Academics

Brethren Christian is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered, high quality educational program consistent with Biblical truth.  Its purpose is to minister to the whole person by fostering individual growth and preparing students for responsible interaction in society. To that end, BC’s curriculum continues to include core courses aligned with the State of California and University of California A-G requirements as well as additional opportunities for students to engage in courses such as Bible, Advance Placement, and award winning fine arts, athletics, and woodshop.  

The curriculum and instructional process begins properly with the Word of God, recognizing the Bible as inspired and the primary source of truth about God, man and the world. The curriculum promotes a Christian worldview, giving the student a sense of God as sovereign and offers biblical principles and answers for life’s most compelling questions.

Average BC College Board SAT scores have been steadily rising since 1990 and currently surpass the California and national averages by nearly 100 points. The percentage of BC students taking the SAT exams has steadily increased since 2001 from 53% to 76% participation. More students are taking the exam and getting higher scores than ever before.

A comparative look at 8^th grade scores on the SAT10 between 1991 and 2004 indicates BC students consistently rank in the top third of students nationally in reading, language, and thinking skills while ranking in the top 20^th percentile in mathematics. These scores have been consistent over the past eight years. A comparative look at 11^th grade SAT10 scores between 2001 and 2004 show BC students place in the top 25% of students nationally in reading, mathematics, and language and place in the top third of students nationally in social science, science, and thinking skills.

BC is one of only a handful of area Christian junior or senior high schools with a program for students with special needs. The depth of the curriculum has enabled students of all learning types and abilities to have access to learning at an appropriate level. A variety of AP, advanced level mathematics and fine arts courses have provided gifted and talented students the ability to flourish. Two college level courses – Calculus and Bible – are offered.

Students admitted to the Opportunity Program receive remedial and developmental assistance in language arts and mathematics courses based on testing and ILPs. Opportunities students are mainstreamed into all other courses with contracts for modification if necessary. The Opportunities Director and an aide provide a tremendous amount of support in tutoring, individualized help, development of organizational skills, and act as liaison between teachers and families. Faculty has welcomed the accommodations and modifications necessary to help these students master material and complete required coursework Students in this program are taught to be self-advocates in their learning.

It is our conviction that curriculum is not textbook driven but rather teacher driven. Extensive in-servicing assisted teachers in becoming curriculum designers by incorporating a number of resources, strategies, and assessments thus creating a more holistic approach to curriculum. Because the members are experts within their field, each department selects the most appropriate textbooks after a thorough review of available materials by both secular and Christian publishers. Secular textbooks, literature, videos, and other resources can have considerable educational value while framed within a Christian worldview and can also generate Biblical integration opportunities.

Grade reports are issued eight times each year: mid-term progress reports and at the end of each quarter. However, teachers are not limited to those reports. Most post grades throughout the grading periods and send notices when students are performing unsatisfactorily. Junior high opportunities students also receive growth reports regularly every two to three weeks. Plans to add web-based access to grade reports by parents and students are currently being implemented.