Bellarmine Admissions Viewbook

Find Your Path, Walk With Purpose.

Our Mission

Educating the Whole Person; Mind, Body, & Spirit.

Bellarmine, as a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition, through dedication to academic excellence and development of the whole person, graduates young men and women of competence, compassion and conscience, who are committed to leadership and service.

We believe in the power of accompaniment with students.

We walk with our students and support big ideas, passion, and the relentless joy of community and faith.

We walk with our students & support big ideas, passion & the relentless joy of community & faith.

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Bellarmine students are change makers.

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Bellarmine Graduates

Lions Who Lead with Conscience & Courage.

We develop global leaders who are formed by their Catholic, Jesuit values and prepared for college, career and life.

Bellarmine students are change makers.

Imaginative, solution-oriented, community focused, reflective and curious.

We unleash learners who are prepared for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Bellarmine Students Grow with Purpose

The Bellarmine Difference: Mind, Heart, & Action.

As a Catholic, Jesuit college preparatory school, Bellarmine is distinctly formational and holistic in our approach. We blend the best of liberal arts with professional education exploration and real-world experience.

A C C E S S

ACADEMIC RIGOR

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE & CAREER READINESS

Holistic Student Success Bellarmine promotes holistic student success through our ACCESS Framework. We prioritize academic excellence, personal development and community involvement - each grounded in Jesuit values.

CO-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCES

College, Career & Life Readiness

ENCOUNTER

Bellarmine’s Jesuit values add a deeper dimension by integrating ethical, moral and spiritual perspectives. Students become men and women with a clear sense of purpose and dedication to making a difference in the world.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

SOCIALEMOTIONAL SUPPORT

The Career Pathways Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and structured approach to exploring various career fields. This program integrates academic coursework, co-curricular activities, and practical experiences to prepare students for both college and their future careers. We offer a variety of

career pathway opportunities for students, such as: • • • • • • •

Health and Wellness Information Technology Human Services Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurialism Arts and Communication Environmental Science and Sustainability Law and Government

Your future is unique. So is our counseling. At Bellarmine our expert counselors deliver personalized college prep strategies, combining deep knowledge, data-driven insights, and unwavering support to turn your ambitions into acceptances.

Student Athletic Training Bellarmine’s Student Athletic Training Program introduces students to sports medicine and offers practical experience in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. Guided by our athletic trainers, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of an athletic trainer and gain hands-on experience both in the training room and on the sidelines during games and practices.

Ignatian Discernment Experience in Action (IDEA) Internship Program The IDEA Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore career interests, reflect on real-world experiences and engage in meaningful vocational discernment during their time at Bellarmine.

Bellarmine students have the opportunity to connect with local professionals and alumni across a wide range of industries for handson experience in a particular field.

"We feel that this was a great opportunity as a Bellarmine business partner to directly work with Bellarmine students, and provide them great exposure on what a future in our industry could look like. We have many Bellarmine alumni in our company, and I can confidently say that we would have all loved to participate and benefit from this type of real world exposure during our time up on the hill."

— CONNOR O'BRIEN B'11, PATRIOT FIRE, BELL ARMINE BUSINESS PARTNER

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Development of the Whole Person The Jesuit concept of cura personalis or “care for the whole person,” is centric to our mission.

Bellarmine is dedicated to the development and care of each student’s spiritual, emotional, academic and social well-being.

Graduates experience God as one who accepts and loves them unconditionally; they also understand and respect their own and other’s religious traditions.

Ignatian Formation Bellarmine’s comprehensive, four-year Ignatian Formation program provides a unique experience for students grounded in Ignatian values with an emphasis on the development of the whole person.

This comprehensive approach includes: •

Spiritual growth

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Social-emotional learning

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Leadership development

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Service projects

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Social justice forums

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Academic and college readiness

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Ongoing student support

Ignatian Formation classes meet every other day, and consist of twenty to twenty-four students who stay together through their four-year journey, under the guidance of their faculty advisor and college counselor.

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Campus Ministry Rooted in our Catholic, Jesuit faith and inspired by the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we are called to embark on a journey that will transform our lives to be people for others.

We are invited to see God in all things. We are called to build our community rooted in love, faith and service.

Campus Ministry strengthens student life through faith formation, retreats, leadership opportunities, service, liturgies, spirituality and prayer. We encourage students to build their discernment of how they can use their gifts to serve others.

Bellarmine offers a four-year retreat program that is student led. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one grade level retreat per year. The retreat program provides students with reflective experiences to gain deeper insights into self-knowledge, sensitivity to others and faith in God. Each retreat is designed to provide time for students to share their insights and personal reflections in a Christian context.

Cura personalis or “care for the whole person,” is centric to our mission.

Faith that Lives Justice A Bellarmine graduate is a person for and with others.

Lions are prepared for life. Alumni take their place in the community as competent, compassionate and responsible leaders who live with a servant heart.

“Being a Lion to me means being a part of something greater than myself. It’s not just about excelling in the classroom or on the field, it means serving others without expecting anything in return.”

— ALFONZO AMARANTO B’26

Justice Summit

Multicultural Center

Each year, Bellarmine hosts a Justice Summit as part of the transformational experience within Jesuit education to start young men and women on an early path to awareness of social issues and global affairs, and to teach them how to become thoughtful leaders committed to changing the world.

Bellarmine is a Catholic, Jesuit high school that embraces students of all faiths, backgrounds, races and cultures, recognizing that we are all committed to the Bellarmine mission. We provide a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our community to grow in a shared mission of reconciliation and justice.

Our Multicultural Center highlights the richness of our school community by offering a welcoming space for students to connect, share their experiences and participate in discussions, clubs and other leadership activities that celebrate our commitment to mission and community.

Every year, Bellarmine hosts Multicultural Week, celebrating the diverse cultures within our Lion Community. Student leaders are an integral part of cultivating the multicultural assembly, cultural fair and a full community event featuring performances and global cuisine.

Bellarmine also hosts international students each year, enriching the global diversity of our campus.

Athletics: BeBellarmine Bellarmine Athletics has a long tradition of excellence. A Bellarmine athlete develops loyalty, pride, integrity and commitment. As athletes seek the challenges of competition, they learn that success demands the development and integration of physical skill and intellectual preparedness. Ingrained in BeBellarmine, our athletes showcase their God-given talents for the betterment of others - rather than their own glory.

BeBellarmine One Team. One Mission. One Family.

Fearless Competitors.

We are part of the Puget Sound League 3A Division. Bellarmine has won 60 State Titles and continues to be competitive in our athletic programs.

While balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, being a student-athlete motivates me to be the best version of myself.

I find inspiration in being a role model for my peers, embodying the Bellarmine Lion spirit through dedication, resilience and teamwork.

Through the connections between teachers, coaches, and athletes and the competitive games we play together, it brings a true sense of belonging and supportive community.

— JOSHUA MORALES B'27 PAG E 1 0

Co-Curriculars Programs Bellarmine provides distinguished programs that empower our students to apply their classroom knowledge and creativity to promote critical thinking and intellectual growth. Examples of our programs include: Award-Winning Robotics Program — Provides students with the opportunity to acquire valuable hands-on experience with problem solving and engineering.

Robotics operates through a worldwide program called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Robotics challenges students to work alongside mentoring industry professionals to gain real world engineering experience while innovating and implementing efficient design to meet the games' specific demands.

Award-Winning ModelUN — The mission of Model United Nations is to create an environment that nurtures global perspectives regarding challenges facing our world and inspires students to collaborate in addressing these issues through peaceful and constructive solutions.

Clubs Clubs and activities provide students with valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.

Committed to educating the whole person, we offer a diverse variety of clubs and activities to support the holistic development of our students by increasing self-awareness, building communities of support and promoting inclusion.

Our clubs are intentionally aligned with our career pathways.

Students have the opportunity to initiate new clubs as well as lead existing clubs.

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Performing Arts At Bellarmine, the performing arts are a vital component of our mission to educate the “whole person.” Our co-curriculars provide numerous opportunities for students to engage with the performing arts, reflecting our commitment to supporting students in exploring and nurturing their creative potential.

Music — Bellarmine’s award-winning Music Department offers the opportunity for students to develop their musical talent through instruments or with their voice.

Designed to emphasize both education and performance, this program develops high-caliber band, orchestra and choir ensembles. Through this approach, students are provided with a platform to integrate their musical abilities with academic, social, and athletic pursuits, enriching their overall engagement as a Bellarmine Lion.

Drama — The Drama program provides students with the opportunity to excel both on stage and behind the scenes.

Students engage in a variety of roles, including acting, set design, stage lighting, sound operation, costume and makeup design and promotional work. The program features two annual main stage productions, a dramatic play in the fall and a musical in the spring - along with Dramafest, which students write, direct and perform one-act plays.

Global Perspective: Where Classroom Learning Meets Community

Lifelong Learners, Thoughtful Citizens, Servant Leaders.

With a global perspective, students embrace service, experience and reflection. Our students have a multitude of opportunities to explore their strengths, interests, career aspirations and challenge themselves to grow both in and out of the classroom.

Bellarmine encourages each student to strive for excellence and demand more of themselves by embodying the five characteristics of the Graduate at Graduation: Intellectually Competent, Loving, Open to Growth, Religious, and

“Every time I say yes to a retreat, go on a service trip, serve at mass and practice cura personalis, I am saying yes to becoming who God wants me to be.”

— ALEXIS ACHZIGER B’27

Committed to Doing Justice. These traits stem from the Jesuit philosophy of pursuing the magis, or doing more for Christ and ultimately doing more for others.

Rooted in the Grad at Grad characteristic of being intellectually competent, Bellarmine students will develop many intellectual skills and understandings through all academic and co-curricular experiences.

Students will also develop habits of intellectual inquiry, as well as a disposition towards life-long learning.

Shaping Servant Leaders We shape servant leaders who can think strategically, solve problems creatively and lead effectively in a globalized world. As a Jesuit school, we embrace the term “glocal” (global and local). We walk beside our students as they develop their understanding and perspective both locally and globally. Our connection to the broader Jesuit network prepares students to develop the skills and competencies that are essential for the world of tomorrow: •

Cultural intelligence

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Communication

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Teamwork

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Problem-solving

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Strategic thinking

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Leadership

Bellarmine graduates are change agents, making a difference in organizations and communities and helping shape our world’s future.

Local Service Opportunities — Bellarmine students participate regularly in serving our local community in partnership with organizations like Nativity House, Operation Keep ‘Em Warm and Fed, L’Arche and the St. Leo Food Connection. Students have the opportunity to serve on campus as student leaders through academics, campus ministry and co-curriculars.

Local service opportunities are an integral part of a student's Bellarmine experience each school year.

International Service Opportunities — Bellarmine students have the opportunity to take part in transformational international service opportunities that inspire servant leadership. Bellarmine students can participate in Courts for Kids where they deepen their awareness of their place and responsibilities in our interconnected world. We offer multiple trips a year, to varying locations, where students get to build a multi-use sports court with the members of the community.

Academic Rigor & Excellence Bellarmine’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to prepare students for college, career and life guiding them as they work towards a college preparatory diploma.

In addition to our rigorous academic programs, Bellarmine has five full-time certified counselors who are dedicated to providing college, academic, personal and socialemotional support.

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Research & Scholarship

Learning That Prepares for Life.

Students live in a time when there is an increased need for interdisciplinary learning and understanding for how to navigate complex societal challenges and possibilities. At Bellarmine, we ensure that all students possess strong skills in applied problem solving, research and inquiry.

Earning College Credit at Bellarmine Bellarmine provides opportunities for students to earn college credit through both Central Washington University’s (CWU) and Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) College in the High School program. These courses are taught by Bellarmine teachers who have been certified through CWU and EWU. Dual enrollment with CWU and EWU prepares students for college and provides an excellent opportunity for students to earn college credits.

In addition to Bellarmine’s College in the High School program, Bellarmine also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses are challenging, college-level courses across a range of disciplines that are designed to help students develop academic skills recognized by colleges and universities. Colleges and universities utilize AP scores to determine whether to grant credit for AP courses once enrolled in college or university. Courses at Bellarmine can be cross-listed as both College in the High School and AP courses. Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to sit for the AP Exam administered in the spring.

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The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an international language certificate that recognizes and celebrates a student's level of proficiency in two or more languages. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is more than just a certification; it is a passport to opportunity. Bellarmine students earning qualifying scores on the AP Chinese, French, and Spanish Language exams are awarded the Global Seal of Biliteracy which serves a meaningful purpose in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Ethical Ecology Emphasis This multi-year program highlights areas of study and cultivates awareness among Bellarmine students to care for creation. Our focus is to develop student leadership with a focus on problem-solving and ecological stewardship. This endorsement requires that students complete work in three of the focus areas. Key focus areas include, but are not limited to, pollinators, habitat restoration, water resource management and sustainable agriculture practices. Students who successfully complete the E3 emphasis will be awarded a certificate from Bellarmine.

“Students are empowered to become environmental advocates in their communities. This program allows us to gain valuable knowledge and cultivates a sense of responsibility towards our planet, ensuring a brighter, greener future while caring for our common home!”

— FINN DRENNAN B’28

Marine Chemistry Marine Chemistry is a four-year scientific research program for highly capable students. This program is dedicated to the protection of the environment and enables students to engage in scientific research that identifies solutions to environmental challenges and helps create a healthier, better world for all its inhabitants. Students will engage in exciting, original scientific research beyond the traditional classroom environment and will showcase their findings at a symposium in their senior year.

Capstone The Capstone research program is an independent, comprehensive exploration of a student's passion or area of interest.

Over the course of this three-year program, students develop advanced research skills that align with college-level standards and deliver their findings to the Bellarmine community during their senior year.

The goals for the Capstone research program are to: •

Provide students the opportunity to dive deep in an area of interest or passion that goes beyond the core curriculum.

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Promotes meaningful connections between students’ high school education and their future academic pursuits and career pathways.

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Intentionally and deliberately encourages essential skills, competencies and perspectives to support growth and development of the student.

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Provide opportunities for students to distinguish themselves in college applications.

Academic Center of Excellence The Academic Center of Excellence (ACE) is a dynamic learning center designed to facilitate and enhance student learning. This multifaceted space serves as an extension of the classroom and offers multiple pathways of scholarship and support to our students.

The ACE serves as a central hub for student success and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment. This space is designed to support group collaboration and quiet individual study.

Students have access to our Educational Technology team for immediate technical support and printing service. Whether seeking mentorship, tutoring or personalized assistance, the ACE is there to help each student reach their full potential.

"At Bellarmine, academic excellence goes beyond the classroom. Our Academic Center of Excellence is a dynamic space designed to support every student's learning journey.

Whether you need academic

Ignatian Global Scholars (IGS)

coaching, extended testing time, or collaborative study spaces, the ACE provides the resources and support to help all students accelerate. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to fostering a learning environment where every student is empowered to strive for more by accessing the tools and strategies for continuous growth. At Bellarmine, we care for the whole person— intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.”

— KRISTEN GORMLEY, B’86 | ACE DIRECTOR - FACULT Y

The mission of the IGS program is to create an opportunity for students to engage in a multi-year emphasis with existent, ongoing experiences, that form global citizens for and with others. This offers a path to acknowledge, celebrate and deepen the holistic and global dimensions of Bellarmine’s programs, ministries and curricula.

The IGS Certificate is the first program of its kind that provides student recognition from the Jesuit School Network. Bellarmine

students who earn the IGS Certificate are individuals who continuously seek to deepen their awareness of their place and responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world, both locally and globally, who stand in solidarity with others in the pursuit of a sustainable earth and more humane world.

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Be Fearless.

Become a Lion.

B E L L A R M I N E P R E P. O R G | 2 5 3 . 7 5 6 . 3 8 7 8 Bellarmine Preparatory School is a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition of education.

2300 S Washington St, Tacoma, WA 98405 Questions? Contact Admissions@bellarmineprep.org