ABOUT

Established in the early 1970s,

Bessemer Academy has long been committed to student excellence and to following God. Focusing on students with average and above-average intelligence and abilities, this SACS accredited, Christian-based, nondenominational academy has succeeded in graduating students who have gone on to stellar college careers and preparing for outstanding professions afterward. At Bessemer Academy, we encourage growth academically, spiritually, athletically, and socially. As students enrolled in a private Christian school, grades K-3 through senior year start their days by participating in morning devotions and regularly scheduled chapel services. Our small class sizes contribute to the excellent results we achieve at Bessemer Academy. The small student-to-teacher ratios mean more one-on-one attention and a greater understanding of material. Students get the chance to work with others in the community through service projects within the school.

Location:

1705 4th Ave SW Bessemer, AL 35022

Phone:

205-428-6288

Fax:

205-426-8888

MISSION STATEMENT

Bessemer Academy is committed to providing a quality education for students of average and/or above average intelligence and abilities.

Our goal at Bessemer Academy is to provide academic excellence, social growth, and moral development of our students. Through a variety of learning activities and experiences, we actively support each student in the quest of fulfilling his/her full potential and individual growth. At Bessemer Academy, we seek to instill in each student a sense of responsibility, accountability, honesty, integrity, respect of self and others, pride and care of school facilities, and service to school, community and nation. We seek to instill in each student a sense of high moral standards. We seek to prepare each student to meet the challenges of today’s society and meet the challenges of tomorrow’s workplace.

History

In 1970, a small group of parents met to share their dreams for a new school in Bessemer that would better meet the needs of their children. They were committed to building a school where children could receive a challenging curriculum within a framework of traditional values.

In September 1970, with Mr. Barry Norton as Headmaster, 6 faculty members and 80 students, their dreams became a reality when the doors to Bessemer Academy were opened. Mr. Norton walked down the hall of the little red school house that was located on Old Tuscaloosa Highway, ringing a dinner bell for class changes. At the end of the 1970 – 1971 school year, the 116 students of the Bessemer Academy Tigers were making history.

In 1981, Faith Christian School closed their doors and the students and faculty joined Bessemer Academy.

Five decades after its beginnings, Bessemer Academy is the largest K3-12th grade school in Bessemer. With 100% college acceptance for the graduates choosing to attend college and a dedication to athletic competition which fosters strong character, Bessemer Academy continues to make history throughout all realms of academics and athletics.

Bessemer Academy is fully accredited by the Alabama Independent School Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

ACCREDITATION

Bessemer Academy is a SACS accredited school.

To become accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a school must demonstrate compliance with a specified set of standards. Additionally, an effective school improvement process must be in place. Bessemer Academy has a vision for the future and a step by step plan for providing quality education. SACS accredited schools are schools in motion; changing, improving and meeting standards that require best practice, research in curriculum and a willingness to commit to quality assurance in education. Bessemer Academy is evaluated annually by state professionals.

Tom Hannah

Headmaster

Bessemer Academy is led by Headmaster, Tom Hannah.

Coach Hannah began his career at Bessemer Academy in 2021 teaching history and driver’s education, as well as serving as head coach for the boys’ varsity basketball team, a title he continues to hold. He spent the 2022-2023 school year as Assistant Headmaster and began his tenure as Headmaster in the fall of 2023. With 32 years of experience, he is prepared to guide the staff and student body into a new era of academic and athletic excellence. One thing that Coach Hannah enjoys about his new position is being able to visit all of the classrooms. Coach Hannah has prioritized new security features for our school, in addition to adding a School Resource Officer.

Prior to coming to Bessemer Academy, Coach Hannah spent 25 years teaching and coaching in Jefferson County Schools from 1991-2016. He retired from Jefferson County Schools in May 2016 as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of Oak Grove High. In 2016 and 2017, he worked in fundraising and sporting goods. Hannah was named head softball coach at Judson College in 2017 and served in that position until the school’s closing in 2021.

Coach Hannah is married to Valeria White Hannah and has one dog, Fenway.

Outside of his role as headmaster, Hannah has been the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Shannon for 26 years.