What is the educational philosophy of Don Bosco?

Based on the teachings of St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian order, the philosophy of Don Bosco stresses the importance of educating the whole person, mind, body and spirit.

Bosco provides a caring, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to develop their skills and talents while completing a rigorous scholastic curriculum.

Tell me about the faculty of Don Bosco.

Bosco instructors adhere to the saying, "Students don't care what you know until they know that you care." They continually challenge and encourage students academically while providing a nurturing atmosphere in which to grow.

The preventive system of discipline that Bosco employs means that teachers are actively involved wherever and whenever students are present.

What AP courses are offered at Don Bosco?

Advanced Placement courses are offered in Chemistry, U.S. History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Computer Science A, Comparative Govt., English Literature, European History, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics C: Mech., U.S. Government and Human Geography.

How much is tuition and how is it paid?

Tuition for the 2009-2010 school year is $8600. An additional $350 fee is required at the time of registration. Tuition can be paid annually, semiannually, monthly (there is an administrative charge if tuition is paid monthly).

Is there a discount for multiple students?

Yes, additional students in a family receive a $500 discount on tuition.

Are there other costs?

Technology Fee $200 - This fee is billed on June 1, 2010 and covers lab materials necessary for the students' technology classes.

Materials Fee $250 - This fee is billed on June 1, 2010 and covers materials necessary for the students' academic classes, yearbook, and student planner.

Books - Students are responsible for purchasing their books.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, need-based financial assistance is available. However, the deadline for application has passed. Please contact the Finance Office for more information.

Is there a dress code for students?

Yes. The student handbook contains a detailed description of the dress code.

What sports are offered at Don Bosco?

The sports program includes baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field and volleyball at the interscholastic level. Currently, most school sports participate in the Del Rey League.

What extracurricular activities are offered?

Don Bosco provides a variety of activities which complement a student's scholastic work and help him to develop and express his talents and interests.

Students may join a full range of clubs and organizations including campus ministry groups, art and animation clubs, debate teams, honor societies and musical bands.

What is the admission process?

Prospective students complete the high school admissions process by following these steps: completion of the application, a successful score on the entrance exam, positive recommendations and completed transcripts from current school and an interview with the Dean of Admissions.

The high school entrance exam is given on the last Saturday, January 29, 2011 and an alternative testing day on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Can students transfer to the Bosco program after the regular freshman admission process?

Yes. In special cases, students may transfer into the program at the beginning of the sophomore year. However, they must have taken academic classes comparable to those offered at Don Bosco.

Incoming sophomores may be required to attend summer school to do work in preparation for their sophomore academy studies. Admission is restricted to those academies that have openings for new sophomores.

Is the school coed?

Don Bosco Technical Institute is an all-boys school.

What can my son do to prepare for admission in terms of studies in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades?

The best preparation is to complete the course of studies required in those grades. Special emphasis should be placed in mathematics, English and reading skills. If there are difficulties in these three major areas, the student will be asked to attend summer school.

Is summer school offered?

Yes. This is highly recommended for students who need strengthening in reading, math and English skills. Information will be available at the new student orientation meeting in the Spring.

How and when are incoming freshmen placed in academies?

On the basis of the Entrance Exam and a personal interview, the incoming student together with his parents selects four academies he would like to explore.

Toward the end of the freshman year, the student's academy preference, the recommendations of the academy instructors, and consultation among parents, counselor and student will determine the academy placement.

Can a student change his area of academy study?

A student may switch his academy exploratory courses during his freshman year. However, the nature of the program requires that he remain in his academy major throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior year.

In certain situations a student may transfer to a different department during the first few weeks of the second year if the Department Chair is willing to accept him into the program.

Is the school open to students of all religions? Are all students required to take religion?

Don Bosco is interdenominational. Students of any faith or religious persuasion may attend.

Each student is required to take courses in religion and ethics. These courses are in no way intended to "convert" a student to the Catholic Christian faith. In addition, the school offers a variety of active Christian service programs which include retreats and chapel services that require school-wide mandatory attendance.

What kind of counseling is offered to students?

A full range of academic, career and personal counseling is offered to each student to ensure his well being and success. The school also provides individual and family counseling by a school adolescent psychologist.

How long is the school day? The school year?

The daily schedule of classes last from 7:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Help sessions occur from 3:05 to 4:15 p.m., during which time students may get help in their academic and academy courses from instructors and/or students involved in a study help program.

School ordinarily begins during the late week of August and lasts through the middle of June, approximately 180 days.

Can food be purchased on campus?

Cafeteria service is available at the school on a daily basis during the lunch break. Breakfast is sold in the morning before class and snacks can be bought after school.

Are foreign students accepted to Don Bosco?

No, we do not issue I-20 forms for foreign students.

Are service hours required of parents?

Parents are required to complete 20-25 hours of service in a variety of activities and organizations including bingo, the Band Boosters, the Athletic Boosters, the fashion show, library aid work or monthly mailing preparation. Parents may make a $500 donation to the work of the Parents' Association if scheduling problems will keep them from fulfilling service hours.

What about Bosco's graduates?

Virtually every graduate has either a college acceptance or a job offer; many students receive both. Eighty percent of the 2009 graduating class will attend college in the fall.

Surveys show that seventy-three percent of Bosco's graduates are working in engineering, math, science or technology-related professions. The majority lives and works in Southern California applying their unique educational experience to their careers and communities.