Academic Overview

Elementary School Grades 1-5

Students receive 360 minutes of daily instruction in individual classrooms from loving, certified teachers. We are proud to offer a lower student to teacher ratio than what is recommended by state guidelines which results in more one-on-one attention.

Students also receive enrichment classes weekly or twice weekly such as Spanish, library, art, music, and computer. They have PE every day regardless of weather since BA has indoor and outdoor facilities.

Our curriculum is primarily A Beka.

The only standardized test given in our elementary grades is the ASPIRE test.

The media specialists in our library administer the school’s Accelerated Reader program which encourages and rewards time spent reading.


Middle School Grades 6-8

Students begin changing classes and have 7 class periods a day.

We offer opportunities to be recognized for academic achievement through invitation to be tapped into Jr. Beta Club as well as A and AB Honor Roll Awards.

In addition to English, math, science, history, and PE, students participate in an elective class called rotation. This class provides students with exposure to 4 different electives each year (one per quarter).  These electives change from year to year and can include art, band, Spanish, character education, computer, career prep, and athletics.

The only standardized test given in middle school is the ASPIRE test.


High School 9-12

Students may have more choices in their academics and electives and may choose to enroll in our Honors Program. Dual credit is available in several forms. Please see the counselor for early college options.

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to choose one of three diploma options: Academic, Advanced Academic, and AISA Honors

Students in grades 8-10 will take the standardized Pre-ACT, and students in grades 10-12 will take the ACT. Additionally, junior students will take the ASVAB. All students are encouraged to register for and take the ACT or SAT to determine national ranking and college entrance.

Valedictorian (Honors Diploma) will be a student who has attended Bessemer Academy for their last 2 years of school and is working for the Honors Diploma and has the highest grade point average/numerical average.

Salutatorian (Honors Diploma) will be a student who has attended Bessemer Academy for their last 2 years of school and is working for the Honors Diploma and has the second highest grade point average/numerical average. Both the GPA and numerical average will be considered.

Work study is a program available to juniors and seniors. Seniors are approved for two periods and juniors one period. This option must meet all AISA requirements.

Course selection occurs each spring for the following year.