Berea High School’s mission is to prepare our students to become productive, responsible citizens who make a difference in the local and global communities. In order to help our students, develop world-class skills in preparation for life and careers, we work to embody the values expressed in our motto: Community, Character, and Excellence. Starting with our Freshman Academy, we build a sense of community in a diverse and changing geographic footprint.
As one of the most diverse schools in Greenville County (62% Hispanic, 13% White, 24% African American, 1% Other), we have embraced our community and remain true to our traditional values and family atmosphere. As we help prepare our students to become productive, responsible citizens, we have implemented a rigorous college and career focused curriculum that equips our students for their futures. Our diversity is our strength, and appreciation for cultural diversity is a core belief of our school community. Clubs and organizations, like the International Heritage Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, and Diversity Voices Committee all promote tolerance and help educate our greater community about the positive impacts blending cultures has made on America.
We have several instructional programs (Theatre and Arts, Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Creative Writing, Project Lead the Way [Computer Science/manufacturing/Engineering], Health Science, AFJROTC, Business, and Digital Media Arts) that expose students to knowledge beyond traditional subjects. These programs, as well as other Career and Technology classes, have provided our students the opportunity to collaborate on engaging projects and express themselves creatively, while preparing for careers. Such experiences have opened up new doors for our students, encouraging them to work toward a future that they did not know existed, while simultaneously building their capacity to excel.
Berea High School continues to provide opportunities for our students that go beyond the classroom. BHS Early College, partners with Greenville Technical College to allow students to earn college credits in transfer programs along with career and technical programs. In addition, Berea offers a future teacher academy and pathway to Tiger Town. Students in the education career pathway begin preparing at Berea High earning college credits in education. This is in conjunction with dual credit classes at Greenville Tech. Once they complete their transfer courses, they are accepted to Clemson University to complete their education.
Students are encouraged to complete internships through Launch Greenville, as well as work-based learning to receive on-the-job training and a firsthand account of the skills necessary to succeed in the modern world. These opportunities, along with field trips to places like Michelin and our college trips, provide chances for our students to make informed decisions about life after high school. Additionally, to enhance our learning environment for high-performing students, we offer an opportunity to gain industry certification here on campus, as well as at Enoree Career Center. We also offer college credit through both Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes. Through these programs, students have the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit, all while practicing critical thinking in a rigorous, college-level course.
We also have programs in place to reinforce good choices. The Renaissance rewards program, as well as our Freshman Academy, offers incentives for students doing the right thing and working hard in classes. Community partners, like the United Way, OnTrack, Fairway Subaru, BHS Booster Club, and Friends of Berea, provide financial support and opportunities for social-emotional and community support to our students and their families.
We believe that any success is due, in large part, to our faculty, who has built a highly collaborative environment that puts students’ interests before their own. Our goal is to provide a high-quality education for all students and to prepare them to be successful in all aspects of their lives after high school. With the help and support of our community, we have no doubt that we will continue to accomplish our mission.
Sincerely,
Mike Noel, Principal Ginger Wilson, SIC Chair
