ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

Academic Overview

  • ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADES 1-5

    Students receive 360 minutes of daily instruction in individual classrooms from loving, certified teachers. We are proud to offer a lower student to teacher ratio than what is recommended by state guidelines which results in more one-on-one attention.


    Students also receive enrichment classes weekly or twice weekly such as Spanish, library, art, music, and computer. They have PE every day regardless of weather since BA has indoor and outdoor facilities.


    Our curriculum is primarily A Beka.


    The only standardized test given in our elementary grades is the ASPIRE test.


    The media specialists in our library administer the school’s Accelerated Reader program which encourages and rewards time spent reading.

  • MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6-8

    Students begin changing classes and have 7 class periods a day.


    We offer opportunities to be recognized for academic achievement through invitation to be tapped into Jr. Beta Club as well as A and AB Honor Roll Awards.


    In addition to English, math, science, history, and PE, students participate in an elective class called rotation. This class provides students with exposure to 4 different electives each year (one per quarter).  These electives change from year to year and can include art, band, Spanish, character education, computer, career prep, and athletics.


    The only standardized test given in middle school is the ASPIRE test.

  • HIGH SCHOOL 9-12

    Students may have more choices in their academics and electives and may choose to enroll in our Honors Program. Dual credit is available in several forms. Please see the counselor for early college options.


    Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to choose one of three diploma options: Academic, Advanced Academic, and AISA Honors


    Students in grades 8-10 will take the standardized Pre-ACT, and students in grades 10-12 will take the ACT. Additionally, junior students will take the ASVAB. All students are encouraged to register for and take the ACT or SAT to determine national ranking and college entrance.


    Valedictorian (Honors Diploma) will be a student who has attended Bessemer Academy for their last 2 years of school and is working for the Honors Diploma and has the highest grade point average/numerical average.


    Salutatorian (Honors Diploma) will be a student who has attended Bessemer Academy for their last 2 years of school and is working for the Honors Diploma and has the second highest grade point average/numerical average. Both the GPA and numerical average will be considered.


    Work study is a program available to juniors and seniors. Seniors are approved for two periods and juniors one period. This option must meet all AISA requirements.


    Course selection occurs each spring for the following year.

THE HONORS PROGRAM

Bessemer Academy provides the honors program for students who desire challenging academics in order to prepare for college.

The teachers of our honors classes take pride in creating learning opportunities that prepare their students for the rigors of post-secondary study. These opportunities come in many forms depending on the teacher and the curriculum.


Our honors program has the following 3 main components:

1. Complete the following academic requirements:

For the graduating class of 2013 and thereafter, to graduate with honors from Bessemer Academy (now that an honors programs in English, Science and Math exists), the student must

Meet all requirements for obtaining the highest diploma available.

Successfully complete all Honors courses available with a grade of “C” or higher in each course.

If the student transfers to BA during grade 9, 10, 11, or 12, his previous English courses for these grades must have been at the advanced or honors level, and he or she must have earned at least a grade of “C” or higher in each.

Complete all Honors Math and Honors Science classes that have been offered.

In addition, no student would be allowed to drop any level of Honors English, Honors Math, or Honors Science without prior approval from the honors teacher. This would apply both at the end of semester 1 and from year to year.

2. Complete at least 75 hours of documented community service hours.

Class of 2015 shows off their Google Chromebooks

Course Offerings

Students in grades 9-12 will work with our counselor and their parents to choose a schedule from the following course offerings:

Core

English Social Studies Math Science
English 9 World History Algebra I Biology
Honors English 9 US History I Honors Algebra I Honors Biology
English 10 Honors US History I Geometry Environmental Science
Honors English 10 US History II Honors Geometry Honors Environmental Science
English 11 Honors US History II Algebra II Chemistry
Honors English 11 Government & Economics Honors Algebra II Honors Chemistry
English 12 Honors Government & Economics Precalculus Anatomy & Physiology
Honors English 12 Honors Precalculus Honors Anatomy & Physiology
Calculus Honors Forensics

Other required courses & electives

Spanish I Creative Writing Weight Training
Spanish II ACT Prep College & Career Prep
Psychology Nutrition Speech
Family & Consumer Sciences Health Yearbook Staff
Broadcast Journalism Driver’s Education Music Appreciation
Art PE Life Teacher’s Aide
Office Aide Athletics
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