Bethel Christian Academy

I have 2 children at Bethel (3rd & 1st). PROS: Christian environment ; sound academics; loving staff. CONS: no PTA, no clubs; no opportunities that provide out of box thinking (hands on learning); math curriculum moves slower than public schools in area. My kids will stay in bethel until junior high.
—Submitted by a parent

BCA has a remarkable dedication to high academics, and they seem to be constantly investigating how they can improve both the student learning experience and ultimate outcome. But even beyond their dedication to academics, they strive more than any school I've had contact with to create an environment of love, family, and community. I've been impressed particularly with the Middle School leadership program, community service activities, peer mentoring programs, etc. ... they really make responsible, educated leaders out of our children!
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE working at Bethel. The small class sizes (max 16) allow me to give a lot of individualized attention to the students so that I can ensure that no one "falls through the cracks". I love all of my students and really appreciate how accepting they are of each other and new students coming in for the first time. I do hold them to high standards and challenge them, but I also provide support and guidance to assist them as needed. Bethel is not for the lazy, but it is ideal for those students and parents who are looking for a solid academic foundation.
—Submitted by a teacher

Bethel Christian Academy is a special place. The school's academic standards are set high but there is more than academics that happen at Bethel. Bethel is more than a school. It is a family. The teachers care about the students and want them to succeed not only academically but spiritually, emotionally, and in developing life skills. Our children gained a well rounded education at Bethel. Bethel was such a blessing to our family.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud parent of two children who have attended BCA for two years now. My youngest will be joining them this upcoming year. I am very pleased with the overall program at BCA. The teachers and staff are not only qualified and professional, but have a sincere interest in partnering with parents in raising these children and for their growth as individuals as well. In my experience, communication has been excellent! The admnistration (Principal and Assistsant Principal) made valuable recommendations for each of my children that will benefit them long term and for that I am grateful! I value the level of security taken in school to make sure the kids are safe. I also want to mention that I love and value the fact that the administration takes great strides in evaluating the cirriculums that they use. Shirley Grammar, Saxon Math, etc. Only the BEST for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a student at Bethel for a long time. There is a great atmosphere of caring, an excellent sense of respect, and cool events and field trips. Sometimes the homework can be tough, but I get through it with the love and support of my mother and the school staff. If you want your child to have the best education, Bethel is the school for you!

My son and I worked on the computer infrastructure at Bethel a few years back (they now have a dedicated technology expert on staff). The administrative staff is excellent, with a clear vision and objectives to achieve that vision. When I worked on the computer systems for their student labs, library, and administrative staff, I was imporessed with their willingness to purchase the necessary equipment to make Bethel a school I would want to send my children to.

You must be an involved parent, if you have a child attending Bethel. The principal and vice principal do not micro-manage, they allow the teachers the grace to manage their classrooms, and get the respect of their students. The work is very challenging, but that is what you should expect from a private school. The rules and guidelines are strict, but they present them to you at enrollment, so if you decide to enroll, you do so with an understanding of what is expected. There have high expectations and treat our children like real people. The values they teach will prepare our kids for the future and help them learn how important it is to be prepared and to respect others. I think this is an excellent school, if you want to educate your children, teach them Christian values and can commit to the work.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic standards are high, but graduates excel in whatever higher education they pursue. 8th graders feel so connected to the teachers and each other that they don't want to leave (and often come back to annual school events).
—Submitted by a teacher

Excellent academics in a caring Christian environment. What more could a parent ask for? My daughter loves it!
—Submitted by a parent

I ran from Bethel after having my son there for 3 years. The homework demand was unbelievable. Literally 3 hours each night. Worst thing is when I transferred my child to a public school, he was behind in some areas like Math. This has been frustrating considering all of the demands the school put on the homework. Also, the school is unreasonable stict. Would suggest re-evaluting your options. We sacrificed any after school activities for 3 years to meet the homework demands. Frankly when they are in the real world, they don't even qualify for GT. Go figure. Good luck
—Submitted by a parent

bethel is far from the best but far from the worst if i were i wuold take my chile out once they reached middle school. on the middle school level BCA doesnt compare to any other school

Best school any parent could ask for! We just recently moved to California this school year (07/08) and wish we never had, just so we could go back to Maryland to put our boys back into Bethel! Our boys attended K4 and 1st Grade at bethel, and they were challenged, just enough to keep their interest and to help them learn. It's like night and day between Bethel and the private Chrisitan school we have now in California. At Bethel, the staff was Outstanding! The Principal cared and it showed, her husband, the Pastor of a local church was there almost every day to visit the children, another blessing. We can't wait to return to Maryland to allow our boys the best education we can be assured. By the way, the boys dearly miss their old school and the extra work.
—Submitted by a parent

I had my child at Bethel for sometime, but the homework demand (3 hours per night for 2nd, 3rd, 4th graders) is very serious. The school is very, very strict and will give marks for frivilous things like forgeting a pencil, or no eraser. Principal is non-responsive.
—Submitted by a parent

BCA is an awesome school. I personally attended there from K5 to 8th grade. They gave me a solid foundation in preparation for High School. I truely value everthing that BCA taught me. It is an upstanding school with high standards. The programs they offer can benefit both student and parent. In fact, I like it so much that now I work there.
—Submitted by a staff

I believe that BCA is a high quality school that teaches the students christian values as well high academic standards. The principleis very professional and knows how to handle the business of the school. She has a great relatioship with the parents and the students. She will address any questions or situations with concern.
—Submitted by Karen Williams, a parent