The First Baptist Academy Honors Program exists to challenge high-achieving students to pursue and achieve advanced levels of scholarship, mission engagement, and Christ-centered leadership.
Overview
The First Baptist Academy Honors Program is a rigorous course study track for 9th-12th grade students who are more academically prepared and ready to be challenged at a level that God has prepared them for. Unlike other honors programs that focus solely on academics, the FBA Honors Program encourages well-rounded development, concentrating on eight essential elements.
DEPTH
Honors classes are about quality, not quantity. Faculty challenge students to go deeper into course content, and do so in ways that engage their higher-level thinking skills.
RIGOR
Honors classes use high-impact learning approaches that require students to come to class well prepared and ready to engage.
HONORS STUDENT
Honors students embrace challenges, holding high standards for themselves and seeking to edify their peers.
HONORS FACULTY
The honors faculty is committed to creating an engaging learning experience that fosters a life-long desire for exploration, innovation, and application.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Honors classes approach academic disciplines with a biblical worldview.
DIGITAL LEARNING
Students learn to navigate online social tools and research databases, discriminating between reliable sources of information and those that represent opinion, commentary, and/or false doctrine.
MINISTRY EMPHASIS
Honors students understand that they have both the responsibility and the opportunity to glorify God among their fellow students and in the community by engaging in activities that serve to bring Christ to others.
Purpose
The purpose of the Honors Program is:
- To challenge high-achieving students in the classroom so that they are better prepared for post-secondary challenges.
- To retain students attending FBA who desire the challenges of accelerated programs.
- To attract students to FBA who are searching for high-quality educational opportunities.
- To provide advanced academic curriculum studies and enrichment opportunities for existing upper school students.
- To offer these academic opportunities in an environment that views all learning through a Christ-centered approach.
- To teach students how to engage in Classical Model Learning Approaches using Biblical foundations to prepare them to become strong disciples in a secular world.
Requirements
All students who apply and seek consideration to join the Honors Program must meet the following guidelines before admittance:
- Possess a B (3.0) or higher average, with no more than one C.
- Have standardized test scores reflecting above a 50% or higher in the Math and English sections of a PSAT, ACT Aspire, ACT, or SAT, or a ranking of “exceeding expectations” or “proficient but growing.” *Students who do not meet minimum requirements on standardized tests may qualify for acceptance on a case-by-case basis based on teacher recommendation and commitment agreement.
- Have notable ability to excel in the Honors Program which is manifested in a strong work ethic and academic performance.
- Produce three recommendations from a non-family adult leader (at least one teacher).
- Be without reproach, having no documented record of discipline issues requiring action beyond classroom discipline within the past year.
- Possess a solid record of attendance without excessive tardies/absences (even if excused) to school and/or class.
- Be well-respected and a peacemaker among peers.
- Must be a professing believer in Jesus Christ with visible evidence of having a relationship with Him (a covenant agreement to the Statement of Faith is a prerequisite).
- Must complete an effective essay explaining how his/her participation in the Honors Program would be advantageous for the program and First Baptist Academy. Rubric for evaluation will be provided.
- Must pledge/sign an intent to commit to serve a minimum number of hours in discipleship and mission service.
- Must pledge/sign an intent to attend regular meetings and enrichment opportunities provided in school and outside of school.
Benefits for Students
- Students who participate in the Honors Program can expect to see the following benefits upon completion of their senior year:
- Students who are planning to attend post-secondary institutions will be more prepared for the rigorous studies and pace that will be expected of them in the future.
- Students and teachers will work together in the classroom to foster exploration, collaboration, and innovation – all skills necessary to be successful in college and careers.
- Students will receive weighted GPAs for Honors and AP courses. Honors courses will be ranked using a 4.5 weighted scale, and AP classes will be ranked using a 5.0 scale, if the AP exam is taken (ranking will be on a 4.5 scale if a student chooses not to take the culminating exam). The exam will require an extra personal cost to take.
- Students will receive additional graduation accolades, and if students complete the State of Tennessee Requirements for an Honors Diploma, they may receive this as well.
- Students will be able to participate in enrichment programs that include, but are not limited to:Skills preparation – math, writing, critical thinking, and computer skills.
- Technology integration – research skills, document preparation and integration, web-based studies.
- Working with computer software programs – Office, Keynote, Movie Maker, Excel, etc.
- Service work – missionwork, tutoring of younger students.
- Leadership building workshops.
- ACT/SAT preparation, AP Exam preparation.
- By the end of the senior year, students will also gain the following skills to prepare them for future endeavors:Portfolio development.
- Resume writing.
- Public speaking and presenting.
- Writing for an intended purpose.
- Collaborating with peers.
- Assessing community and business resources.
- Obtaining community and business resources.
- Students will have the opportunity to attend regularly scheduled Academy meetings (required). These meetings will give students an opportunity to act in a school leadership capacity by:Discussing school and personal issues with teachers and administrators.
- Engaging with community leaders.
- Being spiritually enriched by school and church leaders.
- Participating in activities that include cross-curricular studies, effective learning methods, etc.
National Junior Honor Society/National Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and National Honor Society (NHS) are academic and leadership development organizations that focus on four key areas: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. At First Baptist Academy, each of these elements is built on the foundation of Christ. NJHS is for 8th and 9th grade students, while NHS is for those in 10th-12th grade. Students do not have to be in the Honors Program to join NJHS or NHS.