Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Catholic College Preparatory Education in Richmond, CA
Salesian College Preparatory has been dedicated to educating young men and women since 1960, rooted in Catholic values and the Salesian educational philosophy of reason, religion, and loving kindness. Our mission is to develop students holistically, combining academic rigor with spiritual growth, cultural competence, and a commitment to social justice. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and 99% college acceptance, we provide personalized college guidance and a curriculum featuring 30+ AP and honors courses. Our faculty, two-thirds of whom hold advanced degrees, fosters intellectual curiosity while nurturing leadership and critical thinking skills. The schools partnerships with institutions like Stanford University and UC Berkeley enhance our academic programs, including STEM and Visual & Media Arts pathways.Beyond academics, our athletic programrecognized as the 'Home of Champions'has earned 4 state titles and 78 league championships since 2000. We cultivate a diverse, inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging, supported by campus ministry, over 40 student-led clubs, and service initiatives. Our graduates, accepted into top universities nationwide, embody the values of faith, excellence, and service. Salesians commitment to innovation is evident in projects like the new Michael Oddo & Jennifer Oddo Pavilion, which expands facilities for arts, athletics, and student life. As a non-discriminatory institution, we welcome students of all backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to education through scholarships and financial aid programs.
Services
College Prep Programs
STEM Education
Visual Arts
Athletics
College Guidance
Campus Ministry
Student Clubs
Financial Aid
Community Service
Performing Arts
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- 99% college acceptance rate with personalized college guidance
- Diverse, inclusive community with students from varied backgrounds
- Partnerships with Stanford University and UC Berkeley for academic enrichment
- Award-winning athletics program with 78 league championships since 2000
- Innovative STEM and Visual & Media Arts pathways with industry partnerships
What people say
Supportive community
Diverse student body
Strong college preparation
Dedicated faculty
Impactful extracurriculars
Services
College Prep Programs
Salesian's college preparatory curriculum includes 30+ AP and honors courses, ensuring students meet university admission requirements while developing critical thinking skills. Faculty with advanced degrees provide personalized instruction, and partnerships with institutions like UC Berkeley enhance learning opportunities. The program's 99% college acceptance rate reflects its effectiveness in preparing students for higher education.
STEM Education
The PLTW Biomedical Sciences Pathway offers hands-on STEM education through courses approved by the University of California. Students engage in project-based learning, preparing for careers in science and engineering. Partnerships with organizations like Pioneers in Engineering provide access to cutting-edge resources and competitions.
Visual Arts
The Visual & Media Arts Pathway provides four years of instruction in digital media, design, and traditional art forms. Students showcase work in annual events like the Tory DeOrian Showcase, with opportunities to collaborate with institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Athletics
Salesian's athletic program fields 17 sports across three seasons, with 70% student participation. Recognized as the 'Home of Champions,' the program has earned 4 state titles and 78 league championships since 2000, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
College Guidance
Personalized college counseling includes course planning, application assistance, and scholarship guidance. The 1:1 counselor program helps students select AP and honors courses, contributing to the school's 99% college enrollment rate and placements at top universities nationwide.
People
Stephen Pezzola
President, Salesian College Preparatory
Stephen Pezzola, JD, Class of 1974, leads Salesian with a vision for academic excellence and community engagement. As Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Vice Chairman of the Board, he champions initiatives like the Michael Oddo & Jennifer Oddo Pavilion to enhance student life.
Christina Karabinis
Director of Admissions
Christina Karabinis oversees admissions, ensuring prospective families understand Salesian's mission. She coordinates campus visits and events, guiding students through the application process to build a diverse, academically driven student body.
Chad Nightingale
Director of Athletics
Chad Nightingale manages Salesian's award-winning athletic program, coaching varsity football and track. With 7 state titles and 78 league championships since 2000, he emphasizes character development alongside athletic excellence.
Wendy Duncan
Director of Development
Wendy Duncan leads fundraising efforts, securing $15 million for the Michael Oddo & Jennifer Oddo Pavilion. She focuses on tuition assistance, faculty resources, and facility innovation to sustain Salesian's educational mission.
Tory DeOrian
Alumni Artist
Tory DeOrian, a 2025 graduate, gained recognition for her whimsical art style used by brands like Starbucks and Snapchat. Her legacy continues through the annual Tory DeOrian Showcase, celebrating student creativity in visual arts.
Questions
What makes Salesian College Preparatory unique?
Salesian combines Catholic values with academic rigor, offering personalized college guidance, STEM and arts pathways, and a championship athletic program in a diverse, inclusive community.
What college preparatory resources are available?
We provide 30+ AP/honors courses, 1:1 college counseling, and partnerships with universities like UC Berkeley to ensure students meet admission requirements for top institutions.
Are there scholarships or financial aid options?
Yes, we offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs to ensure access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
Over 40 student-led clubs, championship athletics, performing arts, and service initiatives like the Christmas Wonderland event foster leadership and community engagement.
How does Salesian support student well-being?
Through the Challenge Success program with Stanford University, we promote mental health, work-life balance, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
What facilities does Salesian have?
Our 21-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a theater, athletic fields, and the new Michael Oddo & Jennifer Oddo Pavilion for arts and athletics.
