Become a Grizzly
The best way to get to know Bear Creek, is to visit our incredible campuses, meet our amazing teachers and students, and discover why Bear Creek is the right choice for your family.
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.
See A Day in the Life of six Upper School Students.
Bear Creek offers robust Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Credit programs.
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
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
- 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, 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 elective, and/or approved outside workout program.
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
- Music Theory
- Musical Theater
- Pit Orchestra
- Film and Animation
- New Play Development
- Technical Theater
- Theater Production
- Concert Choir
- Concert Band
- Jazz Band
- AP Music Theory
See more about our Upper School arts program.
Additional Electives
- AP Computer Science A
- Introduction to Athletic Medicine
- Psychology
- Yearbook Editor
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.