BESS students participating in a science project.

Founded in 1963,  Bethel Evangelical Secondary School originally served seventh and eight graders. The school gradually added higher grades with the inaugural class graduating in 1968. With a growing student population a new facility was constructed, and completed in 1970. the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provided the funding. 

BESS currently provides secondary education for grades 9-12, in addition to work participation in agricultural development, and a new vocational training program. 

The school's mission is to "serve the whole person"  and to "build the physical, spiritual, and intellectual life of the learner." In order to fulfill this mission, the BESS faculty and students practice a holistic approach to education including academic instruction,  Bible classes, practical life skills work in agriculture,  home economics, and typing, and vocational training to learn carpentry and metalworking.