Bellarmine College Preparatory: A Legacy of Jesuit Education

Bellarmine College Preparatory, located in San Jose, California, stands as a distinguished all-boys Jesuit high school. Attracting students from across Silicon Valley, San Francisco, the East Bay, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and beyond, Bellarmine is rooted in the Catholic tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The school's mission is to educate young men to seek justice and truth throughout their lives.

A Historical Overview

Early Beginnings and Evolution

Bellarmine's history traces back to 1851 when it was founded as Santa Clara College by Fr. John Nobili, S.J., and his companions. Initially, it served as a school for both secondary and college-age students. In 1912, the institution was divided into two separate entities: Santa Clara University and Santa Clara Prep. For thirteen years, both schools shared the same campus. In 1925, the secondary school acquired land from the University of the Pacific (then known as the College of the Pacific) for $77,500 and relocated to its present College Park campus. The renovated school opened its doors in 1926, welcoming a student body of 200. Finally, in 1928, the school was renamed Bellarmine College Preparatory, honoring St. Robert Bellarmine.

Expansion and Development

Over the years, Bellarmine has seen significant developments and expansions. The first major fund drive was launched to pay for school. Volunteers from Holy Names Society, Philomathea, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mrs. Tom Carstens donated the Shrine of St. Bellarmine Boosters Club was formed to support athletic endeavors. Fr. Jack Sneeringer, S.J., was appointed to serve as finance director. Bellarmine Associates were organized to provide financial support to the school. Frost and Margaret Snyder donated St. Fr. Sneeringer and friends began BASH (Building A Scholastic Heritage), which grew into a very successful fundraiser, later co-sponsored by Charles Wright, St.

In 2011, the Lorry I. Lokey Academic Center was completed, thanks to a $15 million gift from the family of Lorry I. Lokey, the philanthropist and founder of Business Wire. This donation marked the single largest gift in the school's history.

A Metropolitan Community

The College Park Caltrain station, adjacent to the campus since its inception, has been a historic presence for Bellarmine’s metropolitan community. Over 140 students commute to school daily from areas spanning from San Mateo County to Gilroy, utilizing the train service timed to coincide with the school's hours.

Academics and Curriculum

Bellarmine's comprehensive curriculum ensures that students benefit from the historic strengths of Jesuit education, emphasizing inquiry, experience, action, and reflection. While college preparatory courses in traditional academic disciplines form the foundation of the academic program, students can explore a broad range of elective offerings in areas such as English, science, business, health/fitness, social studies, and the arts. Community service programs and religious education are integral to the curriculum.

As of 2020, Bellarmine's enrollment size is approximately 1,655 students, with an average class size of 22.5 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. For the Class of 2019, 99.2% of students went on to attend college.

Jesuit Identity and Values

Bellarmine is proud to be the first Jesuit high school in California and the second Jesuit high school west of the Mississippi. The school carries forward a long tradition of faith, leadership, and academic excellence. A community of Jesuits lives on campus, offering weekly Mass in Leontyne Chapel and all-school liturgies throughout the year. Through ongoing formation and personal commitment, Bellarmine’s faculty and staff strive to bring St. Ignatius’ vision to life.

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. As a Catholic, Jesuit school, Bellarmine cherishes its faith while embracing students from all religious backgrounds. The religious studies curriculum, retreats, and interfaith events help students explore their spirituality.

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics

Bellarmine offers a wide array of extracurricular activities and athletic programs. The school's Speech and Debate Team is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. In 2021, their policy debate team was ranked #1 after winning the triple crown (NDCA Championship, Tournament of Champions (debate) and NDSA Nationals), and in 2025, Bellarmine Speech and Debate was ranked #1 in the US according to the NSDA.

Read also: Bellarmine University Bookstore

The Bells Football team represents Bellarmine in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) of the CIF Central Coast Section. As of 2021, Bellarmine led the CIF Central Coast Section with 140 Division 1 titles. The Bellarmine's 2002 varsity soccer team had a perfect 25-0-0 season.

The Bellarmine Robotics Team, Team 254: The Cheesy Poofs, is world-ranked. Competing in both FTC and FRC divisions, the team has won the World Chairman's Award (the highest award in FIRST) in 2004 and has secured five individual World Championships in 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2022. The team also holds the record for most regional events won, with 44 regional wins. In 2014, the team won three regionals, the Curie Division, and the World Championships. In 2008, Bellarmine first entered VEX Robotics and in 2009-2010 won 16 regional competitions, including 7 international competitions. In the 2010-2011 season, Bellarmine's VEX team 254A won the VEX World Excellence Award.

Bellarmine began its own radio station, KBCP The Bell, in 2008. It operates as a legal, unlicensed station at 1650 AM, reaching a 1-mile radius of the school.

Community and Traditions

Bellarmine's impact extends far beyond its campus. Each year, students support local organizations through initiatives like the Winter Warmth Drive and Spring Food Drive, as well as through required service hours. The Bellarmine Mothers' Guild (BMG) coordinates several events each year, while the Dads’ Club is a service-minded organization with its mission to aid in the development of "men for and with others."

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.

Read also: Tuition at Bellarmine

Notable Alumni

Bellarmine is reputed for its graduates’ contributions and influence in the Bay Area. The school's list of notable alumni includes 4 Olympians (with six Gold Medals combined), 2 living Billionaires, 3 Mayors of San Jose, the former team owners of the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, 3 World Series Champions, 5 Super Bowl Champions, 1 Academy-Award Winner, 1 Pulitzer Prize Winner, 28 Professional MLB athletes, numerous award-winning authors, and several state politicians.

tags: #bellarmine #college #preparatory #history