Is Salesian College Preparatory a Catholic high school?

Yes. Salesian College Preparatory is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Oakland.

What is Salesian College Preparatory’s Compass Score?

54 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Catholic high school

Salesian College Preparatory

LocationRichmond, CA
Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 413 students

Salesian College Preparatory is a co-educational Catholic high school in the Salesian tradition of St. John Bosco, in Richmond, California. Students complete eight semesters of Religious Studies, begin every school day with morning prayer, and take part in a retreat for each grade. School Masses are listed by month, and a Salesian priest, Fr. John Itzaina, SDB, is among the school's leaders.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Saint Pauls Roman Catholic Church — 0.3 mi
Saint David Roman Catholic Church — 1.0 mi
Saint Cornelius Catholic Church — 1.3 mi
Saint Marks Catholic Church — 1.8 mi
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church — 2.7 mi
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 11150 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito

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.

Sacramental life

46 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (The faith and service page lists school Masses and prayer services in six months of the year (about eight in all, some of them prayer services). October, February and April have none; this is a few times a year rather than monthly.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “September: Triduum Mass November: All Saints Day Mass/Prayer Service; Thanksgiving Prayer Service December: Mass for the Immaculate Conception; Mass/Prayer Service for Our Lady of Guadalupe March: Ash Wednesday Mass May: Mass for Mary, Help of Christians; Senior Class Baccalaureate Mass”
  The school community joins in Masses and prayer services in September, November, December, March and May.
Not enough information:
Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to classes each year, in the Salesian Chapel.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to classes each year.”
  Reconciliation is offered to classes each year in the Salesian Chapel.
Not enough information:
Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (School Masses are published, and a Salesian priest, Fr. John Itzaina, SDB, is listed as Director. No page names him as chaplain; this is recorded as a shared priest.)
Sources (1)
1. Leadership | Salesiansalesian.com/welcome/leadership · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Fr. John Itzaina, SDB Director”
  Fr. John Itzaina, SDB, is listed as Director.

N/A

Theology and curriculum

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

Yes:
Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Eight semesters (40 credits) of Religious Studies are required, which is four full-year equivalents. Eight semesters is one course in each year of high school.)
Sources (1)
1. Graduation Requirements | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/planning-for-college/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “8 semesters (40 credits) of Religious Studies”
  Eight semesters of Religious Studies are required for graduation.
Not enough information:
Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The Religious Studies course list includes Ethics.)
Sources (1)
1. Religious Studies | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/positioned-for-success/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Introduction to Catholicism Hebrew Scriptures New Testament History of Christianity Ethics Social Justice World Religions”
  The Religious Studies course list includes Ethics.
Not enough information:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Campus culture

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
RetreatsA retreat for every grade (Retreats are held for freshmen, juniors, sophomores and seniors.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Freshmen Retreat introduces the freshmen to the Salesian Oratory Model”
  Freshmen have a retreat.
  “The Junior Retreat provides an experience of class unity”
  Juniors have a retreat.
  “Reflecting on the Gospel and Catholic social teachings, sophomores spend a day at”
  Sophomores have a retreat made of service days, including a soup kitchen day in San Francisco.
  “The one-day off campus Senior Retreat enables students to reflect upon and celebrate their past at Salesian”
  Seniors have a retreat.
Partly:
Campus ministry staffOne (One named campus ministry staff member is listed: the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, who also chairs Religious Studies.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “contact our Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM) and Religious Studies Department Chair, Mr. Adrian Mison Fulay”
  Adrian Mison Fulay is the Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Religious Studies Department Chair, and is the contact for faith formation and class retreats.
Partly:
Faith-based student groups or clubsOne (The Campus Ministry Team is a student group that students join by application and interview.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Richmond | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Students join the Campus Ministry Team through a process of application and interview.”
  The Campus Ministry Team is a student group that students join by application and interview.
Yes:
Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Every school day begins with a morning prayer.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Every morning school begins with a morning prayer.”
  Every school morning begins with a morning prayer.

Service and Catholic social teaching

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Each student must complete four service projects, and one individual project requires a minimum of twelve hours. The requirement is recorded as some.)
Sources (2)
1. Graduation Requirements | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/planning-for-college/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “In addition to the credit requirement, students must complete their service requirement, which includes the following:”
  Students must complete a service requirement in addition to the credit requirement.
2. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Each year every Salesian student must complete four service projects:”
  Each student completes four service projects each year, including an individual project of at least twelve hours.
Yes:
Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The Grade 11 Social Justice course, taught in Religious Studies, presents a Catholic perspective on justice. Sophomore retreat service also reflects on Catholic social teachings.)
Sources (1)
1. Religious Studies | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/positioned-for-success/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective regarding many issues related to justice in our world today.”
  The Grade 11 Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective on justice.
Not enough information:
Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Sophomores spend a service day at a soup kitchen and clothing program in San Francisco, and students complete four service projects a year, including a Service Day in the neighborhood.)
Sources (2)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Reflecting on the Gospel and Catholic social teachings, sophomores spend a day at”
  Sophomores have a retreat made of service days, including a soup kitchen day in San Francisco.
2. Religious Studies | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/positioned-for-success/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective regarding many issues related to justice in our world today.”
  The Grade 11 Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective on justice.

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

Strengths

Students complete eight semesters of Religious Studies and a Social Justice course with a Catholic perspective on justice.
Sources (2)
1. Graduation Requirements | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/planning-for-college/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “8 semesters (40 credits) of Religious Studies”
  Eight semesters of Religious Studies are required for graduation.
2. Religious Studies | Salesiansalesian.com/academics/positioned-for-success/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective regarding many issues related to justice in our world today.”
  The Grade 11 Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective on justice.
Retreats are held for every grade, and every school day begins with morning prayer.
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The Freshmen Retreat introduces the freshmen to the Salesian Oratory Model”
  Freshmen have a retreat.
  “The Junior Retreat provides an experience of class unity”
  Juniors have a retreat.
  “Reflecting on the Gospel and Catholic social teachings, sophomores spend a day at”
  Sophomores have a retreat made of service days, including a soup kitchen day in San Francisco.
  “The one-day off campus Senior Retreat enables students to reflect upon and celebrate their past at Salesian”
  Seniors have a retreat.
  “Every morning school begins with a morning prayer.”
  Every school morning begins with a morning prayer.
Each student completes four service projects a year, including a Service Day in the neighborhood.
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Each year every Salesian student must complete four service projects:”
  Each student completes four service projects each year, including an individual project of at least twelve hours.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Salesian Chapel and Campus Ministry

Address: 2851 Salesian Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
Location: On campus
Facilities: Salesian Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: salesian.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026, salesian.com, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 3 off campus, 2 location not published

Retreats 1

Kairos retreatOff campus
A multi-day off-campus retreat for juniors and seniors, led by students who have taken part in previous Kairos retreats.
salesian.com

Service 2

Sophomore service retreatOff campus
Five service days through Religious Studies classes, including a day at a soup kitchen and clothing program in San Francisco.
salesian.com
Service DayOff campus
Usually in the spring
All students, faculty and staff go out as Faith Families into the local neighborhood to offer service.
salesian.com

Liturgy and prayer 1

Daily morning prayerOn campus
Every school morning
Students are led in a morning reflection and prayer at the start of each school day.
salesian.com

Faith formation 1

Faith Families
Groups of students from all grade levels with two faculty and staff moderators. They meet regularly to foster relationships, enhance leadership skills, and deepen faith, and they carry out the Thanksgiving food and Christmas toy drives.
salesian.com

Clubs and groups 1

Campus Ministry Team (CMT)
Students join by application and interview. They help plan and lead worship and oversee community outreach events such as toy drives and fundraisers.
salesian.com

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

Campus ministry

Campus Ministry, Salesian College Preparatory

Sources (3)

Campus Ministry | Catholic High School in Richmond | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Students join the Campus Ministry Team through a process of application and interview.”
The Campus Ministry Team is a student group that students join by application and interview.
Faith & Service | Salesiansalesian.com/student-life/faith-service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Students have the opportunity to visit the Salesian Chapel within their religion classes”
The Salesian Chapel is on the school campus and is used for reconciliation.
Salesian College Preparatory | Salesiansalesian.com/utility-link · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“2851 Salesian Avenue Richmond CA 94804”
The school is located at 2851 Salesian Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804.

Reach out

Contact details for Adrian Mison Fulay (Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM) and Religious Studies Department Chair) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

10 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of score50%
Students per teacher 25% of score15.4 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

Type	Diocesan school
Diocese	Diocese of Oakland, CA
Grades	9–12
Students (all grades)	413
Students in grades 9–12	413
Coed or single-sex	Coed
Student–teacher ratio	15.4 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges	50%
Setting	Suburb

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

Diocese of Oakland

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, Bishop of Oakland

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

NCES school ID 00074695
2851 Salesian Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 234-4433
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Questions families ask

Is Salesian College Preparatory a Catholic high school?: Yes. Salesian College Preparatory is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Oakland.
What is Salesian College Preparatory’s Compass Score?: 54 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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