High school prepares students for what comes next. Our high school program emphasizes academic rigor, personal responsibility, and real-world readiness.
Through advanced coursework, leadership opportunities, and intentional guidance, students graduate prepared for college and life with the knowledge, character, and conviction to live out their faith.
Provides an interactive study of Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation, encouraging students to have a passion for growth in Christlikeness as they encounter the truths of Scripture. The book of Acts covers Christ’s continuing work through the apostles who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, spread the Kingdom of God, even while facing persecution. The Epistles show the truths that ground believers and allow them to live out their faith. Finally, Revelation is the climactic fulfillment of Christ’s triumph over all things. The course is based on the BJU Press textbook The Triumph of Christ. Classes are divided by gender.
Is an introduction to several major doctrines related to the Word of God, the nature of God, man in God’s image, salvation, and the church. Students learn basic systematic theology skills for collecting and accurately summarizing biblical data. Biblical application skills are taught to enable students to relate Scripture to their own lives. A biblical worldview is incorporated to help each student develop critical thinking towards real-world issues, ultimate reality, and culture. Classes are divided by gender.
Includes study of both a biblical worldview and world religions. Students learn what a worldview is as well as the importance of seeing all of life through the lens of the biblical story line of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. Major world religions—including Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Roman Catholicism—are compared to the truth of Christianity. Classes are divided by gender.
Covers four major topics. A section on Bible study explores use of genre in Scripture as well as appropriate application to modern life. A personal evangelism and discipleship section includes study and hands-on training in these topics. A section on gender examines the institution of the family and gender roles in church and society. An apologetics study prepares students to defend their Christian beliefs against common objections to Christianity.
Suggested courses
Introduces students to a variety of digital tools and skills used in a professional environment. Primarily covers Microsoft Office and Google Suite, focusing on practical applications for the home, college, and corporate settings. Students will develop speed and accuracy with typing. Embedded in the course is the development of communication etiquette, work ethic, professional skills, digital citizenship, and a Christ-centered approach to professionalism.
Introduces students to computer science through the fundamentals of programming and web design, focusing on real-world applications. Hands-on projects and coding exercises will help students develop skills in planning, problem-solving, and debugging. Students will develop competencies for future career, hobby, and ministry opportunities.
Explores elements and principles of design and their effective application in graphic arts. Familiarizes students with the computer as a design tool. Utilizes Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and PhotoShop. Includes taking design projects from initial brainstorming to a finished design piece.
Under faculty tutelage, students create the BJA yearbook, from initial planning of design and ladder to full implementation including photography, design, and layout.
Courses that satisfy BJA requirements
Helps students review the parts of speech and identify types of phrases and clauses. Uses the study of literature to identify, analyze and evaluate the fundamentals of the short story, including conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view and moral tone. Builds toward the five-paragraph argumentative essay through freshman-level composition.
Reviews mechanics, usage, and grammar, including frequent practice in a variety of writing samples. Emphasizes, through a wide range of literature selections, an understanding of several genres and figures of speech and sound. Students read and study two classic novels together and several books individually. Focuses on both formal and creative writing.
English 10 Honors is designed to challenge students to think logically, write persuasively, and read critically. The coursework goes further with additional reading selections, writing assignments, and higher expectations of grammar usage and literary criticism. Individual reading selections are more challenging and come from a classics reading list. Students will be required to attend quarterly book talks outside of class to assess critical thinking and reading skills
Reviews mechanics, usage, and grammar, including frequent practice in a variety of writing samples. Surveys the scope of American literature, from native American texts to the contemporary era. Students read and study two classic novels together, with a rich variety of other representative texts from the canon of American literature. Focuses on research writing and argumentation.
English 11 Honors is designed to challenge students to think logically, write persuasively, and read critically. The coursework goes further with additional reading selections, writing assignments, and higher expectations of grammar usage and literary criticism. Individualized reading and comprehension activities will come from the American literary timeline. Students will be evaluated to assess critical thinking and reading skills.
Surveys British literature and history with a study of writers from the Old English period through the Modern period. Correlates special units in writing that include essays, poetry, and literary analysis. Provides college-preparatory writing instruction in style, logical thinking, and persuasion. Integrates frequent grammar review with the writing process.
Explores several genres of writing, including poetry, children’s stories, short stories, blogs, plays, biographies, and novels with a unit on journalism to include podcasts, investigative journalism, and photojournalism.
Teaches basic study skills and reading development. Uses a hands-on approach to a variety of topics to develop a love of lifelong learning. Focuses on improving and implementing skills which include setting goals, taking notes, taking tests, studying effectively, organizing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Reading development includes learning basic reading strategies, developing reading fluency especially in textbooks, and improving reading comprehension.
Courses that satisfy BJA requirements
Designed to be an exploratory course covering a broad variety of media. The student will develop their art practice through learning many different materials and techniques such as charcoal, pencil, pen, oil pastel, watercolor, acrylic, printmaking, and clay. Studio time is prioritized, but the class also includes verbal critiques, written artist statements, art history lectures, demos, and exercises.
Each advanced art class builds on the foundation of Studio Art. Studio time is prioritized, but advanced art classes also includes verbal critiques, written artist statements, art history lectures, demonstrations, and exercises.
Drawing and Painting further develops a student’s experimental techniques, expression, content, and the student’s individual style in drawing and painting. This class adds additional mediums to the student’s repertoire such as gouache, oil, conte crayon, batik, and mixed media.
Sculpture and Ceramics offers the opportunity for students to create three-dimensional art in a variety of media. Students learn the techniques of hand building with clay, throwing on the wheel, wire sculpture, papier-mâché, and assemblage. Students are encouraged to expand their creativity and develop spatial thinking through 3D medias.
Printmaking and Fibers introduces the basics of reduction printing, etching, monotype, collagraph, felting, embroidery, and weaving. Students are encouraged to expand their creativity and technical potential through a variety of mixed media pieces.
Explores elements and principles of design and their effective application in graphic arts. Familiarizes students with the computer as a design tool. Utilizes Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Includes taking design projects from initial brainstorming to a finished design piece.
Under faculty tutelage, students create the BJA yearbook, from initial planning of design and ladder to full implementation including photography, design, and layout.
Studies and performs high school-level wind literature. Includes progressive studies in wind instrument and percussion performance. Provides opportunity for individual participation in SCBDA Region and All-State Band auditions and clinics and group participation Concert Performance Assessment. Selected band members join the orchestra to perform symphony literature. Individual grades determined by rehearsal conduct, terms quizzes, and occasional playing tests.
Honors adds to the student’s membership in Concert Band a rotating cycle of assignments relating to music theory, practice habits, and wind band literature.
Studies and performs high school-level and advanced choral music. Introduces basic music theory and develops sight-singing, musicianship, and choral tone. Includes weekly practice assignments. Presents music from several style periods in both sacred and secular formats. Participates in SCMEA choral festival and several community outreaches.
Honors adds to membership in Concert Choir that the student will complete music theory and ear-training projects, and participate in solo performance competition (e.g., BJA Solo competition, NATS competition).
Handbell Choir
Emphasizes development of ensemble skills and personal musicianship through the study of a comprehensive range of intermediate handbell repertoire, performing transcriptions of standard repertoire from across the music periods, original handbell compositions, and challenging arrangements of hymns and folk songs.
Handbell Honors
Emphasizes development of ensemble skills and personal musicianship through the study of a comprehensive range of intermediate handbell repertoire, performing transcriptions of standard repertoire from across the music periods, original handbell compositions, and challenging arrangements of hymns and folk songs.
Studies and performs high school-level and advanced orchestral music. Includes participation in chamber music groups, recitals, state contests and festivals, and outreaches.
Honors adds to membership in Orchestra that the student will complete music theory workbook projects, music history reports or presentations and ear-training projects; and participate in two solo performance competitions (e.g., Region Orchestra audition, BJA Solo competition, MTNA competition, SCMEA Solo Competition).
Private music lessons are available while at school—before, after or during the school day. Read more.
Develops research and analytical skills through extensive case writing and practice rounds in Lincoln-Douglas Debate format. Instructs in writing debate cases. Encourages students to participate in the school’s speech and debate team.
Honors course, which meets concurrently, goes further to develop skills in research and argumentation, questioning, and rebuttal. Students refine public speaking skills while applying more advanced techniques of debate. Students exhibit personal responsibility through independent study by participating in class assignments. Honors activities consist of advanced reading & writing assignments, projects, & enrichment activities.
Teaches the basic principles of interpretation and acting. Encourages students to demonstrate a mastery of several genres of acting and some improvisational work. Students will produce a fully-staged theatrical production as a culmination of their coursework.
Introduces the field of speech through a laboratory setting that seeks to break down barriers of stage fright. Teaches the elements of pantomime, basic interpretation, children’s storytelling and acting and public speaking. Includes speeches such as personal experience, demonstration and informative speeches. Includes the areas of poetry and theater history.
Surveys philosophy, starting with the Greeks and ending with modern philosophers Rand, Rawls and Adler. Uses the Socratic method of teaching with an emphasis on active student learning. Students present a final oral philosopher project.
Explores a wide range of communication skills. Focuses on the development of techniques in articulation, emphasis and subordination, oral interpretation, storytelling, prose reading, declamation, expository speaking, extemporaneous speaking, group discussion, religious reading and humorous interpretation. Students will begin with literary analysis and basic interpretative techniques. They will learn how to compose and deliver effective orations. Students learn how to work in a group setting to present a reasoned defense of one side of a current event issue. Students both perform and learn to evaluate performances.
Speech II, which meets concurrently, builds on communication, interpretation, logic and reasoning skills introduced in Speech I. Develops independent and collaborative skills in evaluation and speaking. Students will study play production, impromptu duet acting, duo interpretation, public forum debate (PFD), RTV news/commercials, poetry, and student congress. Students are encouraged to participate in speech and debate competitions.
Suggested courses
Introduces basic algebraic concepts, including real number subsets and operations, polynomial operations and factoring, solving equations (linear, radical, rational and quadratic), solving word problems, and graphing lines, functions and inequalities.
Honors course moves at an accelerated pace and goes further, including instruction in graphing and TI-BASIC programming. Enrichment topics include mathematical careers, history of mathematics, and problem solving using a series of math competitions.
Reviews basic computations and introduces algebraic concepts. Includes content similar to Algebra I but maintains a slower pace. Utilizes manipulatives for a more concrete understanding of concepts.
Reviews elementary algebra with an emphasis on solving equations and graphing functions. Expands to include solving and graphing higher degree, complex, rational, radical, exponential, and trigonometric equations and functions. Integrates models of real-world problems.
Honors course moves at an accelerated pace and goes further. Emphasizes solving and graphing of linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and systems. Covers operations with radicals, imaginary numbers, polynomials, exponents, functions and rational expressions. Introduces trigonometry, logarithms, matrices, conic sections, and probability. Integrates models of real-world problems.
Reviews elementary algebra with an emphasis on solving equations and graphing functions. Takes an overview approach to the introduction of systems of equations, rational expressions, complex numbers, conic sections and trigonometry. De-emphasizes abstract concepts, derivations and word problems. Stresses concrete models.
Teaches an appreciation of the attributes of our great God and teaches logical thinking skills using the medium of Euclidean plane and solid geometry. Includes topics such as proofs, logic, area, volume, GeoGebra explorations, trigonometry and transformations.
Honors course moves at an accelerated pace and includes the introduction of more complex topics through varied presentations and media. Uses practice problems that are selectively chosen and tailored for mathematically advanced students.
Teaches an appreciation of the attributes of our great God and teaches logical thinking skills using the medium of Euclidean plane and solid geometry. Includes topics such as logic, area, volume, trigonometry, and transformations. This course is tailored in it’s complexity, scope, and pacing to accommodate differentiated learners and offers more individualized help and more frequent review.
Introduces a study of algebraic (polynomial, rational, radical) and transcendental (trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic) functions and equations. Studies complex numbers and vectors, polar coordinates and equations, conic sections, matrix algebra, statistics, sequences, and limits with an introduction to the two main concepts of calculus (derivatives and integrals).
Honors course moves at a quicker pace and utilizes challenging assessment questions to allow students to master content.
Focuses on conceptual understanding and practical applications that captivate students and prepare them to use statistics in college and in real-world situations. Students will utilize both print and on-line resources for learning and instruction.
Students must complete Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II in order to take any dual credit math course. Some math courses require an ACT Math score as a prerequisite; juniors lacking an ACT score should see the academic office to request placement.
Teaches fundamental skills, team play, conditioning, strategy, history and terminology and other phases of various individual and team sports. Places an emphasis upon lifetime activities and principles of personal health and fitness. Classes are divided by gender.
BJA PE uniform required. Details available through teachers or the Lion’s Roar.
Designed to give students the opportunity to gain
personal fitness skills and knowledge through physical education activities. Students will be encouraged to make choices; meet challenges; and develop positive lifetime behaviors in fitness, wellness and movement activity. Emphasis is placed on learning lifetime sports, physical fitness, health-related fitness and wellness and nutrition concepts.
BJA PE uniform required. Details available through teachers or the Lion’s Roar.
Covers the definition and measurement of matter, introductory chemistry and basic physics, along with atomic theory, the periodic table, acids and bases, motion, and energy. Focuses on the relationship between science and everyday life. Introduces hands-on labs emphasizing qualitative analysis.
Honors course goes further, focusing on observation and problem solving and following lab experiments with logical, quantitative analysis of the data.
Introduces the general biological topics, such as the definition of life, biochemistry, cell structure and function, biotechnology, genetics, and creation/evolution. Surveys the organisms in the living kingdoms. Discusses ecological principles and their relation to a Christian position. Includes a study of basic human anatomy and physiology and scriptural topics dealing with the human body, mind, and soul. Emphasizes the biological and scriptural topics needed for a Christian to make wise, science-related life decisions.
Honors course goes further, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in relation to scientific data and observation.
Introduces the fundamental characteristics of matter as well as an overview of related fields. Surveys the foundational ideas behind atomic structure and bonding, limited stoichiometry, nomenclature, kinetic theory, solutions, equilibrium, thermochemistry, acid-based chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Focuses on the relationship between chemistry and everyday life and identifies the marvels of design in creation.
Honors course goes further, increasing the level of mathematical analysis, covering oxidation reduction reactions and modern materials, and stressing applications of chemistry.
First semester focuses on motion, vector analysis, and forces. Second semester investigates energy, sound, thermodynamics, fluids, magnetism, electricity, optics, and modern physics. Presents topics conceptually through observation of physical phenomena and mathematical analysis. Demonstrations, laboratory activities and self-directed applications promote problem-solving skills. Seeks to cultivate a mindset of using physics to promote human flourishing as well as understanding everyday physical phenomena. Fosters an appreciation and awe for God’s wisdom and power as displayed throughout creation.
Introduces students to general biblical principles of governmental authority before detailing the philosophy, purpose and practice of the United States Constitution. Also explores federal law and American politics. Places a strong emphasis on current events. Includes a mock congress for the purpose of showing young people how a Christian can serve God in government today.
Develops skills in knowing how to use appropriate news sources to learn current events, interpreting them from a biblical worldview, and making appropriate applications. Requires access to online news sources.
Introduces students to economic principles such as capitalism, supply and demand, markets, and investing. Seeks to develop Christian stewardship, including discussion of materialism and biblical decision making. Uses current events to illustrate the outcome of financial choices.
Introduces students to key geographical skills. Emphasizes a knowledge of people and places in the world. Discusses cultures and religions within the framework of world history. Compares/contrasts current events to connect them to their historical foundation. Utilizes real-world problem-solving and collaborative service projects.
Honors class leverages key geographical skills but dives deeper to include a comprehensive survey of themes in world history from Creation to the present, emphasizing God’s providence in His dealings with men. Describes history as a gift from God to augment the biblical record and to spread His fame to all people. Emphasizes the development of analytical skills through the use of primary documents and argumentative writing in assessments.
presents a comprehensive survey of United States history from pre-Colonial times to the present, emphasizing God’s control over the foundation of this nation. Focuses on major themes, such as the wars, movements and ideas that have shaped American life over the past three centuries. Uses current events to connect present happenings with their historical foundation.
Teaches students about God’s creation and the institutions man has formed in his endeavors to steward what God made. Students will be taught the physical features of the earth, locations of those features, names and locations of current countries and political leaders, religions, types of governments and economics.
Courses that satisfy BJA requirements
Suggested course
Meets concurrently with middle school art, band, choir, handbells, and orchestra. Select high school students attend the middle school fine arts classes as teaching assistants.
Music: Teaching assistants in a musical ensemble will have responsibilities that include mentoring struggling music readers, assisting with tuning instruments or classroom supplies, playing or singing along with the middle school musicians, and filing and maintaining music. Teaching assistants in music must be available to attend middle school performances outside the school day.
Art: Teaching assistants in art class will have responsibilities that include mentoring young art students, giving constructive feedback and suggestions on art projects, assisting the teacher in technique demos, cleaning up supplies, planning and hanging art shows, and maintaining inventory.
Allows students to evaluate food choices, practice a variety of food preparation techniques, demonstrate table service and etiquette, and explore nutrition and food industry related careers. Critical thinking and practical problem-solving are emphasized in a cocurricular approach that incorporates principles of mathematics, science, writing, communications, and economics. The ServSafe® Food Handler employee certification provides increased marketability.
Allows students to enjoy the unique stories about people, places, and perspectives that different food communicates. Topics include Farm to Table, processes, hunger issues, dining etiquette from around the world, culture, planning events with foods and traditions, world foods, and regional foods. Students will engage in real world experiences such as a student-led café where students learn menu design, service, preparation, and event-planning. Students will also have opportunities to take-over a concept in the University food venues. Students who are interested in being self-motivated and designing their business are encouraged to be part of this class. This class provides real-world experiences and requires a motivated student to be curious, engage and create a café experience for the BJA family.
This course introduces the fundamentals of managing a professional kitchen, blending culinary techniques with business operations. Students will explore industry basics, including menu planning, food safety, cost control, and leadership skills. Through hands-on simulations and theory, learners will develop the skills required to run an efficient, safe, and profitable kitchen operation”. The ideal student for this program will enter the Global Cuisine class as the lead manager under the instructor. Students in the Intro to Culinary Management class will be trained and pass the Serv Safe Manager exam.
Key Topics Covered:
Prerequisites: Culinary Basics and Nutrition and Global Cuisine
Focuses on real-life scenarios involving money. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of budgeting, taxes, investing, interest rates, and college/career readiness. Students should be prepared to successfully steward their resources for God’s glory.
Introduces students to a variety of vocations such as auto/diesel, welding, HVAC, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and aviation. Skills are introduced in 3-4 week rotations and involve classroom and hands-on training.
Designed to provide training as general service technicians in the maintenance and light repair of all types of auto and diesel vehicles. Students receive training in basic shop safety and proper use of hand tools and equipment. They receive thorough classroom and hands-on training using techniques and industry standard tools for computer diagnostics, brakes, steering, suspensions, engines, transmissions, electrical systems and more. Prepares students for entry level ASE certification. Requires internship of 90+ hours, completed outside class hours.
Auto/Diesel Technology II meets concurrently and advances the level of training in auto diesel service and repair. Students take on more responsibility and leadership roles. Students who are considering a career in this field can be more fully prepared by participating in an internship program. Completion of course yields EPA and ASE certification.
Suggested courses
Teaches basic vocabulary and grammar in a functional context; teaches practical content, such as greetings, asking and answering simple questions to meet survival needs, ordering food, traveling, and relating the Gospel in a simple manner. Divides class time among grammatical explanation, drill and application of concepts to simulate real-life situations.
Expands on the foundation laid in French I while strengthening the comprehension of the spoken and written language. Studies include compound tenses and the subjunctive mode. Explores French literature, francophone countries around the world, dialects and music.
Introduces the Spanish language and culture. Develops a novice proficiency through communication activities within the themes of the school, the home, the community, and the world. Teaches Spanish culture, from architecture to life in the cities to quinceañera parties. Develops global fluency through a Christian worldview.
Reviews novice language skills and introduces basic intermediate skills. Teaches the basic past tenses by discussing personal experiences, Spanish history, and short literary works. Explores cultural topics such as the history of Spain and traditional festivals. Encourages students to practice using Spanish as a tool for community engagement. Develops global fluency through a Christian worldview.
Languages available to satisfy BJA requirements: Chinese, French, German, Greek (New Testament), and Spanish
Parameters to keep in mind:
