ExpEriEncE O’DOwD

Bishop O’Dowd High School

Be Part of the ExperienceThe Charism of Bishop o’DowD high sChoolFinding God in all things calls us toCommunity in DiversityStrength of CharacterKinship with CreationSocial JusticeJoy

Founded in 1951, Bishop O’Dowd High School is known for its commitment to Catholic college-prep education. O’Dowd provides its students with academic, extracurricular and faith opportunities that help them achieve at the highest levels and prepare them for admittance to the top universities in the country.

ThE O’DOwDcOllEgE-prEp ExpEriEncEour promise:

• Prepare students for future challenges and opportunities in the colleges and careers of their choice.

• Provide professional, caring teachers and counselors dedicated to the development of intellectual excellence, critical thinking and creative processing skills that ensure student admission to top universities.

• Deliver curriculum and technology programs that enable our students to challenge themselves and learn constantly.

• Offer an engaging environment where students will cultivate their intelligence, creativity, spirituality, leadership, and moral character.

At O’Dowd, our students discover their passions and their purpose.There are many ways to define the complete education experience at Bishop O’Dowd High School, but what is most distinctive is the emphasis on providing each student with every opportunity to explore and to deepen personal academic, co-curricular and spiritual interests. It is commonplace to hear students talk about “finding their passion” as an O’Dowd student. It is this passion that later inspires them in their choices for college and beyond.

1130STuDEnTS

who do more than learn. They explore, discover, strive, emulate, initiate, develop, venture, travel,

stretch, play, dream.

79FaculTy MEMbErS

who do more than teach. They advise, challenge,

nurture, mentor, encourage, model, and inspire.

ExpEriEncE acaDEMicSToday’s students expect a high level of academic excellence and challenge. O’Dowd completely prepares every student for the demands of today’s top universities and colleges by providing outstanding teachers, advanced technology, extraordinary academic support, and extensive web-based and digital tools.

79Faculty

O’Dowd’s college prep curriculum:STEM:

ScienceTechnology/EngineeringMathematics

Computer ProgrammingDebate/ForensicsDramaEnglishFine ArtsMultimedia DesignMusicPhysical EducationReligious StudiesSocial StudiesWorld Languages

On average, nearly 60 percent of O’Dowd’s senior class that applies is admitted to the University of California system. A higher percentage of O’Dowd students are admitted to the UC system than any other public or Catholic school in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

51Masters Degrees

4Doctoral Degrees

(or Ph.D.s)

6Doctoral

Candidates

p r o v e n aCaDemiC g r o w T h

The class of 2012 EnTErED O’Dowd scoring higher than 75 percent of all 4.3 million American 8th graders and

graDuaTED scoring higher than 88

percent of seniors in the U.S.

O’Dowd students achieve their potential within a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and personal care. The excellence of teaching in every subject and an array of engaging electives and advanced courses enable many students to complete one or two semesters of college before graduation.

Student instruction takes place in a variety of engaging formats. To prepare students for the modern university, we offer classroom instruction, smaller seminars, college-style lectures, and online courses.

15A d va n c e dPlacementC o u r s e s

www.bishopodowd.org/academics

Class size averages just

25s t ude n t s

The Presidential Merit Scholarship ProgramThe Presidential Merit Scholarship is the most prestigious academic award given to incoming freshman students. Each year, the Bishop O’Dowd High School admissions committee selects a limited number of Presidential Merit Scholars from among more than 600 applicants to the freshman class. Presidential Merit Scholars are chosen based on their exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and commitment to community service. There is no application process for the Presidential Merit Scholarship. Students are selected based on the qualifications listed above along with their High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores.Presidential Merit Scholars receive $1,500 each academic year for a total award of $6,000 over their four years at O’Dowd. In addition to the monetary award, Presidential Merit Scholars are automatically placed in honors English and social studies courses.

ThE O’DOwD lEarning ExpEriEncE iS SuppOrTED by a wEalTh OF rESOurcES:

• an extensive library resource center• state-of-the-art technology, laboratories and classrooms• full-service fine arts studios• a premier theater• a wide range of programs and activities

12H o n o r sC o u r s e s

ExpEriEncE lEarning

beyond the classroomThe Living Lab at O’Dowd serves as an interactive laboratory for our college prep, honors and AP science courses:

BiologyChemistryEarth ScienceEngineering PhysicsEnvironmental

Science

Beyond science, our faculty uses the Living Lab to enhance learning in:

ArtEnglishReligious StudiesSocial StudiesWorld Languages

www.bishopodowd.org/activities/living_lab

Environmental Studies at O’Dowd comprises interdisciplinary coursework that includes lab experience and a strong field study component using the Living Lab and national and international immersion trips. The goal of these classes is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world; to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and man made; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternative solutions to resolving and/or preventing them.

Journey even further on our school-sponsored trips to:

BajaCosta RicaThe Galapagos

IslandsEastern EuropeYellowstoneYosemite

Bishop O’Dowd High School is poised to construct a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified science facility. Our Center for Environmental Studies will be a premier destination for study and discovery in the natural world offering experiential learning, bold curriculum, and the latest technology.Groundbreaking for the Center for Environmental Studies is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2013.The Living Lab is a spacious 4.5-acre hillside site blessed with spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, bordering forested public land, and connected to the greenbelt of nearby Arroyo Viejo Creek. O’Dowd faculty, students and volunteers helped design, build and plant every part of the Living Lab. The new Center will connect the ecological study area and wildlife habitat of the Living Lab with the rest of the greenbelt that encircles our campus.

Greening O’DowdAs a leader in the study of environmental issues, O’Dowd practices what it teaches by ongoing “greening” of our campus:

• Student transportation options:BART Shuttle: the O’Dowd bus picks up/drops off students at the San Leandro BART station before and after school

Carpooling: on-campus parking is available to seniors forming carpools

AC Transit: Two dedicated buses are available for O’Dowd students only

• Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

• Solar Energy Plans

www.bishopodowd.org/activities/living_lab

Students are encouraged to build on their in-class learning by attending events such as lectures, presentations, movie screenings, and exhibits held on campus.

With encouragement from their teachers and counselors, students build the knowledge and confidence to take on personally engaging intellectual challenges as they learn in the classroom, in the Living Lab, or around the world.

Academic, Cultural and Social Events

Spring student art show.

curriculuM richnESS

Honors CoursesHonors English 1Honors English 2Honors English 3Honors French 3Honors Italian 4Honors Spanish 3Honors Algebra 2/TrigonometryHonors GeometryHonors Pre-CalculusHonors ChemistryHonors PhysicsHonors Geo-History

AP CoursesAP EnglishAP Studio ArtAP French LanguageAP Spanish LanguageAP Computer ScienceAP Calculus BCAP ChemistryAP StatisticsAP BiologyAP Environmental ScienceAP United States HistoryAP American GovernmentAP Comparative GovernmentAP PsychologyAP Macro Economics

ElectivesA complete list ofelectives is online:

www.bishopodowd.org Acting Workshop

African-American StudiesBaseball in America

CeramicsChorus

Close-Up/GovernmentComputer Arts

Concert BandDigital Music

DebateDrama

Drawing and DesignEarth Science

EconomicsHolocaust StudiesInteractive Design

Introduction to LawJazz Band

JournalismMandarin

Marine BiologyPainting

Performing ArtsPhotography

Producing a PlayPsychology

Sports MedicineString OrchestraSymphonic Band

Urban ArtWar and Diplomacy

Online InstructionO’Dowd students are required to take courses online to prepare for the college environment. This opens possibilities for service, internships, or even college course work during high school.

With online learning, O’Dowd students

• explore learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom

• reinforce reading and writing skills

• prepare for college and career• develop self-directed learners• expand time management and organizational skills

All students participate in ongoing class discussion boards allowing every student to express his or her ideas and answers any time.

cOllEgE cOunSEling

College and career counseling begins freshman year, with our experienced counselors assisting every student in discovering their passions and purpose. Our TEN counseling professionals offer students comprehensive support and guide them in making thoughtful academic, college, and personal choices.

We work diligently to match our students to the colleges that are best for each of them. In addition to individualized college counseling, our personalized process includes these supportive programs:

• cOllEgE bOOT caMp

• cOllEgE inFOrMaTiOnnighTS

• Financial aiD SEMinarS

• ncaa SchOlarShipguiDancE

• naviancE/FaMilycOnnEcTiOn

www.bishopodowd.org/counseling

This year O’Dowd will launch a program for students to complete up to a year of college while completing their high school education. By pursuing advancement classes in the summers, students will be able to take courses at the college level in their senior year. Each interested student will take AP courses and/or college credit online courses.

The benefit to the student is clear: assured college credits before entering a university. The benefit to parents is also clear: the lower cost invested in courses can mean significant savings in future college costs when their children enter universities with accepted college credits.

Growing the Future

College BooT CampAs part of the O’Dowd Summer Academy Enrichment Program, students may participate in an intensive workshop geared to assist rising seniors plan and complete their college applications and write their college essays. O’Dowd counselors guide students through the myriad of application types and work with students on polishing their college resumes. As a special bonus, our students will hear directly from O’Dowd graduates about their college experiences.This ongoing partnership supports our students as they navigate high school, ex-plore college and career options, request letters of recommendation, manage the college application process, and graduate as confident emerging adults.

Our 2012 Graduates• 99 percent attending colleges and universities after graduation• UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and UC San Diego are among the most selective

universities in the country, admitting only 17 percent of their applicants. 114 applicants from the Class of 2012 were admitted to those top schools.

Average SAT Scores Critical Reading Math Writing TotalO’Dowd Top 85 668 658 676 2002O’Dowd All Seniors 566 565 575 1706California Seniors 499 515 490 1504

As students proceed through their four years at O’Dowd, they have opportunities to enroll in higher level, Advanced Placement and college level courses based on their course work, qualifying tests, completed applications, and specific criteria established by each department. • 100 percent of O’Dowd’s students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes take the AP exam. • Each year, about 300 O’Dowd students sit for an average of two or more AP exams. • More than 70 percent of these students earn college credit in their subjects.

ExpEriEncE SuccESS

Top TenO’Dowd ranks in the top ten of more than 200 public and Catholic high schools in the greater Bay Area with regards to the percent of the entire senior class admitted into the UC system.

Bishop O’Dowd High School Dreams AchievedAcademy of ArtUniversity

Allegheny CollegeAmerican UniversityArizona StateArt Institute ofCalifornia

Auburn UniversityBard CollegeBarry UniversityBatesBiolaBoise StateBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBowdoinBrooks InstituteBrownBucknellCalifornia LutheranUniversity

California MaritimeAcademy

California State Universities:Channel IslandsChicoEast BayFresnoFullertonHumboldtMonterey Bay

NorthridgePomonaSacramentoSan DiegoSan FranciscoSan JoseSan Luis ObispoSonoma

California Institute ofTechnology

Cambridge University,England

CarletonCarnegie MellonChaminade UniversityChapmanClarkClark AtlantaCogswell PolytechColbyColgateColorado CollegeColorado stateColumbia Concordia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityCreighton UniversityDartmouthDenisonDePaulDominicanDrexelEast CarolinaUniversity

Eastern WashingtonUniversity

Elon UniversityEmerson CollegeEmory UniversityEugene Lang CollegeThe Evergreen StateCollege

Florida StateFordhamGeorge WashingtonUniversity

GeorgetownGonzagaGoucherGrambling StateGrinnellGustavus AdolphusCollege

Hampshire CollegeHampton UniversityHartwick CollegeHarvardHawaii PacificHofstraHoly Names

Hope collegeHoward UniversityIthacaJohns HopkinsJohnson & WalesUniversity

Juniata CollegeKnox CollegeLehigh UniversityLewis & ClarkLinfield CollegeLouisiana StateUniversity

Loyola MarymountLoyola University,Chicago

Loyola University,New Orleans

Lynchburg CollegeManhattan School ofMusic

Manhattanville CollegeMaristMarquette UniversityMassachusettsInstitute of Technology

Menlo CollegeMiddleburyMills CollegeMontana StateMorehouse CollegeMorgan State UniversityMount HolyokeNew York UniversityNorth Carolina A&TNortheasternNorthern ArizonaUniversity

NorthwesternNotre Dame de NamurOberlinOccidentalOhio State UniversityOle MissOregon StatePace UniversityPacific LutheranUniversity

Pacific NorthwestCollege of Art

Pacific UniversityPenn StatePepperdinePitzerPomonaPortland StatePrairie View A&MPrincetonPurchase CollegeQuinnipiac University

Reed CollegeRoanoke CollegeRobert Morris UniversityRochester Institute ofTechnology

RutgersSaint Anselm CollegeSt. Edward’s UniversitySt. John’s CollegeSt. John’s UniversitySt. Lawrence UniversitySt. Louis UniversitySt. Martin’s UniversitySt. Mary’s CollegeSalve Regina UniversitySanta Clara UniversitySarah LawrenceScrippsSeattle Pacific UniversitySeattle UniversitySiena CollegeSmithSouthern OregonUniversity

Southern UniversitySpelmanStanfordStetson UniversitySwarthmore CollegeSyracuseTexas A&M UniversityTexas ChristianUniversity

Texas Southern UniversityTrinityTuftsTulaneUnited States Air ForceAcademy

United States NavalAcademy

Unity CollegeUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of BritishColumbia

Universities ofCalifornia:BerkeleyDavisIrvineLos AngelesMercedRiversideSan DiegoSanta BarbaraSanta Cruz

University of ConnecticutUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Colorado,Boulder

University of HawaiiUniversity of Illinois,Urbana-Champaign

University of IowaUniversity ofMassachusetts, Amherst

University ofMassachusetts, Boston

University of MiamiUniversity of MichiganUniversity of MontanaUniversity of Nevada,Reno

University of NorthCarolina

University of NorthernColorado

University of Notre DameUniversity of OregonUniversity of the PacificUniversity ofPennsylvania

University of PortlandUniversity of Puget SoundUniversity of RedlandsUniversity of San DiegoUniversity ofSan Francisco

University of SouthAlabama

University of SouthCarolina

University of SouthernCalifornia

University of Tennessee,Chattanooga

University of Tennessee,Knoxville

University of VirginiaUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

VanderbiltVassarVillanovaVirginia TechWashington StateWashington University inSt. Louis

WellesleyWestern New EnglandUniversity

WhitmanWhittierWilliametteWinston-Salem StateWoosterXavier UniversityXavier University ofLousiana

Yale

ExpEriEncE SuppOrT

O’DOwD STuDEnTS bEnEFiT FrOM OnE-On-OnE

aDviSing FOr:College and career counselingAcademic and personal counseling

and supportLearning differences programsInternational student support

Counseling: Thriving aT o’DowD

Over the course of four years, each student works closely with his or her counselor to design current course work and to prepare for the future. Starting in the summer before freshman year, our counselors begin meeting with students to understand their strengths and abilities. By forming a relationship with each student, we develop a unique personalized academic plan to help the student achieve set goals.

supporT:Championing eaCh sTuDenT

The academic and cognitive diversity of O’Dowd students enriches our school community. We welcome students with individual learning styles and we provide support systems that ensure everyone is successful.

At O’Dowd, we offer our students individualized academic, college, and personal counseling. Working together, our educators and counselors guide students to match skills and interests to their goals and to their college and career preferences.

aCaDemiC supporT serviCes:• Catch-up support planning• Dragon Success

(organizational support)• Final exam preparation

workshop• CORE• Tutoring on demand

(peer tutoring)• Learning Differences Program

(Student Support)• Project Eye-to-Eye• English Language Learners• Student-athlete support

programs• BOLT (online tutoring)

Our counseling professionals work in concert with a network of faculty, campus ministers, administrators, coaches, and tutors as well as parents. They are the foundation of a support network of one adult available to every ten students that ensures your student will grow and thrive at O’Dowd.

With personal support from their academic advisors through all four years at O’Dowd, students gain knowledge and confidence to be successful. While some entering students may be concerned that they may have difficulty meeting O’Dowd’s rigorous standards, we are committed to assisting all of our students to succeed.

Through our Career parTnerships experienCe,

o’DowD offers:• Multiple opportunities to meet

and shadow professionals• Visits to local universities• Participation in career

development activities• Skill building of communication

and networking

www.bishopodowd.org/counseling

Counseling C e n t e r :

10 F u l l - T i M E prOFESSiOnalS in the counseling center are dedicated to providing i n d i v i d u a l i z e d attention to every

student:

5Counselorsacademic, college, and

personal support

2Counselors

academic support and learning needs

3Professionals

career counseling, international students, student administrative

needs

aT o’DowD, personalizeD learning sTarTs wiTh The opTion for sTuDenTs

To Choose Their own lapTops.

We offer two options:• purchase a school-provided and supported

Toshiba laptop• bring a school approved PC or Mac laptop

The annual technology fee includes O’Dowd course-specific software programs, e-books, Internet-based software services, and on-campus hardware and software support service.

ExpEriEncE TEchnOlOgyThe use of technology at O’Dowd—in particular, the use of connected devices and educational applications—allows students to personalize their learning. These laptops, netbooks, tablets, and smart phones, combined with the ubiquity of and access to educational applications, are not only an integral part of the learning culture at O’Dowd, but a way for students to customize their learning experience to increase engagement and improve understanding.

Students are encouraged to use mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) as a companion device, not to replace laptop use.

powersChoolis the online grade recording tool used to provide information of and transparency to each student’s progress.

pErSOnalizED anD acTivE lEarning

Incorporate technology into their classdesign and instruction

Maintain a Blackboard siteUse PowerSchool for online grading and

attendanceUse school-provided laptops

Access Blackboard 24/7(course assignments)

View PowerSchool 24/7 (grade reports)Monitor distractionsMinimize costs with e-booksHave convenient access to faculty,

counselors, and administrators

Think criticallyInnovate and createBuild communityDevelop digital media fluencyStay organizedUse e-booksPrepare for the modern university by

taking an online class

www.bishopodowd.org/technology

With technology, students:

With technology, pa r e n t s :

With technology, teachers:

O’Dowd Mobile AppKeep O’Dowd in the palm of your hand with O’Dowd Mobile for Apple iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android devices. Download it at no charge from Apple’s App

Store (iPhone, iPad) or Google Play (Android). You and your student can quickly access Blackboard, PowerSchool, and much of our website content directly from your mobile devices.O’Dowd Mobile allows you to check your grades and assignments, stay up-to-date with the latest campus news, keep tabs on Dragon athletics, find your way around campus using “augmented reality” technology, and more.

anoTher example of sTaying on The CuTTing eDge:O’Dowd is the first private high school in the United States to offer a Blackboard Mobile Central App.

Blackboard Used by most universities, Blackboard is the online interactive course management system used at O’Dowd for:• instruction• email communications between

teachers, parents, and students• interactive tutoring via Collaborate• blogs• embedded text books and videos

pErSOnalizED anD acTivE lEarning

aT biShOp O’DOwD high SchOOl, EvEry STuDEnT iS a SchOlar whO can alSO bE

a wriTEr

a DancEr

a DEbaTEr

a SculpTOr

a rETrEaT cOunSElOr

aT biShOp O’DOwD high SchOOl, EvEry STuDEnT iS a SchOlar whO can alSO bE

an aThlETE

a pErFOrMEr

a rObOTicS EnThuSiaST

a MuSician

a STaTESMan

an arTiST

ExpEriEncE FaiThOur STuDEnT-DEDicaTED caMpuS MiniSTry DEparTMEnT DESignS anD lEaDS:• Freshman class retreat• Sophomore class immersion with

St. Anthony’s Foundation inSan Francisco

• Schoolwide liturgies and daily prayer• Day-long, overnight, and Kairosretreats

• Class campus ministry teams• Service learning programs• Campuswide philanthropic

fundraisers• Immersion trips during the summer

and Easter breaks

Developing students of competence, conscience and

compassion

Our classes enhance student understanding of the roles of religion, ethics, prayer, spirituality and service in shaping their lives and in building a just and thriving society.

All students complete at least 100 service hours during their four years at O’Dowd. Campus Ministry collecting toys

for the annual Food & Toy Drive.

Religious StudiesTo meet the needs of today’s students,

our Religious Studies courses focus on: Catholic traditions

Adolescent development and relationships

Moral development and ethicsSpirituality

Scripture Old Testament New Testament

Social justice issuesWorld religion

www.bishopodowd.org/campus_ministry

S E r v i c El E a r n i n gStrengthening the community here and beyond is an integral part of the O’Dowd experience.

iMMErSiOnSThese are intensive service retreats where students participate in situations outside their daily experience. Each trip addresses social justice, simple living, spirituality, community, and service.

Social Justicecalls us to stewardship, and our Service Learning Program and Immersions direct our students in volunteer service in our local area, across the country, and in other parts of the world.

The class of 2012 contributed more than 40,000 hours of supervised community service in the Bay Area, U.S., and abroad.

O’Dowd’s Religious Studies classes accepted by the UC system:

Ethics and MediaChristianity, Feminism and Society

Church in the African-American Experience

Atheism and FaithBio-Ethics

World Religions

40,000+Annual Penny Drive.

ExpEriEncE ThE arTS

CeramicsComputer Art

Drawing and Design

DrawingPainting

PhotographyUrban Art

AP Studio Art

The Art of Film and Video

DramaDrama Workshop

Performing ArtsProducing the Play

ChorusDigital Music

StudioJazz Band

Advanced Jazz BandString OrchestraSymphonic Band

At Bishop O’Dowd High School, our arts curriculum prepares our students for a design-driven world. Our programs pique their enthusiasm in a wide range of college majors, interests, and careers.Each student enrolled in an upper division course creates a unique portfolio that adds an extra dimension to his or her college application.

Through our extensive visual arts and performing arts programs, O’Dowd offers healthy creative outlets that complement our rigorous academic courses.

www.bishopodowd.org/arts

O’Dowd is consistently recognized for itsaward-winning original, student-written and professional plays and musicals.

100%students engage in

performing and visual arts and

musicduring the

school year.

ExpEriEncE aThlETicS

The dedication, effort, and teamwork of O’Dowd athletes drives Dragon Pride.

O’Dowd is regarded as one of the elite Catholic academic and athletic college prep private high schools in the state of California, and our teams are consistently honored for scholastic and athletic achievement.

The Elmer Brown Memorial Award of Excellence recognizes schools for their academic and athletic accomplishments in the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. O’Dowd has earned four consecutive top 10 finishes from among more than 170 public and private schools in the North Coast Section since the award’s inception. O’Dowd has been the top academic and athletic achieving school in the NCS over the four years of the award’s existence.

800Student-Athletes

15Interscholastic

S p o r t s

57T e a m s

fallMen: Cross Country, Football, Water PoloWomen: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo

winTerMen: Basketball, SoccerWomen: Basketball, Cheerleading, Soccer

springMen: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Rugby, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and FieldWomen: Lacrosse, Rugby, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field

www.bishopodowd.org/athletics

wE valuE Our lOng-STanDing aThlETic TraDiTiOn

Academics + Athletics = a Winning Combination at O’Dowd

O’Dowd is known throughout California for our long-standing tradition of athletic

and academic excellence.

In 2012, 30 seniors earned

athletic scholarships to four-year universities.

Class of 2012

17league, North Coast Section,

Northern Cal, and state titles

10North Coast

Section Scholastic Championships

awarded for the highest athletic

team GPAs

California State Champions

Scholar-Athlete letter of intent signing

ExpEriEncE acTiviTiES

Our amazing Spirit Week promotes

school unity, spirit, community, and fun.

www.bishopodowd.org/activities

O’Dowd provides an academic and social setting where students quickly can make friends and become active members of the campus community.

At O’Dowd, we’re proud to meet a diverse range of student interests by offering more than 50 student-run clubs, events and activities. Our extensive list of student activities means we have something for everyone.We invite all students to try new activities that broaden their experience and develop their leadership skills.Only at O’Dowd will students find the wide variety of opportunities that create a positive environment that makes all students feel welcomed, engaged, and able to connect with activities most meaningful to them.

ASB LeAderShipThe Associated Student Body (ASB) is led by the student-elected Executive Council that organizes events to enhance student involvement, acts as the bridge between the students and the faculty administration, addresses issues important to the students, and communicates effectively with everyone at our school.• Rallies and Spirit Events• Videos• Dances• Community Relations• Environmental Action• Peer Leadership

Amnesty InternationalAnimee’

Asian Student AllianceBadminton Club

BandBarbecue Club

Baseball Fan ClubBlack Student Union

Book ClubBowling Club

BraveheartBreakfast Club

Brothers Making a Change (BMAC)Caribbean Islanders

Celtic ClubChess Club

Children of MaryChorus

Christian PhilosophyComputer Programming

Country Music AppreciationCycling

Divinity SteppersDragon Ambassadors

Earth BoundEsoterikos

Ethiopian Student ClubFall Plays/Spring Musical

Filipino ClubFilm Club

French SocietyFriends of RachelHacky Sack Club

HAPA InternationalImprov & Drama

Indian ClubInteractInternational ClubJazz BandJewish ClubJunior Statesmen of AmericaKey ClubL3Latinos UnidosLittle ItalyManga ClubMath ClubMock TrialNative American PrideOrchestraOutdoor Adventure ClubPing Pong ClubPhotographyPolynesian ClubRandom Acts of KindnessReel to ReelRobotics ClubSappy Romantic Movies ClubScreamSisters of SuccessSki ClubSpeech and DebateToms ClubTwin ClubTwisty Puzzles ClubUndead ReadersYoung Americans for Liberty

O’Dowd students are encouraged to organize clubs and take their own hands-on approach to shaping their unique high

school experience. The participation of all students in campus activities ensures that

everyone finds a passion and purpose in the O’Dowd community.

California Scholarship FederationThe California Scholarship Federation and California Junior Scholarship Federation (CSF and CJSF) exist to promote and recognize high standards of scholarship, service and citizenship on the part of students in California schools.National Honor SocietyNational Honor Society was established to recognize and honor students throughout the United States who exemplify academic excellence, personal character, leadership and service to both school and community. Junior and senior students are eligible to complete an activity form for this organization, but to be chosen, students must have a record of leadership and service throughout their high school years, including freshman and sophomore years. A faculty panel chooses students in September and January and an induction ceremony is held in February of each year.

Dragon Athletic B o o s t e r sHost our annual Crab

and Pasta FeedSupport 800 students on

57 teamsProvide feedback on our

coaching staffsPromote Dragon Pride

www.bishopodowd.org, “Parents” and “Volunteers” sections

ExpEriEncE FaMily

D r a g o nP a r e n t sAthletic Team ParentsCampus Ministry Events

and ImmersionsCaring CommitteeCollege CounselingDragon BakersFundraisingHospitalityMentor ParentsStudy Skills TutorsTeen Challenge ProgramTheater ParentsWelcome Events

A c a d e m i c VolunteersCampus MinistryCareer DayLiving LabMock TrialReduce, Re-use, RecycleService Learning Projects

Join Us and Be Involved

ExpEriEncE cOMMuniTy

Our diversity of culture and talent is a direct result of our Mission and our

Admissions Policy.

Our international students come from

around the world.

From all areas:AlamedaAlamoAlbanyAntiochBerkeleyCastro ValleyDanvilleDublinEl CerritoEmeryvilleFairfieldFremontHaywardHerculesLafayetteLivermore MoragaOaklandOrindaPiedmontPinolePittsburghPleasantonRichmondSan FranciscoSan LeandroSan Lorenzo San RamonUnion CityVallejoWalnut Creek

of all eThniCiTies:European American 43%African American 19%Latino American 12%Middle Eastern 1%Native American 1%Asian American/Pacific Islander11%Other 13%

More than 60 elementary and middle schools send their students toBishop O’Dowd High School

annually.

Representing many faiths:BuddhistMuslimSikhHindu

Roman CatholicChristian

Jewish

aTTEnDing O’DOwD

The O’Dowd funD for exCellenCeO’Dowd families are asked to donate to our Annual Drive that supports the O’Dowd Fund for Excellence. The basic Parent Pledge of $1,500 is a tax-deductible, unrestricted contribution to help our school fund the difference between tuition revenue and the actual cost of an O’Dowd education. This donation makes the difference in the excellence of education for every student by offering interactive learning resources and our integral investment in STEM courses. Your gifts ensure that your children benefit from features like personalized attention, our small class size, and exciting extracurricular activities like Debate, Campus Ministry, athletics and performing arts.To learn more about our Annual Fund, please visit www.bishopodowd.org/giving/annual_fund

Tuition and FeesTuition revenue funds O’Dowd’s excellent academic programs and its operations.Current tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is $14,220. A non-refundable registration deposit of $1,000 is due in March 2013 with your enrollment agreement.For more information, please visit www.bishopodowd.org/admissions/tuition

Tuition AssistanceTuition assistance is available to all students with demonstrated financial need. It is a goal of the school administration, supported by our Board of Regents, to give qualified students, regardless of financial resources, an opportunity to attend O’Dowd.Application forms will be available beginning January 7, 2013. Completed forms are due for incoming freshmen and transfer students no later than February 1, 2013.For more information, please visit www.bishopodowd.org/admissions/tuition_assistance

We strive for 100 percent participation

by our families each year. Every

contribution makes a positive impact.

We are so grateful for each gift.

Tuition revenue covers just 85% of the cost to educate our students.

O’DOwD iS ThE cOllEgEprEp high SchOOl FOr yOu!

99%of O’Dowd seniors

attend college immediately after

graduation

Every O’Dowd student excels as a result of our college-prep curriculum and thrives in our vibrant school environment featuring fine and performing arts, spiritual development, athletics, clubs and more.

ExpEriEncE changEwelCome To o’DowD!Experience for yourself why Bishop O’Dowd High School is a top college-prep learning environment. With our broad range of excellent programs that provide a holistic Catholic education in a peer community of unmatched diversity, O’Dowd is truly unique. From the strength of our professional faculty and staff, to our personal care and moral guidance, we add priceless value to the everyday development and future growth of our students.

Coming from around the East Bay, and even from around the world, we welcome bright, healthy, goal-oriented students. They benefit from positive interactions with our faculty, counselors, campus ministers, coaches, and activity moderators who focus on intellectual, personal, spiritual and character growth.

Providing the best education possible to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of a new age is the primary emphasis of our school leadership. A 21st century vision of excellence, world-class technology, and inviting facilities support O’Dowd students and faculty in achieving their goals.

Our students, faculty, and staff are impressive models of our core values that are founded in our Catholic traditions. Beginning with finding God in all things, these values nurture community in diversity, strengthen character, foster kinship with creation, and encourage social justice so that we may always live joyful lives.

Sincerely, Stephen Phelps, Ed. D. President

Pam Shay, MSAPrincipal

Explore our community in this book, on our website, and with a visit to our dynamic campus.

Experience O’Dowdfor yourself.

Educating Students to Transform the World

Application available onlinewww.bishopodowd.org/apply

Accredited by:Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)Western Catholic Educational Association(WCEA)

OFFicE OF aDMiSSiOnSTyler Kreitz, Director of Admissions510-577-9100, ext. 312

www.bishopodowd.org/admissions

biShOp O’DOwD high SchOOl9500 Stearns Avenue Oakland, CA 94605

510-577-9100www.bishopodowd.org

EvEnTS:Campus ToursOctober 4, 11, 19 9-11 am

Shadow VisitsOctober through February 9 am

Open HouseNovember 4, 2012 1-3 pm

ApplicationDeadlineDecember 7, 2012

HSPT Prep WorkshopDecember 15, 2012 8:30am-3 pm

High School Placement Test (HSPT)January 12, 20138 am