Metro Guide
Catholic high schools in San Francisco Bay Area that use the HSPT
Bay Area Catholic high schools span three dioceses — San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland — and the strongest schools are among the most selective Catholic schools in the country. Most admit through the HSPT; several dioceses let applicants sit the exam once and share scores across their schools.
The schools we track
St. Ignatius College Preparatory
San Francisco · Archdiocese of San Francisco
Jesuit college prep in San Francisco’s Sunset District, serving the city since 1855.
Archbishop Mitty High School
San Jose · Diocese of San Jose
Co-ed Catholic high school in San Jose known for academics, arts, and athletics.
HSPT: typically early January (Jan 7 in the most recent cycle)
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Francisco · Archdiocese of San Francisco
Co-ed Catholic prep in downtown San Francisco, in the Lasallian and Vincentian traditions.
Archbishop Riordan High School
San Francisco · Archdiocese of San Francisco
Co-ed Marianist Catholic high school in San Francisco.
Junipero Serra High School
San Mateo · Archdiocese of San Francisco
All-boys Catholic high school in San Mateo on the Peninsula.
Bellarmine College Preparatory
San Jose · Diocese of San Jose
Jesuit school for boys in San Jose, among the oldest schools in California.
Bishop O'Dowd High School
Oakland · Diocese of Oakland
Co-ed Catholic college prep in the Oakland hills, serving the East Bay since 1951.
Dates change every cycle — each school page lists when we last checked, and you should confirm specifics with the school’s admissions office.
Applying in San Francisco Bay Area: what to know
- One test, several schools.Most families apply to 2–4 schools. Ask each school whether they accept HSPT scores from another school’s sitting — policies differ by diocese.
- The calendar is compressed. Open houses run September–November, applications are typically due in November, and exams follow in late fall — see the full application timeline.
- Scholarships ride on the exam. Many San Francisco Bay Area schools tie merit awards to HSPT percentile — how the scholarship math works.
New to the test? Start with What is the HSPT? and the 8-week study plan, or try free practice questions.
Applying to Catholic high school in San Francisco Bay Area? Start with a free practice baseline.
Free daily HSPT practice from 1,500 real-format questions, with a weekly progress report for parents.