Upper School (9 – 12)
Upper School students at Bear Creek pursue an intellectual adventure within an intentional course progression that captures the liberal arts tradition. With the opportunity to explore the pillars of great western thought, sharpen the ability to think critically, and ask and shape answers to essential questions our students become part of a student body that pursues academic challenge.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is a rigorous college preparatory program in the classical, Christian tradition. The liberal arts course of study enables students to make critical connections between the academic disciplines and builds a breadth and depth of knowledge and application. An equally solid foundation in mathematics and the sciences provides a comprehensive set of competencies for future advanced study. Students and faculty place a high value on intellectual challenge, the integration of faith in thought and practice, and collaborative discovery.
Bear Creek offers robust Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Credit programs.
Math
Students are placed by ability level not grade level. Math courses include:
- Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Honors Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus, or AP Statistics
Science
- Grade 9: Conceptual Physics
- Grade 10: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
- Grade 11: Biomedicine, Marine Biology, or AP Biology
- Grade 12: AP Biology, AP Physics 1, AP Chemistry, or Engineering
Students may register for alternative progressions.
English
- Grade 9: Honors Ancient Literature
- Grade 10: Honors Medieval and Renaissance Literature
- Grade 11: Rhetoric; Honors Enlightenment and American Literature or AP English Language and Composition
- Grade 12: Honors Senior English or AP English Literature and Composition
History
- Grade 9: Honors Ancient and World History
- Grade 10: Honors European History or AP European History
- Grade 11: Honors U.S. History or AP U.S. History
- Grade 12: Art History; U.S. Government and Politics
Christian Studies
- Grade 9: Historical Theology
- Grade 10: Systematic Theology
- Grade 11: Philosophical Theology
- Grade 12: Christianity and Contemporary Culture
Languages
- French I, II, III, IV
- Spanish I, II, III, IV
- Latin II, III, IV
Health and P.E.
- Grade 9: Health
- Physical education graduation requirement may be met with a combination of sports team participation Strength Training elective, Ski & Snowboard Program participation, and/or approved outside workout program
Fine Arts Electives
- Graphic Design 1, 2
- Photography 1, 2
- Advanced Graphics and Photography
- Studio Art 1, 2, 3
- Sculpture and Mixed Media
- Advanced Studio Art 1, 2
- Music Theory
- Musical Theater
- Pit Orchestra
- Film and Animation
- New Play Development
- Technical Theater
- Theater Production
- Concert Choir
- Mixed Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Jazz Band
- AP Music Theory
Additional Electives
- AP Computer Science A
- Yearbook Editor