Academics

Overview

Brentwood Academy's academic roots are in a traditional, college preparatory curriculum, and each discipline utilizes a variety of best-practice methodologies as part of the core curriculum. The program includes rigorous college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement courses in each discipline, as well as an exemplary fine arts experience necessary for a complete liberal arts education; in addition, academic support is available in the Learning Center and through study seminars for students needing extra help and challenge in their studies. Electives in various disciplines allow students and teachers to explore a subject on a deeper level, and the annual upper school Winterim program broadens students' educational experience.

Accreditation

Brentwood Academy holds dual accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools.

Honors and Advanced Placement Courses

Honors courses permit students to explore a given subject in more depth than is normally possible in regular college-prep courses. The course material is dealt with on a more sophisticated level, and the pace is brisk. Students are expected to bring to honors courses a strong record in the subject area, a high level of commitment, and the recommendation of their teachers. Because more is expected of students, grades in honors and advanced placement courses are weighted more heavily than grades in regular courses (Honors [0.5], AP [1.0] weighting to cumulative GPA).

Advanced Placement courses are designed to replace the freshman courses in college. Sufficient scores on the College Board Advanced Placement Program Examinations administered at the end of the academic year can give students college credits and/or exemption from introductory courses and allow placement in advanced courses at the college they attend. Brentwood Academy students who take advanced placement courses must take the Advanced Placement Examination in those courses unless waived by the department chair.

The School Day

Brentwood Academy operates on a modified block academic schedule with most classes meeting every other day for ninety minutes. Middle school students have seven classes, while upper school students typically enroll in six classes and one study hall. Comprehensive exams are administered at the end of each semester and count for 20 percent of the semester average. In addition to daily academic requirements, all students are required to participate in some form of daily physical activity through either team sports, dance, or a fitness and conditioning program. Students and faculty end their school day by participating in a clean-up program.

Faculty

At present, Brentwood Academy has 90 full- and part-time faculty members, over 65 percent of whom hold a post-baccalaureate degree. Brentwood Academy employs faculty members who are able to demonstrate consistent academic and instructional leadership, have the ability to relate to and communicate with students, and exhibit a passion for and appreciation of the school's mission, including a desire to promote a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Faculty and Staff Directory.

 
Winterim

The Winterim program provides educational enrichment experiences outside the traditional classroom setting for upper school students. Each upper school faculty member sponsors a program, such as service projects, cultural and educational trips and classes, internships, or college visits. Participation in Winterim is required for all upper school students. Learn more about Winterim.

Testing and College Acceptances

All Brentwood Academy students are required to take the ACT and SAT Reasoning Test in the spring of the junior year and again in the fall of the senior year. In preparation for these tests, all tenth graders take the PLAN and all students in grades nine, ten, and eleven take the PSAT. SAT Subject Tests are taken when needed. All students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the national exam in the spring. Students in grades six, seven, eight, and nine take the ERB test in the spring.

Members of the class of 2011 are attending 36 diverse colleges in 14 different states. Members of the class were offered academic, athletic, talent, or leadership scholarships totaling nearly $5.1 million, as well as numerous Tennessee HOPE Scholarships awarded but not included in this total.

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