Core Subjects

At BART, students become familiar with multiple art disciplines, such as drama, visual arts, creative writing, and music. Technology at BART is instructed as a standalone course as well as integrated into each of the other academic courses. Middle school students receive foundation-level instruction in the arts and technology, with topics rotating each term, while high school students choose courses each term as a part of the Arts and Technology Elective program. The Arts and Technology Elective program is designed to provide students with a broad exposure to arts and technology starting with 100-level classes, followed by a comprehensive, progressive concentration in specifics areas, leading to 400-level classes. Students are encouraged in their 9th and 10th grade years to identify goals for themselves leading to either an independent study or an AP course in their 11th grade year.

The collegiate skills curriculum is delivered to students in grades 6-10 with the goal of building “college knowledge,” developing positive character traits, and supporting the social and emotional well-being of BART students. Students are led through activities and discussions that explore personal characteristics, strengths, interests, and possible future careers. Additionally, students examine and evaluate professional conduct and communication that is expected and required of students for success in college and in the workplace. Finally, students in collegiate skills classes explore the college selection and application processes, college financing, and college life on different types of campuses. Collegiate skills classes are graded on a pass/fail basis.

 

As part of the collegiate skills curriculum, every student at every grade level will visit at least one college campus each year in the middle school and at least 4 colleges each year in the high school. They will attend information sessions with college representatives and listen to guest speakers describe their own college and career paths.

In ELA, students are guided to develop the following skills at each grade level: reading, communication through writing and oral language, revision of work, research, and presentation. Students are instructed using literature from various genres, time periods, and cultures. AP English Literature and Composition and AP English Language and Composition will be offered in alternating years to qualifying high school students.

Students will learn the importance of being fit as a lifelong goal and how to accomplish that goal. During classes they will learn the basics of fitness, stretching, building core strength, and cardiovascular fitness. They will play cooperative games, walk or hike, and snowshoe. All fitness classes will also teach components of health and life skills.

In history and social studies, students will progress through the following topics: World Geography and Human Cultures; Ancient Civilizations, Empires, and Religions; the Interconnected Threads of African, Asian, and European History; American History; World History; and Government.

In Middle School and Algebra 1, the math department uses the Desmos curriculum to provide students with high-quality math education. Desmos provides discovery-based, conceptual learning alongside practice and procedures.

High School courses at BART include: Topics in Introductory Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Topics in Intermediate Algebra, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Students also have the opportunity to take online college math courses in their junior and senior years. 

Starting in grade 8, students can participate in the acceleration program. Through independent study and hard work in their classes, students can qualify for acceleration to Geometry in grade 9, or acceleration to Pre-Calculus in grade 11. 

Inquiry is the core of our science curriculum. Students will progress through the following project and lab-based classes while in middle school: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. In high school, students will take at least three of the following courses: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

In the Spanish I course, students will become familiar with the Spanish language and cultures through various authentic media. Attention will be given to student progress in listening and reading comprehension, speaking and writing abilities, participation, and pronunciation. In Spanish II and Spanish III classes, students will continue their practice and expand their understanding with a focus on the cultures and the roles of Spanish speakers in the United States though American media, including films, television, and news shows.

In the 12th grade, students are enrolled in Senior Seminar, which meets 5 days a week. The class encompasses the supports for all of the “non-academic” graduation requirements and college preparedness activities that are expected of students in their senior year at BART. Senior Seminar is graded and factored into students’ GPAs.