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Camp Edventure:
In grades 1-6, there is a 6-week summer school program called Camp Edventure designed to boost academic success of all elementary students. It runs from 8 am to noon daily and is state-funded and free to students. Classes are no larger than 15 students per teacher. For more information on elementary summer school, call (701) 323-4200
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Career and Technical Education:
Bismarck Public Schools offers a variety of Career and Technical elective course options for students. The three middle schools, Horizon, Wachter and Simle, offer classes in Family and Consumer Science and Technology Education. The two high schools, Bismarck High and Century, have courses in Family and Consumer Science, Marketing, Business/Marketing, and Medical Related Careers. South Central High School, Bismarck's only alternative school, offers Family and Consumer Science, along with parenting skills.
At the centrally located Career Academy and Technical Center, located on the Bismarck State College campus, BPS students and other area high school students have an opportunity to take Aviation, Auto Technology, Auto Collision, Carpentry, Engineering, Math for the 21st Century, Horticulture/Botany (approved science credit for graduation), Applied Mechanics, Welding, Electronics, Graphic Communications, and Medical Related Careers. Articulation and Dual Credit arrangements with post-secondary institutions are available upon request. To learn more, call the Career Academy, (701) 323-4340.
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Channel One:
The following secondary schools offer the daily "Channel One" educational news program: Simle and Wachter Middle Schools; and Century and Bismarck High Schools.
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The district tries to keep class size at a maximum of 25 students in grades K-3; 30 students in grades 4-6. If a classroom has more students than the preferred number, a teacher aide is often provided. The average class size grades K-6 in 2011-2012 is 20.5 students.
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Computers:
Bismarck Public Schools has computers in all classrooms. Fixed computer labs and/or mobile laptop labs are available at all schools and grade levels. The current student-to-computer ratio district-wide is 2.8 to 1 as of May of 2011.
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Parent-teacher conferences are held at all public schools; schools set their own schedules for conferences, usually in the fall and spring. In 2011-2012, the parent-teacher conference days OFF will be November 10 and April 9 for students in grades K-12.
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The district employs 11 elementary counselors to serve 16 grade schools. In addition, schools have student assistance teams made up of administrators, teachers, and other specialists. Each of the middle schools has 2 counselors for a population of 800-850 students.
Counselors are available at the senior high schools to provide students with academic, career and personal guidance. Bismarck High has 4 counselors for about 1,300 students; Century has 3 counselors for about 1,050 students; South Central has 1.5 for about 80 students, and the Bismarck Technical Center has a career advisor.
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Course Load:
The minimum course load for high school seniors is 5 classes per semester; 6 classes for juniors and sophomores; and 7 class periods per semester for middle school students in grades 7-9.
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Curriculum:
Bismarck Public Schools curriculum is formally reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis. New courses, materials, and activities are frequently added. The Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Curriculum/Instruction can provide further information. Call (701) 323-4073.
Elementary: The district offers a comprehensive elementary school curriculum, which includes literacy (reading and writing), math, social studies, science and health. All students also have a regular weekly library period and music instruction. Physical education classes, taught by trained P.E. instructors, are offered to all students in grades 1-6.
Middle Level: In middle school, students take the following courses each year: English, social studies/history, math, science, and physical education. Other classes such as health, reading/communication and career education are also required. Elective courses include band, orchestra, choir, keyboarding, art, study skills, home skills, industrial technology, foreign language, general business, and other vocational courses. Contact any middle level school for a copy of its course catalog or visit a middle school under the "Schools" link at the top of the page at www.bismarckschools.org.
Senior High: The school system currently requires students to have a minimum of 22 credits to graduate--14 required courses and 8 electives. Total credits will increase to 24 in 2012. The required subjects include 4 credits of English, 3 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Math, 3 credits of Science by 2011, and 2 credits of Physical Education. Students receive their elective credits by choosing from a multitude of classes offered at Bismarck High, Century, South Central, and the Bismarck Technical Center. Contact any of these facilities for a complete course catalog or visit www.bismarckschools.org, choose the "Schools" link and navigate to a high school site.
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In 2010-2011, Bismarck and Century High Schools had a dropout rate of 1.3% or 33 students.
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See "Health Curriculum"
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