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Aerial view of St. John Bosco
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. John Bosco

  • LocationBellflower, CA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 800 students

All-male

Official website

St. John Bosco High School is a Salesian Catholic college-preparatory school in Bellflower, California, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The school lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, and retreats for every grade including a senior Kairos retreat. Theology is a 40-credit graduation requirement with a Catholic Social Teaching course in grade 12, and two staff members are named for youth ministry.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. John Bosco, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt Dominic Savio Church: 0.2 mi1Saint Raymond Catholic Church: 2.0 mi2Our Lady of the Rosary Church: 2.2 mi3Saint John of God Catholic Church: 2.3 mi4Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church: 2.7 mi5St. John Bosco (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St Dominic Savio Church — 0.2 mi
  2. Saint Raymond Catholic Church — 2.0 mi · 12348 Paramount Boulevard, Downey
  3. Our Lady of the Rosary Church — 2.2 mi
  4. Saint John of God Catholic Church — 2.3 mi
  5. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 10727 Downey Avenue, Downey

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

67 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 (A monthly all-school Mass is listed on the Youth Ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (Daily morning Mass is listed on the school's Youth Ministry page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
  • 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 (Masses are offered; recorded as a visiting or shared priest (parttime).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
      “Students are always welcome to make an appointment with Dr. Francesca Po (Coordinator of Youth Ministry) or Mr. Sergio Esparza (Campus Minister) or drop by anytime to receive guidance.”
      Dr. Francesca Po and Mr. Sergio Esparza are named as youth ministry staff.
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.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The theology page lists a 40-credit graduation requirement. Each semester theology course is 5 credits; 40 credits is one year in each of grades 9 through 12, four full-year equivalents.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/my-bosco/academic-departments/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Courses and Graduation Requirements 40-credit graduation requirement”
      Theology carries a 40-credit graduation requirement.
    2. Course Catalog 2026-27 - Theologybosco.org/fs/resource-manager/view/97286d6d-200c-434f-b31a-5adb7cdc0020 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEOLOGY 9(A): Hebrew Scriptures - The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 9”
      Theology is a course in grade 9 (5-credit semester courses).
      “THEOLOGY 10(A): Christology II - The Paschal Mystery (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 10”
      Theology is a course in grade 10 (5-credit semester courses).
      “THEOLOGY 11(A): Christian Morality and Ethics (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 11”
      A Christian Morality and Ethics course is offered in grade 11.
      “THEOLOGY 12(B): Catholic Social Teaching (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 12”
      A Catholic Social Teaching theology course is offered in grade 12.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (THEOLOGY 11(A): Christian Morality and Ethics is a catalog course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-27 - Theologybosco.org/fs/resource-manager/view/97286d6d-200c-434f-b31a-5adb7cdc0020 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEOLOGY 11(A): Christian Morality and Ethics (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 11”
      A Christian Morality and Ethics course is offered in grade 11.
  • 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 are listed for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (Kairos).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our students attend a yearly class retreat where they're called to reflect, serve and fortify their bonds with each other through Christ.”
      Students attend a yearly class retreat.
      “Freshman students will be called to consider how their intentions, words, and actions impact their own lives and the lives of others.”
      A freshman retreat is offered.
      “Sophomore students will have the opportunity to take some time out from their busy schedules to reflect on the important relationships in their lives”
      A sophomore retreat is offered.
      “During this retreat, Junior students are given a chance to reflect upon finding the sacred in their day to day lives.”
      A junior retreat is offered.
      “The Kairos retreat is offered to St. John Bosco High School Seniors because they are, indeed, ripe, mature and prepared to enter the next phase of their faith development.”
      A senior Kairos retreat is offered; three sessions a year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two named ministry staff: the Coordinator of Youth Ministry and the Campus Minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students are always welcome to make an appointment with Dr. Francesca Po (Coordinator of Youth Ministry) or Mr. Sergio Esparza (Campus Minister) or drop by anytime to receive guidance.”
      Dr. Francesca Po and Mr. Sergio Esparza are named as youth ministry staff.
      “Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Theology Instructor Email: fpo@bosco.org”
      Dr. Francesca Po is Coordinator of Youth Ministry and publishes an email.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Campus Ministry Club, Youth Ministry Club, and a Christian Service club are listed, plus a music ministry organization.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
      “Leadership opportunities consist of: Youth Ministry Club, Retreat & Kairos Leaders, Altar Serving and more.”
      Students lead a Youth Ministry Club, retreat and Kairos leadership, and altar serving.
    2. Clubs and Extracurricular - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/student-life/clubs-and-extracurricular · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “SJB Ablaze: A Music Ministry Organization”
      A music ministry student organization is listed.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Daily morning Mass is listed as part of the school's youth ministry program, along with active participation in liturgies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Catholic Social Teaching is a grade 12 theology course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Course Catalog 2026-27 - Theologybosco.org/fs/resource-manager/view/97286d6d-200c-434f-b31a-5adb7cdc0020 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEOLOGY 12(B): Catholic Social Teaching (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 12”
      A Catholic Social Teaching theology course is offered in grade 12.
  • 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 (Volunteering at a downtown Los Angeles hospitality kitchen is promoted to all students, and a Christian Service club is listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Faith in action! If you'd like to volunteer at the Catholic Workers of Los Angeles Hospitality Kitchen where you'll help prepare and serve food to people in Downtown Los Angeles experiencing homelessness”
      Students are invited to volunteer at a downtown Los Angeles hospitality kitchen.
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.

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

Strengths

  • Daily morning Mass and a monthly all-school Mass are listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
      Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
  • Retreats are listed for every grade from freshman to senior.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/retreats · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our students attend a yearly class retreat where they're called to reflect, serve and fortify their bonds with each other through Christ.”
      Students attend a yearly class retreat.
      “The Kairos retreat is offered to St. John Bosco High School Seniors because they are, indeed, ripe, mature and prepared to enter the next phase of their faith development.”
      A senior Kairos retreat is offered; three sessions a year.
  • Theology is a 40-credit graduation requirement, with a Christian Morality and Ethics course and a grade 12 Catholic Social Teaching course.
    Sources (2)
    1. Theology - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/my-bosco/academic-departments/religious-studies · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Courses and Graduation Requirements 40-credit graduation requirement”
      Theology carries a 40-credit graduation requirement.
    2. Course Catalog 2026-27 - Theologybosco.org/fs/resource-manager/view/97286d6d-200c-434f-b31a-5adb7cdc0020 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEOLOGY 11(A): Christian Morality and Ethics (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 11”
      A Christian Morality and Ethics course is offered in grade 11.
      “THEOLOGY 12(B): Catholic Social Teaching (Semester) Credits: 5 Grade: 12”
      A Catholic Social Teaching theology course is offered in grade 12.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Youth Ministry and Campus Ministry Office, St. John Bosco High School

  • Address: 13640 S. Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: campus ministry office in the main building, third floor, room 238

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

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 12 location not published

Service 2

  • Hospitality Kitchen volunteer opportunityOff campus
    Volunteer at the Catholic Workers of Los Angeles Hospitality Kitchen in downtown Los Angeles, serving people experiencing homelessness.
    bosco.org
  • Christian Service club
    Listed among youth ministry programs and faith-based and service groups.
    bosco.org

Faith formation 1

  • Catholic Social Teaching courseOn campus
    Grade 12 theology course in Catholic social teaching.
    bosco.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Campus Ministry Club
    Student campus ministry club listed among youth ministry programs.
    bosco.org
  • Youth Ministry Club
    Student-led club listed among youth ministry leadership opportunities.
    bosco.org

Liturgy and prayer 5

  • Daily Morning Mass
    Daily, morning
    Listed among youth ministry programs.
    bosco.org
  • Monthly All-School Mass
    Monthly
    All-school Mass listed among youth ministry programs.
    bosco.org
  • Reconciliation Services
    Reconciliation services listed among youth ministry programs.
    bosco.org
  • Altar Serving
    Student altar servers listed among youth ministry programs.
    bosco.org, bosco.org
  • SJB Ablaze: A Music Ministry Organization
    Music ministry student organization.
    bosco.org

Retreats 4

  • Freshman retreat
    Freshman retreat on intentions, words, and actions and their effect on others.
    bosco.org
  • Sophomore retreat
    Sophomore retreat on relationships, patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
    bosco.org
  • Junior retreat
    Junior retreat led by moderators and Campus Ministry delegates on prayer, faith, integrity and service.
    bosco.org
  • Senior Kairos retreat
    Three sessions a year (one fall, two spring)
    Kairos retreat for seniors, offered by the school as part of its faith formation.
    bosco.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 (1)
  1. Youth Ministry - St. John Bosco High Schoolbosco.org/faith-formation-service/youth-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Daily Morning Mass Monthly All-School Mass Reconciliation Services Grade-level Retreats Youth Formation Campus Ministry Club Christian Service Altar Serving Active Participation in Liturgies”
    Youth Ministry lists daily morning Mass, a monthly all-school Mass, reconciliation services, retreats, and student groups.
    “Students are always welcome to make an appointment with Dr. Francesca Po (Coordinator of Youth Ministry) or Mr. Sergio Esparza (Campus Minister) or drop by anytime to receive guidance.”
    Dr. Francesca Po and Mr. Sergio Esparza are named as youth ministry staff.
    “The Campus Ministry Office is located in the main building of the school on the third floor, room 238.”
    The Campus Ministry Office is in the main school building.
    “Salesian College Preparatory 13640 S. Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower CA 90706 P: 562-920-1734”
    School address and main phone number.

Reach out

Contact details for Dr. Francesca Po (Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Theology Instructor) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
87 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.98%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.3 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 Los Angeles, CA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)800
Students in grades 9–12800
Coed or single-sexAll-male
Student–teacher ratio12.3 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges98%
SettingSuburb

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 Los Angeles

The Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. John Bosco a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. John Bosco is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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