Academics » Bishop Scholars Academy / National Honor Society / California Scholarship Federation

Dr. Paul Harrington • Chair, Guidance & Counseling Department and Dean of Studies
• Contact Dr. Paul Harrington 805.967.1266 x 115
Mrs. Kara Hornbuckle • College Counselor and Academic Counselor (grades 11 & 12)
• Contact Kara Hornbuckle 805.967.1266 x 120
Ms. Lynette Patters • Academic Counselor (grades 9 & 10) and Career Development
• Contact Lynette Patters 805.967.1266 x 107

 Bishop Scholars Academy (BSA)

The Bishop Scholars Academy provides opportunities for gifted students to pursue the highest level coursework possible based on their individual needs and college goals.  The Academy is by invitation only and is under the direction of the Dean of Studies, who works closely with the college and academic counselors and parents of these students to determine the appropriate course of study.

BSA Students are permitted and encouraged to:

• Have a modified schedule which will allow time for independent study and online coursework
• Enroll in SBCC and UCSB courses during the school day, where appropriate
• Enroll in upper division (junior and senior level) classes during 9th and 10th grade, including AP classes
• Study independently for AP exams, in place of regularly scheduled classes, with the help of a teacher mentor

Students must meet the following criteria for admission to BSA:

• Test scores (HSPT/PSAT/SAT) in the 90th percentile (compared to their own grade level) in either Math or English
• 4.0 GPA
• Receive approval from Curriculum Committee, based on the following:

- Exemplifies positive attitudes
- Demonstrates academic initiative - Is thoroughly dependable
- Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude
- Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
- Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior
- Upholds principles of morality and ethics
- Cooperates by complying with school regulations
- Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
- Observes instructions and rules and is punctual
- Has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention

If the Curriculum Committee determines that a student meets all the above criteria, the student will be invited to participate in the program and a meeting will take place with the student (and family) to determine a suitable schedule/course of study.

National Honor Society (NHS)

Students in grades 10-12 with a 3.5 (min) GPA are invited to submit an information form which is used in the selection of members of NHS. In order to be selected as a member you must also fulfill certain criteria in the areas of leadership, service and character.

The leadership criterion is considered highly important for membership selection. Leadership may be interpreted as the number of offices a student has held in school or community organizations, although it is important to recognize that leadership also exists outside campus activities. Leadership may also be defined in less objective terms. Leadership roles in both the school and community may be considered, provided they can be verified.

Service is generally considered to be those actions undertaken by the student which are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. In considering service, the contributions the candidate has made to school, classmates, and community, as well as the student’s attitude toward service can be reviewed.

Character is probably the most difficult criterion to define. The Faculty Council considers the positive as well as the negative aspects of character. All judgments in this and other selection criteria should be free of speculation and rumor. A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF)

The California Scholarship Federation is a statewide organization whose purpose is to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.  Qualifying for membership is on a semester basis following a point system that requires A’s and B’s in the most difficult classes.  CSF is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  To become a lifetime member (Sealbearer), students must have qualified and made application for four semesters during their last three years of high school, including one semester in their senior year.  To become a 100% Life Member, students must be in CSF all six semesters from sophomore to senior year.  At graduation, CSF members receive a special seal on their diploma, a certificate, and a gold mantle.