Bob Jones Academy has long been recognized for its strong academic program. Today, there are regular and honors academic tracks and learning resources for students who need academic support. There are many electives from which to choose and even dual enrollment university courses at no extra charge. A look back in history shows the solid foundation upon which BJA academics was built.
The 1935 second semester schedule is typical of the early Cleveland years. It reveals small classes and many different teachers. The class day started at 7:45 a.m. and went to 5 p.m. Chapel was held near lunch and is not listed on the schedule. Physical education (not shown on the schedule) was offered at 3 and 4 p.m. The high school choir rehearsed at 5 p.m.
The 1935 schedule indicates that Lillian Lee, the future Mrs. Brown, taught five different subjects—biology, chemistry, physical geography, business law, and typing.
By 1940 Miss Lee became principal, and her class load dropped to biology, chemistry, and Bible characters (MWF). Several teachers had much of their academic load in the Academy. Katherine Corne, the future Mrs. Stenholm and founder of Unusual Films, taught History III (Modern European), History IV (American History and Problems of Democracy), Speech, and two Bible courses, Old Testament and New Testament. Two other teachers taught five different subjects each. In addition, there were non-credit courses in reading, spelling, and penmanship that met a couple of days a week. The class day ended at 3:40 p.m., and all physical education started at 3:50 p.m.
Just prior to World War II, enrollment necessitated additional sections of some courses. The post-war surge forced some junior and senior level courses to have three sections, often taught by different teachers. It was also at this time that three long-tenured faculty members—Edith Markham, Ralph Clough, and Bill Kintigh—joined the faculty.
(Pinkston, W.S. (2016). A History of Bob Jones Academy.)
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