Along with the many standard academic programs, Big Lake Schools partners with multiple outside groups to provide a larger range of options to explore their education.

Another option offered to students is taking courses through Wright Technical Center, an alternative school located in Buffalo, Minnesota.

With this implemented, students are no longer provided with paper copies of textbooks, but rather must access their Otus account to view ebooks.

Big Lake High School has a daily announcement TV program, "Live at the Hive", which operates under the student-run "Hornet Broadcasting Network".

Big Lake High School's motto is the "Hornet Way", a policy that stresses Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Responsibility, and Fairness.

Every year, Big Lake's Student Council coordinates events and activities that range from pep rallies to dress-up days.

Notable traditions include the Homecoming and Sno-Daze Weeks, which incorporate dress-up days, assemblies, and student-elected senior royalty.