Program Distinctives
Academic Excellence
Curriculum
The Upper School curriculum is a rigorous college preparatory program. The students share a common curriculum, ensuring a well-balanced academic background with a solid foundation in history, science, English, mathematics, languages (including Latin), Christian studies, fine arts, and physical education/health. A common curriculum encourages a powerful academic community with shared intellectual experiences. Students are able to make connections between subjects, as all students have taken the same courses and are able to relate new information to previous classes taken. There are opportunities for honors or Advanced Placement (AP) in certain subjects, and mathematics levels are assigned based on ability.
2009-2010 Upper School Course Catalog
Advanced Placement and Honors Courses
Students at Bear Creek have the opportunity to challenge themselves in areas of particular aptitude and passion by enrolling in several Advanced Placement courses. AP courses are Bear Creek courses taught by Bear Creek faculty, but content is guided by The College Board. AP courses culminate each May with a national examination in each subject area and students may earn college credit based on their exam score (typically a 3 or higher).
Advanced Placement Offerings and Exam Scores
Advanced Placement Q&A
Capstone Projects
Upon completion of classes by mid-May, Seniors spend three weeks intensively working on a personally selected senior project. The project culminates in a presentation to peers and a defense of the work before a panel of faculty judges. Recent Senior Capstone Projects have included: organization and creation of an integrative garden, a Peace Corps trip to El Salvador, climbing and study of Mount Kilimanjaro, performance of a Japanese Tea Ceremony, mechanical and cosmetic restoration of a vintage automobile, among many others.
College Advising
A student’s education at The Bear Creek School culminates with graduation and transition to college. The Director of College Advising leads each individual student through a process of discovery about his or her goals and options. While Bear Creek graduates attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world, the goal is not simply to collect high-profile college admissions.
The goal of Bear Creek's College Advising is to help students understand their gifts and to approach their future with ownership and enthusiasm, while launching confidently onto their own best-fit campus, continuing Bear Creek’s mission of becoming the individual God intends.
Christian Commitment
Advisories
The advisory groups are organized with 10-14 other students of the same gender. This weekly meeting is designed to provide a caring adult in students’ lives as a Christian role model, a guide in student relationships, and to assist in the development of Christian thinking.
Chapel
Students gather once a week for a time of worship, praise, teaching, and reflection during a chapel service. The service includes a student led worship team and a variety of speakers and topics to help students understand and live the Christian faith.
Service and Growth
Community Service
Students complete 100 hours of community service during their four years of Upper School, with opportunities through the school, outside organizations, and based on student initiative and interest.
Travel and Service Learning Opportunities
Bear Creek students have the exceptional opportunity to see the curriculum come to life through guided travel led by Bear Creek faculty. Various trips are offered on a rotating basis, to study our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. or Boston, explore Western civilization in Europe, and examine our British heritage in England. Future travel opportunities include Language Immersion Trips to France, Rome, and Costa Rica and a mission trip to Albania. International mission trips are offered annually. Additionally, juniors explore ecological and marine biology at an on-site camp, and college tours are conducted by our College Advisor. Students in Grade 8-12 may also apply to be part of a mission trip taken during the Spring Break.
Please see Extended Travel Learning page for more information.
Early Connections: Icebreaker Retreat
Students and faculty kick off the school year with a fun “break the ice” overnight event. During these two days off campus students participate in games and activities that encourage friendships and bonding, spiritual growth, teamwork, and leadership. This event sets a positive tone for the entire school year and creates fun memories to last a lifetime.
