by Chengyue Cui ’29
As Bellarmine enters 2026, freshmen from the class of 2029 are integrated themselves on campus with academics, co-curriculars, and more. Here’s an overview of the curriculum offered to these young but talented group of people. (Please note some info might not be correct)
Our academics include:
- English 1/1 Honors
- Freshmen will take a deep dive into literature, analyzing multiple books and discussing them in class. Students will also write essays following a structure that will encourage them to analyze literature in depth.
- Algebra 1-Pre-Calculus
- Math placement can vary from what freshman took in 8th grade. All math courses have rigorous and enriching homework that will properly and thoroughly teach the indispensable skills they need in their math journey.
- Physics
- Unlike other freshman, Bell 9th graders learn Physics, which is an Algebra 1 Aligned course that will teach concepts on real world topics such as gravity, inertia, and much more. They will also participate in hands on lab experiments.
- Spanish, French, Latin, ASL, Mandarin
- Students may choose which second language they wish to take as well as potentially move from level 1 to 2 if they already have experience with a language before.
- Ethnic Studies
- Ethnic Studies will introduce students to the diverse cultures of the United States and our local community. Students will learn about the contributions of various ethnic groups to our rich cultural history and society. They will be enriched with a better understanding of the world and be empowered to work toward a socially just society as aligned with our Ignatian principles.
- Hebrew/Christian Scriptures
- The religious studies course during the two semesters of freshman year introduces students to the central stories, characters, and themes of Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Students will study the development of the Bible, literary forms in Scripture, and critical reading and contextual interpretation of biblical texts.
- CURA
- VPAs:
- Symphonic Band
- Symphonic Band is a performance-based ensemble for individuals who have previous experience playing woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. Symphonic Band is the fundamental instrumental ensemble within the department and is designed to build knowledge of performance technique and theory. Symphonic Band includes a unit in Pep which includes 4 evening local football games and 2-3 on campus basketball games.
- Chamber Orchestra
- The Bellarmine Chamber Orchestra (BCO) is a performance-based ensemble for individuals who have previous experience playing string instruments that are bowed, which only include violin, viola, cello and double bass. The BCO is designed to build knowledge of string performance techniques and theory.
- Intro/Intermediate/Advanced Percussion
- The Percussion Ensembles are a performance-based ensemble for students who have previous musical experience (on any instrument) or who are currently learning to play percussion instruments or piano. Students will develop skills on a variety of percussion instruments and apply these skills to the performance of symphonic percussion repertoire and world music drumming.
- Photography
- This course is an introduction to digital photography as a means of personal self-expression. Creativity, composition, technical skills, and presentation are emphasized. Photographic history will also be explored.
- Ceramics
- This course is designed to widen the student’s perception of the sculptural potential of clay, and their own potential as sculptors. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with ceramics techniques including: pinch, hollow form, coil construction, slab construction, and wheel throwing.
- Drawing/Painting
- This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and skills of painting and drawing while practicing the creative cycle used by working artists. Students will learn about relevant topics in art history-such as still life, landscape, and 1- and 2-point perspectives-and develop skill in using graphite, pen, gouache, and watercolor to render objects accurately in two-dimensional art.
- 3D Modeling
- In this course students will explore 3D computer-based modeling and animation through Autodesk Maya, an industry standard tool for visual content creation and animation. Students will learn how to create 3D content including concept art and production assets for character and environmental elements.
- Acting
- This class is perfect for the student hoping to improve their public speaking skills and gain confidence with interpersonal interactions. For the beginning or seasoned performer, this course gets students on their feet performing theatre and improv games, acting assignments, scene work, and a choral reading.
- Graphic Design
- Graphic Design explores the elements of art, principles of design, and fundamentals of typography through the creation of industry-standard graphic design projects (e.g., monogram, logo, cover, and infographic) through the mastery of professional creative applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator).
- Symphonic Band
- Electives:
- Rhetoric/Rhetoric Honors
- Intro to Computer Science
- This course provides extensive programming experience using the Python programming language. After a quick review of programming topics including flow of control, conditional expressions, loops, and functions. students will delve into intermediate and advanced topics such as game engines algorithms and machine learning. Programming projects will emphasize interactive programs and games.
- Computer Science Principles
- This one-semester course provides an introduction to essential principles of computers and computer science. Students will gain extensive experience as they learn basic programming techniques using conditionals, loops and functions with Python.
- Intro to Fitness
- This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially planned athletic development and sports performance program. Students will be empowered to make choices, meet challenges, & develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness and movement activity for athletics and beyond.
- Intro to Journalism
- This course will introduce to students the fundamental elements of journalism by providing an overview and analysis of traditional print and broadcast media. Topics will include assessing the news value of an event or situation, interviewing techniques, news writing versus feature writing, layout and design, photography and videography, legal and ethical issues, and journalism history.
- …and much more!
We asked a random freshman some questions about their school life.
Interview with Matthew Tu ’29
How was your first semester at Bellarmine? Anything surprising? Anything fun?
My first quarter at Bell was great. I really enjoyed my classes, the teachers were great, and the food was way better than my old middle school’s. I met many new friends, and my favorite class was Intro to Percussion. Something that surprised me was the amount of friends I made. I thought I wasn’t going to meet anyone friendly going into an all boys school, but I actually made some friends here and I’m really glad about that. Everyone here is welcoming and there’s always somebody willing to connect with you.
How has school life been treating you? Have you gotten involved in any clubs? Sports? Student Assocations?
I’ve definitely joined lots of things. I’m planning on joining the Swimming and Diving team, and I’ve already joined many clubs like snowboarding club and Pokémon club. I think Bell has clubs for everyone, not matter what your interests are. I think that’s really important for bringing Bellarmine together, and that’s what I love most about this school.
What has been your favorite part about the school year so far?
I’ve enjoyed connecting, as stated before, but I also like how the teachers are really nice. They’re here to help you, and they will support you no matter what type of question you ask. Lectures aren’t boring like my old school, and the teachers actually immerse with students, which I love. Bell has taught me to connect with teachers, as they are your best “academic friend”
If any middle schoolers are interested in Bellarmine, read below:
Bellarmine is a great place for everything. It has a large community that you can bond with, good academics to keep you educated, and excellent extracurriculars, including Speech and Debate and Robotics. Bellarmine is also a welcoming community. You can expect lively teachers every day, a nice community, and overall just a great life every week. If you haven’t, please shadow at Bell! You can expect freshman year to be a completely new and fun experience compared to your old schools, and expect to make many many friends (coming from a current freshman)
Thanks for reading!