Academic Enrichment Program (AEP)
At Big Dream Academy, we believe learning should go beyond the classroom. Our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP) empowers students to explore their passions and reach new academic heights through advanced, subject-based courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Speech & Debate (STEAMS). These enrichment courses are ideal for gifted, motivated, or curious learners seeking challenge, engagement, and growth. Whether students want to deepen academic knowledge, build practical skills, or prepare for competitions, AEP provides meaningful opportunities for exploration and achievement.
Flexible Part-Time Enrollment
Each course in the AEP is offered individually, allowing students to enroll in one or more subjects based on their interests or goals—without committing to a full academic program. Courses are available in person or virtually, making enrichment accessible and adaptable to every student’s schedule.
Open to All Learners
BDA’s part-time enrichment programs are open to:
- Current BDA students
- Students enrolled at other schools
- Learners without access to similar programs elsewhere
Whether you're aiming to earn academic credit, explore STEAMS subjects in depth, develop leadership skills, or compete in national and international competitions, our enrichment courses are designed to support both personal and academic growth.
Ideal for Students Who:
- Want to earn credit through academic courses such as Advanced Placement (AP)
- Are looking to enhance leadership skills through meaningful engagement
- Wish to explore subject-specific enrichment beyond the standard curriculum
- Desire to join extracurricular activities and represent BDA in competitions
- Attend another school but seek additional academic or enrichment opportunities
Academic Advancement
- Seek academic credit through advanced courses such as Advanced Placement (AP)
- Are high-achieving, curious, or gifted learners looking for greater academic challenge
- Attend another school but want access to advanced enrichment opportunities
Leadership & Enrichment
- Aspire to develop leadership skills through meaningful extracurricular engagement
- Want to explore enrichment opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum
- Thrive in collaborative, project-based, or tech-focused environments
Competitions & Academic Teams
- Are preparing for academic competitions like Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, or Robotics & Coding challenges
- Are interested in competing in STEM, Speech & Debate, or academic tournaments, representing BDA
STEM & Innovation
- Want to explore science, engineering, robotics, and coding through hands-on challenges
- Enjoy designing, building, experimenting, and thinking creatively
Creative Expression & Communication
- Have a passion for art, design, and innovative expression
- Want to sharpen their public speaking and debate skills through competitive or performance-based formats
BDA STEAMS Academic Enrichment Program
Our STEAMS Academic Enrichment Program (AEP) integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Speech & Debate to provide students with a well-rounded, skills-based learning experience. These hands-on and competitive programs encourage creativity, critical thinking, innovation, and confident communication.
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Science: Explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments and prepare for academic competitions.
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Technology: Dive into real-world tech challenges through coding, digital tools, and creative problem-solving.
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Engineering: Build, design, and compete with robotics while learning core engineering principles.
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Arts: Develop artistic expression and design thinking through visual arts and creative projects.
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Mathematics: Strengthen mathematical reasoning and prepare for competitive problem-solving challenges.
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Speech & Debate: Master public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication through debate and competition.
BDA 2025-2026 STEAMS Courses
AP Courses
BDA’s AP courses are offered as comprehensive preparatory programs aligned with the standards set by the College Board. These courses are designed to prepare students for success on official AP exams.
Students who wish to earn AP credit must:
- Complete the AP course offered by BDA
- Register for and take the official AP exam through the College Board
BDA’s part-time AP courses are available in person and virtually, offering flexible options to accommodate a wide range of student needs and schedules.
Available in 2026
Science Scholars Lab
BDA’s Science Program immerses students in collaborative, team-based STEM challenges that promote hands-on learning and critical inquiry. Through experimentation and problem-solving, students deepen their scientific knowledge and connect classroom theory to real-world applications.
This program goes beyond the standard curriculum to prepare students for participation in local, regional, and state-level Science Olympiad tournaments organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation. It cultivates essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and analytical thinking, while inspiring a passion for science and engineering. Participation in competitions is optional.
Available in 2026
Technology & Innovation
The Technology and Innovation Program empowers students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Through hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving, students explore coding, robotics, digital design, and emerging technologies while applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Skill Development: Technical proficiency, creative thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial problem-solving
Learning Environment: Project-based learning, real-world application, and innovation-driven exploration
Opportunities for Growth: Participation in competitions, technology showcases, hackathons, and collaborative research projects
Available in 2026
Enginnering & Robotics
BDA’s Engineering & Robotics Program offers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience where students design, build, and program robots to complete tasks and solve real-world challenges. This program blends engineering principles with computer science, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Students explore technology through hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and engaging competitions. Our program proudly participates in FIRST® LEGO® League, an international robotics initiative by First Inspires that builds STEM skills and promotes teamwork through exciting project-based challenges. Participation in competitions is optional.
FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Grades 2–4)
Young students begin their robotics journey by investigating real-world themes and building LEGO® models with moving parts. Although non-competitive, students present their creations at celebration events that develop their confidence, creativity, and communication skills.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (Grades 5–7)
In this competitive division, students work in teams to research a real-world problem, design and program a LEGO® robot, and prepare for official tournaments. Teams represent BDA in regional competitions that test their innovation, technical ability, and collaboration.
Through this program, students can:
Build a strong foundation in engineering, robotics, and coding
Develop problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills
Prepare for competitions while engaging in fun, real-world STEM experiences
Join a global community of young innovators
Creative Arts & Design
Discover the power of visual storytelling through a course that integrates artistic expression, design thinking, and digital creativity. Students explore both traditional techniques and digital media using industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and Canva.
Through hands-on projects, guided experimentation, and real-world design challenges, students develop foundational skills in composition, color theory, visual communication, and digital illustration.
Ideal for students interested in the intersection of creativity and innovation, this course builds artistic confidence, technical proficiency, and a design-oriented mindset—preparing them for future pathways in art, design, and digital media.
Available in 2026
Mathematics & Olympiad Prep
BDA’s Mathematics & Olympiad prep program challenges students with complex, non-routine problems that require creative thinking, logical reasoning, and advanced analytical skills.
Students develop strategic problem-solving techniques, deepen mathematical reasoning, and engage in collaborative learning through team activities and peer discussions. Designed to extend learning beyond the standard curriculum, this program prepares students to represent BDA in regional, national, and international math competitions—cultivating confidence and a lasting passion for mathematics. Participation in competitions is optional.
BDA participates in the following prestigious competitions. Any student who wishes may take part, as participation is entirely optional.
MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools)
Grades 4–8
Monthly contests (Nov–Mar)
Focuses on problem solving and creative thinking
Grades K–12
International contest held each March
Fun, engaging multiple-choice problems that test logic and intuition
AMC (American Mathematics Competitions)
AMC 8 / AMC 10 / AMC 12
Grades 6–12
Part of the pathway to national and international math Olympiads
Challenges students with rigorous, timed math problems
Speech & Debate
The Speech & Debate Program at Big Dream Academy empowers students to become confident communicators, persuasive speakers, and critical thinkers. Through a variety of speaking and debate formats, students learn to research complex topics, craft compelling arguments, and express their ideas with clarity and conviction.
As a proud member of the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), BDA aligns with nationally recognized standards and offers students the opportunity to participate in official NSDA-sanctioned tournaments. Students develop skills in:
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Public Speaking: Strong presentation and storytelling techniques
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Debate Formats: Structured argumentation and rebuttal across diverse formats
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Critical Thinking: Research, analysis, and logical reasoning
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Leadership & Confidence: Self-assurance and teamwork in a supportive environment
Students represent BDA in local, regional, and national competitions, engaging in meaningful discourse on real-world issues. Participation in competitions is optional.
For middle and high school students seeking to expand their skills further, the Model United Nations (MUN) Enrichment Program provides an immersive introduction to international diplomacy, global affairs, and public policy. Through simulations and role-playing, participants experience what it is like to represent a country’s interests, draft resolutions, and collaborate with peers on pressing global issues. The program develops:
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Global Awareness: Exploration of real-world issues such as climate change, human rights, and international security
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Public Speaking & Debate: Delivering speeches, defending positions, and engaging in formal debate
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Collaboration & Diplomacy: Building alliances, negotiating compromises, and drafting resolutions collaboratively
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Leadership & Research: Preparing by studying assigned country policies and practicing leadership skills during conferences
Students in Speech & Debate who wish to further strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills are encouraged to join MUN. By participating in both programs, students gain complementary experiences that enhance confidence, analytical reasoning, and global awareness—preparing them for academic and professional success. Participation in MUN is optional, allowing students to explore new challenges at their own pace.