Bethlehem Catholic Bethlehem Catholic

Bethlehem Catholic Today

When you enter the doors of Bethlehem Catholic High School today, you can still feel the strong sense of community and tradition that began with is founding in 1925 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s. Nearly 12,000 students have been privileged to pass through these doors and experience the gift of Catholic education that Bethlehem Catholic offers. The school is known for their long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, student retreat programs and community service.

Becahi has a current enrollment of approximately 550 students. The faculty is comprised of 37 full-time laity, religious and priests. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1, with an average class size of 24 students.

Bethlehem Catholic is Middle States Accredited, and offers a rigorous and diverse academic program including honors and AP courses, Vocational Technical School, and Virtual High School (VHS) online courses. Students are taught by qualified, faith-centered faculty and staff, who provide a challenging curriculum in state-of-the-art classrooms. Upon graduation, 94 percent of Bethlehem Catholic graduates continue their education in competitive colleges.

The school’s International Students Program began in 2008, with just one student from South Korea. Over the years, the program has continued to grow, and is thriving. The program now includes more than 35 students from Spain, South Korea, China, France, Germany, Mexico, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

In addition to our strong academic program, students can participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, which allow opportunities for our students to grow spiritually, mentally and physically. Beca’s Campus Ministry supports dynamic programs such as Beca Students for Life, Overnight and Weekend Retreats, Romero Center Urban Challenge Weekends and Summer Service trips. The Hawk Ambassadors, Cops ‘n’ Kids Volunteers, Fact Club,  and Key Club are just a few of the service related clubs available.

Competitive challenges abound. The athletic and intramural sports programs continue to grow and include 19 sports teams and a variety of intramural sporting events throughout the year. Students are challenged academically through their participation in Debate and Chess Teams, Math Competitions, Mock Trial, National History Day, Scholastic Scrimmage and Science Fairs.

The Fine Arts, Music and Theater programs are outstanding, and provide many different outlets for students to not only hone their skills, but show them off. The band front, dance team, photography club and yearbook allow students to express their artistic talents and abilities. Students interested in music can participate in the concert, jazz and marching bands. The Drama and Theater Department affords students the opportunity to participate both on stage and behind the scenes. A variety of drama and musicals are performed each year, supported by our own stage and technical crews.

Additional opportunities for student involvement include the Biology and Eco clubs, International Club, Peer Listeners, Student Council, and World Language Clubs. There is definitely something for everyone.

New Programs, Renovations and Upgrades

The year 2006 saw the opening of our newly renovated performing arts auditorium. The following year the gymnasium renovation was completed, and the new physical fitness center opened. The faculty lounges were also renovated in 2007.

In 2008 the academic wing renovations began. The first phase of the project concentrated on classroom renovations, with the completion of the first technology equipped classroom in freshman hallway. This phase of the renovation project included the removal of the platform, installation of a computer and interactive SmartBoard system, new lighting, wiring, paint and ceiling tiles. Freshman hall was the first floor to be completed. Sophomore hallway was completed next. Phase 1 renovations were completed in junior and senior hallway in the summer of 2010.

In 2009 work began to improve the athletic fields. The baseball and softball fields were resurfaced and new score boards were put up. In 2010 a synthetic turf practice field was installed. An outside snack stand opened during the 2011-2012 school year. In the spring of 2013 the Lacrosse team made its debut and bleachers were added behind the outfield on the softball field.

The Golden Hawk Student Snack Shop was remodeled during the summer of 2012. The following summer work began to convert the former library into a Media Center and Guidance Suite. The Media Center was completed by the start of the 2012-2013 school year. A couch, new desks and chairs, carpeting and paint brightened up the room, which now features a teleconferencing system, 30 iPads, 10 e-readers and 6 lap tops. The Guidance Suite was completed the fall of 2012.

The summer of 2013 saw many additions and renovations. New computers were installed in the two computer labs, the distance learning labs, and some of the administrative offices. New energy efficient lighting was installed in the academic hallways, a project that had begun with the replacement of the lighting in the cafeteria in the summer of 2012. The Band room was renovated, adding Internet access, a computer and SmartBoard system. State-of-the-art chemistry and computer labs are planned for 2014.

The building still houses the Sisters of Saint Joseph convent. The priests residence was converted to offices.