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Aerial view of Bellarmine Preparatory School
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Catholic high school

Bellarmine Preparatory School

  • LocationTacoma, WA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 889 students
  • SponsorSociety of Jesus (Jesuits)
Official website

Bellarmine Preparatory School is a Jesuit Catholic coed high school in Tacoma, Washington, founded in 1928. Campus Ministry lists a weekly Mass or prayer service in the chapel, a monthly all-school Mass, Advent and Lent penance services, and a daily Examen. The retreat program covers every grade, and the junior service experience lists 30 hours of direct service and 10 hours of advocacy.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Bellarmine Preparatory School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miHoly Rosary Church: 2.2 mi1Saint Joseph Catholic Church: 2.3 mi2Visitation Catholic Church: 2.3 mi3Campus Ministry (Fr. Weber Hall): 0.3 miBellarmine Preparatory School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Holy Rosary Church — 2.2 mi
  2. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 2.3 mi · 602 South 34th Street, Tacoma
  3. Visitation Catholic Church — 2.3 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

60 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (All-school Mass about once a month, per the Masses and Faith and Service pages.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All School Mass - Ignite the spirit of our entire school community with our monthly All School Mass”
      The school holds a monthly all-school Mass.
    2. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All School masses are held about once a month”
      All-school Masses are held about once a month.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (School-wide penance services in Advent and Lent (a recurring seasonal pattern).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “School wide penance services are offered during Advent (winter) and Lent (spring) through our theology classes.”
      School-wide penance services are offered during Advent and Lent.
      “Opportunities for individual confession are available throughout the year with our Jesuit community.”
      Individual confession is available throughout the year with the Jesuit community; no times are listed.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A published weekly liturgy and confession with the Jesuit community serve students. Fr. Greg Celio, S.J. is listed as Jesuit Superior, not as chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekly Liturgy - All are invited to participate in the celebration of our faith, held weekly in the chapel during Formation period.”
      A weekly liturgy is held in the chapel during Formation period.
      “Opportunities for individual confession are available throughout the year with our Jesuit community.”
      Individual confession is available throughout the year with the Jesuit community; no times are listed.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Years of theology or religion requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Retreats for freshmen (Breakaway, Ignite), sophomores (spring retreat), juniors (Encounter), and seniors (Pilgrimage, Montserrat/Manresa, Magis).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are invited to participate in at least one grade level retreat per year.”
      Students are invited to at least one grade-level retreat each year.
    2. Retreats | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Bellarmine Prep provides a comprehensive four year retreat program for our students to experience God’s love in the context of community.”
      The school provides a four-year retreat program.
      “incoming freshman can take part in Breakaway, a half day retreat.”
      Incoming freshmen may take part in Breakaway, a half-day retreat.
      “In January, the entire Freshman class will participate in the Ignite Freshman Retreat.”
      The entire freshman class takes part in the Ignite retreat in January.
      “This retreat will be held in the spring, off campus at Black Diamond Camp.”
      The sophomore retreat is held in the spring off campus at Black Diamond Camp.
      “Encounter is a three day, two night, voluntary retreat. Offered five times a year”
      Juniors may take part in Encounter, a voluntary three-day retreat offered five times a year.
      “Held at Camp Hamilton, seniors hike around six miles”
      The senior Pilgrimage is held at Camp Hamilton.
      “the Magis, offered in the Spring, is a Friday night to Monday morning experience”
      The Magis is the senior capstone retreat, offered in the spring.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Director, assistant director, and VP of formation are listed as Campus Ministry leaders. Josh Barnes is listed as an assistant director on one page and as theology faculty on another.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you have questions, please contact Jody DeGroot, VP of Formation and Professional Development or Aires Patulot, Director of Campus Ministry.”
      Questions about retreats go to Jody DeGroot or Aires Patulot.
      “Aires Patulot CAMPUS MINISTRY DIRECTOR Ext. 4350”
      Aires Patulot is Campus Ministry Director, extension 4350.
    2. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Debra Sauvage and Josh Barnes”
      Debra Sauvage and Josh Barnes are listed as assistant directors of Campus Ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (The Faith Based Clubs page says 'several clubs'; the club names are nottext.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith Based Clubs | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/student-life/faith-based-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith traditions are explored through several clubs designed for students wanting to develop or deepen an authentic relationship with God.”
      Several faith-based clubs are offered; the page does not name them.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (A daily Examen is offered over the school PA system.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Daily Examen takes place each day.”
      The Daily Examen takes place each day.
      “These prayerful examinations of our day are offered by members of our lector community at the beginning of the last period over the school PA system.”
      The daily Examen is offered by the lector community over the school PA system.
    2. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “invites all community members to practice the Examen of Consciousness daily”
      The school invites all community members to practice the Examen daily.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Freshman and sophomore service immersions at L'Arche Farm and St. Leo's Church, plus numerous service and social justice clubs.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Freshman Experience | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/ignatian-experience/freshman-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Service Modules are focused on Catholic Social Teaching and the Universal Apostolic Preferences.”
      Freshman Service Modules focus on Catholic social teaching.
      “freshman spend a full day in service at L’Arche Farms.”
      Freshmen spend a full day in service at L'Arche Farms.
    2. Sophomore Experience | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/ignatian-experience/sophomore-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all Sophomore students participate in a full-day service immersion experience at St. Leo's Church”
      All sophomores take part in a full-day service immersion at St. Leo's Church.
    3. Service and Social Justice Clubs | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/student-life/service-and-social-justice-clubs · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “there are numerous clubs allowing students to explore issues of social justice more deeply”
      Numerous service and social justice clubs are offered.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Campus Ministry lists a weekly Mass or prayer service, a monthly all-school Mass, and a daily Examen.
    Sources (1)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekly Liturgy - All are invited to participate in the celebration of our faith, held weekly in the chapel during Formation period.”
      A weekly liturgy is held in the chapel during Formation period.
      “All School Mass - Ignite the spirit of our entire school community with our monthly All School Mass”
      The school holds a monthly all-school Mass.
      “The Daily Examen takes place each day.”
      The Daily Examen takes place each day.
  • The retreat program covers every grade, from freshmen through seniors.
    Sources (2)
    1. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are invited to participate in at least one grade level retreat per year.”
      Students are invited to at least one grade-level retreat each year.
    2. Retreats | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Bellarmine Prep provides a comprehensive four year retreat program for our students to experience God’s love in the context of community.”
      The school provides a four-year retreat program.
      “Encounter is a three day, two night, voluntary retreat. Offered five times a year”
      Juniors may take part in Encounter, a voluntary three-day retreat offered five times a year.
      “the Magis, offered in the Spring, is a Friday night to Monday morning experience”
      The Magis is the senior capstone retreat, offered in the spring.
  • Freshman and sophomore service immersions take place at L'Arche Farm and St. Leo's Church.
    Sources (2)
    1. Freshman Experience | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/ignatian-experience/freshman-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “freshman spend a full day in service at L’Arche Farms.”
      Freshmen spend a full day in service at L'Arche Farms.
    2. Sophomore Experience | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/ignatian-experience/sophomore-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “all Sophomore students participate in a full-day service immersion experience at St. Leo's Church”
      All sophomores take part in a full-day service immersion at St. Leo's Church.
  • Campus Ministry has a director, an assistant director, and a VP of formation listed as leaders.
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you have questions, please contact Jody DeGroot, VP of Formation and Professional Development or Aires Patulot, Director of Campus Ministry.”
      Questions about retreats go to Jody DeGroot or Aires Patulot.
    2. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Debra Sauvage and Josh Barnes”
      Debra Sauvage and Josh Barnes are listed as assistant directors of Campus Ministry.

Concerns

  • The official pages describe the weekly liturgy time differently, and the freshman retreat's location differs between two pages.
    Sources (4)
    1. Masses | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/masses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Weekly Liturgy - All are invited to participate in the celebration of our faith, held weekly in the chapel during Formation period.”
      A weekly liturgy is held in the chapel during Formation period.
    2. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass or prayer services are offered weekly in the Bellarmine Chapel during 6th period on the last B day of the week.”
      Mass or prayer services are offered weekly in the chapel on the last B day of the week, 6th period.
    3. Retreats | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Freshmen will spend the day on campus listening to talks”
      The Ignite freshman retreat is described as a day on campus.
    4. Freshman Experience | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/student-experience/ignatian-experience/freshman-experience · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The retreat is off campus and the theme of the day centers around the importance of loving relationships”
      The freshman retreat (Breakthrough) is described as off campus.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry (Fr. Weber Hall)

  • Address: 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA 98405-1304
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Campus Ministry Gathering Space

View on map ↗

Source: bellarmineprep.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bellarmineprep.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bellarmineprep.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

18 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 4 off campus, 10 location not published

Retreats 7

  • Sophomore retreatOff campus
    Spring
    Planned and led by the senior Campus Ministry Leadership class, held at Black Diamond Camp.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Pilgrimage (senior retreat)Off campus
    Once in September
    Day-long hike and retreat led by seniors, held at Camp Hamilton.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Breakaway (incoming freshman half-day retreat)
    Incoming freshmen; date not stated
    Half-day retreat led by Link Crew leaders.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Ignite freshman retreat
    January
    Day retreat for the freshman class. The Retreats page describes it as a day on campus, and the Freshman Experience page describes a similarly timed retreat called Breakthrough as off campus.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org
  • Encounter (junior retreat)
    Offered five times a year
    Voluntary three-day, two-night retreat for juniors, offered for men, women, and co-ed groups.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Montserrat and Manresa (senior silent retreats)
    Weekend; dates not stated
    Small groups of seniors take part in a weekend silent retreat directed by a Jesuit priest and campus minister.
    bellarmineprep.org
Show 1 more
  • Magis (senior capstone retreat)
    Spring, Friday night to Monday morning
    The senior capstone retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
    bellarmineprep.org

Service 5

  • Freshman Service Module at L'Arche FarmOff campus
    Freshman year
    A full day in service at L'Arche Farms, within the Service Modules focused on Catholic social teaching.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org
  • Sophomore service immersions (St. Leo's Church and L'Arche Farm)Off campus
    Sophomore year
    A full-day service immersion at St. Leo's Church, a Jesuit parish in downtown Tacoma, and a full-day immersion at L'Arche Farm.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org
  • Sophomore Service Plunge
    Optional, sophomore year; date not stated
    Overnight retreat with direct service at a local agency, followed by reflection and prayer.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Ignatian Service Experience (junior)
    Junior year
    Lists 30 hours of direct service and 10 hours of advocacy.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Working Pilgrimage Crew
    Junior year
    Juniors serve the senior class at the Pilgrimage.
    bellarmineprep.org

Faith formation 1

  • Daily ExamenOn campus
    Daily
    Prayerful examination of the day, offered by the lector community at the beginning of the last period over the school PA system.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Weekly Mass or prayer service in the chapelOn campus
    Weekly; the Masses page says during Formation period, and the Faith and Service page says 6th period on the last B day
    Student-centered Mass or prayer service with lector, Eucharistic minister, and music roles. The two pages describe the timing differently.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org
  • All-school MassOn campus
    About once a month
    Monthly Mass for the whole school community.
    bellarmineprep.org, bellarmineprep.org
  • Advent and Lent penance servicesOn campus
    Advent and Lent
    School-wide penance services led by theology teachers and the Jesuit community.
    bellarmineprep.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Faith Based Clubs
    Not stated
    Several clubs for students who want to develop or deepen a relationship with God.
    bellarmineprep.org
  • Service and Social Justice Clubs
    Not stated
    Numerous clubs that explore social justice and take action with people on the margins of society.
    bellarmineprep.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Bellarmine's Faith and Service Programbellarmineprep.org/faith-and-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Grounded in faith that does justice, Campus Ministry supports all students in their faith journey.”
    Campus Ministry supports all students in their faith journey.
    “Grounded in faith that does justice, Campus Ministry supports all students in their faith journey.”
    Campus Ministry supports all students in their faith journey.
  2. Our Campus | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/about/our-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Lower Floor: Theology classrooms, Campus Ministry Gathering Space”
    Campus Ministry has a gathering space on the lower floor of Fr. Weber Hall.
    “Lower Floor: Theology classrooms, Campus Ministry Gathering Space”
    Campus Ministry has a gathering space on the lower floor of Fr. Weber Hall.
  3. Contact Us | Bellarmine Preparatory Schoolbellarmineprep.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “2300 S. Washington Tacoma, WA 98405-1304”
    The school's address is 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA 98405-1304.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
90 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.99%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.11.8 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Seattle, WA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)889
Students in grades 9–12889
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio11.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges99%
SettingCity

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Seattle

The Most Reverend Paul D. Etienne, Archbishop of Seattle

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: archseattle.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Bellarmine Preparatory School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Bellarmine Preparatory School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

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