ENRICH your spirit | CREATE your path | DISCOVER your impact
We are a college preparatory community, guided by the Catholic educational tradition, to engage students in a rich curriculum that encompasses mind, body and spirit, and emboldens our graduates to lead and serve for a more just, joyful and sustainable world.
At O’Dowd, we nurture the whole student.
Our faculty and staff partner with families to support students in unlocking their potential and aspirations. Our holistic academic program, celebrated co-curricular opportunities, and enriching values-based education challenges students to explore and take risks, find and hone their strengths, and discover the power they have to make an impact in the world.
Above all, we are guided to find God in all things. We embrace our diverse community. We honor strength of character. We rise to academic excellence. We cherish the earth and all living things. We stand for social justice. We seek and hold onto joy.
We welcome you to find your place at O’Dowd. You belong here.
Virtual OpenHouse | November 16 6:00-8:00pm – Register via Inquiry Form
Our dynamic connection to the Catholic faith is instilled in lively values-based teaching, joyful
Masses and faith celebrations, formative retreats for each grade, and a long tradition of engaged service learning. Students of all religious backgrounds support each other to build a community culture grounded in meaning and purpose.
We offer students a wide breadth of unique courses and relevant learning opportunities to explore their interests, nurture their passions, and develop their own academic path. We believe strong teaching relationships are the gateway to growth, and our faculty and staff create a culture in which students feel safe to take academic risks and ultimately succeed.
We believe that when students find what sparks their curiosity, they discover who they are meant to be. We offer inspiring co-curricular programming, from athletics and visual/performing arts, to clubs and leadership groups. Through these opportunities, students uncover their individual strengths, build lasting friendships, gain self-confidence, and tap into their greater purpose.
O’Dowd At A Glance
More About Admissions
We’re excited that your family is considering O’Dowd. The following are important welcome events and application dates in the admissions process. We recommend that all students and parents attend at least two different events throughout the admissions season. Questions? Email us! Or call 510.553.8631
School Visit Program
Many Catholic and Independent schools bring their 8th-grade classes to O’Dowd for an organized school visit. This experience allows us to provide each student with an opportunity to tour O’Dowd, visit multiple classrooms, and interact more intentionally with our students. We encourage parents to attend as well! Fill out our Inquiry Form to see if your school has a scheduled visit.
Student Visit Program
If your school is not already visiting O’Dowd, your family can schedule an individual visit to tour O’Dowd, visit multiple classrooms, and interact more intentionally with our students. Fill out our Inquiry Form to schedule a visit. Note: If your school is visiting O’Dowd, you will have the same experience and do not need to sign up for an individual visit.
Admissions Morning and Campus Tours
Primarily for parents, this is an opportunity to learn more about O’Dowd’s culture and teaching philosophy, tour campus and classrooms, and get details on the admissions process. Sign up with our Inquiry Form.
- September 23, 9:30am-11:00am
- September 28, 9:30am-11:00am
- October 25, 9:30am-11:00am
- December 3, 9:30am-11:00am
Virtual Open House
Join us to see what O’Dowd is all about. Hear from our dedicated faculty, program directors and athletic coaches, learn about our 20-acre campus, and find out about our celebrated co-curricular opportunities, from drama, music, art, and sports. Register with our Inquiry Form.
- November 16, 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom
Nuts and Bolts Session
These sessions are a deep dive into the admission process, including everything families need to know about financial aid, and all the key dates and deadlines for applying to O’Dowd. Sign up with our Inquiry Form.
- November 9, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Zoom
- December 1, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Zoom
- December 4, 9:00am-10:30am, Zoom
Courtesy Application Deadline
Applying early to O’Dowd helps our admissions team get a jumpstart learning about you. There is also a cost savings. The early application fee is $120, and the regular application fee is $135.
- December 14
Final Application Deadline
January 4, 2022
High School Placement Test
This year, O’Dowd will not consider standardized test scores (HSPT, ISEE, etc.), even if they are submitted. This decision is the result of health and safety concerns related to COVID. Admissions will continue to take into account transcripts, portfolio submissions, and recommendations.
If your student is applying to another Catholic school, please contact the school to which they are applying to understand their HSPT requirements.
Our Admissions Team
Kerryn Pincus Gallagher
Director of Enrollment and Admissions
With a Masters in Education from UCLA and a Masters in Social Policy from Harvard, Kerryn has been at O’Dowd for almost ten years. She loves meeting new Bay Area families and enjoys watching each class grow, mature and flourish over their four years at O’Dowd.
(510) 577-9100 Ext. 603
kpincus@bishopodowd.org
Moire Bruin
Director of Admissions Recruitment and Outreach
Originally from Anaheim, with a B.A. in Communications from the University of San Francisco, Moire has been with O’Dowd since 2014. Working with students gives her daily opportunities to help them realize their limitless possibilities and support them when they are struggling to believe in themselves.
(510) 577-9100 Ext. 333
mbruin@bishopodowd.org
Tricia Bevilacqua
Admissions Assistant
Tricia has been with O’Dowd for five years. She grew up in South San Francisco, where she learned from her mom to “Give it Heck!” She loves the movies Field of Dreams and Remember the Titans.
(510) 577-9100 Ext. 253
tbevilacqua@bishopodowd.org
Jennifer Colgan ’92
Admissions Associate
An Oakland native, Jennifer returns to O’Dowd after many years as a small business owner and involvement in parent leadership at her children’s elementary school. She loves watching her kids play sports and hosting family and friends for meals in the backyard.
jcolgan@bishopodowd.org
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