B
i s h o p
O’Dowd HIGH
SCHOOL
Experience O’Dowd
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Our Charism Finding God in all things calls us to Community in Diversity Strength of Character Kinship with Creation Social Justice Joy
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Excellence
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Engagement
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Exploration
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Community
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Joy
E ducating S tudents
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Transfor m
the
World
Dear Students and Parents,
Thank you for your interest in Bishop O’Dowd High School, which has more than 13,000
alumni. We invite you to explore our community in this viewbook, on our website, or with a visit to our campus. O’Dowd is truly unique because of our broad range of excellent programs that provide a holistic Catholic education in a peer community of unmatched ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. The strength of our readily available professional faculty and staff, our personal care, and moral guidance add priceless value. No wonder students thrive at O’Dowd! Our bright, healthy, goal-oriented students come from throughout the East Bay and the world. They have the guidance of our faculty, counselors, campus ministers, coaches and activity moderators who focus on intellectual, personal, spiritual and character growth. Excellence, world-class technology, and inviting facilities support O’Dowd students and faculty. Our school leadership focuses on providing the best education possible to prepare students for upcoming decades. We are most proud of our students, faculty and staff who model our core values. These values begin with finding God in all things, fostering community in our diversity, strengthening our character, living in kinship with creation, and fostering social justice, so that we may always live joyful lives. Sincerely, Stephen Phelps, Ed.D. President Joe Salamack III, M.A. Principal
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Experience Tradition HISTORY AND TRADITION OF BISHOP O’DOWD HIGH SCHOOL
Bishop O’Dowd High School was established in Sep-
tember 1951 by the Archdiocese of San Francisco as a Catholic memorial high school named in honor of Bishop James T. O’Dowd. The school opened with 120 freshmen with a faculty of two priests and four Dominican sisters. In September 1952, classes met for the first time on the present campus, and one class was added each year until the school reached capacity enrollment with its first graduates in 1955. In 1993, a two-story, ten classroom building was added followed by a 325 seat performing arts center, which opened in April of 2000.
Today’s student body includes 1,125 young men and
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women served by 120 full-time educators and staff and 80 part-time coaches and staff. O’Dowd is unique in providing an excellent digital age college preparatory education to a student body of unmatched ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. Objective value and quality indicators are high SAT scores and a high admittance rate of O’Dowd graduates to the UC system, placing O’Dowd in the top five percent of all public, Catholic and independent high schools in Northern California. More than 99 percent of Bishop O’Dowd High School graduates enroll in colleges and universities in California and across the nation. For a more detailed history please go to the “About” menu at www.bishopodowd.org.
Experience the Best The BEST EDUCATION for an Age of Unprecedented Change
We promise to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities unique to their generation. Our professional, caring teachers, advanced curriculum and technology enable students to grow in critical thinking, media literacy, creativity, leadership, character and teamwork, in short the human development that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of a new age.
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Experience CURRICULUM THAT ACCELERATES INTELLIGENCE
O’Dowd’s curriculum includes all levels of math, science, English, four languages, social
and religious studies, comprehensive physical education, computer programming, multimedia design courses and fully integrated arts, music and drama programs. Outstanding teachers, partnering with parents, advanced technology, extraordinary academic support, and the effective use of web and digital tools support student learning. The school offers a limited number of online courses and anticipates future online learning opportunities.
ALL GRADUATES QUALIFIED FOR THE UC SYSTEM
O’Dowd’s graduation requirements go beyond what is required by the UC system. Nearly 60 percent of O’Dowd 6
graduates are admitted to the UC system each year, though many choose a private university. For more information see the “Admissions” page at www.bishopodowd.org
Academics
HONORS AND AP COURSES
Every department, except Religious Studies and Physical Education, offers honors and Advanced Placement courses. These classes meet the requirements for select colleges, fulfill graduation requirements and challenge students to develop greater depth in a range of subjects. Many students in the honors and AP programs have already completed one or two semesters of college by graduation. Honors Courses
Honors English 1 Honors English 2 Honors English 3 Honors French 3 Savoir Lire: Introduction to French Readings Honors Italian 3 Honors Italian 4 Honors Spanish 3 Honors Geometry Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Chemistry Honors Physics Honors Geo-History
AP Courses
AP English AP Studio Art AP French Language AP French Literature AP Spanish Language AP Spanish Literature AP Computer Science AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP Statistics AP Biology AP Environmental Science AP United States History AP American Government AP Comparative Government AP Psychology
THE O’DOWD EXPERIENCE IS MUCH MORE THAN TEST SCORES
Students achieve their potential within a culture of
rigor, innovation, personal care and attention to detail. The consistent excellence of teaching in every subject and our array of engaging electives and advanced courses prepare each student for a challenging future. Student instruction, designed to prepare for the modern university, takes place in classrooms that average 24 students, in smaller seminars, in occasional college lecture hall formats and online.
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Experience
At O’Dowd, students use digital devices to accelerate
intelligence. We train students for media literacy and advise parents and students on how to self manage the distractions of social media. WITH TECHNOLOGY, STUDENTS: l Accelerate
intelligence community l Think critically l Develop media literacy l Stay organized l Learn to manage distraction l Value Innovation and creativity l Use E-Books to lighten their load! l Build
1 : 1 LAPTOP PROGRAM Bishop O’Dowd High School is a 1-1 Laptop school. All students are required to bring an approved laptop or tablet device for daily instruction. To fulfill this requirement students must participate in one of the following plans:
1. Purchase or lease a school-provided and supported Toshiba Tablet laptop. 2. Bring to school an approved PC or Apple Mac laptop or approved tablet that the family has purchased and supports. Students will pay a modest yearly fee that funds e-books, service for software related issues, and to ensure that loaners are available when the family is servicing the student laptop.
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WITH TECHNOLOGY, PARENTS:
l Access
course assignments 24/7 l Access grades 24/7 l Helps students distraction l Save money through E-Books l Have daily access to faculty, counselors and administrators
*For detailed information on approved laptops and tablets devices and Frequently Asked Questions about the 1:1 Laptop Program, please visit the “Technology” menu at www.bishopodowd.org
Technology
BISHOP O’DOWD HIGH SCHOOL IS A FULLY WIRELESS CAMPUS
ALL CLASSROOMS are equipped with: • Ceiling-mounted LCD wireless projectors • Large projection screens • BOSE sound systems • Voice-over-IP phones
ALL TEACHERS meet or exceed the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS), and: • Maintain a Blackboard site • Use PowerSchool for online grading and attendance • Incorporate technology into their class design and instruction • Use school-provided laptop computers
A staff of four full-time adult professionals and a student tech squad open to new and current students supports campus technology needs. Two of these adult professionals staff the Technology Support Center. Teacher and student technology training is offered on a regular basis.
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Experience
COUNSELING AT O’DOWD
More Than Traditional College Advice
O’Dowd offers students academic, college and personal
counseling and support for students with documented learning differences. Our educators and counselors work together to guide students in matching their goals and college and career preferences with their interests and skills.
Counseling
for students begins with summer pre-orientation meetings with parents, students and counselors. Focused college counseling begins in sophomore year, with multiple measures of student interest, and continues with SAT/ACT prep and college selection activities through junior and senior year.
The Counseling Department sets up weekly visits by representa-
tives of numerous colleges as well as College Information Nights, a College Financial Aid Workshop and other workshops and informational sessions throughout the year. Services offered: • • • • • •
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Personal counseling Academic counseling and support College & career counseling Learning Differences Program Career Partnerships Program International student support programs
The Career Partnerships Experience • Multiple opportunities to meet and shadow professionals • Visit local universities • Participate in activities to prepare for the professional world • Build communication and networking skills • Reflect on those important experiences
For a complete listing of the student support services please visit the “Counseling Page” at www.bishopodowd.org
Support Athletics ACADEMIC SUPPORT
At Bishop O’Dowd High School, academic and cognitive diversity enriches our community. We welcome students
with all kinds of minds and we provide a system of supports to enable everyone to be and feel successful. Our academic support is comprised of ten programs, differentiated by their purpose and intended constituencies.
Support Services Offered l l l l l l l l l l
Tutoring on Demand (Peer tutoring) Catch-Up Support Planning (CUSP)
Dragon Success (organizational support) Final Exam Preparation Workshop Intensive Study Program (ISP) CORE
English Language Learners (ELL)
Learning Disability/Attention Deficit (LD/ADHD) Program Project Eye-to-Eye
Support for Student Athletes and Performers
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Experience
SOCIAL JUSTICE ON CAMPUS Campus Ministry and Service Learning The Campus Ministry Department leads and designs student retreats, liturgies and prayer services, charity fund-raising among students, service learning and immersions. All students share in the traditions of the Catholic faith while celebrating the religious diversity of our community.
A hallmark of our religious education is the respect offered to non-Catholic students who are encouraged to grow in their own spiritual traditions. Our programs develop students of competence, conscience and compassion. Service Learning Service learning combines students doing volunteer service in the community with reflection and classroom connections in order to deepen understanding. Every student must complete a minimum of 100 hours of service throughout a four-year program. Immersions
Immersions
are intensive service retreats where participants “immerse� themselves in a situation outside their experience. Each trip addresses social justice, simple living, spirituality, community and service within the local context. Immersion trips are open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors. Past immersion destinations have included New Orleans, inner city areas in California, and Mexico.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious Studies courses focus on Catholic tra-
ditions and scripture, moral development and ethics, adolescent development and relationships, and spirituality and social issues. Classes enhance student understanding of the roles of religion, ethics, prayer, spirituality and service in shaping our own lives and our contemporary society.
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Christian Sexuality Hebrew Scriptures Christian Scriptures The Catholic Experience Christian Morality Peace & Justice Atheism and Faith Religions of the World Living and Dying Marriage and Family Bio-Ethics Ethics and Media Christian Service Project Theological Research
Faith CAMPUS MINISTRY PROGRAMS INCLUDE: l
Schoolwide liturgies and daily prayer
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Day, Overnight and Kairos retreats
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Class Campus Ministry Teams
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Service Learning Program totaling 100 hours over four years
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Summer Immersion Programs
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Campus wide social Justice Fundraisers
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Sophomore immersion with St. Anthony’s Foundation in San Francisco
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Experience
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS Bishop O’Dowd High School students may enroll in the following courses: l Ceramics l Drawing l Painting
l Photography l Computer l Studio
Art l Concert, Jazz and Symphonic Band l Digital Music l String Orchestra l Instrumental Ensemble l Chorus l Drama l Producing a Play l Theater Design l Theater Production Students also have the option of participating in our Award winning, professional quality musicals and plays.
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the Arts
Portfolio Enriched art electives prepare students for a wide range of college majors and careers. Students who participate in upper level courses create a portfolio for their resume that can add an extra dimension to their college application. Recent graduates have earned acceptance to the top art and drama programs in the country based on their portfolios and auditions.
The F ine Arts curriculum deepens intelligence and prepares all students for a design-driven world.
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Experience
O’Dowd prides itself in meeting a diverse range of student interests. Our clubs include the Cali-
fornia State Champion Speech and Debate program, our award winning Mock Trial Team, Junior Statesmen, Key Club, intramurals and more than 50 other clubs that invite students to develop their interests, abilities and leadership skills while having fun.
In addition to clubs, the year is filled with activities. A highlight of the school year is Spirit Week, which promotes school unity, spirit and community. Other events include Respect and Connect Week, a schoolwide dodgeball tournament, Multicultural Week and Assembly, and the Black History Month Assembly. Dances and formals are held throughout the year, culminating with our Junior Prom and Senior Ball, both held in the spring.
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Student Life STUDENT ACTIVITIES A Partial List of Student Organizations AnimeĂŠ l Asian Student Alliance l Badminton Club l Band l Black Student Union l Celtic Club l Chess Club l Chorus l Computer Programming l Country Music Appreciation l CSF l Dragon Ambassadors l Earthbound l Esoterikos l Fall Plays/Spring Musical l Film Club l French Society l Improv & Drama l Indian Club l Interact l Jazz Band l Jewish Club l Junior Statesmen of America l Key Club l Latinos Unidos l Little Italy l Math Club l Mock Trial l National Honor Society l Orchestra l Photography l Polynesian Club l Robotics Club l Ski Club l Speech and Debate l Spring Musical l Student Council l
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Experience
Bishop O’Dowd High School is known throughout California for its tradition of athletic and aca-
demic excellence. Each year between 20 and 25 seniors earn athletic scholarships from great 4-year universities. Many of these seniors receive additional scholarship money because of their high academic standing.
More
than 800 student-athletes participate in 16 interscholastic sports on 57 teams. Through dedication, hard work and a commitment of excellence O’Dowd continues to foster
DRAGON PRIDE!
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A lunchtime Intramurals Program complements interscholastic sports.
Athletics l
Fall Sports
Boys: Cross Country, Football and Water Polo Girls: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Volleyball, Water Polo, Tennis and Golf l
Winter Sports
Boys: Basketball and Soccer Girls: Cheerleading, Basketball and Soccer l
Spring Sports
Boys: Baseball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Track & Field, Swimming, Golf and Tennis Girls: Softball, Lacrosse, Rugby, Track & Field and Swimming
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Experience Diversity Other Religious 7%
Public/ Charter 26%
Private 24%
Previous School Types Catholic School 44% Asian American/ Native Pacific Islander American 11% 1% Latino American Other 12% 13%
Geography North East Bay: Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond and Emeryville
Northern 925 Corridor: Danville, Alamo, Moraga, San Ramon, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Antioch and Pittsburg
4%
2%
Alameda and West Bay
10%
Ethnicity
Central East Bay: San Leandro, Oakland and Piedmont
BOD
African American 19%
64%
South East Bay: Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Fremont and beyond
Southern 925 Corridor: Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore
2%
16%
European American 43%
Roman Catholic 55%
Middle Eastern 1%
International students come from China and East Asia, the European Union and South America
Religion
Christian 30%
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OVER 70 SCHOOLS SEND STUDENTS TO O’DOWD EACH YEAR
Muslim 1%
Other, including Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu Jewish 10% 4%
Experience Family EXPERIENCE O’DOWD...AS A PARENT
Dragon Parent Services and Activities l Hospitality Welcome Events Teen Challenge Program
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Fundraising
Golf Classic Tournament Spring Auction
Dragon Bakers l Caring Committee l Team Parents l Theater Parents l Counseling l
College Counseling Study Skills Tutor
Drama l Music l
Get started!
Contact the Dragon Parents at dragonparents@bishopodowd.org Dragon Athletic Boosters
Support 800 students on 57 teams through fundraising l Provide feedback on coaching staff l Promote Dragon Pride l Host our traditional Crab and Pasta Feed l
Academic Volunteerism l Career Day l Service Learning Projects l Campus Ministry l Living Lab l Mock Trial l Reduce, Reuse, Recycle To get involved, go to www.bishopodowd.org, “Parents” and “Volunteers” sections.
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Experience PROFILE OF THE CLASS OF 2010
Number of Graduates: 296
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Number attending college: 294
AVERAGE SAT SCORES Critical Reading Math O’Dowd Top 85 642 644 O’Dowd All Seniors 561 566 California Average 500 513 l
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In
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Writing 640 576 498
Total 1926 1703 1511
COMPARE O’DOWD TO OTHER TOP BAY AREA HIGH SCHOOLS The top 85 seniors of the Class of 2010, equivalent in number of students in entire senior classes of top-tier independent schools in Oakland and San Francisco, have comparable mean scores to these elite schools. 95 percent of O’Dowd’s graduates were admitted to a 4-year college in 2010. More than 125 of the 260 graduates of the Class of 2009 were admitted to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis and UC San Diego, which admit only 18 percent of their applicants. In 2009 nearly 60 percent of O’Dowd’s graduates were admitted to the nine campuses of the UC system, placing O’Dowd in the top five percent of all public, Catholic and independent high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each year, about 300 students sit for an average of two or more AP exams and an average of 200 students sit for two or more SAT II subject tests. the past three years students were admitted to the following colleges and universities:
Academy of Art University American University Arizona State Barnard Bates Bennington Boston College Boston University Bowdoin Brown Bryn Mawr Bucknell California Lutheran University California College of the Arts California State Universities: l Channel Islands l Chico l East Bay l Fresno l Fullerton l Humboldt l Monterey Bay l Northridge l Pomona l Sacramento l San Diego l San Francisco l San Jose l San Luis Obispo l Sonoma l Stanislaus
California Institute of Technology Cambridge University, England Carleton Carnegie Mellon Case Western Chaminade University Chapman Chicago State University Claremont McKenna Clark Clemson Colgate Colorado College Columbia Connecticut College Cornell University Creighton University Dartmouth DePaul Dickenson Dillard Dominican Emerson College Emory University Fordham Franklin Marshall George Washington Georgetown Gonzaga Goucher Grambling Grinnell Hamilton
Harvard Hawaii Pacific Hofstra Holy Cross Holy Names Howard Ithaca Johns Hopkins Kalamazoo College Knox College Langston University Lehigh University Lewis & Clark Linfield College Loyola College Loyola Marymount Macalester Marist Marquette University Marymount Marymount Manhattan Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury Michigan State Mills College Montana State Mount Holyoke New Mexico State New Mexico Tech New York University Northeastern Northwestern Notre Dame de Namur Oberlin
Occidental Ole Miss Oregon State Pace University Pacific University Penn State Pepperdine Pitzer Pomona Portland State Princeton Purdue Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers St. Andrew’s St. John’s, New Mexico St. Louis University St. Martin’s University St. Mary’s College Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence Scripps Seattle University Siena College Sierra College Skidmore Smith Southern Methodist Southern University Spelman Stanford Syracuse Texas A & M University Trinity
Tufts Tulane United States Military Academy at West Point United States Naval Academy University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of British Columbia University of Chicago University of Colorado, Boulder University of British Columbia Universities of California: l Berkeley l Davis l Irvine l Los Angeles l Merced l Riverside l San Diego l Santa Barbara l Santa Cruz University of Illinois, Chicago University of Maine University of Maryland University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Michigan University of Montana University of Nevada,
Reno University of North Carolina University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pacific University of Pennsylvania University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Utah University of Vermont University of Victoria, British Columbia University of Virginia University of Washington University of WisconsinMadison Vassar Villanova Virginia Polytechnic State University (Virginia Tech) Washington University in St. Louis Wheaton Whitman Whittier Williamette Wooster Xavier Yale
Success
COST OF ATTENDING BISHOP O’DOWD
Sending your child to Bishop O’Dowd High School represents a significant financial commitment. In order to facilitate your financial planning the figures below will help you to estimate the cost of attending O’Dowd in 2011-2012. l 2010-11 Tuition: $13,840 l 2010-11 l 2010-11
Registration: $ 1,000 Books (estimate): $ 400
Laptop Costs for 2011-12
1. If you choose Plan 1, the cost for the laptop with e-books will be a maximum of $1,900. (See page 8) or go to www.bishopodowd.org, and click on technology. 2. If you choose Plan 2, a school-approved PC or Apple laptop or tablet device that the family has purchased and supports, you will pay a modest yearly fee of up to $300 to download required e-books and software and to ensure that loaners are available when the family is servicing the student laptop. For more information go to www.bishopodowd.org, and click on technology. Parents are asked to make a tax-deductible pledge of $1,250 per year or more to bridge gap between the actual cost of an O’Dowd education and the tuition charged. Those who are unable to donate that amount are asked to pledge what they can afford.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available to all students with demonstrated financial need. For 2010-11 we have awarded $2.1 million in tuition assistance to 345 students. The average grant was almost $6,000. It is a goal of the school administration and the Board of Regents to give qualified students, regardless of financial resources, an opportunity to attend Bishop O’Dowd High School. Tuition assistance application forms for the 201112 school year will be available beginning January 5, 2011, and can be picked up from the Business Office in Dominican Hall or printed from out site. The deadlines for turning in completed tuition assistance applications for the 2011-12 school year is February 4, 2011, for incoming freshmen and transfer students. For further information please contact the Business Office at 510-577-9100, ext. 171. All inquiries are strictly confidential. A limited of merit scholarships will be awarded. For more information visit “Admissions” at www.bishopodowd.org
Tuition
for
2011-2012
will be announced in February of 2011. A non-refundable deposit reserves a student’s place for the following academic year.
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Experience O’Dowd
HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
Bishop O’Dowd High School’s application is online at www.bishopodowd.org under the ADMISSIONS page. The cost for applying is $90 prior to December 10, 2010. After December 10, 2010, the cost increases to $120. The application fee includes the cost for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS Supplemental forms from all applicants are due February 4, 2011, including: 1. Recommendations from the applicant’s clergy, school teachers, counselors and principals 2. Previous two years school transcripts, plus fall semester 2010.
These forms are available online at www.bishopodowd.org, on the “ADMISSIONS” page. Please provide the school and your clergy stamped envelopes addressed to: Office of Admissions Bishop O’Dowd High School 9500 Stearns Avenue Oakland, CA 94605
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) must be taken by all incoming freshmen and students transferring into the 10th grade. The test date for the 2011-2012 school year is: Saturday, January 8, 2011. l Campus Tours and Class Visits
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (register online beginning September 2010) l Shadow Visits October 12, 26; November 9, 16; December 8, 2010; January 11, 26; February 8, 22, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.(register online beginning September, 2010) l Applications available, apply online September 5, 2010 l OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 7, 2010 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Register online for the event beginning September, 2010 l Application and non-refundable $90 fee due Friday, December 10, 2010 ($120 if received after 12/11/10 postmark) The application automatically registers the applicant for the HSPT (High School Placement Test) l HSPT (High School Placement Test) Prep Course December 18, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Bishop O’Dowd High School, open to all prospective students l HSPT (High School Placement Test) January 8, 2011 8:00 a.m. for 9th and 10th graders, administered on this date only l Supplemental Recommendation forms due February 4, 2011 Recommendation forms due, including previous two years, fall 2010 semester grades and clergy recommendations l Tuition Assistance forms due February 4, 2011 l PRACTICE HSPT (High School Placement Test) for 7th Graders May 14, 2011 8:00 a.m. – noon, register online l Admission Decisions March 18, 2011 Admission decisions and registration information materials mailed l New Student Registration March 26, 2011 24 9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m