Course Requirements by Grade Level

REQUIRED:  Language arts, mathematics, reading, science, social studies, physical education, and arts for life (art, applied science and technology, family and consumer sciences, general music) are required.  Each of the arts for life classes meets for a nine-week period.

ELECTIVES:  Band, chorus, and orchestra are electives. Students may also apply for the Illinois Math and Science Academy Fusion (IMSA) Program. Students whose score at the "exceed" level in ISAT Math and Reading may apply.

7TH GRADE

REQUIRED:  Language arts, mathematics, reading, science, social studies, physical education, and arts for life (art, applied science and technology, family and consumer sciences, health education) are required.  Each of the arts for life classes meets for a nine-week period.  French I and Spanish I are high school level classes offered to seventh graders who meet the criteria established by BJHS.  Students who are enrolled in a foreign language do not take the arts for life classes.

ELECTIVES:  Band, chorus, and orchestra are electives. Students may also apply for the Illinois Math and Science Academy Excellence 2000+ Program.

**SPECIAL OPTION: OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Outdoor Education is a fascinating learning experience open to seventh graders.  The program allows students to spend a week in the woods, supervised by teachers and parent volunteers.  During the week, classes in all curriculum areas are maintained.  The materials introduced cannot be taught within the confines of the school building, and include: pond investigation, survival cooking, campsite mapping, laying out a scale model of the solar system, archery and canoeing, and publication of a camp newspaper.  This unique blend of activities provides students a broad experience with academics.  It allows them to see the basics of their class work put to literal use.

The Outdoor Education program has been successful for three decades.  Every seventh grader is encouraged to participate in this program, although a student may be excluded from the program for behavioral reasons.  Scholarships are provided for students who demonstrate need.

8TH GRADE

REQUIRED:  Language arts, mathematics, reading, science, social studies, and physical education and arts for life (art, applied science and technology, computer skills, family and consumer sciences) are required.  French I, French II, Spanish I, and Spanish II are high school level classes offered to eighth graders who meet the criteria established by BJHS.  Students who are enrolled in a foreign language do not take the arts for life classes.

ELECTIVES:  Band, chorus, and orchestra are electives. Students may also apply for the Illinois Math and Science Academy Excellence 2000+ Program.