Academics

We are dedicated to developing well-rounded, well-prepared citizens who leave St. Bede Academy not only ready to pursue post-secondary studies but with a lifelong commitment to learning.  Our graduation requirements ensure that students will have a firm grounding in Christian doctrine and Catholic teaching, will have passed the core English, mathematics, and science courses critical to success at the post-secondary level and will have completed studies in a variety of other areas including foreign languages and the arts.  Through our tri-level academic program, all students are continually challenged to extend their skills and perform to the peak of their abilities.  Peer-tutoring, guidance counseling, and other professional services support students in their efforts.  We recognize that the involvement of parents and guardians is crucial to student success, and we attempt to strengthen the bond between home and school through frequent formal reports, on-line access to grades and personal contact.  A St. Bede graduate is a confident, accomplished young adult ready to meet the challenges outside the walls of the Academy.

Letter from the Superintendent

In May of 1889 Benedictine monks purchased 200 acres in Bureau County (Illinois farmland formerly owned by Daniel Webster) as the foundation of what would become St. Bede Abbey and College. For over 123 years the monks of St. Bede have stayed true to their founding principle of providing a quality Catholic education in the Benedictine tradition.

I am very pleased that you are visiting our website. Hopefully you are considering St. Bede Academy as an option for your child’s high school education. We at St. Bede believe that we offer a unique educational opportunity that balances the tradition of a Benedictine education with the contemporary academic requirements of a quality college preparatory education.

At St. Bede we provide a welcome and nurturing environment in which we strive to maximize a student’s social, moral and intellectual growth. As a result St. Bede graduates are very well-prepared to take on the challenges of a post-secondary education.

Through the generosity and dedicated efforts of alumni, diocesan parishes, friends, staff and the monastic community of St Bede, student tuition continues to represent roughly one-half of the actual cost required to educate a student at St. Bede Academy. Accessibility of a St. Bede education is further enhanced by a tuition assistance program for those who qualify.

Parents not living in the Illinois Valley who would like to make the St. Bede educational experience available for their son or daughter should contact the Academy about our boarding opportunities.

All of us associated with the Academy are proud to be part of the history as well as the future of St. Bede’s quality Catholic education in the Benedictine tradition. We welcome your questions and look forward to sharing our story.

Sincerely

Eve Postula, Superintendent

St. Bede Academy prides itself on offering a college preparatory curriculum. We are a fully accredited high school that strives to prepare students for life after high school, both academically and morally.

Tri-Level Program

St. Bede offers classes in a tri-level program. The program consists of an Academic, College Prep and Honor levels. Under our guidance, students and parents, are allowed to choose the level that best fits the needs of the individual student.

• Academic Level
  The academic level offers the student a more supportive learning environment. These classes meet graduation requirements, along with meeting the needs of the more challenged student.
  

• College Preparatory
  Most St. Bede Students find themselves in the college preparatory level. This level challenges the students and prepares them for post secondary education.
  

• Honors
  This is the most challenging of levels. Courses at this level are weighted, allowing a student to earn up to a 5.0 GPA.

Academic Opportunities

• Advanced Placement Classes Advanced Placement Classes are offered as an opportunity for students to earn college credit. For college-level work, courses are generally very challenging and students have the opportunity to take a test at the end of the course to earn the college credit. AP classes being offered are: Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, European history, and Physics.
  

• Early Entry College (E2C) These courses are offered on St. Bede's campus through IVCC, a local junior college. This allows junior and senior students the opportunity to earn college credit while still attending high school. E2C classes being offered are: Sociology, Psychology, Speech, and Music Appreciation.
  

• Dual-Credit Courses Academy students have the opportunity to earn both high school and Illinois Valley Community College credit in selected courses offered at St. Bede utilizing St. Bede Academy faculty. These courses fulfill high school graduation requirements while also allowing students to gain college credit prior to entry into most statewide institutions. Dual-Credit courses are available in Art.

Classroom Technology