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Bishop O'Dowd High School is a fully accredited, Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory school administered by the Diocese of Oakland. Bishop O'Dowd shares the traditions of the Catholic faith with all students, and encourages non-Catholic students to grow in their own spiritual traditions. The school is known for its strong academic program, selective admissions, high college matriculation, and well-known alumni. O'Dowd is nationally notable for its athletic programs and locally for its arts programs and volunteerism.

Mission Statement (verbatim)

Bishop O’Dowd is a Catholic co-educational, college preparatory high school, administered by the Diocese of Oakland which affirms the teachings, moral values, and ethical standards of the Catholic Church. This unique and diverse community strives to develop young men and women of competence, conscience and compassion through an integrated academic, spiritual, and extra-curricular program. Bishop O’Dowd seeks to develop persons of influence who are loving, open to growth, religious, intellectually competent, and skilled leaders committed to justice and peace.

Goals

O'Dowd will endeavor to fulfill this mission by:

• Respond to the Gospel call to love of God and love of neighbor;
• Be an agent of social justice;
• Make informed choices and moral decisions;
• Demonstrate academic competence;
• Demonstrate competence in critical thinking;
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the fine arts;
• Work In cooperative settings;
• Demonstrate competence in the use of technology;
• Appreciate nature and be responsible consumers;
• Live a healthy life-style;
• Participate in the democratic process;
• Educate students on appropriate use of technology within the classroom;

History (verbatim)

Bishop O'Dowd High School is named in memory of the former Director of Education of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Bishop James T. O'Dowd. At the time of his sudden death, the Bishop was in the process of drawing up plans for a new Catholic high school in the East Bay.

Archbishop of San Francisco John Joseph Mitty established O'Dowd as a Catholic, co-institutional high school (boys and girls on the same campus, but separated for most activities). The school opened in September 1951 with 120 freshmen in facilities provided by St. Louis Bertrand School, with a faculty of two Diocesan priests, four Adrian Dominican Sisters and Fr. Mark J. Hurley as the first principal.

In September 1952, classes met for the first time on the present campus. A grade level was added each year until the school reached capacity enrollment of 900 students with its first graduates in 1955. In these early years Diocesan priests administered the school.

After the new Diocese of Oakland was formed in 1962, Bishop Begin transferred the administration of the school to the California Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1966. Under their direction, the school continued to build a reputation for academic excellence as well as excellence in athletics and the performing arts. Later the school became fully co-educational served by both Adrian Dominican Sisters and the Oblate Fathers.

In 1978 the Diocese transferred the administration of the school to the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers). The Adrian Dominican Sisters continued to staff the school until 1994 when they withdrew, citing declining numbers. It was during this era that the school began to see major physical changes to the campus, which included a football field with bleachers, additional parking, new computer labs and expanded library facilities with a computerized on-line system.

In 1991, the science labs were updated and the school was made accessible to the physically challenged with the addition of an elevator. A two-story, ten-classroom addition opened in 1993 to replace the five portables that had served as classrooms since the 1960's.

On July 1, 2005 the Diocese of Oakland established a President/Principal model of governance with a Board of Regents of Limited Jurisdiction designed for the 21st century. Three Basilian Fathers remained in non-administrative roles for the 2005-06 school year, but withdrew in June of 2006 because of declining numbers. For the first time, laymen and women administered Bishop O'Dowd High School.

Today, the student body is composed of 1160 young men and women. The faculty and staff consists of 125 men and women, and more than 50 part-time coaches. Bishop O'Dowd's exemplary college preparatory curriculum, rich diversity, and superb athletic, Campus Ministry, and performing arts programs make it one of the most desirable and unique Catholic high schools in America. Over 98 percent of Bishop O'Dowd graduates enroll in colleges and universities in California and across the nation. More than 12,000 graduates have been added to the ranks of alumni since the first class graduated in 1955, fulfilling roles of leadership and service, both in the local community and worldwide.

Bishop O'Dowd is currently engaged in a major strategic planning process to ensure that this vital Catholic high school will continue to graduate exemplary citizens who enrich society with the leaven of the Gospel, and who communicate Christ to others by their lives.

Academics

Bishop O'Dowd's college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses in 19 subjects, and an enhanced range of services to accommodate college preparatory students with learning differences. The curriculum includes honors courses in mathematics, language, English, social studies and science, and computer programming and multimedia design. A fully integrated arts and drama program, an environmental science program, and five languages are also offered. Students participate in a 100-hour service-learning program. A wireless technology environment allows students and faculty easy access to the Internet, and encourages student-centered learning. Students are encouraged to bring and use their laptops on campus. The average SAT score for the O'Dowd class of 2005 was 1246, well above the national and state averages of 1028 and 1020.

College Matriculation

Approximately 98% of graduating seniors enter a four-year college or university within two years of graduation, well above the national average and among the best in the country.

Demographics

African American 15%, Asian 10%, Euro-American 48%, Latino 7%, other 20%.

Student Life

Clubs

An extensive student activities program includes student government, an award-winning Junior Statesmen program, Dragon Ambassadors, and more than 30 student clubs that invite and encourage students to develop their interests and abilities.

Athletics

Over 800 athletes participate in 16 interscholastic sports on 55 teams, including water polo and lacrosse as well as the traditional sports.

Accreditation and Membership

O'Dowd is accredited by and/or affiliated with the following organizations:

• The Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Notable Alumni

Notable Bishop O'Dowd alumni include:

• Brian Shaw - Retired NBA player, now a Los Angeles Lakers coach
• Ryan Drese - Major League Baseball player
• Langston Walker - NFL player for the Oakland Raiders
• Kirk Morrison - NFL player for the Oakland Raiders
• Eric Bjornson - NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys (1995-2000) and New England Patriots (2000)
• Tarik Glenn - NFL player for the Indianapolis Colts
• Amaya Brecher - Cast member of The Real World on MTV
• Michael A. Goorjian - Emmy-winning actor
• Tajai Massey - Rapper for the hip hop group Souls of Mischief
• Shawn Harris - Singer/Guitarist of The Matches
• Matt Whalen - Drummer of The Matches
• Zachary Smith - Honorable Mention Employee Guest Services San Francisco Giants

External links

• Official Bishop O'Dowd High School website

References

• Official Bishop O'Dowd High School website
• University of California Analytical Writing Placement Exam Results

• Educational institutions established in 1950
• Education in Oakland
• Private schools in California