HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS' BIBLE ELECTIVE COURSE CURRICULUM
FIVE ELECTIVE COURSES ARE OFFERED BY 32 PARTICIPATING MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS (GRADES 6-12) IN HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE. A FEDERAL COURT HAS APPROVED THE BIBLE AS THE TEXTBOOK AND PRIMARY SOURCE. NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE USED. THE COUNTY-WIDE BIBLE PROGRAM IS A PRIVATELY FUNDED AND FREE GIFT TO SCHOOLS FROM DONORS, THROUGH BIBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.
Bible elective courses are non-sectarian. Teachers are required to teach from a viewpoint-neutral perspective and adhere to a court-approved curriculum. Each course allows students to critically engage with the text and to gain a general understanding of the ways in which the Bible has influenced world history, literature, music, art, and culture, etc. The Bible education program seeks equal access for all students.
"We have full confidence that Hamilton County
Schools is complying with all laws and state standards from the Tennessee Department of Education that
regulate the program’s content and how the courses are taught." – Cathy Scott, President, Bible in the Schools
LINKS TO TENNESSEE LAW AND BIBLE STANDARDS
Bible Home Page from Tennessee Department of Education - https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/bible-courses.html
TN Law (T.C.A. § 49-6-1026) - https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2015/title-49/chapter-6/part-10/section-49-6-1026
TN High School Bible Standards - https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/standards/ss/TennesseeBibleStandards.pdf
"We very much appreciate the support we receive from Bible in the Schools that provides an elective course opportunity for many students in grades 6-12. Thanks to the generosity of the group and its supporters, our unique partnership has been in place for 100 years, and we look forward to continuing our joint work to serve Hamilton County students in the future." – Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent, Hamilton County Schools
“Hamilton County Schools is committed to providing students with a world-class education, which includes making sure they develop a broad understanding of the events, writings, and ideas that have shaped Western society and culture.” – Dr. Bryan Johnson, Former Superintendent, Hamilton County Schools
"The Hamilton County public school Bible program has been a daily dispenser of hope in this community and reflects the generosity of so many committed partners. Studying the Bible in our schools helps ground and awaken students to the rich cultural footprint that the Bible has had on history, literature, humanities, and the arts. We believe that a knowledge of the Bible is a key component to a well-rounded education that encourages students to not just be passive observers of society, but informed and active contributors in a global world. Thank you to all who have donated generously to enrich our public schools with a text that crosses all cultural, socioeconomic, and racial barriers and still enriches lives each day.
For over 100 years, Bible in the Schools has been pleased to provide the funding for the Hamilton County Bible elective program, at no cost to taxpayers. We have full confidence that Hamilton County Schools is complying with all laws and state standards from the Tennessee Department of Education that regulate the program's content and how the courses are taught. Through the continued financial support of the community, Bible in the Schools will fully fund the 2022-2023 public school Bible program at approximately $2.4 million, which is currently serving over 5,000 students in 32 participating schools. " – Mrs. Cathy Scott, President, Bible in the Schools
"THE FIRST AND ALMOST THE ONLY BOOK DESERVING OF UNIVERSAL ATTENTION IS THE BIBLE." - JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (6TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1825-1829)
“This class has really changed the way I view and understand the Bible. This class has improved my ability to analyze and ask questions about the things I read and to consider the context of what I’m reading.” – Bible Student
"...Whether a student is religious or not, this course gives us a knowledge of the foundation of our culture." – Bible Student
"Bible has made a difference in my life because I’m starting to understand the Bible more. The more I understand, the more I want to learn." – Bible Student
“It’s important that everyone knows a little bit about the Bible. It has a huge impact on our lives and as a country.” – Bible Student
“I feel like learning and expanding my knowledge past the regular core classes is great. Bible is a great class for non-religious or religious students everywhere.” – Bible Student
“I am now able to learn about the Bible and its impact it has on the world. I find the Bible very interesting and now I can learn about it more.” – Bible Student
“Bible has taught me how to take notes from a complicated text, like the Bible.” – Bible Student
“I have enjoyed learning new things about the Bible. I never knew it had influenced our culture so much before.” – Bible Student
“Bible class has made a difference in my life by showing me that no one is perfect because I have always felt like I was nothing, but this class has showed me that I am something.” – Bible Student
IMPACTING OUR STUDENTS
"I wish Bible was offered in all public school in the USA. My children took it in middle school and it turned out awesome. I think our youth in this country would be better off if they took Bible."
- Bible parent, Hamilton County Schools