Academics
Academics
Mt. Zion Bible School is committed to a Christian philosophy of education.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Mt. Zion Bible School (MZBS) is committed to a Christian philosophy of education. This means that every facet of the program is conditioned and directed by a Christ-centered Biblical perspective, which is outlined below:
- Ultimate reality is found beyond man in the triune God who created and now sustains all things.
- Man is morally depraved and is dependent upon and answerable to a holy God.
- The Bible, God’s inerrant, authoritative revelation to man, is the essence of truth and is the integrating factor for the entire curriculum.
- The objective of Christian education is to glorify God through salvation, maturation, and service.
- The school is committed to the support of both the family and local church – two institutions God established.
The A.C.E. Curriculum
The A.C.E. Curriculum
Mt. Zion Bible School offers the Accelerated Christian Education Program (A.C.E.) School of Tomorrow academic curriculum that includes skill building, goal setting, reading practice, and character building – all with strong Biblical integration! It is designed to allow each student to work on his or her own level of achievement, which may vary from subject to subject.
The curriculum includes Math, Science, Word Building, Social Studies, English, and electives. Each core subject consists of 12 PACEs per grade level beginning with Level 1 (PACE 1001) and ending with Level 12 (PACE 1144). Students will typically complete 75 or more PACEs in one academic year. However, this can vary according to the student’s ability and motivation. Students are encouraged to do their best and proceed as they are capable.
The PACE System
Diagnostic Testing and Placement
Before beginning the program, each student participates in diagnostic testing. Each student’s score is aligned with the correct PACE levels in which to begin. Scores below a certain number, which vary from student to student, may indicate that certain students must complete gap PACEs before proceeding to their PACE level. Gap PACEs are PACEs that must be taken prior to other coursework to meet the requirements of the tested subject.
Grading, honors, and graduation
Students should complete three PACEs in each subject every quarter; twelve PACEs in a subject equal one grade level. Each PACE completed is listed on a Progress Report mailed home quarterly. High school PACEs (numbered 1097 and above) earn one credit each.
| Grade | Average |
|---|---|
| A+ | 98-100 |
| A | 96-97 |
| A- | 94-95 |
| B+ | 92-93 |
| B | 90-91 |
| B- | 88-89 |
| C+ | 86-87 |
| C | 83-85 |
| C- | 80-82 |
Honor roll
Published after each quarter. The "A" honor roll is an overall average of 94 to 100; the "B" honor roll is 88 to 93. Students must complete three PACEs in each subject to be eligible.
High school
Upper Learning Center students complete a planned four-year course of study with a minimum of 24 credits, carrying at least five units each year. Weighted courses include Algebra I and II, Geometry, Chemistry, Biology II, Physics, Spanish, Accounting, and Contemporary Events. Outside correspondence courses need the principal's permission first.
Valedictorian and salutatorian
Awarded to the seniors with the highest and second-highest GPA who hold a 3.0 or better, complete 25 credits including two each of science, math, and a foreign language, attend Mt. Zion for at least two high school years including the senior year, and are not under disciplinary action.
College bound
Check the entrance requirements of prospective colleges early, such as minimum GPA and ACT or SAT scores, and talk with the principal about the course work to plan for.