Bethel Christian Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum that focuses on proficiency of skills and mastery of knowledge as well as development of critical thinking skills. In addition to the academic curriculum, BCA offers a well-rounded program that includes music, art, physical education, computer, and Spanish. Field trips enhance student learning, and the Extended Care programs provide enrichment opportunities in the form of special classes, clubs, and workshops. An extracurricular sports program is available for both boys and girls in grades 5 -8.
This goal-oriented curriculum results in high academic achievement. In addition, it is designed to establish a foundation firmly anchored to Biblical truth.
Bethel Christian Academy is a member of:
- Association of Christian Schools International
- National Association of Assemblies of God Christian Schools
Instructional Program Core Curriculum Overview
Bible
In accordance with the BCA mission statement, the basic tenets of the Christian faith are taught using the Bible and published curriculum materials. Through daily prayer, Bible reading, memorization, and discussion each student is encouraged to make a personal decision for Christ and to grow in his/her relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.
| Gospel Publishing House | Preschool |
| A Beka | Kindergarten |
| ACSI - Purposeful Design | 1st-4th Grades |
| Christian Schools International | 5th Grade |
| Positive Action | 6th-8th Grade |
Language Arts/English
A phonics-based approach to early reading instruction assures that students acquire the skills needed to decode unfamiliar words in text. In addition, students are taught to recognize a large number of words by sight to maximize their ability to read a wide variety of material early. Oral reading and comprehension skills are emphasized. Spelling, grammar, penmanship, and writing skills are integrated to ensure that students become effective in their use of the written word.
| A Beka Phonics | K4-2nd Grade |
| A Beka Reading and Spelling | 1st-2nd Grade |
| ACSI Spelling | 3rd-4th Grade |
| BJU Press Reading | 3rd-5th Grade |
| A Beka Penmanship | K4-1st Grade |
| Zaner-Bloser Handwriting (cursive taught in 2nd grade) |
2nd-4th Grade |
| Shurley Grammar | 1st-8th Grade |
Second through fifth grade students study literary novels in addition to their reading book. Middle school students study literature selections entirely. The objective in studying literature is for the students to develop critical thinking and literary analysis skills as well as to evaluate situations in the stories from a biblical perspective. Books that are studied vary; however possible middle school literature selections include:
| 6th Grade | The Cay; A Wrinkle in Time; Maniac Magee; Bridge to Terabithia; Holes |
| 7th Grade | Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Hobbit, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Tom Sawyer, Tuck Everlasting |
| 8th Grade | Amos Fortune, Free Man, The Hiding Place, Romeo and Juliet, The Giver, Treasure Island |
Students in 1st – 8th grade receive explicit instruction in grammar and writing using a variety of resources and objectives developed by BCA. Students begin writing paragraphs in 1st grade and each year progress to writing essays, stories, poems, and reports. All students 1st – 8th grade write book reports, and students in grades 5th – 8th write multi-page research papers.
Mathematics
The BCA mathematics program emphasizes understanding math concepts, computing quickly and accurately, and selecting and applying appropriate problem-solving strategies. Concepts are developed from the concrete, to the pictorial, to the abstract. The curriculum used for Preschool - Kindergarten is A Beka. First through 8th grade uses Saxon Math.
History
The BCA history program is designed to help students recognize the presence and purposes of God throughout history and in society. Students learn the ideas and facts needed for intelligent decision-making by analyzing results of the events and decisions of the past. The program emphasizes essential reading, research and critical thinking skills. In the 5th - 8th grade, students engage in numerous experiential activities as well. The curriculum is:
| A Beka | Kindergarten |
| BJU Press | 1st-4th Grades |
| TCI - History Alive | 5th-8th Grades |
Science
The BCA science program encourages students to recognize and acknowledge the beauty and order of God's creation. The program provides for a large number of hands-on activities and laboratory experiences.
| A Beka | Kindergarten |
| ACSI - Purposeful Design | 1st-3rd Grades |
| BJU Press | 4th-8th Grades |
BCA provides students with hard-copy textbooks as well as some online textbooks for easy access at home. At the middle school level, students have daily access to netbook computers in many of their classes.