses into a single document.

• The first response should be an essay either agreeing or disagreeing with the following statement: Economic sanctions ought not be used to achieve foreign policy.

• The second response should explain why you are interested in taking the Rhetoric course.

English English 1 As freshmen are coming of age and entering this new environment, they will study literature, finding similar characters who also struggle to discover their identity, to build new relationships, and to form and understand their values in a world of discrimination.

English 1 Honors Students will read a number of novels, two plays, a large selection of short stories, and assorted poems. The works are also organized thematically by Bellarmine’s core values: openness to growth/religion; intellectual competence; love; commitment to doing justice; and pursuit of leadership growth.

If you select English 1 Honors, you must take the English exam on Tuesday April 13 from 4-5. Selection for this exam takes place through the Online Course Selection process as referenced in Step 5 of the enrollment process.

The English 1 Honors exam consists of two parts: an objective section and a subjective essay. Students will be asked to examine a poem in detail, answer specific questions, and compose a short essay. The subjective portion is evaluated according to structure, depth of analysis, focus, and style.

Modern & Classical Language (MCL) Bellarmine supports our students’ desire to complete a four year course of study in languages. As they progress in the program, we cannot guarantee the 4th level of ASL, French, Latin, and Mandarin, or a 5th level of Spanish each year.

Placement tests will be administered online. Each test will be available during the time listed, but students will have a limited amount of time to complete once started.

If you’re planning to take a level 1 language course, you do not need to be tested. In that case, select your desired level 1 course and an alternate from the options below.

Select a first choice and alternative: French 1 This is a beginning language course designed to develop all language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing simultaneously. Oral proficiency is emphasized. The phonological, grammatical, and idiomatic features of French are presented in logical progression so that the student learns by practice.

Latin 1 This is a beginning language course, the purpose of which is to understand the concept and structure of Latin as an inflected language, to master the basic Latin forms, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, relating them to English usage.

Mandarin 1 This is a beginning language course, which introduces students to the pronunciation and basic sentence structures of Mandarin Chinese, as well as the reading and writing in Chinese characters. Oral proficiency is emphasized.

Spanish 1 This is a beginning language course, which is designed to develop all language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—simultaneously. Oral proficiency is emphasized. The phonological, grammatical, and idiomatic features of Spanish are presented in logical progression so that the student learns by practice.

American Sign Language 1 This is a beginning language course, the focus of which is on preparation for acquiring a visual gestural language.

Students will learn finger spelling, basic vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Enrollment in this course is very limited, please include an alternate language choice. Limited Enrollment.

Please note, ASL only offers three years of study. If you wish to consider four years of language, please review our other language options.

If a student has substantial experience in a language, he can attempt to test out of level 1. Test results will determine placement at the appropriate level. Placement tests will be administered online. Each test will be available during the time listed, but students will have a limited amount of time to complete once accessed.

French 2 (Test: Wednesday, April 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

This course builds upon the knowledge that the student has acquired in French 1. All four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are emphasized. This course also exposes the student to French culture and further develops the student’s communicative skills.

Latin 2 (Test: Wednesday, April 14th from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.)

This course further develops the concept and structure of Latin as an inflected language. Student will continue to master basic Latin forms, grammar, syntax and vocabulary, relating them to English usage.

Mandarin 2 (Test: Thursday, April 15th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Students will learn more complex sentence structures, expand on vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, and read and write short compositions. The course is also designed to further develop the student’s communicative skills.

Spanish 2 (Test: Wednesday, April 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Building upon the foundation obtained in Spanish 1, this course is designed to develop in depth the listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills of Spanish. It also is designed to expose the student to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking countries and further develop the student’s communicative skills.

Science All students are required to take one year of Physics. Students are not able to fulfill the requirement by taking classes off campus.

Physics 9 An introductory, year-long laboratory course to develop critical thinkers with a firm foundation in science. Students will examine concepts of physics, the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy, including mechanics, kinematics (motion) and dynamics (force), the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum, waves and sound, and electricity through an inquiry-based curriculum. The course will include a combination of engineering projects, cooperative learning, demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures.

Course content is aligned to the fundamental principles of Algebra I. Laboratory work, in conjunction with the appropriate mathematical and conceptual reasoning, is an important component used to aid the students understanding of the physical world.

Religious Studies All students are required to take one semester of Hebrew Scriptures (in the Fall) and one semester of Christian Scriptures (in the Spring). Students are not able to fulfill the requirements for Religious Studies by taking classes off campus.

Hebrew Scriptures This religious studies course, held during the fall semester of freshman year, introduces students to the central stories, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Christian Scriptures This course is an introductory study of the Christian Scriptures covering the New Testament literature, the life and ministry of Jesus, characters in the early Christian Church, and essential Jewish/Christian concepts.

Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Students are required to take at least three semesters of art to graduate. Those students not taking music, must take two semester-long courses in the same discipline of art. (Ex. Photo 1 + Photo 2 or Acting 1 + Acting 2.) A non-music student will take a Level 1 course during freshman year. Students neet to complete the corresponding Level 2 to the Level 1 in their sophomore or junior year before selecting a different discipline. The third semester can be in the same discipline (Ex. Photo 3) or in a new Level 1 VPA course.

3D Modeling & Animation 1 In this course students will explore 3D computer-based modeling and animation through Autodesk Maya, an industry standard tool for visual content creation and animation. Students will learn how to create 3D content, including concept art and production assets for character and environmental elements. This is a semester-long course.

Acting 1 For the beginning/intermediate actor to learn about and practice the arts of acting and improvisation. This is a semesterlong course.

VPA, con’t.

Ceramics 1 An introduction to the various techniques of ceramics. This is a semester-long course.

Chamber Orchestra Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience playing stringed instruments. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. If this option is chosen, you’ll be asked which instrument you play.

This path carries a two-year participation requirement.

Drawing & Painting 1 An introduction to the various techniques of drawing, painting and design, using a wide variety of media. This is a semester-long course.

Graphic Design 1 Learn empowering design principles, the design thinking process, professional creative apps, and how to make industrystandard Graphic Design projects including: logos, covers, and infographics. All projects are designed with Adobe’s state-of-the-art software including the latest versions of Illustrator and Photoshop. This is a semester-long course.

Photography 1 Students will learn how to use a professional camera (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture) and utilize post-processing photography software. Students will also study composition, the history of photography, prominent photographers, and career options in photography. This is a semester-long course.

Percussion Ensemble Performance-based ensemble for individuals interested in playing percussion instruments (including pianists who are interested in learning keyboard percussion instruments). Percussion ensemble has various time commitments across three levels of percussion, but everyone will start in Percussion Ensemble 1. By default you will be placed in Introduction to Percussion but you may audition for intermediate or advanced placement. Previous experience is encouraged but not required. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. This path carries a two-year participation requirement.

Percussion Levels Intermediate/Advanced Audition Requirements include: • Perform a Snare Drum etude from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2025 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform a Timpani solo from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2025 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform either a 2 Mallet or 4 Mallet solo work from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2025 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform all 12 Major Scales on keyboard instrument of your choice (piano is OK).

• Submit this via video or audio recording, no later than April 12th to dwyant@bcp.org.

Symphonic Band/Jazz Ensemble (Pep Band) Performance-based ensemble for students who have previous experience or are currently learning to play woodwind or brass instruments. All students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, or tuba will be concurrently enrolled in Jazz Ensemble and will receive credit for both courses. This is a year-long course and will take up a free period in one semester. This path carries a two-year participation requirement.

If your son has unique academic, social, physical, or scheduling needs or accommodations in his present school setting, it is important that you confirm availability of necessary adjustments and services to support your son.

Please contact Judy Alessandri, Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator, at jalessandri@bcp.org. prior to accepting your offer of admission.

J U N E 1 5 – J U LY 2 2

IN-P E R S ON & D I STAN CE L EARNING CO -ED ACAD EMIC AND ENR IC HM E N T CL ASSES & CAMPS F O R 1ST –12TH G RADERS

Register now at b c p . o rg / su mm e r.

Welcome to the class of 2025! We are excited to serve as your official introduction to your new school. The first day can be intimidating, so why not get to know your campus, classmates, and even some teachers before the first day in August? Don’t worry, this isn’t your standard summer school. This summer is all about fun. We offer courses that run for one, two, three, and six weeks which means there’s an option for every schedule. In-person seats are limited so make sure you register today. Not ready to come on campus? No problem! We are offering distance learning options for most of our academic and enrichment classes.

Focusing on the pillars of Ignatian identity, study skills, tech mastery, and health and wellness, students will explore what it means to be part of the Bellarmine community. Through the fun, reflective nature of the experience, they will form relationships with their new classmates. Their shared experience will help them to feel more comfortable, excited, and empowered to begin at Bellarmine.

Join us for a New Bell Welcome for the Class of 2025 Online: March 22nd | On Campus: March 23 Register through Ravenna using the Registration Code Bell2025 for one of three opportunities to visit campus on 3/23 from 3:00 – 6:00pm.

We are so excited to be able to finally welcome you to campus! We look forward to providing you with an afternoon to meet other new students and have a fun and casual introduction to Bellarmine now that you have been accepted. You’ll be able to walk around campus, meet current students and staff, receive some class of 2025 swag, meet Bellarman, and shop at our campus store.

In our excitement to welcome you to campus, we must also ensure that we follow health and safety regulations as outlined by the Santa Clara County Health office. In order to keep this gathering as safe as possible we ask that you follow the follow directions: Each family is permitted to have your newly admitted student and one parent/guardian attend the event. While not ideal to have to limit attendance, this keeps our attendance at a level that permits the event to occur.

Everyone in attendance must wear a mask at all times.

Everyone in attendance must complete our health waiver indicating that you are healthy and safe to visit campus.

Each new student must register for the event on Ravenna and choose one of the available time slots. More information will be sent to you on the Monday preceding the event.

Not ready or able to come to campus? We’ll be hosting a Teams Live virtual welcome on Monday night!

Joins us for welcomes from our Chaplain Jerry Wade, S.J. ’55, President Chris Meyercord, ’88, Principal Kristina Luscher, Director of Admissions Joe Wagstaff, ’01, as well as a student reflection. The link to the event is: bcp.org/virtualwelcome.