School Profile
Curriculum
O'Dowd's challenging college preparatory curriculum is enriched by one of the most extensive UC approved elective programs in the Bay Area. The school is renowned for the effective use of technology by students and teachers, fully integrated digital, performing and visual arts, and its environmental science program. Students participate in an engaging 100-hour service-learning program, providing more than 40,000 hours of service to Bay Area communities each year. The school employs a full- time learning specialist and provides a variety of services to accommodate college preparatory students with learning differences.
Technology and Innovation to Support Curriculum & Instruction: A robust wireless technology environment and student use of laptops and digital devices enable easy, but supervised access to the Internet, and encourage student-centered learning. Curriculum and instruction focus not only on standard preparation for college, but emphasize critical thinking, information and media literacy, creativity, teaming, initiative, self direction and leadership.
Online Instruction: O'Dowd is currently piloting a limited number of UC approved online courses to further prepare students for the future.
Counseling
O'Dowd employs six full-time counselors who provide academic and college counseling and appropriate personal and career counseling. The Counseling Department provides evening programs for parents and students on academic, personal, career and behavioral issues for each grade level, as well as specific meetings for college and career counseling. The department provides support for students with learning disabilities and learning differences and evening programs to assist the parents of these students.
Student Support Services
O'Dowd provides an extensive before and after-school tutorial program (staffed by teachers and peer tutors) for students who need assistance in academic subjects, study skills and organization. Teachers and counselors quickly identify and support students before they get into serious academic difficulty.
Co-Curricular Activities
Campus Ministry: Throughout their four years, all students participate in daily prayer, school and class liturgies, service projects and student retreats. Opportunities and training for student leadership are extensive. The retreat program includes Kairos in junior year and a two-day, one night senior retreat to identify strengths and vocational interests. Each class has its own Campus Ministry leadership team and the Campus Ministry Program provides intense immersions for students wishing to do service in other cultures.
Drama and Music Performing Arts: Students may join an award-winning drama program that stages several productions in the school theater and enters more than 20 student-led acts in the Ohlone College Theatre Festival. Students may participate in symphonic band, our dynamic advanced and beginning jazz bands, string orchestra and chorus.
Interscholastic Sports: Over 700 students participate in 16 interscholastic sports on 57 teams, including water polo, lacrosse and rugby, as well as the traditional sports. The athletic program emphasizes leadership training and strength of character throughout all teams
Student Activities: An extensive student activities program focused on developing student leadership, strength of character, and skills and interests includes student government, a Speech and Debate program that placed first in California in 2010, award-winning Mock Trial and Junior Statesmen programs, Dragon Ambassadors and more than 40 student clubs that encourage students to develop their interests and abilities.
Tuition and Fees: Click to view tuition fees »
Tuition Assistance: More information on tuition assistance click here.
Current Enrollment: 1125
Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Average Class Size: 24
Graduates Who Attend College: 99% attend college, with 90% going to four year colleges: Between 55-60% of each graduating class is admitted to one or more UC campuses each year.
Ethnic Make-up of Students: African American 18%; Asian 13%; Euro-American 45%; Latino11%; other 13%
International Students: 2%
Applications: Applications are accepted online.
President: Stephen Phelps, Ed.D
Principal: Joseph G. Salamack, III, M.A.