Berkeley Parents Network: Bishop O'Dowd High School

Berkeley Parents Network

Bishop O'Dowd High School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Bishop O'Dowd High School

Web Site for Bishop O'Dowd: www.odowd.pvt.k12.ca.us

October 2006

I would like to hear from families that have gone to or currently send their child(ren) to Bishop O'Dowd. What is it like there? What if you are not Catholic, are you welcomed there? How safe is the campus as far as drugs and acceptence of peers? How about real shy kids? Thanks

My kid (Jewish) just graduated from BOD. This is a great school IF your kid WANTS to be there (mine did). I suggest you and your child visit -- and if your child says, ''This is for me!'' then apply. If not, don't apply. The school is like a throw back to traditional public high schools from 35 years ago, except it's diverse. Very safe. Very hard, mostly traditional academics with a few absolutely outstanding teachers. The school has gotten a bit more Catholic in feeling recently, but my child felt very comfortable there. It helps enormously if your child is an athlete or actor (maybe artist or musician), because these programs are BIG and provide the busy social life for the students. Kids who don't have some kind of interest that would connect them to others don't do as well at BOD.
anon

Dec 2003

I've read all the postings about Bishop O'Dowd and have been pretty impressed. One comment I heard from an acquaintance is that their math department is particularly weak, however, and this is a concern of mine. Can anybody else comment on the math program at O'Dowd? As well as any other current concerns/ positive things about the school? Thanks much. Wondering

We have been pleased with BOD the last few years. As far as weak depts, I don't think there are any glaring gaps. Science is strong but they have no AP Chemistry as some other Catholic HS. There is no science the first year. There are great history teachers and others teach by video tape. There is no history the second year. Math can be excellent depending on the teacher, but I know many families who go outside for private tutors. In general the religion dept is very strong. The english dept varies. Very little reading the first year, more the second. Writing could be stronger. Foreign Languages are strong in German. They also offer no Chinese or Japanese as some of the other private schools. Good art, computers, drama. Many hire private college guidance counselors. Forget playing a popular sport unless your child is a select level player.

Overall a pretty good school

February 2003

I would still appreciate some more views on O'Dowd. My son loved it. We were a bit concerned about some things.
1.Are there enough guidance counselors?
2. No science in ninth grade?
3. Do you have to be a go getter to do well there?

Regarding guidance counselors: I have both a freshman and a junior at O'Dowd. The kids meet regularily with their counselors to plan classes and discuss college. The one time I tried to make an appointment I had a slow turnaround time, but once we finally met, the counselor was responsive. Regarding science in 9th grade: This IS true and my husband (a scientist) and I were concerned. However, there are opportunities for electives in junior and senior year that allow additional science courses. In fact, there are quite a few electives in the sciences that allow a student to track to what interests them. Biology is required. My daughter took earth science followed by AP environmetnal science, but chemistry (including honors chemistry) and physics are also offered (as are semester courses in living lab, marine biology, and anatomy). Cathy

July 2002

Re: looking for a high school
My husband, his brothers and sisters, attained minority scholarships for a private Catholic School in S.F. called St. Ignatius - apparently it is highly recommended, even 20 years later. We live in the East Bay and my son, who transferred out of Berkeley High now attends Bishop O'Dowd, another private Catholic School in Oakland. Although we are not a religious family, my son loves it and my has excelled in all subjects the quality of education is fabulous. Monthly it's a big chunk of money - and I sometimes wonder how we are going to last three more years, but consider it well worth it and wouldn't consider any other school. Good Luck with your son. Pat

May 2002

Re: Doing Poorly at Berkeley High
My son wanted to attend Berkeley and I was quite happy to give it a try. He started off good, but as time went by his grades dropped from A's to C's and D's. He played truant, locked himself in his bedroom and refused to come out. In the beginning like most parents we thought it was his teenage mood swings, but then it became obvious something was really wrong when he began to slash his wrists. He hated the B.High culture and claimed school was a waste of his time as far as getting an education. The depression went on - we sought counseling - like many parents we thought what the hell can I do. I can't afford a private high school on my salary.

I somehow found the money to send him to Bishop O'Dowd. As much as it is a hardship for us to find the extra cash - I can honestly say in the three months that my son has been there I have a totally different child. He has gone from failing and falling through the cracks to being an up beat motivated kid that loves school. His grades this semester are four A's one B and a C - such a miraculous improvement over B.High.

What is the difference - lower class size - strong values for respect for each other - child held accountable by the school - text books (which we have to buy of course) - closed campus - high levels of professional security - more counselors per child and the obvious no government budget cuts....

I think you just have to listen to your kid and find some way to get them out of B.High if you have to.

April 1998

I have two daughters presently attending O'Dowd and one who graduated from O'Dowd in 1993. My husband and I and the girls all feel that O'Dowd is a very good high school -- and for many reasons. It is not perfect -- and no school really is. We are not Catholic; in fact, we are not affiliated with any religious denomination. The school population is composed of (roughly) 50% Catholics, with the other 50% being Jewish, Protestant, Agnostic, Atheist, and "other." We appreciate the school for many reasons and at the top of our list is the fact that there is dogma forced upon its students whatsoever. The Religion classes taught are some of the very best in the school (Living and Dying, World Religions, Family, -- to name a few). The school is diversely populated (both ethnically and socio-economically); it is relatively small (approximately 1050 students); has excellent Drama Department; has excellent sports program for young women and young men; requires "community service" of all students; addresses (mainly in the Religion classes) such topics as "abortion," gay/lesbian awareness issues, etc. Students respect each other and respect differences. It's a safe place; parent participation is strong. Like any school, it has its mixture of "top-notch teachers," mediocre teachers, and somewhat limited teachers.

Check out the school's upcoming spring musical (Cabaret) which is advertised in the Montclarion. Also, call the O'Dowd Box Office re ticket info (577-9140). It's opening at the end of April and runs through the first two weekends of May. ALL of their productions are Excellent and a real treat. Recommend you take a peek at this one little part of O'Dowd. You won't be sorry, guaranteed!!

To put it simply: it's good, traditional school (and very "non-traditional Catholic school") that provides very good academic training and a healthy and full social environment. We give it a good, solid "A." Deborah

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