website: http://www.sjnd.org/

Related page: St. Joseph Elementary School in Alameda

Re: Catholic high school for child with out gay parents?
My son will start at Saint Joseph Notre Dame in Alameda this fall. I know they have many social/activity groups and one of them is a gay support group. One parent I talked to said she thinks they are openminded about the issue. I will know better once my kid is going there, and would be happy to let you know what I think. I sure hope they support all their students, whatever their sexual orientation. anon

One student in particular, Kelsey Johnson, was honored for her efforts, and she was named the PG&E PrideNetwork Scholar, earning a $5,000 scholarship for her anti-bullying efforts at SJND. She founded the alliance, called The Us's, which has organized a Day of Silence and raised money for the Trevor Project at SJND.

And, in response to recent concerns nationwide about young people being bullied, Kelsey established every classroom and every office on the school's campus as a Safe Zone for students who might feel like they don't fit in. She also was honored by Girls Inc. with their Women Who Dare award.

I'm proud to say my kids are part of a school that takes tolerance seriously, and I'm also happy to say there weren't any issues at SJND that prompted the action. It was more a reaction to stories like the one at Rutgers that inspired students. SJND is also a great academic school, with a great diversity of students, all of whom are college-bound.

Re: Positive School Environments in Alameda?
At our high school in Alameda, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, a student group, in response to national concerns about bullying, took the initiative this year and asked all teachers and staff if they could hang pink ''Safe Zone'' triangles in every classroom and office on campus so that there would be a place for students who might feel like they didn't fit in. There, an adult was committed to talking with them and making sure everything was OK.

My two older sons are at SJND, where there is a strong sense of tolerance and doing the right thing. My younger son is at St. Joseph Elementary School, where some of the parents have inquired about establishing a similar ''Safe Zone'' program.

I feel like these types of programs shine a light on the issue of bullying, which serves to discourage such negative behavior, and they make school a safe place for all students. An Alameda mother

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda is a small, college prep school with a supportive counseling program (three full time and one part-time special needs)and a lovely campus. Honors and AP courses are available. My son and daughter, junior and sophomore, respectively, have thrived at the school, which in addition to its fine academics, offers participation in sports teams, clubs and musical and theater productions. All students are assigned a counselor in their freshman year, and retain that counselor throughout their high school years.

My daughter tells me to inform readers that SJND has a ''spectacular'' arts program and that, in fact, the program is so popular that there is no such thing as a band/drama/art ''geek'' there.

In addition, students with special needs/learning differences benefit from the services of the special-needs counselor. The school is inclusive and supportive, which is especially beneficial to students with learning differences. My son is diagnosed with Aspergers/High Functioning Autism and has been supported and aided by the staff and students at SJND from day one.

Student visits (termed Shadow Visits) begin October 5 and there is an Open House on Sunday, October 24 from 1:30 to 4:00. Attendance at the Open House will give you and your child an opportunity to meet the teachers, talk with students and tour the campus. Having attended two open houses, my kids and I vouch that it is a lively, fun experience. Barbara

My son is a sophmore at Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School. His experience has been exceptional! SJND is a smaller school, but with a nice high school campus feeling.He has some mild learning issues, and the counseling dept. and teachers go out of their way to extend whatever assistance is needed and possible.The academics are great, as challenging as any given student can handle. They have an exceptional math and science dept, adding new and advanced classes each year. This year an engineering class is being offered for jrs. The social atmosphere is very warm and accepting. A bonus for us has been the terrific music program.I would recommend checking this school out! It isn't as well known as some, but it should be! Signed: Happy Parent!

I have two boys at SJND, a small Catholic high school in Alameda. They have fantastic friends, challenging classes, and can participate in sports, clubs, anything they like. We aren't Catholic and that isn't an issue at all. My boys appreciate the opportunity to learn about differnt religions and people are respectful of them. Given a choice, they would both choose SJND again. They also appreciate getting to know their teachers. Tremendous mutual respect. Definately worth checking out. Jenifer L-W

After our son had a disappointing experience at Alameda High, we encouraged our daughter to consider St. Joseph Notre Dame. She is now a junior there, and we couldn't be happier. She is getting a great college-prep education at a school with a wonderful community atmosphere. The excellent science curriculum and new facilities drew her to SJND, but the community has kept her there. She is growing into a confident young woman not afraid to be herself. She is able to participate in two sports and several clubs. I'm continually amazed at how well her teachers know her. SJND has exceeded our expectations. Happy Alameda mom