Student Life at Bellarmine | Best High School Extracurriculars in the Bay Area
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Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Student Life at Bellarmine | Best High School Extracurriculars in the Bay Area
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Student Life
The Best High School Co-curriculars in San Jose
Bellarmine College Preparatory is home to some of the best high school co-curricular programs in the Bay Area. With award-winning programs in robotics, speech and debate, performing arts, and more, we help you find what you love and get really good at it.
Along the way, you’ll build the kind of leadership, teamwork, and dedication that top colleges look for in every applicant.
“The best part about being a student at Bellarmine is always having the opportunity to contribute to something bigger. With so many activities to join, Bells are bound to make an impact in anything they are interested in. With a strong sense of community, it pushes everyone to be their best. Seeing how the brotherhood uniquely translates to different fields at Bellarmine is overall what stands out and makes being a student at Bellarmine worth it. There is always a place for anyone here.”
— Yassel Sanchez ’26
The World’s Best High School Robotics Team—5x Champions
Bellarmine’s legendary robotics team, The Cheesy Poofs, is not just the best in San Jose. It’s the best high school robotics team in the
world.
It has the most championship wins, blue banners, Einstein appearances, and regional victories in the entire FIRST Robotics Competition.
When you join, you get to build real engineering skills and compete at the highest level of high school robotics. It’s a huge boost for your college applications—especially if you’re aiming for a top STEM program.
Explore Robotics
Nationally Ranked Speech & Debate Program
Bellarmine’s Speech & Debate team is one of the best in the country—named
Top Overall School at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament
four years in a row. Open to all levels, this team gives you the chance to build confidence in your voice and learn how to make your case on any stage.
“Bellarmine has the best speech-and debate program in the nation, and I wanted to be a part of that. I've paved my way to become top 20 in the state as a junior, and I'm poised to be a captain next year.
— Leo Billante ‘26
Explore Speech & Debate
Bellarmine’s Co-Ed Theatre Program: A Standout in Bay Area Performing Arts
With three major productions each year and professional-grade stages, our
co-ed
theatre program is one of the strongest in the Bay Area. Over 200 students take part as actors, musicians, designers, and crew. Alumni have gone on to Broadway, television, and film.
Bellarmine's theatre arts program also includes two improv comedy troupes: Sanguine Humours and Nonsensicals.
Explore Theatre Productions
Our State-of-the-Art Maker Lab
Our Maker Lab gives you the tools to turn your ideas into something real. With 3D printers, CNC mills, laser cutters, and more, it’s one of the only high school labs of its kind. Explore engineering, design, and innovation in a welcoming community.
“Very few high schools can match the quality and opportunities available within Maker Lab. I find this experience has been invaluable as I aspire to pursue engineering in my career.”
— Diego Vasquez '26
Explore Maker Lab
100+ Clubs, Endless Ways to Get Involved
With more than
100 student-run clubs,
Bellarmine offers endless opportunities to explore your interests, discover new passions, and take on leadership roles. From chess and aviation to entrepreneurship and cultural organizations, there’s something for everyone:
African American Student Union
Latino Student Union
Aviation Club
Environmental Club
Esports
Mock Trial
Investment Club
...and dozens more. Don’t see a club that fits? Start your own! Our community is here to support your ideas and help you build something meaningful.
See All Clubs & Organizations
Double Your Leadership Opportunities
Colleges want leaders—and leadership takes practice. Bellarmine’s all-boys model means
every leadership position
is held by a young man, giving you twice as many opportunities to lead.
Leadership opportunities include:
Associated Student Body (ASB):
Our student government and event planning council
Big Brothers:
Juniors and seniors who mentor incoming freshmen
Arrupe Ambassadors:
Leaders focused on service, justice, and community-building
Kairos Retreat Leaders:
Upperclassmen who guide spiritual growth for their peers
Club presidencies
for over 100 clubs and groups on campus
Co-Ed Events and Activities
Though Bellarmine is an all-boys school, student life includes regular
collaboration with nearby girls’ schools.
Co-ed theatre, retreats, cultural events, and service trips offer plenty of chances to connect.
College Counseling That Starts Early
With six full-time college counselors—
more than any other school in the Bay Area
—you get personalized guidance through every step of the college process.
One-on-one advising
Dedicated college guidance classes
Parent workshops
Over 120 college reps visit campus each year
Explore College Counseling
In Their Own Words: "What Does the Bellarmine Brotherhood Mean to You?"
Bradley Kemp '25
“Brotherhood means camaraderie. I support my brothers in all facets of the school: athletics; affinity groups; extracurriculars; theater. I know the love evident throughout our school campus is mutual. We are all here to support one another.”
— Bradley Kemp '25
Yassel Sanchez ’26
“Brotherhood at Bellarmine is the strong connection between not only friends but classmates that makes Bellarmine unique. It is a unique bond between our fellow Bells that, regardless of whether we knew each other before Bellarmine or not, there is constant support, kindness and most importantly fun between each other.”
— Yassel Sanchez ’26
Shrey Chettiar '25
“There is nothing more important than having your brothers next to you that you have built relationships with to go through the ups and downs of high school. There are no "rivalries" at Bellarmine like a lot of other high schools. Everyone is mostly fine with everyone else, and people work together without problems. Bullying is basically nonexistent at Bellarmine because everyone has a tie to the overall goal of being a bell — "a man for and with others.”
— Shrey Chettiar '25
Miles Duncan '25
“To me, the "Bellarmine Brotherhood" means seeing the value in creating deep and meaningful connections with my male friends, as it is rare that young men allow themselves to be emotionally involved in their platonic relationships. Bellarmine has taught me to create meaningful relationships through all aspects of my high school experience, which has allowed me to learn about myself and the world around me.”
— Miles Duncan '25
Gavin Wells, '26
“The Bellarmine Brotherhood means that someone will always have your back, and you will never be alone.”
—Gavin Wells, '26
Nolan Lyle ’27
“The camaraderie and the relationships you develop with your friends are connections that you wouldn't be able to make in such a deep fashion otherwise. These are the guys that you will be friends with in 40 years, making memories in the time in between, maybe business partners, figuring out things together.
— Nolan Lyle ’27
Aaron Bastianelli '25
“I feel that going to an all-boys' high school provides one with a true sense of brotherhood that does not exist at other co-ed schools. Knowing that all your peers are united in a bond of "Bellarmine Brothers" creates such a meaningful sense of pride that can't be found anywhere other than Bellarmine.”
— Aaron Bastianelli '25
Can Bellarmine students start their own clubs?
Can freshmen get involved in clubs and programs?
How do co-curriculars support college admissions?
How do students interact with girls at an all-boys school?
Is Bellarmine’s theatre program open to girls?
Yes. Students are encouraged to create new clubs based on their interests, with faculty support and student leadership opportunities. Visit our
Clubs & Organizations
page to see what’s currently available at Bellarmine.
Yes! Freshmen are encouraged to jump in and explore their interests right away. They are welcomed into clubs, theater productions, robotics, and more from their first semester.
Programs like robotics, speech and debate, and leadership roles help students stand out on applications to top universities, especially in competitive fields like STEM and business. Joining programs like our world champion robotics team or nationally ranked speech and debate program shows colleges that you thrive in rigorous and demanding environments. These experiences highlight personal qualities like initiative, creativity, and curiosity—exactly what top universities are looking for.
Bellarmine partners with nearby all-girls’ schools for theater productions, service trips, retreats, and cultural events. Additionally, many of our teachers and leaders on-campus are women.
Yes. Bellarmine’s co-ed theatre program includes students from nearby girls’ schools and offers opportunities in acting, tech, design, and music.
Join the Bellarmine Brotherhood
The Bellarmine Brotherhood is the connection, support, and camaraderie that students carry with them for life. Through clubs, classes, service, and fun, you’ll build deep friendships that go far beyond graduation.
Ready to Meet Your New Brothers?
Start Your Application
Skip To Main Content
Student Life
The Best High School Co-curriculars in San Jose
Bellarmine College Preparatory is home to some of the best high school co-curricular programs in the Bay Area. With award-winning programs in robotics, speech and debate, performing arts, and more, we help you find what you love and get really good at it.
Along the way, you’ll build the kind of leadership, teamwork, and dedication that top colleges look for in every applicant.
“The best part about being a student at Bellarmine is always having the opportunity to contribute to something bigger. With so many activities to join, Bells are bound to make an impact in anything they are interested in. With a strong sense of community, it pushes everyone to be their best. Seeing how the brotherhood uniquely translates to different fields at Bellarmine is overall what stands out and makes being a student at Bellarmine worth it. There is always a place for anyone here.”
— Yassel Sanchez ’26
The World’s Best High School Robotics Team—5x Champions
Bellarmine’s legendary robotics team, The Cheesy Poofs, is not just the best in San Jose. It’s the best high school robotics team in the
world.
It has the most championship wins, blue banners, Einstein appearances, and regional victories in the entire FIRST Robotics Competition.
When you join, you get to build real engineering skills and compete at the highest level of high school robotics. It’s a huge boost for your college applications—especially if you’re aiming for a top STEM program.
Explore Robotics
Nationally Ranked Speech & Debate Program
Bellarmine’s Speech & Debate team is one of the best in the country—named
Top Overall School at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament
four years in a row. Open to all levels, this team gives you the chance to build confidence in your voice and learn how to make your case on any stage.
“Bellarmine has the best speech-and debate program in the nation, and I wanted to be a part of that. I've paved my way to become top 20 in the state as a junior, and I'm poised to be a captain next year.
— Leo Billante ‘26
Explore Speech & Debate
Bellarmine’s Co-Ed Theatre Program: A Standout in Bay Area Performing Arts
With three major productions each year and professional-grade stages, our
co-ed
theatre program is one of the strongest in the Bay Area. Over 200 students take part as actors, musicians, designers, and crew. Alumni have gone on to Broadway, television, and film.
Bellarmine's theatre arts program also includes two improv comedy troupes: Sanguine Humours and Nonsensicals.
Explore Theatre Productions
Our State-of-the-Art Maker Lab
Our Maker Lab gives you the tools to turn your ideas into something real. With 3D printers, CNC mills, laser cutters, and more, it’s one of the only high school labs of its kind. Explore engineering, design, and innovation in a welcoming community.
“Very few high schools can match the quality and opportunities available within Maker Lab. I find this experience has been invaluable as I aspire to pursue engineering in my career.”
— Diego Vasquez '26
Explore Maker Lab
100+ Clubs, Endless Ways to Get Involved
With more than
100 student-run clubs,
Bellarmine offers endless opportunities to explore your interests, discover new passions, and take on leadership roles. From chess and aviation to entrepreneurship and cultural organizations, there’s something for everyone:
African American Student Union
Latino Student Union
Aviation Club
Environmental Club
Esports
Mock Trial
Investment Club
...and dozens more. Don’t see a club that fits? Start your own! Our community is here to support your ideas and help you build something meaningful.
See All Clubs & Organizations
Double Your Leadership Opportunities
Colleges want leaders—and leadership takes practice. Bellarmine’s all-boys model means
every leadership position
is held by a young man, giving you twice as many opportunities to lead.
Leadership opportunities include:
Associated Student Body (ASB):
Our student government and event planning council
Big Brothers:
Juniors and seniors who mentor incoming freshmen
Arrupe Ambassadors:
Leaders focused on service, justice, and community-building
Kairos Retreat Leaders:
Upperclassmen who guide spiritual growth for their peers
Club presidencies
for over 100 clubs and groups on campus
Co-Ed Events and Activities
Though Bellarmine is an all-boys school, student life includes regular
collaboration with nearby girls’ schools.
Co-ed theatre, retreats, cultural events, and service trips offer plenty of chances to connect.
College Counseling That Starts Early
With six full-time college counselors—
more than any other school in the Bay Area
—you get personalized guidance through every step of the college process.
One-on-one advising
Dedicated college guidance classes
Parent workshops
Over 120 college reps visit campus each year
Explore College Counseling
In Their Own Words: "What Does the Bellarmine Brotherhood Mean to You?"
Bradley Kemp '25
“Brotherhood means camaraderie. I support my brothers in all facets of the school: athletics; affinity groups; extracurriculars; theater. I know the love evident throughout our school campus is mutual. We are all here to support one another.”
— Bradley Kemp '25
Yassel Sanchez ’26
“Brotherhood at Bellarmine is the strong connection between not only friends but classmates that makes Bellarmine unique. It is a unique bond between our fellow Bells that, regardless of whether we knew each other before Bellarmine or not, there is constant support, kindness and most importantly fun between each other.”
— Yassel Sanchez ’26
Shrey Chettiar '25
“There is nothing more important than having your brothers next to you that you have built relationships with to go through the ups and downs of high school. There are no "rivalries" at Bellarmine like a lot of other high schools. Everyone is mostly fine with everyone else, and people work together without problems. Bullying is basically nonexistent at Bellarmine because everyone has a tie to the overall goal of being a bell — "a man for and with others.”
— Shrey Chettiar '25
Miles Duncan '25
“To me, the "Bellarmine Brotherhood" means seeing the value in creating deep and meaningful connections with my male friends, as it is rare that young men allow themselves to be emotionally involved in their platonic relationships. Bellarmine has taught me to create meaningful relationships through all aspects of my high school experience, which has allowed me to learn about myself and the world around me.”
— Miles Duncan '25
Gavin Wells, '26
“The Bellarmine Brotherhood means that someone will always have your back, and you will never be alone.”
—Gavin Wells, '26
Nolan Lyle ’27
“The camaraderie and the relationships you develop with your friends are connections that you wouldn't be able to make in such a deep fashion otherwise. These are the guys that you will be friends with in 40 years, making memories in the time in between, maybe business partners, figuring out things together.
— Nolan Lyle ’27
Aaron Bastianelli '25
“I feel that going to an all-boys' high school provides one with a true sense of brotherhood that does not exist at other co-ed schools. Knowing that all your peers are united in a bond of "Bellarmine Brothers" creates such a meaningful sense of pride that can't be found anywhere other than Bellarmine.”
— Aaron Bastianelli '25
Can Bellarmine students start their own clubs?
Can freshmen get involved in clubs and programs?
How do co-curriculars support college admissions?
How do students interact with girls at an all-boys school?
Is Bellarmine’s theatre program open to girls?
Yes. Students are encouraged to create new clubs based on their interests, with faculty support and student leadership opportunities. Visit our
Clubs & Organizations
page to see what’s currently available at Bellarmine.
Yes! Freshmen are encouraged to jump in and explore their interests right away. They are welcomed into clubs, theater productions, robotics, and more from their first semester.
Programs like robotics, speech and debate, and leadership roles help students stand out on applications to top universities, especially in competitive fields like STEM and business. Joining programs like our world champion robotics team or nationally ranked speech and debate program shows colleges that you thrive in rigorous and demanding environments. These experiences highlight personal qualities like initiative, creativity, and curiosity—exactly what top universities are looking for.
Bellarmine partners with nearby all-girls’ schools for theater productions, service trips, retreats, and cultural events. Additionally, many of our teachers and leaders on-campus are women.
Yes. Bellarmine’s co-ed theatre program includes students from nearby girls’ schools and offers opportunities in acting, tech, design, and music.
Join the Bellarmine Brotherhood
The Bellarmine Brotherhood is the connection, support, and camaraderie that students carry with them for life. Through clubs, classes, service, and fun, you’ll build deep friendships that go far beyond graduation.
Ready to Meet Your New Brothers?
Start Your Application