What does it mean to be a BCD student? BCD Students Are... Challenged.
BCD students come to school ready to learn. Small class size means teachers can give individualized attention.
“The teachers at BCD are truly exceptional people. I did not realize how unusual this was until I went to shadow at the high schools. Here, the teachers know you personally and the level of trust astounds me every day.”– BCD Middle School student
Class size is limited to 16 students per teacher. Each grade level has two classes. We have the flexibilty to increase the class size to 18 if we have additional students that are "mission approriate". If that occurs we increase the ratio to 9 to 1, and hire a teaching assistant. The 9 to 1 ratio is an excellent classroom model. We do not go over our cap of 18.
Grades K-4 are self-contained classrooms. Students have the same teacher for basic subjects, but leave the classroom to attend art, library, foreign language, P.E., computer science, and music. These classes are taught by teachers who are specialists in each area. Fourth grade students add Latin to their schedule.
In grade 5, students are with one teacher for a half day and then the two classes switch. Students may have language arts in the morning for their homeroom class and math and science in the afternoon, or visa versa. Fifth grade students continue instruction in art, library skills, foreign language (both French and Latin), P.E., computer science and music. Organization skills and time management are stressed as students prepare for the transition to middle school.
Science Week: Each December BCD holds a school wide science fair. Students grade K-8 participate by doing an individual science experiment. All experiments are displayed in the gym during science week and are judged by scientists from the area. Science week includes special speakers and programs for students during the school day. A family science night features student experiments, speakers, and programs for the whole family. An assembly to celebrate Science Week is held on Friday and top experiments are recognized.
Elementary students participate in musical performances, plays, and assemblies held throughout the school year. K-2 students present a musical in the spring and grades 3-5 perform their musical in the fall. Holiday and class assemblies give students many opportunities to perform for the student body.
Throughout the school year each grade holds special events which are related to units of study. Students may present research and writing projects to each other, another class or grade level, or parents.
Each grade level plans and performs a program for the rest of the student body and parents. The programs are related to a unit of study at that grade level and are different each year. Programs have included: adaptations of fairy tales, events from history, and themes from literature and science. Grade level programs give students additional opportunity to perform for an audience.