Academics FAQs

BSM offers a college-preparatory program across grades 6-12, built on a solid core curriculum and a wide selection of electives. Students are challenged to do their best in an engaging, supportive environment and are taught not just to absorb knowledge but to apply it. Learn more on our academics page.

BSM serves students in grades 6-12 through two distinct programs. Our middle school serves grades 6-8, and our high school serves grades 9-12, each designed for where students are and where they are headed.

Yes. The BSM curriculum includes numerous honors courses and 24 Advanced Placement courses, giving students extra opportunities to prepare for college. BSM students consistently score above average on ACT, SAT, and AP exams.

Faith is woven through the academic experience at every grade level. As a Catholic institution, BSM grounds its program in a strong tradition of faith, and theology is a core part of the curriculum in both middle and high school, where students explore Catholic teaching and social justice and learn to articulate their beliefs. Service learning connects that formation to action, so students grow not only in knowledge but in purpose and compassion. While BSM is grounded in Catholic identity, students of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome, and every student is invited into that same growth.

BSM offers a full range of academic disciplines, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, theology, world language, business, the visual and performing arts, and health and physical education. Students build a solid foundation in the core subjects while shaping their schedule with electives that match their interests.

Yes. BSM offers coursework at multiple levels so students are challenged at the right pace. In middle school, English, literature, and mathematics are taught in accelerated, standard, and concepts levels, and high school students can pursue honors and Advanced Placement courses as they are ready.

Since 2010, every Red Knight in middle and high school has been equipped with a MacBook Air as part of BSM's one-to-one laptop program, giving students the tools to research, create, and collaborate anytime, anywhere. Technology is integrated across the curriculum, from everyday coursework to specialized tools like 3D printers, drones, and design software.

Our middle school provides a strong academic program in a caring, structured environment, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical development of each student. The curriculum builds language arts, math, and world language skills that prepare students for advanced work in high school. Explore the BSM middle school to learn more.

The middle school curriculum is designed to prepare each student for high school, with pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry readying students for advanced math, and separate English and literature classes strengthening language arts. Every student also has the opportunity to study a world language of their choosing.

The middle school offers a full academic program that goes well beyond the basics, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, theology, world language, and the fine arts, with visual arts and music. Eighth graders can also choose from a variety of electives that let them discover new interests before high school.

Middle school is about more than academics at BSM. Students participate in homeroom for academic advisory, activities, and special-interest meetings, with guided discussions on decision-making, self-esteem, diversity, peer pressure, and healthy relationships. This structured, caring environment helps each student build the skills to thrive in school and beyond.

BSM's high school curriculum is built to challenge students at a college-preparatory level, with numerous honors courses and 24 Advanced Placement courses available across disciplines. Students can also earn college credit before graduation, giving them a head start on higher education. BSM students consistently score well above average on the ACT and SAT and are among the top National Merit finalists, semifinalists, and commended scholars in the state.

Beyond the core curriculum, high school students can explore focused coursework in areas like engineering and computer science, business, law, accounting, and marketing, and the visual and performing arts. These offerings let students pursue their interests in depth and build real skills for college and career. Explore the BSM high school to learn more.

Preparing students for college is at the center of the high school experience. A rigorous, college-preparatory program builds the skills students need to succeed at the next level, dedicated college counselors guide each student through the search and application process, and opportunities to earn college credit help students get a head start. The result is a graduating class prepared to attend some of the very best colleges and universities in the country and around the world.

Yes. Every Red Knight has a dedicated BSM counselor as a partner throughout middle and high school, providing academic guidance and support at every grade level. Learn more about our College & School Counseling.

Our counselors provide multi-year college planning, working closely with each student to find the right fit and guide them through the college search so no student navigates the process alone.

BSM provides support programs tailored to each student's needs, both academic and social, ensuring a holistic approach to education. Our faculty offer personalized assistance for learning and for preparing for life after high school.

Families transferring to BSM can have their students' records sent from their current school to our registrar, who ensures they are received and reviewed for course placement. If you have questions about transferring records or transcripts, our registrar is glad to help at registrar@bsmschool.org.

Currently enrolled students can request a copy of their transcript by emailing the registrar at registrar@bsmschool.org.

BSM has partnered with Parchment to send transcripts and other credentials securely. Graduates and former students can create an account and complete the request form on Parchment to order an official transcript.

A transcript released directly to a student is unofficial and cannot be used for college admission. An official transcript must be sent directly from BSM to the institution you specify, and it cannot be forwarded by the student.

Yes. Students can earn college credit through Advanced Placement courses and through partnerships with the University of Minnesota and Saint Mary's University, taking undergraduate-level courses while still in high school. Explore Post-Secondary Education Options.

Some colleges and universities recognize coursework completed while at BSM, though policies vary by institution. Families are encouraged to check with their college of choice regarding its individual transfer credit policy, and students can reach out to their school counselor with questions about their options.

Yes. Through EPIC, BSM's partnership program with business professionals, students take part in internships, job shadows, professional events, and mentorships. These experiences connect students with real-world professionals and give them the chance to explore passions and career paths beyond the classroom. Learn more about the EPIC program.

Yes. Through RED (Research, Entrepreneurship, Design), students use creativity and collaboration to solve real problems for real audiences, working with the same tools and processes found in professional workplaces. Learn more about the RED program.

Service is woven through the BSM experience across every discipline, not just theology. Recognized as a national service-learning leader, BSM integrates service into academic study so students research, reflect, and connect their experiences to their learning and the world around them. Explore Service Learning to learn more.