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.

Courses Taught

Math

Students are placed by ability level not by grade level. Math courses include:

  • Geometry
  • Algebra 2
  • Precalculus
  • Honors Precalculus
  • Calculus
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • Multivariable Calculus
  • AP Statistics

Upper School Science Department Chair Donna Dunn gives an overview of the sciences taught at Bear Creek.

Science

  • Grade 9: Conceptual Physics
  • Grade 10: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
  • Grade 11: Biomedicine, Marine Biology, or AP Biology
  • Grade 12: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics 1, 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 Department Chair Dr. Rob Sorensen and English teacher Ryan Summers discuss the integrated curriculum of Bear Creek humanities.

History

  • Grade 9: Honors Ancient and World History
  • Grade 10: Honors European History or AP European History
  • Grade 11: Honors United States History or AP United States History
  • Grade 12: Art History; United States Government and Politics

Christian Studies

  • Grade 9: Historical Theology
  • Grade 10: Systematic Theology, Intermediate Logic
  • Grade 11: Philosophical Theology
  • Grade 12: Christianity and Contemporary Culture

Language teacher Catherine Gardiner gives insight into the importance of learning languages in a world of AI translation.

Languages

  • French I, II, III, IV
  • Spanish I, II, III, IV
  • Latin II, III, IV, V

Health and P.E.

  • Grade 9: Health
  • Strength Training
  • Physical education graduation requirement may be met with a combination of sports team participation, Strength Training, and/or approved outside workout program.

See our Athletics program.

Upper School Fine Arts Department Chair Trinity Osborn describes the many ways students can explore the arts at Bear Creek.

Fine Arts Electives

  • Graphic Design 1, 2
  • Photography 1, 2
  • Advanced Digital Arts
  • Studio Art 1, 2, 3
  • Sculpture and Mixed Media
  • Advanced Studio Art 1, 2
  • Musical Theater*
  • Pit Orchestra*
  • Film and Animation
  • New Play Development
  • Technical Theater
  • Theater Production
  • Concert Choir
  • Concert Band
  • Jazz Band
  • Music Theory**
  • AP Music Theory**

* Upper School musicals are produced every four years.
** Music theory classes are offered every other year.

See more about our Upper School arts program.

Additional Offerings

  • AP Computer Science A
  • Psychology
  • Yearbook Editor

Course Catalog

Download the course catalog for graduation requirements and more details about each course.

Upper School Course Catalog

Office Hours and Study Skills

Students are encouraged to attend Office Hours weekly since this is when they learn the important skill of advocating for themselves. Office Hours are posted in each classroom so students can always know when a teacher will be in a classroom to provide support and/or encouragement.

Additionally, weekly study skills sessions support students with time management, organization, note-taking, exam preparation, avoiding procrastination, attending Office Hours, and how to balance an academic load.