Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What year was Berean Christian School founded and is it accredited?
A. The school was founded in 1980 and has grown to include two campuses housing Grades K to 12. Berean is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. BCS is also a member of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA).
Q. What qualifications is required of BCS teachers?
A. Our teachers maintain certification with the Association of Christian Schools International. This certification requires a four-year degree with educational coursework as well as additional credits in Philosophy of Christian Education and the Bible. All teachers and support staff of Berean Christian Schools are born again believers and are committed to the philosophy of Christian education.
Q. Does BCS have Chapel as well as Bible classes?
A. Bible is an integral part of the curriculum at BCS and is a required subject taught in all grade levels. Students also have a chapel assembly each week as well as various days of spiritual emphasis throughout the year.
Q. How does BCS encourage students to strive for excellence?
A. BCS challenges each student to do his or her best both academically and spiritually. This is accomplished by a partnership between the school and the parents and the church to make sure that all of our BCS students focus on the Word of God as their compass in all aspects of study and extracurricular activities. Our goal is to equip our children with the skills both spiritually and academically to achieve their goals for college beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade.
Q. Will my child’s security be priority at BCS?
A. Yes. Both campuses are closed campuses meaning all doors are locked with only one way into the main school area. The Lower Campus has security cameras.
Q. What are the school hours?
A. At the Lower Campus (K – 5) we begin to supervise the students for drop-off at 7:30 a.m. Students must report to their classrooms at 8:00 a.m. Students are considered tardy after that time. Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m., and non-extended care students should be picked up no later than 3:45 p.m. Extended Care is available for K-5th grade students after school until 6:00 p.m. Registration is required for the extended care program. The school office is open until 4:00 p.m.
The hours of operation at the Upper Campus (6 – 12) begin at 8:00. Students are considered tardy after that time and must report to the front office for a tardy slip. The dismissal time is 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school office is open until 4:00 p.m.
Q. Where can I find more information about procedures and policies at BCS?
A. The handbook information, school calendars, as well as contact information for teachers, can be found on this website. You can always contact either the main office at 521-6054 x 100 or the Upper Campus office at 521-6054x 200 with any questions or concerns that you might have.
Q. Do you offer a hot lunch program?
A. There is not a daily hot lunch program at BCS, but microwave ovens are available for 4th-12th grade students to use in heating lunches from home. Parent volunteers help serve a low-cost hot lunch to the students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Order forms are sent home once a month to order from different vendors. Milk is made available every day for a nominal cost.
Q. What is Edline?
A. Edline is a school web based system that provides a web interface for parents and students to keep up with individual class assignments and grades via the computer. Contact either campus for more information.
Q. Do BCS students receive scholarships for college and what are the names of some of the colleges where graduates typically attend?
A. Yes. At BCS it is our goal to see each student prepared fully for college and to see them successfully accepted in their “first choice” college. Our guidance department works closely with each high school student to make sure that they take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them and their career goals. More than $1.8 million was offered to the Class of 2009 in Academic Scholarships. Some of the colleges represented by our graduates are: Belmont University, Bryan College, Cedarville University, Columbia, Georgetown, Lee University, Liberty University, Moody Bible Institute, University of Tennessee, Taylor, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Tech University, Wheaton College, and West Point Academy.
Q. Does BCS provide standardized testing for students?
A. Stanford Achievement Tests are administered to students in grades K-8 each spring and are one of several tools used to measure academic achievement. The PSAT is administered each fall to students in grades 10 and 11. The test is required for juniors and is optional, but strongly recommended for sophomores. ACT and SAT test-taking is recommended beginning in the spring of the junior year. Information about registration and test preparation is provided by the guidance counselor.
Q. Does BCS offer training in technology?
A. On the lower campus every classroom is equipped with at least one computer station for individual use as determined by the teacher. One classroom at the lower campus has an internet-connected projector. The upper campus has state-of-the-art Smart technology, filtered-Internet capabilities in the computer lab. Computer classes offer instruction in keyboarding, Microsoft applications, graphic design and computer programming.
Q. Do you have chapel, and if so, how often?
A. Both campuses have a chapel once a week. The lower campus has chapel in the sanctuary on Wednesday mornings for grades K-2 and Thursday mornings for grades 3-5. In addition to chapels, the lower campus classroom includes the study of the Bible in their daily curriculum as well as Biblical integration in all subject matter. The upper campus has chapel every week on Fridays and has small “Breakout Groups” on the off weeks. The students are also enrolled in Bible classes and have Biblical integration in all subject matters. BCS has a Spiritual Life Director on staff.
Q. Does BCS offer an athletic program?
A. Yes. The Eagle Athletic Department is very popular in this region. At the upper campus level, we offer volleyball, cross-country, golf, basketball, swimming and soccer. BCS is part of the TSSAA division 1A. We are proud of our teams and support them as much as possible during their playing seasons.
Q. Does BCS offer a Fine Arts Program?
A. We have a Fine Arts Program at both campuses. We offer drama, speech, art, and choral activities for students in grades 6th through 12th. Our lower campus offers art and music instruction for all grade levels. The high school students perform a full-scale theater production each year.
Q. Does BCS have a scholarship program or offer financial aid?
A. BCS does have a financial aid program available. To find more information about financial aid check out the tuition and financial aid section under the admissions page on the school website.
Q. Is BCS sponsored by a church or denomination?
A. Berean Christian School is sponsored by Berean Bible Church but students from many different denominations attend the school.
Q. What are the steps to enroll a child at BCS?
A. To apply for enrollment an application packet must be submitted with the registration fee. A personal interview is required for parents of students entering BCS in grades K-12. Please check out the admissions page on the school web page for details.
Q. What is the age requirement to enter kindergarten?
A. Children must be five years of age by September 30.
Q. Does BCS offer after-school care?
A. Yes, there is an after-school program on campus offered through Garden of Eden Day Care, a ministry of Berean Bible Church. The times are 3-6 pm daily. The after-school program is also open on in service days. The after-school is closed on major holidays.You may call 521-6054, ext. 119 for more specific information.
Questions? We are here to help!
Contact us at – (865) 521-6054, ext. 100
www.bereanchristian.org