ABOUT
ABOUT
Established in the early 1970s,
Bessemer Academy has long been committed to student excellence and to following God. Focusing on students with average and above-average intelligence and abilities, this Cognia accredited, Christian-based, nondenominational academy has succeeded in graduating students who have gone on to stellar college careers and preparing for outstanding professions afterward. At Bessemer Academy, we encourage growth academically, spiritually, athletically, and socially. As students enrolled in a private Christian school, grades K-3 through senior year start their days by participating in morning devotions and regularly scheduled chapel services. Our small class sizes contribute to the excellent results we achieve at Bessemer Academy. The small student-to-teacher ratios mean more one-on-one attention and a greater understanding of material. Students get the chance to work with others in the community through service projects within the school.
MISSION STATEMENT
Bessemer Academy is committed to providing a quality education for students of average and/or above average intelligence and abilities.
Our goal at Bessemer Academy is to provide academic excellence, social growth, and moral development of our students. Through a variety of learning activities and experiences, we actively support each student in the quest of fulfilling his/her full potential and individual growth. At Bessemer Academy, we seek to instill in each student a sense of responsibility, accountability, honesty, integrity, respect of self and others, pride and care of school facilities, and service to school, community and nation. We seek to instill in each student a sense of high moral standards. We seek to prepare each student to meet the challenges of today’s society and meet the challenges of tomorrow’s workplace.
History
In 1970, a small group of parents met to share their dreams for a new school in Bessemer that would better meet the needs of their children. They were committed to building a school where children could receive a challenging curriculum within a framework of traditional values.
In September 1970, with Mr. Barry Norton as Headmaster, 6 faculty members and 80 students, their dreams became a reality when the doors to Bessemer Academy were opened. Mr. Norton walked down the hall of the little red school house that was located on Old Tuscaloosa Highway, ringing a dinner bell for class changes. At the end of the 1970 – 1971 school year, the 116 students of the Bessemer Academy Tigers were making history.
In 1981, Faith Christian School closed their doors and the students and faculty joined Bessemer Academy.
Five decades after its beginnings, Bessemer Academy is the largest K3-12th grade school in Bessemer. With 100% college acceptance for the graduates choosing to attend college and a dedication to athletic competition which fosters strong character, Bessemer Academy continues to make history throughout all realms of academics and athletics.
Bessemer Academy is fully accredited by the Alabama Independent School Association and Cognia.
ACCREDITATION
Bessemer Academy is a Cognia accredited school.
To become accredited by the Cognia organization, a school must demonstrate compliance with a specified set of standards. Additionally, an effective school improvement process must be in place. Bessemer Academy has a vision for the future and a step by step plan for providing quality education. Cognia accredited schools are schools in motion; changing, improving and meeting standards that require best practice, research in curriculum and a willingness to commit to quality assurance in education. Bessemer Academy is evaluated regularly by state professionals.
Mitch Grissett
Head of School
Head of School
Bessemer Academy is led by Head of School, Mitch Grissett.
Coach Grissett’s life journey began in the small rural community of Red Level where he learned the values of faith, character and hard work. During his experience as a walk-on to the University of Alabama football team, he learned the value of systems and processes in an organization. Through his professional career, and the effective practice of these values, his experience has led him to opportunities of leading programs and organizations to cultivate a healthy culture of teamwork, effective processes, and the pursuit of excellence.
Coach Grissett began his career at Bessemer Academy in 2024, serving as both school principal and athletic director. He brings over 20 years of experience in education, coaching, and school administration, demonstrating a deep commitment to student development and academic excellence.
He and his wife Jessica have a son, Mason and daughter, Bella.
Michele Hyde
Principal
Principal
Bessemer Academy's Principal is Michele Hyde.
Coach Hyde began her career at Bessemer Academy in 2018 after retiring from teaching in the Jefferson County school system. For the first six years at Bessemer Academy, she taught middle school reading and served as the head softball coach. She is currently serving as the school Principal, female sports’ athletic director, and remains the head softball coach.
In 2021 Coach Hyde led the softball team to winning the AISA Varsity Girls Softball State Championship, thereby making BA history as the first team to do so.
With over 35 years of experience, she is prepared to guide and lead the staff and student body in continuing the Bessemer Academy legacy of academic and athletic excellence.
She and her husband Mark have a daughter Allie, son-in-law Connor, and son Logan.
