Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Catholic College-Preparatory Education in Oakland
Bishop O'Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community dedicated to educating students to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world. Founded in 1951, we embrace diversity, strength of character, academic excellence, and environmental stewardship as core values. Our faculty, with 70% holding advanced degrees, delivers a rigorous curriculum featuring 33 AP and honors courses across STEM, humanities, and arts. The 20-acre campus includes a 4-acre Living Lab for environmental studies and state-of-the-art facilities for athletics and performing arts. We maintain a 14:1 student-teacher ratio with 26 average class sizes to ensure personalized attention. Our co-curricular programs engage over 700 student-athletes across 48 teams and offer extensive arts, debate, and service-learning opportunities.Financial aid supports 30% of students, ensuring access to qualified applicants regardless of economic background. Accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, we prepare students for college and life through a values-based education. The school's holistic approach includes social-emotional support, academic tutoring, and wellness programs. With students from over 100 regional schools and 20 zipcodes, we cultivate a multi-racial, multi-faith community united by shared values.
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Environmental Studies
Performing Arts
Athletics
Financial Aid
Service Learning
Visual Arts
Debate Programs
Campus Ministry
Academic Support
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- We offer 33 AP and honors courses with 70% faculty holding advanced degrees
- Our 4-acre Living Lab integrates environmental studies with STEM education
- We maintain 14:1 student-teacher ratios with personalized academic support systems
- Our diverse student body represents over 20 zipcodes and multiple faith traditions
- We combine college preparation with social-emotional learning and wellness programs
Associations and certifications
- Western Catholic Education Association
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Services
College Preparatory Programs
Our college preparatory curriculum features 33 AP and honors courses across STEM, humanities, and languages. Faculty with 70% advanced degrees employ culturally relevant pedagogy to develop critical thinking skills. The program prepares students for university success through rigorous coursework and college counseling services.
Environmental Studies
The Center for Environmental Studies combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in our 4-acre Living Lab. Students engage in ecological research projects and sustainability initiatives that integrate with science and math curricula. This program develops environmental stewardship while meeting college preparatory requirements.
Performing Arts
Our performing arts program includes theater, music, and dance with professional-grade facilities like the James T. Bill '55 Theater. Students receive instruction from working artists and participate in productions that develop creative expression and technical skills. The program has placed graduates in top arts colleges nationwide.
Athletics
The championship athletic program fields 48 teams across 16 sports with NCAA-regulation facilities. Coaches emphasize leadership development alongside athletic skills, with 20-30 student-athletes annually continuing to college sports. The program combines competitive play with character development through team-building experiences.
Academic Support
Our layered support system includes subject tutoring, executive function coaching, and social-emotional learning. The program helps students develop self-advocacy skills while providing academic accommodations. Health and wellness resources complement academic support to ensure student success.
People
Carlos Reed
Director of Athletics
BA from UC Santa Barbara, joined O'Dowd in 2020. Believes athletics teaches honor, responsibility, and teamwork. Oversees championship athletic program with 48 teams and 700+ student-athletes.
Rebecca Bischoff
Chief Development Officer
M.Ed. from Harvard University, with O'Dowd since 2016. Manages alumni relations and fundraising initiatives. Focuses on connecting donors to support student success through financial aid and program development.
Questions
What makes Bishop O'Dowd's educational approach unique?
Our Catholic college-preparatory program uniquely combines academic rigor with values-based education, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional learning in a diverse community setting.
What extracurricular opportunities are available?
We offer 48 athletic teams across 16 sports, performing and visual arts programs with professional facilities, 60+ clubs, and extensive service-learning opportunities.
How does the school support student diversity?
Our equity and belonging plan ensures representation across curriculum, faculty, and student life. Students from 20+ zipcodes and multiple faith traditions create a richly diverse learning environment.
What financial aid options exist for families?
30% of students receive financial aid through our Tuition Assistance Initiative, ensuring access to qualified students regardless of economic background.
How does the school prepare students for college?
With 33 AP/honors courses, college counseling services, and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, we provide personalized college preparation with 100% college acceptance rate.
What are the school's accreditation credentials?
We hold dual accreditation from Western Catholic Education Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, ensuring rigorous academic standards.
