BACS honors and integrates The Common Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools*  into its educational philosophy. These include:

Learning to use one's mind well
Less is more, depth over coverage
Goals apply to all students
Personalization
Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach
Demonstration of mastery
A tone of decency and trust
Commitment to the entire school
Resources dedicated to teaching and learning
Using principles of democracy and equity in all decision making at the school.

*Adapted from the Coalition of Essential Schools website

BACS faculty utilize these Common Principles when they design and execute the curriculum. Although classes include traditional tests, learning is also assessed through presentations and exhibitions of student work. In addition to classes, students complete three portfolios and a major senior project. These portfolios are presented to a panel and are an important part of our proficiency based graduation system.