Academic Excellence

What is required to prepare Christian young people for life in a culture of competing worldviews and constantly shifting values? The answer is excellent Christian education — but excellence does not happen by accident. Excellence in Christian education is possible only when it is founded by a Biblical worldview, nurtured by a committed faculty, and driven by an academically-challenging atmosphere.

We follow a firmly traditional approach, but we consistently stay at the cutting edge of education by learning better teaching techniques. Our faculty members are not only highly trained professionals, but also godly Christians who are dedicated to the success of their students. In this dynamic environment, students are equipped to think and live from a thoroughly Christian worldview.

As a result of our Biblical worldview and the persistence of our teachers, we are fully committed to academic excellence.

 

Curriculum

In keeping with our desire to provide a high-quality educational experience, Capitol City Baptist School offers a quality education including the use of an advanced curriculum, the arts, and athletics.

 

Elementary students (K-6th) are taught using the ABeka curriculum; ABeka Publishing is unashamedly Christian and traditional in their approach to education. Beginning at the Jr. High level, Mathematics is taught using the Prentice Hall curriculum, and BJU Press replaces ABeka in some subjects. BJUPress has been working for decades on developing a curriculum that blends factual knowledge and critical thinking skills with biblical truth. All of these Christian curriculum publishers have maintained a strong academic thrust, while many secular curriculum publishers have softened their expectations over the years.

 

Our Stanford standardized testing shows the curriculum we use to enable our average career student (one who has attended here since Kindergarten) to score two or more grade levels beyond their current grade.

Elementary supplementary classes include art, music, gym, and computer class (beginning at third grade). All elementary students are involved in a drama presentation toward the end of each school year.

Standardized Testing

 

ACHIEVEMENT TESTING (K-11)

Every spring, a nationally recognized standardized achievement test is administered to all students in grades K-11. While it is not the only way to assess our school, it is an important method of evaluating our students, the scope/sequence/content of our curriculum, and the effectiveness of our teachers.

COLLEGE TESTING (SENIORS)

In lieu of taking achievement tests, the senior class is required to take the ACT or SAT college entrance test. Seniors must register for the test on their own and meet the financial obligations. It is highly recommended that this process be handled at the beginning of the school year. While there are several dates from which to choose, students are strongly advised to register for the April test date. Research suggests that students perform better at this time of the school year since they have completed most of their coursework for the twelfth grade. Seniors will not receive a diploma until the school receives the test results.

 

Graduation Credits and Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following academic units are required for graduation from Capitol City Baptist School. These requirements exceed the requirements of the State of Michigan and the state universities of Michigan.

  • Bible: 4 credits

  • Computer: 1 credit

  • English: 4 credits

  • Fine Arts: 2 credits

  • Foreign Language: 2 credits

  • Math: 4 credits*

  • Physical Education: 1 credit

  • Science: 3 credits

  • Social Studies/History: 3 credits

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

A total of 24 credits are required for graduation from Capitol City Baptist School. This exceeds the credit requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum while establishing a solid base for post-secondary education.