School Structure:
Bel Air High School operates on a four-period day schedule. Students are enrolled in eight classes for the year. Some classes will meet daily for a semester, while other classes meet every other day. This schedule provides longer periods of instruction with fewer class changes.
About our School:
Bel Air High School is located, as it has been since the opening of the Bel Air Academy in 1815, in the county seat of Harford County. For over 185 years Bel Air has educated thousands of students who have gone on to further education at the collegiate and technical levels as well as employment and military service.
Consistently over the years, approximately 81% of our students are University of Maryland high school qualifiers. At graduation, 83% of our students plan college education; 3% plan technical or specialized education, and 12% plan to enter the work force and/or military.
During the course of four years, Bel Air High students are able to take 28 classes while accumulating the 21 required for graduation in Maryland. This full-inclusion, comprehensive program leads to Advanced Placement Class in Art (1), English (1-2nd in planning), Languages (1, 2nd & 3rd in planning), Mathematics (3), Science (4), and Social Studies (4) for usually almost one-third of the 1,600 plus students. Of those taking the AP tests, our usual success rate is 70%. This strong academic focus allows Bel Air High School to always exceed the local, state, and national averages on any tests of achievement (ACT, AP, SAT, MD-MSA’s and HSA’s).
In addition to our unusually strong academic focus, Bel Air High has a nationally recognized art and journalism program while also hosting award-winning vocal and instrumental music and physical education programs. Another highlight of student success is the Bel Air Drama Company. Not to be outdone, our 15 varsity sports programs produce annual county and regional champions on the way to state play-off competitions in a variety of male and female athletics.
In short, Bel Air High School has a long-standing reputation as one of the finest high schools in the state of Maryland.
Community Involvement:
The school is fortunate to have an extensive parent volunteer and community partnership program. There are several major parent organizations.
A very active PTSA includes parent, staff, and student membership. They award several scholarships to members of the senior class each year. Subcommittees of the PTSA work to raise monies to support the chemical-free after-graduation cruise, baccalaureate, and the after-prom party.
The BAHS Athletic Boosters support the school in such ways as buying athletic uniforms and awards. The band, orchestra, and drama boosters all conduct fundraising activities to support their program.