Elementary
BHPS' Elementary School consists of Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades -- known in Europe as "lower elementary" or "grade" school. Born in Hungary (and moving to America at 30 years of age), BHPS founder Mrs. Ilona breaks up our school's grades in a manner to which she was and is accustomed. (She taught in Hungary for many years before moving stateside in 1975.) Combining tried and true European sensibilities of limited class-size and hands-on teaching with the wholly American Core Knowledge® Curriculum (in addition to Florida's Sunshine State Standards), BHPS offers an advanced, unique, and fulfilling academic atmosphere as we hold our students to the highest of standards behaviorally, interpersonally, and scholastically.
In most states, Kindergarten is the year during which children typically learn what it means to "go to school," establishing social skills like taking turns, raising their hands while waiting to speak, answering when spoken to, and working and playing cooperatively. Our returning PreK students, having already learned these skills, are ready -- as a matter of course -- for our demanding Kindergarten program. However, we welcome new students from the public who have no prior educational history; and we offer a yearly Kindergarten Readiness Program in the summer for those seeking a quick leg up once the official school-year rolls around. But whatever your child's prior education or basic skill-level, BHPS will surround them with the proper tools to appreciate and embrace the world of reading, writing, literature, mathematical understanding, social studies, and scientific engagement. Our Kindergartners are heavily involved in the arts, music, theatre, physical education, and Spanish classes.
In grades 1 through 4, our students will continue to build their knowledge year by year, following the continual implementation of the aforesaid Core® curriculum. We encourage all parents who enroll their child with us to purchase and familiarize themselves with the What your _ Grader Needs to Know series of books (available here) by Core Knowledge® founder E.D. Hirsch, Jr. These books instructively outline the Core Knowledge® Curriculum in easy-to-understand language and structure. Though we receive no royalties from these books' purchases, we endorse them because they are a truly great resource for parents looking to get the most out of their child's educational endeavors.
Our grade classes are self-contained, each with a teacher and -- should class size necessitate -- an assistant. Extracurriculars are promoted for participation from all students, and traditional "electives" (art, theatre, music, and Spanish) are mandatory. Additionally, the students take part in campuswide (and local) recycling programs during the year; and they may serve in the Student Government Association (SGA) (though leadership positions must be filled by yearly election).
Also divergent from the common public and general private system, our After School hours are strictly structured: Students have free playtime on our 4 1/2 acre field at the closing of the academic day, followed by a 90-minute study-hall where they are to work on or finish that day's homework. This not only prepares your child for his/her next school day, but it saves many school-related last-minute rushes that can disrupt valuable evening family time. For students who need more individual focus, we also offer tutoring during these after school hours. Should it be required or deemed otherwise appropriate, our teachers will touch base with you often (even on a daily basis in extreme cases) to keep you abreast of your child's progress.
Field trips are held periodically and give our classes the opportunities they need to learn more about Historical Florida's past and present via visiting the capitol, theatre productions, local museums, learning centers, and scientific and archaeological sites. Parental involvement in these trips is always welcomed and encouraged!
As always, BHPS has an "open door" policy for visitors to spend time with our administrators and classes to guage if our services are right for their needs. You may even sit-in on a class should you wish to experience our teaching style firsthand. If you care to visit with an instructor, however, we ask that you make an appointment. To do so, please contact us. For our forms and admissions guidelines, please visit our Admissions hub. We thank you for and are humbled by your interest in our special school; and, while it may be easier for our returning students to progress through the ascending grades of our program, we whole-heartedly believe that all students -- regardless of background -- can thrive with us!