Bishop O Dowd High School

9500 Stearns Avenue

Oakland, CA 94605

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 22, 2024

Now that my child has graduated I believe I have a better perspective on O'Dowd. If your child is committed to one of the many specialties available at O'Dowd (sports, theater, theology, debate, etc) *as well as* has a high threshold for academic pressure, this is a great option in East Oakland. The counselors are well trained and available for students to take advantage of as well.
Submitted by other on October 14, 2023

As a graduate, this education was superior to any public school. It has impressed on many resumes I ve submitted and got all but one job that I wanted...but a better job became available. Many thanks to the students and faculty!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2023

O'Dowd staff, coaches, and students are all friendly. Homework seems to be a lot, however the school offers plenty of assistance in the form of peer tutoring, office hours, and flexibility homework submission policies.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2020

We've been really pleased with our first year at this school. Our son was initially unsure because most of his friends went to different high schools. But BOD seems to have the perfect balance of academics and athletics for him, and we are particularly impressed with the school communications and activities for almost every type of interest.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2020

This is a top school and should be listed as one of the best educational choices in the Bay Area. I couldn't recommend it more!
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2018

My first child excelled when they were there in 2006-2010. My last child was not prepared for college and did not get the education under the current leadership that my first child received.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2017

I would NOT recommend Bishop P'Dowd, get an inter-district transfer to the Acalanes School District or chose a school that embraces ALL students not just the families and students they can press for money or use as poster kids! They refuse to deal directly with school wide problems, including 'money man' Steve Phelps, hold on to your wallet he's a sweet talker. My last tuition payment was the last dollar we will ever give.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2017

I have two students that are thriving in the environment. They challenge the students to be disciplined in their learning and provide a model for them to establish a pathway for college and excel in their studies. Social activities are encouraged and celebrated equally with academic programs and enrichment activities. So far we are very pleased with the experience. It works for you if you work at taking hold of the opportunities presented.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2017

I wasted precious resources - money, time, energy - towards what I thought would be a good experience for my daughter at Bishop O'Dowd High School. Instead, my daughter's self esteem and courage was destroyed. Counselors do not engage with kids and with families and do not respond to emails or phone calls in a timely fashion (if at all). Teachers do not respond to emails, and if they do it's to explain to you all the ways they are doing their job and you are not doing yours. Administration points fingers at the families for low performing kids. After school "support" consists of the support teacher telling a student to do her homework and turning away from her. The counselors and prior Principal spent more time investigating the whereabouts of my daughter's father - who doesn't participate in her life - than they did investigating why she was struggling with her courses. Even after I requested a meeting to discuss her grades and our feelings of being an outsider in the school, walls were put up and communication was impossible. We were told that perhaps she didn't belong at the school.Bishop O'Dowd has a sour administration that shows you the door when you ask questions, teachers who abusively berate children in hallways when questions are asked, while families who do their very best to make ends meet paying precious money to Bishop O'Dowd High School struggle to find their way . . this school that cares more about its website and its outward appearance than it does about its students. Nothing is free or part of tuition at O'Dowd; an evening "Finals Prep" class costs $50 (if you can get a spot). It's easy to get left behind at O'Dowd without even realizing it and then it's too late because of the lack of support.After leaving O'Dowd mid-semester, I had a conversation with parent at O'Dowd who said "I went to O'Dowd, so it's easy for me to navigate the administration. . . you need to know people to get help." I admonished her - and the school - for playing favorites for children of alumni and not welcoming the new families or helping the kids who are excited to go there but don't have an "in".Please message me if you'd like more information or hear more detailed stories of our O'Dowd ordeal. Skyline High has been fantastic transitioning my daughter back into high school and we are hopeful that her feet are back underneath her.
Submitted by other on November 01, 2016

My student is absolutely loving his freshman year at BOD. As the only student ever to apply to BOD from his middle school, he walked in knowing virtually no one. He met several great guys during summer sports programs and often meets up with them during lunch breaks, etc. The inclusiveness and welcoming vibe was evident from the moment we stepped foot on campus. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious background, and everyone cares about the students. The school president met with our son and another boy one day to simply check in with them, as they were the only students from their respective middle schools. Dr. Phelps personally offered his support, and encouraged the boys to join clubs of their interest. My husband and I were profoundly touched and incredibly grateful for Dr. Phelps' efforts to reach out to our son. Although our son is taking three Honors classes as well as an advanced World Language class, he finds homework to be manageable thanks to the block schedule. Good time management is key, especially if students participate in sports.The coaches have high expectations of the athletes but they also care very much for the athletes' academic success and well being. Environmental Science and Computer Science opportunities are fantastic, far exceeding many of the other top-tier private high schools we considered.I cannot end my review without a shoutout to the school cafeteria. For better or worse my son simply enters in his student ID, and regularly blows through $50-$75 a week on the various breakfasts, snacks, lunches and afternoon meals offered on campus. Food grown in the Living Lab is prepared for the students--my son even eats some of it. Given that my son begins many days on campus at 6:30-7am for basketball, and often ends his day after 5:00 for sports or other activities, I'm relieved to know he will not go hungry. We couldn't ask for a more positive beginning to our son's high school journey.
Submitted by other on March 27, 2016

The math program is challenging if you don't already have a great grasp of mathematics, but my son seems to be excelling in all of his classes. The environment is competitive and students with drive can succeed here. Athletes are provided with additional academic support including weekend study halls. The athletics program is very disciplined and the coaches are passionate. However, their skills and coaching styles vary. My son hasn't been exposed to any drugs or alcohol on campus and he has a pretty big and diverse friend group. There are teachers (and students) that he likes more than others, but that's normal for any school. Overall this has been a pretty good experience for my freshman and he's looking forward to taking on more advanced placement courses, running for student office and hopefully making the varsity football and basketball teams his sophomore year.
Submitted by other on December 15, 2015

Horrible mathematics department. I'm not sure what I'm learning. I feel as though the math teachers do not genuinely care about your success. It is definitely not worth the money. However, I do enjoy the social aspect of the school. The English is superb as well as the Social Studies and the Science Department. I would recommend sending your child here if they're naturally good at math. Otherwise, you will face problems. The work load is manageable but when there is lack of quality teaching, it becomes stressful. I've made some decent friends and have also encountered duplicitous people. Great learning experience.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2013

After reading the reviews I had to add my own. One said he did not like the school,because he was put on academic probation,tough.This school prepares kids for college if you are getting a 2.0 you will not go to 4 year and that is what they are preparing you for. My child has learning disabilities & gets a 3.75! The teachers are fantastic & want to see the kids succeed. There is a place for everyone at this school it is not just for the athlete.As far as being Catholic, they do not shove it down their throat they have mass,retreats,services. As in anything it is what you put into it, if your child is not participating in the Christian aspect of the school that is their own choice. My child is having an excellent experience, and growing into a smart, self assured, compassionate person.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2013

As a parent, this school is large on publicity and short on dealing with or responding to problems. My child identified and photographed a teacher out of line, the administrations response was to do nothing, typical of BOD. IThis truly is a paid for private school, nothing more!
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2012

The low rating is due to the lack of support and care students receive from the counselors and administrative staff. 4 years at the school and the counselor still doesn't know my child's name. 2 laptops, 1 phone, numerous books and clothes stolen from lockers, classrooms, etc. No catholic identity and very ghetto. On a positive note, a lot of the teachers are amazing and the sports programs are great. However, it's unfortunate that the people that are most involved in college planning and transition are uncaring and unaware.
Submitted by student on July 13, 2012

I loved this school so much. Its my freshman summer (going into sophomore) Sadly I cannot attend next year due to financial issues. But the school is so warm. Once you find your friends you know that you will be friends with them the rest of your lives. The atmosphere is beautiful, you are surrounded by high achieving students like yourself. The catholic education is not forced on students who aren't catholic, but it is explored. I'm so so very sad that I will not be able to attend, every day I cry my eyes out. I hope that whoever gets the chance to attend this school is very thankful because it is truly the best school on earth <3 The english department is amazing, however freshman! Do not be intimidated if you take honors english it all pays off and you realize it at the end of the year. All the departments are quite magnificent.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2011

Sadly, this school has lost its catholic identity, and administrators just put on a good facade. It may as well be Oakland's private college preparatory school with a cross to decorate the buildings, so I think Bishop Cordiolione should sell the building to the folks with money in the Oakland Hills instead of pretending it is a Catholic School, because it already has been sold out of its Catholic values.
Submitted by student on November 15, 2010

i enjoy the school tremendously. the teachers are always there for you and I feel that each member of the staff is there to help you. I recommend this school to everyone.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2010

Sadly, the meaning of the word 'Catholic' is lost here. This school is more concerned about it's image than about teaching and demonstrating true Catholic values. The administration is a joke. They know how to spend your money though, all glitz and no substance. It's all a facade! Save your money and spend it on a good college! If a true Catholic education is what you are after, send them to CCD instead.