GRIEVANCES BETWEEN STUDENTS

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

typically meet once a month to carry out its responsibilities, with day-to-day operation authority delegated to the Head of School. C. EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

GROWTH

Our school opened its doors in the fall of 2022 with 27 students, grades Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. Over the next few years, we aim to have a full-time Jr. K- 12th grade school. Junior Kindergarten is also known as K4 (four year olds) or Transitional Kindergarten. The Terra Nova School’ s Board of Directors and the administration are planning and praying toward further growth of the school, both in facilities and the scope of the program, as more families become convinced of the necessity and advantages of a classical, Christ-centered education.

ACCREDITATION

The Terra Nova School is not accredited by any specific body of governance at this time. The Terra Nova School Board reviews decisions made by the Head of School, vets teachers, and brings in outside support as needed to ensure that the education at The Terra Nova School is one of excellence.

Teacher training, review of policies, and review of curricula is a routine part of the administration ’ s duties at The Terra Nova School.

PARTNERS

Concordis Education Partners:

We have joined with Concordis Education Partners which provides training, external teacher evaluations and advises our Education Council on best pedagogical practices.

The Association of Classical Christian Schools:

The Terra Nova School is a start-up member of ACCS (The Association of Classical Christian Schools). This organization continues to offer annual national conferences and practical assistance to forming and growing ACCS schools. We will aim to become accredited by ACCS and take the necessary steps in order to reach that goal.

CONTINUED EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS

Because The Terra Nova School understands that learners make the best teachers, we provide continuing education opportunities for our teachers.

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

EVALUATIONS

The Terra Nova School understands that evaluations of our processes, our pedagogy, our instruction, and our organization as a whole are valuable. Therefore we seek critique in the following areas: ● We will periodically send out surveys to our families to see how well our faculty and staff are serving our families. ● We will periodically ask our students to evaluate their teachers. ● Our administration will frequently evaluate and provide feedback for our teachers. ● The school board will periodically evaluate and provide feedback for the Head of School. ● We will periodically invite faculty and staff from other schools to evaluate our classes.

EDUCATION COUNCIL

Purpose of the Education Council:

The Terra Nova School Educational Council has the important role of upholding educational standards at The Terra Nova School. This includes a review of discipline, policies, pedagogy, curriculum, and teacher training. The Educational Council oversees the educational practices of the school. They will accomplish this through the research and development of: ● Curriculum ● Teacher training ● Best practices for classroom management ● Handbook changes In addition, the Education Council

● Reviews student progress and learning level placement ● Holds discipline hearings ● Helps evaluate and oversee individualized plans for specific students

Members of the Education Council:

Members of the Education Council will be voted on by the board (with recommendations from board members and Head of School) and will consist of: 1. Two Terra Nova School Board members 2. At least one Lead Teacher from The Terra Nova School

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

3. The Head of School 4. One external member. (Concordis currently) These members will remain on the Education Council for the duration of their term on the board or employment with the school. Members will be appointed or reappointed by May of each year.

Qualifications for Members of the Education Council:

Must show a desire for excellence and solid theology in the classroom, and have a willingness to:

● Carefully examine teachers in the classroom when needed ● Research curriculum ● Visit other schools ● Assist in organizing teacher trainings ● Act as mentors to new teachers ● Read educational philosophy books and/or materials ● Review homework loads ● Help make Classical Christian education available to all learners

The reader should take notice that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, The Terra Nova School reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Parents will be notified of any changes to the handbook that occur during the current academic year. The Terra Nova School provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and, to the extent permissible by law, expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred.