Class of 2028 Enrollment Manual

Six Steps to Enrolling

You can now enroll as a student at Bellarmine!

Let the following pages help you navigate the process.

Bellarmine uses an online enrollment and a 3rd party tuition management systems. The $1,650 nonrefundable deposit (which is part of the $29,045 tuition fee) is due Tuesday, March 26th, and must be paid using the process outlined below to secure a place in the freshman class.

As part of Bellarmine’s 1:1 program, the school will issue a tablet device to each freshman in early June. While the cost of the device is included in the cost of tuition, there is an annual fee of $90 for the tablet insurance program. This fee is due with the first tuition payment.

Go to bcp.org/bell2028, click on the “Enroll” button and use your Ravenna account information to log in.

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

Acknowledge the Tuition Management Terms & Conditions.

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

Enroll with Blackbaud Tuition Management (BTM), 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 one time $50 fee is assessed by Tuition Management when opting for 2 or 11 payments.

** Please note Tuition Management assesses an additional 3.12% fee for using a debit or credit card.

Please note no student is officially enrolled until steps 3-5 are fully completed.

Submit course preferences through the Enrollment System, beginning on March 15th. 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 Modern & Classical Languages courses. You must submit your course preferences by 11:59 p.m. on March 26th.

Mark Your Calendar!

MARCH

15th: Enrollment System opens

20th: New Bell Welcome on campus, registration required

21st: Families of Color Welcome

26th: Deposit due to secure enrollment

APRIL

1st: English and Math ALEKS assessment period opens at 3 p.m.

10th: French, Latin, Mandarin, & Spanish

Language placement exams in O’Donnell Hall

14th: Incoming Freshman Family BBQ

17th: Final day to submit application for English 1 Honors, Percussion, and Rhetoric

19th: Math ALEKS assessment period closes at 9:59 p.m.

MAY

JUNE

1st: Magnus Health forms due for student athletes

5th: Freshmen Surface Pro pick-up (9-11 a.m.; 3-5 p.m.)

6th: Freshmen Surface Pro pick-up (9-11 a.m.; 3-5 p.m.)

11th: First Day of Summer Programs and Bell Prep

14th: Final 8th grade transcript is due

30th: All health information is due.

Login to PowerSchool to access Magnus Health.

JULY

Week of the 15th: Schedules released

(if health forms and the final transcript from middle school have been submitted)

19th: Last day of Summer Programs and Bell Prep

AUGUST

11th: Get Acquainted Picnic (GAP) & Mass

14th: Freshman Orientation (Required)

15th: First Day of Classes

19th: Mass of the Holy Spirit, Dress Up Day

22nd: Back to School Night

For more details on these events, go to bcp.org/bell2028.

Transportation

Bellarmine students matriculate from over 200 schools across the Bay Area and choose to make the commute to campus utilizing a wide variety of transportation options. In recent years, students have come from Santa Cruz, Hollister, Pleasanton, Hayward, San Francisco and all areas in between. The school’s location is less than two miles from Highways 87, 280, 880 and 101.

Information on multiple transportation options for your family (Carpooling, CalTrain, VTA Bus) can be found at bcp.org/ transportation. Below is recently updated information on the Bellarmine Bus Program.

Bellarmine Bus Program

New Routes, New Providers

For the 2024-2025 school year, Bellarmine is proud to announce expanded options to help families with their home-toschool transportation needs.

Bellarmine offers four routes in the South Bay Almaden to Bellarmine. This will be our third year running this route. The school bus picks up at the VTA bus stop on Almaden and Blossom Hill at 7:45 a.m., with drop off at Bellarmine at approximately 8:15 a.m. (Depending on registration numbers, we are exploring the possibility of adding an earlier stop at Almaden and Camden at 7:30 a.m.)

Silver Creek to Bellarmine. This will be our second year running this route, and in 2024-25, we have a new provider servicing this route. The school bus will pick up in the parking lot on the corner of Aborn and Capitol at 7:30 a.m. (Depending on registration numbers, we are exploring the possibility of adding an earlier stop at Silver Creek Community Market at 7:20 a.m ) These are new pick up times for 2024-25, which will reliably allow the school bus to arrive on campus by 8:15 a.m.

Los Altos/Cupertino to Bellarmine. As of February 2024, Bellarmine is providing van transportation from Los Altos (7:30 a.m. pick up at Andronico’s at Magdalena and Foothill) with a pick up in Cupertino (7:45 a.m. at Homestead Square Shopping Center). The school vans arrive to Bellarmine at approximately 8:15 a.m.

Fremont to Bellarmine: This will be a new route in 2024-25. Depending on registration, our plans are to offer a South Fremont pick up at Warm Springs BART station (estimated pick up 7:30 a.m.) with a pick up in Milpitas at the Great Mall (estimated 7:45 a.m.). Arrival is anticipated at Bellarmine at 8:15 a.m

All of these routes are dependent on registration. The school needs a minimum of 24 registered students to run each route (6 students for Los Altos van service).

Due to the variety of co-curricular activities in which our students participate and the various ending times of those activities, transportation is only offered to school in the morning.

Participation in the Bellarmine Bus/Van Program is $1,500 per student for the school year. Registration will open in midMay.

If you have not already contacted the Office of Accessible Education and if your student has academic, social, or physical accommodations and/or needs in their present school setting, it is important that you confirm availability of necessary adjustments and services to support them at Bellarmine.

Please contact Katie Hogan, Director of the Office of Accessible Education at khogan@bcp.org prior to accepting your offer of admission.

Scheduling Philosophy

Bellarmine College Preparatory is devoted to living out our Jesuit mission to provide a quality formative education that is both caring and challenging, which is a defining hallmark of our school. As such, Bellarmine maintains a philosophy and practice in our scheduling process that best serves our students in their whole being.

As experienced educators, counselors, and administrators, we understand adolescents and how to support them in their aspirations to develop leadership, engage in co-curricular activities, and excel in the classroom, all while caring for their social and spiritual growth. Thus, our scheduling practice is rooted with great intention, beginning upon admittance, and continuing with our annual counseling presentations in upcoming years. All of this is to ensure appropriate course placement for the student, which satisfies Bellarmine’s graduation requirements and will prepare them for post-secondary choices. Scheduling courses so students can fully utilize their God-given talents and whole-heartedly participate in our rich academic environment and co-curricular offerings is key to our mission.

For incoming 9th graders, most of the courses are pre-determined. Only during their 9th grade year students are required to take seven (7) courses each semester. Below is a break-down of year-long and semester courses students will take as firstyear students.

All students take the following year-long courses:

Hebrew Scriptures/Christian Scriptures

English (students interested in English 1 Honors will complete an assessment for enrollment – space is limited)

Modern and Classical Languages (preference noted by student)

Math (based on placement)

Physics

All students take the following semester courses alternating between Fall and Spring semesters:

Ethnic Studies

Visual/Performing Arts (preference noted by student)

CURA Elective (preference noted by student)

Free Period

Free Period*

*If a student chooses a music pathway for Visual/Performing Arts, there will be one semester with no free period. At Bellarmine, all of our classes are considered college-preparatory, which are rigorous and fast-paced, preparing students appropriately for the next level at school and beyond. Bellarmine has maintained a thoughtful scaffold approach for courses and we hold steadfast in our recommendation that no student should take more than three AP/Honors courses per semester. Below is our scaffold approach and the maximum AP/Honors courses any student can take during each year in school.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Maximum three (3) Honors courses (including Geometry Honors), based upon placement exam results (no AP courses). For students not enrolled in Geometry Honors, the current honors limits of 2 will apply

Maximum 4 AP/Honors courses (including Geometry Honors). For students not enrolled in Geometry Honors, the current Honors/AP limits of three (3) will apply. Must complete Visual/ Performing Arts requirement of two sequential semesters before Computer Science

Maximum of four (4) AP/honors courses; student must have a free period each semester.

Maximum of three (3) AP/Honors courses if a students is taking seven (7) classes and the 7th class is AP Computer Science

Maximum of four (4) AP/Honors courses

Bellarmine is grateful for our families partnership. We appreciate you understanding and upholding our scheduling philosophy.

Important Questions

How many courses do I need per semester?

Every student will be scheduled with seven classes plus a free period (unless you select a music course which will replace the free period in one of the semesters).

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

Students can take more honors and AP courses each year they progress at Bellarmine. As an incoming freshmen, according to placement assessments, students can take up to three Honors / AP courses if their schedule includes Geometry Honors. If their schedule does not include Geometry Honors, freshmen can take up to two honors / AP courses.

Do I have to take Cura, Ethnic Studies, Physics, and an Elective?

Yes, all freshmen take Physics and one semester of Cura, Ethnic Studies, and an Elective.

What is the Cura Personalis Period?

Jesuit education springs from the fundamental Ignatian value of Cura Personalis, a Latin phrase which means “care for the individual.” 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 freshmen 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.

What are the course placement procedures?

Placement can occur in the following subjects (no preparation required); please review the department pages for more information:

English

Mathematics

Modern & Clasical Languages

Percussion/Chamber/Symphonic Rhetoric (Elective)

Do courses taken outside our current school count toward placement exams?

No. Bellarmine determines placement based solely on the results of the placement assessments, grades and test scores.

How many times can I take the ALEKS assessment?

You can take the ALEKS assessment up to three times for each level assessment; we will take the highest score out of the three. Please visit the Class of 2028 website for more detailed information regarding testing and assessments.

Can I accelerate in the summer?

Bellarmine does not allow for summer acceleration for any courses during your tenure at the school.

What is the Visual/Performing Arts requirement?

All freshmen will take one semester of Visual or Perfoming Arts 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. See page 15 for more information.

Is P.E. a requirement for freshmen?

P.E. is an elective course freshmen can choose; it is not required.

Can I take American Sign Language (ASL)?

Enrollment in ASL is very limited. Students who select ASL may be assigned to their other prefered language.

Course Preference Information

You will submit your course preferences through the Enrollment System. Go to bcp.org/bell2028 to begin the process.

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 15th through March 26th but only once you have completed the preceding steps (i.e., steps 1 through 4 detailed on the Six Steps to Enrolling page).

NOTE

Course descriptions, curriculum options, and graduation requirements can be found on the Class of 2028 website. Please note that all necessary information for freshmen families can be found in this manual

Placement Assessments

What You Need to Know

Everyone Tests for Math Placement

Every student will be tested for placement in mathematics, regardless of which math course they request. The ALEKS assessment is taken at home between April 1st and April 19th.

Placement Assessments for Other Courses

Every placement assessment takes place at home with the exception of Modern & Classical Languages

Placement assessments are offered for incoming freshmen in English and Modern & Classical Languages. 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 Enrollment System you are expected to complete the placement exam for that subject. If you have questions or concerns, please email corresponding chair to that department.

April

1st: Math ALEKS assessment period begins

10th: French, Latin, Mandarin, & Spanish Language placement exams

17th: Final day to submit application for English 1 Honors, Percussion, and Rhetoric

19th: Math ALEKS assessment period ends

If you are intending to take any subject(s) placement exams, please select your course preferences as soon as you accept Bellarmine’s offer. See Step 6 of the enrollment process.

Electives

9th grade students are required to take an elective course for one (1) semester. Each student will select four (4) electives for consideration, with all selected electives considered equal in priority. Please select only elective courses you will be interested in taking for a semester. For those interested in Rhetoric, please carefully read the process for consideration. There is an option for students who are interested in Computer Science Principles to enroll in the course during our Summer Days programming allowing for the opportunity to take a different elective during the academic year.

Note: Students electing a music pathway for their Visual/Performing Arts requirement, take a year-long versus a semester course, and will not have a free period one semester.

Computer Science Principles

A survey of computer technology in society this course provides an introduction to some essential principles of computers and computer science. Students will gain practical knowledge of various topics as they examine the effects of technology on the individual human as well as society as a whole. (Computer Science Principles is offered in our Summer Days programming as an enrichment course. If a student chooses to enroll during the summer, student still needs to have an elective during the academic year. Please do not indicate this as an elective choice if taking during the summer.) Please note that Computer Science Principles is not required for any future Computer Science or AP/Honors courses at Bellarmine. Computer Science courses available in Sophomore year, pending availability.

Film Appreciation

Film Appreciation focuses on the first century of cinema, with an overview of film’s evolution from experimental short subjects to narrative features in a variety of genres. Students will enjoy a diverse chronology of films and, in the style of a book club, meet to learn more context about the films and their makers, as well as to discuss their impressions and interpretations.

Introduction to Fitness

Introduction to Fitness is a class designed to orient students to cardiovascular fitness, resistance weight training, and general health and nutrition practices. The goal of the course is to begin building a foundation for lifelong fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness habits that students will carry with them into adulthood. This course can satisfy one of the two P.E. requirements.

(More Electives options on following page)

Electives , cont’d.

Information Literacy

Students learn how to analyze and identify information and disinformation and how to use the framework of ‘ethical critical thinking’ to become intellectually engaged citizens of the world. Students will leave this class with the ability to not only parse through data but with the capacity to wisely use information praxis for and with others.

Introduction to Journalism

This course will introduce to students the fundamental elements of journalism by providing an overview and analysis of traditional print and broadcast media. Activities will include writing news and feature stories, interviewing campus officials, producing mock newspapers and magazines, as well as radio broadcasts of news and interviews.

Rhetoric - Enrollment in this course is limited

Rhetoric is an exciting and interactive course that helps students become confident with their voice by learning the art of public speaking and debate. These communication and persuasion skills are fundamental to becoming an excellent thinker and leader, regardless of academic and professional interests. Students will master the basics of effective delivery, argumentation, research, and persuasion through preparing speeches and debate cases. No prior public speaking or debate experience is necessary; the course is designed to teach students the basics and give ample opportunities within class for students to practice. In addition, the course will provide a great introduction to the co-curricular activity of Speech and Debate for those students who wish to pursue it on a competitive level. Important note: freshman year is the only opportunity for students to take Rhetoric, so if you are at all interested in the course, it is strongly encouraged that you apply!

Please select Rhetoric as one of your elective preferences through the Enrollment System. As there is an application requirement for Rhetoric, we will provide information to those interested via parent email on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. All directions for submitting two typed responses will be provided when we send the email information. The final submit date for the application responses is Wednesday, April 17, 2024 by 5 pm.

Study Hall

Students will learn how to utilize specific tech tools, how to be an active learner, get support from classmates, time management and organization. There are many benefits for having a designated time to complete homework, work on projects, develop study habits, and prepare for exams to strengthen students’ overall academic performance.

Academic Courses

English

Placement Essay Due April 17th

English 1 OR English 1 Honors (Honors enrollment is limited)

If you select English 1 Honors, you must complete one 300-700 word essay at home by April 17th at 5 p.m. Students must select English 1 Honors as their course preference through the Online Course Selection as referenced in Step 6 of the enrollment process. Prompts will be sent after March 26th.

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 complex world. In reading and writing about characters and communities representing different voices, students will explore how to navigate their own identity and combat injustice. Ultimately, students will come to an affirmation of themselves and understand and celebrate diversity. Using their analysis of literature, students will begin by focusing on the basis of argumentation; writing four one paragraph essays in the first semester. During the second semester, each student will write two five-paragraph essays, introducing them to the structure that will serve as the basis of their writing throughout their Bellarmine English education.

English 1 Honors: English I Honors is an accelerated course designed for those freshmen who have demonstrated and advanced understanding of English fundamentals. 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. Honors students will move quickly from the basic freshman composition to compose longer five paragraph essays. Students are expected to compose four to five multiple paragraph essays per semester. Oral communication will be emphasized through whole class, small group, and formal presentations. Creative projects will also be offered throughout the year. All essays, discussions and projects will emphasize critical thinking skills and literary analysis.

Mathematics

Placement Exam Dates: April 1st– 19th

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.

• Please choose your preference when registering: Algebra 1, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2 Honors, or Pre-Calculus Honors.

• Students wishing to take courses higher than Geometry Honors will have to take multiple level exams. Each student has up to three attempts to complete his assigned ALEKS level exam.

• Assessment period opens at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1st through 9:59 p.m. on Friday, April 19th. All tests must be completed during this time frame. Students should plan accordingly.

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

• All exams are taken online.

Information about requesting math courses, and the math assessment and placement process, can be found on the “Math Placement” portion of the bcp.org/bell2028

Once you have submitted your course preference by March 26th, the Math Placement Team will contact you with details about the ALEKS exam along with login information.

Do not contact the Office of Admissions 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 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd you may email deptmath@bcp.org

Modern & Classical Languages (MCL)

Placement Exam Date: April 10th in O’Donnell Hall

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 in person. 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.

Please select two language preferences:

French 1

Latin 1

Mandarin 1

Spanish 1

American Sign Language 1

If a student has substantial experience in a language, they can attempt to test out of level 1. Test results will determine placement at the appropriate level. Placement tests will be administered in person.

The test for each language will be offered on Wednesday, April 10th from 3:45-5:00 p.m.

French 2

Latin 2

Mandarin 2

Spanish 2

Physical Education

Students are required to have two (2) semesters of PE. All students take a one (1) semester Health and Fitness class during sophomore year. The second semester can be completed with one (1) of the following pathways:

Elective semester PE class during their four years

Athletics Waiver: Three (3) years of Interscholastic Sports at any level, Varsity Ice Hockey, and/or Varsity Rugby meet the requirement

• Does not require the student to participate in the same sport year after year

• Multiple sports in the same academic year count only as one year

• Students must attend 90% of all sport practices and competitions to earn credit

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).

Hebrew Scriptures: The religious studies course during the fall semester of freshman year introduces students to the central stories, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures. Students will study the development of the Bible, literary forms in Scripture, and critical reading and contextual interpretation of biblical texts. The fundamental perspective of the course is that the Bible is the revealed Word of God written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—God’s living word which speaks to us today of God’s faithful love in our lives. In accord with Ignatian spirituality, this course will incorporate prayer and reflection on Scripture so that students may grow in spiritual maturity and better praise and serve God and others in their lives.

Christian Scriptures: The Christian Scriptures course is a required one-semester course for Freshmen. It should be seen indirect relation to Hebrew Scriptures offered in the Fall. Christian Scriptures employs Historical-Contextual methods of Biblical study to introduce the students to the Gospels. The students use these modern tools of Biblical criticism to analyze each Gospel’s unique audience, themes, and understandings of Jesus. Besides paying special attention to material that is specific to each Gospel, the students will identify and assess the themes common to all the Gospels: the ways Jesus interacted with, and was impacted by, the dominant groups and sociological realities of first century Palestine; Jesus’ preeminent concern for the Kingdom of God; Jesus’ teachings and acts of mercy; the Passion of Jesus Christ; the Resurrection and call to discipleship. Building off the theme of discipleship, the students will assess how Catholic Social Teaching connects to modern instances of injustice.

Science

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

Physics

Social Science

All Freshmen are required to take one semester of Ethnic Studies. Students are not able to fulfill this requirement by taking classes off campus.

Ethnic Studies: This course will introduce students to the diverse cultures of the United States and our local community. The impact of race and racism will be examined through the exploration and the understanding of systems of power and the struggles of peoples of color and other historically marginalized and disenfranchised communities. Students will learn about the contributions of various ethnic groups to our rich cultural history and society. They will be enriched with a better understanding of the world and be empowered to work toward a socially just society as aligned with our Ignatian principles.

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 need 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

Acting 1

Ceramics 1

Chamber Orchestra*

Drawing & Painting 1

Graphic Design 1

Percussion Ensemble**

Photography 1

Symphonic Band

*Chamber Orchestra

Previous string instrument experience is required for acceptance into the ensemble. This includes any private instruction or previous participation in an ensemble. An audition is not required.

**Percussion Ensemble

This is a performance-based ensemble for individuals who already know how to read music who are interested in learning percussion instruments or further developing their skills to an advanced level in the study of percussion performance. New students, by default will be placed in Introduction to Percussion, but you may audition for intermediate or advanced placement. Percussion ensemble courses are year-long. Please note that students enrolled in a Percussion course will not have a Free Period during one of their semesters.

Intermediate/Advanced Percussion Audition Requirements include:

• Perform a Snare Drum etude from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2028 or comparable solo of similar or more advanced difficulty.

• Perform a Timpani solo from the audition packet found on bcp.org/bell2028 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/bell2028 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 17th to dwyant@bcp.org.

Join us on March 20th for a New Bell Welcome for the Class of 2028

Register through your new class website by clicking on the New Bell Welcome tile to visit campus on March 20th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

We are so excited to be able to welcome you to campus! We look forward to providing you with an opportunity 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 2028 swag, meet Bellarman, and shop at our campus store.