Learn By Doing
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime. That’s our philosophy. Bald Head Island Academy™ incorporates typical classroom didactic lessons with teacher-supervised, age- and ability-guided, self-directed learning on school days, 9:00 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Relying on hands-on learning and collaborative and team play in our blended classrooms ensures our students will thrive.
Academics
Open to all students, regardless of financial means, BHI Academy™ is staffed by best-in-class teachers educating children grades K through eight. BHI Academy provides its students with a rich, credentialed, on-island education that complies with federal and North Carolina standards, but with the added bonus of a focus on nature, the earth sciences, and maritime habitats and preservation. This means our children receive an excellent academic foundation, as well as an opportunity to deeply understand what makes BHI, BHI. Our innovative STEA+M curriculum (science, technology, English/languages, art, athleticism, and math) is designed to bring out the best in our scholars: excellence in academics, leadership, creativity, health, and stewardship. We are breaking barriers and teaching children how to learn for life.
Physical Fitness
Our lifelong learning focus includes health and well-being. As part of our whole-child approach to education, we are partnering with BHI’s Parisi Speed School, the renowned training venue for developing athletes, to provide special instruction in physical fitness. Two days a week, as part of our curriculum, scholars will work with Parisi expert Fabio Alicea to explore nutrition, exercise, and athleticism, as well as how to achieve the perfect balance of social media and technology with physical education. We believe in their mission to empower America’s youth through increased fitness, confidence, and performance, resulting in improved coordination, agility, and mobility, and strengthened self-esteem and character.
We’ll also deploy our unique experiential approach in our extended-care after-school programs, summer school, and Summer Enrichment Program, open to the children of residents, as well as vacationers on-island for at least one week.
Curriculum
Academic Departments
We’re proud to have attracted talented, accredited, NC-licensed teachers. Students will receive the attention and support they deserve with our excellent student:teacher ratio of just four to five students per educator.
Per state and federal standards, students enjoy a rich academic experience, with our special added focus on earth sciences, maritime ecosystems, and the preservation of unique island habitats.
Our innovative STEA+M curriculum (science, technology, English/languages, art, athleticism, and math) is designed to bring out the best in our scholars: excellence in academics, leadership, creativity, health, and stewardship.
Reading & Writing
Age- and grade-appropriate state- and federally-compliant curriculum.
Mathematics
Age- and grade-appropriate state- and federally-compliant curriculum.
Sciences
Age- and grade-appropriate state- and federally-compliant curriculum, with an emphasis on island habitats, nature, and maritime ecosystem preservation.
History
Age- and grade-appropriate state- and federally-compliant curriculum, with special exploration of our island’s past.
Extracurricular Programs
Our programs are staffed by a blend of paid educators and experienced volunteers. Interested in being a part of our program? Contact info@bhiacademy.org.
The Creative Arts
Music, art, photography, puppetry, fashion, creative writing, theatre, cooking, and sewing are part of our well-rounded school and Summer Program curriculums.
Science
Entomology (beekeeping and the rest of those amazing island bugs and insects!), gardening, marine biology, human biology, habitat exploration, ecosystem preservation, computer programming/coding, robotics, geocaching, and more are all a part of our rich program.
Sports / Nature
Scholars learn about personal excellence as well as teamwork in activities including horticulture, swimming, tennis, surfing, and golf.
Languages
We’re preparing our scholars for a global community by including in our curriculum Mandarin, Spanish, and ESL (English as a second language).
Physical Education
In partnership with BHI’s Parisi Speed School, scholars will enjoy exploring exercise, nutrition, and athleticism two days a week as part of our curriculum.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN APPLYING TO
BHI Academy™
Who can apply?
As a tuition-based school, we invite applications from all children who meet age and residency criteria (living on Bald Head Island, parents who are employed on Bald Head Island, and off-island families sponsored by a BHI family). For specific questions on the school’s age and residency requirements, please call the BHI Academy™ Main Office: 910.294.6644.
When do I apply?
We want every child to have an equal opportunity to attend our school. All applications received during Open Enrollment will be given equal consideration. See the Terms and Conditions page for specific dates of Open Enrollment.
You can also apply after the Open Enrollment period. However, your application will only be considered in the order in which it was received, after all previous applications have been processed.
How much does it cost?
BHIA™ Tuition (2024-25 school year)
$750 – intake fee
$750 – school fees
$16,000 – tuition
Total: $17,500 ($14,400 for additional children)
BHIA™ Tuition (2025-26 school year)
$750 – intake fee
$950 – school fees
$19,000 tuition
Total: $20,700 ($17,500 for additional child)
We accept payment by check, money order, and credit card via our Enrollment platform.
How are students selected?
When the Open Enrollment period ends, we compare the number of applications we received to the number of available desks in each classroom, and grade level.
If more seats are available than applicants, we accept all eligible children who applied during Open Enrollment.
If we have fewer seats available than applicants, then students are placed on the waiting list.
If your child is on the waiting list, don’t be discouraged! Often, seats open up throughout the summer. We will continue to send you school information if your child is on the waiting list.
I still have more questions?
Call us so we can answer all your questions: 910-294-6644 or info@bhiacademy.org. Would you like to take a tour? Please provide your name and email address, and we will get in touch with you soon!
What's next after my student is accepted?
If accepted, we will send you a package containing forms that will need to be completed by a certain date. All forms must be completed by the due date to keep your child(ren) enrolled.
Important paperwork needed to enroll:
- Admissions Form
- Official Release of Records
- Proof of Residency
- Attendance Expectations Form
- Immunization Records
- Student Device Agreement
- Student Residency
- Questionnaire Transportation Permission Form
- Vision Screen (kindergarten students only)
- Dental Health Screen (kindergarten/first grade students only)
- NWEA and/or PSAT ELA/Math scores (or schedule to take NWEA assessment at the
school) - Online Course and Independent Study Authorization Form
Enroll Today
Give your child the best educational experience. Apply online, in person, or over the phone today for our next school year: September 2024 – June 2025.
BHIA™ Tuition (2024-25 school year)
$750 – intake fee
$750 – school fees
$16,000 – tuition
Total: $17,500 ($14,400 for additional children)
BHI Tuition (2025-26 school year)
$750 – intake fee
$950 – school fees
$19,000 tuition
Total: $20,700 ($17,500 for additional child)
We accept payment by check, money order, and credit card.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
Love what you’re seeing and ready to enroll your child?
Download and complete this Enrollment Form then return via email to info@bhiacademy.org or mail to:
Bald Head Island Academy™
2B Maritime Way
PO Box 3499
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Thank you and we look forward to having you as part of our BHIA™ family!
ONLINE APPLICATION
This is a multi-part form. After successfully submitting each section, you will be automatically directed to the next step.
Please complete all portions including the Enrollment Application, Health Information, Immunization Records, Communication Preferences and the Permission Form.
NOW
Open Enrollment:
Summer Program Series
Fun summer day camps for children ages 5-16: June 24 – August 16, 2024.
04
July
4th of July Holiday
24
June
Summer Series Camps Begins
Participants will leave the island physically and emotionally healthier and energized.
16
August
Summer Activities End
Last day of camp. Good-bye summer; get ready for traditional school!
Get In Touch
Mailing Address: PO Box 3499, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Telephone: 910-294-6644
Email: info@bhiacademy.org
School Hours: M-F: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Bald Head Island Academy™ admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.