Valor Classical Handbook 2025-2026 by concordiseducationpartners

THEMISSION

Ourmissionistoprovideaconcentrated,truth-focused,*LiberalArtseducationthatlaysafoundationof masteryanddevelopstheskillofChristiandiscernmentthroughjoyfulinteractionsthatengagethethinking skillsofthestudent.

*LiberalArts:

Trivium:theartofwordsdevelopsasstudentsmovefromthegrammar(concreteunderstanding)ofmaterialto thelogic(reasoning)andthentherhetoric(persuasivewisdom)ineachcontentareatheystudy.

Quadrivium:theartofnumbersdevelopsasstudentsunderstandarithmetic(numbers)andmovetogeometric understanding(numbersinspace),tomusicalunderstanding(numbersintime),andthennallyan understandingofthecosmos(numbersinspaceandtime).

OurDeepHope

OurdeephopeisthatourstudentsbecomecourageousleaderswhoglorifytheLord.Thattheyholddeep convictionsrootedintheauthoritativetruthoftheKingofKingsnomatterwhatcircumstancestheyface.That theybeequippedwithHisarmortoengageinspiritualbattle Ultimately,wedesirethatourstudentsbecome menandwomenofvalorwhowillinglylaydowntheirlivesforothers

PHILOSOPHYOFEDUCATION

OurphilosophyofacademicinstructionbeginswithhonoringtheLordthroughourstudies Wewantstudents tobeengrossedinwhattheyarediscovering Thereforeinformationwillnotbeourprimaryaimbutinstead studentswillbegiventimetodivedeepintowhattheyarestudying,sothataloveoflearningisfostered.Our teacherswillmodelthisbyrevealingtheirowneagernesstolearnandbycultivatingaholycuriosityintheir students.WhilewewillstrivetowardsmasteryatValor,wealsounderstandeachstudentisgivenuniquetalents byGodandwillpartnerwithparentswithintheframeworkofnaturalgiftingsothatmasteryisindividualized

PhilosophyofHumanities

Weliveinaworldofspecializationbutwe’vedisconnectedandcompartmentalizedthepartsfromthewhole At ValorClassicalweintentionallyintegratethe“humanities” thestudyoftheimagebearersofGod Wedive deepintoliterature,fromwhichtheeldsofstudypourout Weseehistorycomealivethroughstory,revealing context,ratherthanseeinghistoryasjustadateoranevent.Throughstoryweseecharactersmakingdecisions andtheconsequences,goodorbad,forthosedecisions.Thisgivesusopportunitiestopracticediscernment. Throughstory,Jesustaughttruth.

WewillsurveyGod’sWordtounderstandHisultimateplan.Wewillinterrogatethetextsbeforeusandaim towardsthatwhichistrue,good,andbeautiful evenwhenevilispresent Therefore,ourhumanitieswillbe foundedinreadingbooks,bothctionandnon-ction,thattellthestoryoftheeraoftimeinwhichweare studying,givingusavantageofGod’sintricateorchestrationofHisstory

PhilosophyofBible

AtValorClassicalAcademy,theBiblewillbeinterwovenintothefabricofeachclass,andChristiantheology willbeintegraltoallthatweteach.Whilethisisfoundationaltoallthatwedowealsowanttoensurethat childrenhaveadeepunderstandingofScriptureandnotjustworldview.Thereforewewillhaveafteenminute chapeleachdaywherewewalkthroughWestminsterShorterCatechismtohonesolidfoundational understanding. WithineachhumanitiescoursewewilldiveintoarobustBiblesurveywherestudentsseethat allofScripturepointstowardsChrist Wheresecondarydoctrinaldiscussiontakesplacewewilldefaultto orthodoxbeliefsasoutlinedwithinourStatementofFaithandwillencourageteachersandchildrenaliketo embarkonthoseimportantdiscussions

PhilosophyofArt

Becauseweliveinavisuallydominatedsociety,artisawonderfulandnecessarytraininggroundforChristian discernment.WeunderstandthatGodisaGodoforderandobjectivebeautyisapartofthatordersowewant ourstudentstorecognizegoodartasthatwhichhonorstheCreator.Assub-creatorsouraimshouldbe expressingtruebeautythroughskillfulart.Badartdoesexistandit isarepresentationofsinthatrevealsa mutationofwhatistrue,good,andbeautiful Goodarthassymmetry,isorderedandreectscreation Artisa formofrhetoricthatrevealswhatwebelieve,andweaimtohaveourstudentscreate,andrecognizeartthattells astoryoftruththatgloriesourCreator

PhilosophyofMusic

Scripturecallsustobeasingingpeople("singpsalmshymnsandspiritualsongs,"Eph 5),sowedesirethat studentsareskilledinsinging Wewilllayafoundationof"musicality"throughrhythm,andthenbuildauency inthelanguageofmusicthroughmusictheory.Thiswillbedoneinthecontextofchoralworkwherestudents willbeengagedinliftingtheirvoicestoglorifytheLord.

PhilosophyofLanguage

AtValorClassical,studentswillstudyLatinafterdevelopingfoundationalEnglishgrammarskills.Latin reinforcesEnglishgrammarbyapplyinggrammaticalskillstoanewlanguage.BecauseLatinisawell-ordered language,itsstudentsdevelopalogicoflanguagethatdeepenstheirunderstandingoflanguageingeneral The studyofLatinanditsetymologybuildsastrongvocabularyfoundation,asitisthebasisofourlegalandmedical termsandtherootofallRomancelanguages LatinisalsothelanguageofRome,thecultureinwhichChrist

came,somanyfoundationaldocumentsfortheChristianChurchwerewritteninLatin.Notonlydoestheclear grammaticalstructureofLatinmakeitbenecialtostudytoformthelogicalmindsofstudents,butitisalsoan excellentlanguagetobeabletotranslateandinterpretfordeeperunderstanding

PhilosophyofMath

InaClassicalLiberalArtsTradition,theQuadriviumistheartofnumbers Westartwitharithmetic(numbers) andmovetogeometry(numbersinspace),whichgivesusafoundationforbetterunderstandinginmusic (numbersintime)andnallythislaysafoundationforunderstandingthe"cosmos"(scienticunderstandingof theworldaroundus).

Masteryinthelanguageofnumbersisparamounttobeingabletointerprettheworldaroundus Mathematics teachesobjectivetruthaswesolveproblemsandcometoaprovableanswer Webuildskillsinarithmeticand intentionallyworktodeveloparichsenseofnumbers,sothattheyarealanguagethestudentcanuseuentlyto decodeGod'screation.

PhilosophyofScience

Thewordsciencederivesfrom"scientia"whichmeansknowledgeinLatin,andbecauseGodIStheCreatorof all,scienticskillgrantstheopportunitytoobserveandunderstandmoreofGod'screation.Throughsciencewe canknowmoreaboutGodHimself.Withthisasouraimitisimperativethatourscienceprogramsparks"holy curiosity"abouttheworldinwhichwelive WewillviewscienceasatoolforgettingtoknowtheCreatorand throughjoyfulinteractionswithscienticmaterialwewilltrainchildrenintheskillofobservationandhowto interpretwhattheyobservethroughthelensofaCreatedworld

StrugglingLearners&SpecialNeeds

Thetimingofacademicprogressshouldnotbeacriticalmeasurementofsuccess;ouraimistouncouple those factors.Wewanttoseestudentsindividuallygrowingintheirabilitiesandwewantsuccesstobequaliedby progress notarbitrarytime-boundgrades. Wewanttomaximizeachild’sabilities;notdenetheirabilityby age.WeinsteadwanttohelpeachstudentinvesttheirGod-giventalentandprogressasfarasheorsheisable. Therefore,ourprogramwillhireteachers,whomaximizetheuseofcuratedcurriculum,andcreateastructure toadvancelearnersindividuallyatanappropriatepace

Ifouruniquestructureisnotenoughforaparticularchild,wemayoeraclasspulloutatanadditionalfee Thisiscarefullyconsideredbyacouncilandonlysuggestedafterotheraccommodationshavebeentried.Parents willbeasignicantpartofthisconversation. Ourendgoalistoserveachildwell,ifweareunabletodothat,we willrecommendotherschooloptionsforafamily.

Wealsounderstandthatchildrendiagnosedwithparticulardisordersmayhavebehavioralissuesthataccompany thediagnosis,wewanttoloveanddisciplinethesechildreninpartnershipwithparents,butwedonotallowa diagnosistobeanexcuseforsin,thereforewewillcreaterobustdiscipleshipplansthatoersexternalsupportto assistthesechildren,butifitbecomesapparentthatsafetyofthechildorotherstudentsiscompromisedwewill needtomakealternativearrangements,outsideoftheschool,untilthechildisabletofollowourhandbook behaviorally.

CULTURALISSUES

OnGender,Marriage,andSexuality

ValorClassicalAcademyiscommittedtotheinfallibilityoftheChristianScripturesinallmattersoffaithand life OuraimistobealignedwiththetruthoftheBibleevenwhenthatmeansbeingoutofalignmentwithwhat isconsideredpopularorculturally-acceptable.Moreover,especiallyasitpertainstothestatementsbelow,Valor ClassicalAcademystandsincontinuitywithwhattheChurchhastaught,believed,andconfessedforover2000 years. Inthesematters,weseektobebothclearandcompassionate.

Webelievethateveryperson regardlessofsinfulbeliefsoractions mustbeshownlove,kindness,respect,and dignity(Mark12:28-31;Luke6:31).Werepudiatehatefulandharassingwordsorbehavioraboutortoward anyoneasoutofaccordwiththeteachingsoftheBible,thecharacterofourLord,andthemissionofValor ClassicalAcademy.WebelievethatGodoersredemptionandrestorationtoallwhoconfessandforsaketheir sin,sexualorotherwise,seekinghismercyandforgivenessthroughfaithinJesusChrist(Acts3:19–21;Rom 10:9–10;1Cor 6:9–11)

WebelievethatinordertopreserveValorClassicalAcademy’sintegrityandeectiveness,asabiblicallyfaithful institutionofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itisimperativethatallpersonsemployed byValorClassicalAcademyinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,armandabidebythisstatement(Matt 5:16;Phil 2:14–16;1Thess 5:22) Wealsoexpectstudentstoupholdthesebiblicalvaluesregardingsex,gender, andsexualactivityintheirspeech,dress,andconduct

OnGender

WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothinbiological sexandingender.Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherreecttheimageofGod(Gen.1:26–27). “Torejectone'sbiologicalgenderisanactofrebellionagainstGod'sdesign.”*

OnMarriage

WebelievethataccordingtotheBible,marriagehasonlyoneappropriatemeaning:theunionofonemanand onewomaninaholyrelationshipintendedtobeexclusiveandlifelong(Gen 2:18–25) WebelievethatGod 7

intendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenmenandwomenjoinedinmarriage(1Cor.6:18and7:2-5;Heb. 13:4)

OnSexuality

WebelievethatparticipatinginorapprovingofanyformofsexualactivityforbiddenintheBible(including unmarriedsex,adultery,homosexualorbisexualbehavior,andpornography)issinfulandoensivetoGod (Matt.15:18–20;Rom.1:24–32;1Cor.6:9–10).

*ValorClassicalAcademyunderstandsthatduetosin,weareconfrontedwithgeneticbrokennesswhichcould includerealgenderdysphoriaandtherarecaseofachildbornintersex Bothsituations,however,donotconstitutea de-emphasisonthebiblicalpatternofmale/femalecomplementarity.

OnSanctityofHumanLife

WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinhisimage Humanlifeisofinestimableworthinall itsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged,andeveryotherstage orconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Wearethereforecalledtodefend,protect,andvalueall humanlife(Ps.139). Webelievethisisthestartingpointforalldiscussionsrelatedtothesanctityoflife(e.g., abortion,euthanasia,war)

STATEMENTOFFAITH

ValorClassicalAcademybelievesinthefaiththatwasonce“deliveredtoallthesaints”(Jude1:3) Inthis,we believethatalldoctrineisimportant,butnotalldoctrinefunctionsinthesameway Therearedoctrineswhich areessentialtosaving faith(Essentialdoctrines)andtherearedoctrineswhichadornthegospel(Secondary doctrines).WebelieveallChristiansoughttohaveunityinEssentialdoctrines,butcharityinSecondary doctrines(evenwhenaccompaniedwithscrutiny).

ValorClassicalAcademyisdistinctlyrootedinthehistoricProtestanttraditionwhilerecognizingtheChristian identityofthoseinotherhistoricChristiantraditions

Essentialdoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichthechurchhastaught,believed,andconfessedthroughouthistory. EssentialdoctrinesarefoundinthosestatementswhichhavehistoricallydenedbasicChristianorthodoxy:the Apostles’Creed,theNiceneCreed,theChalcedonianDenition,andtheAthanasianCreed Wealsoteachand followtheWestminsterShorterCatechismforstudents

Secondarydoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichreectdistinctivedenominationaldierencesinotherwise historically-orthodoxChristians Thesedierencesincludeproperrecipientsofbaptism(paedobaptismor credobaptism),expressionofspiritualgifts(continuationismorcessationism),viewsoftheendtimes (pre-millenialism,amillennialism,post-millenialism),etc Thesearenotunimportantdoctrinesandmaybe discussedandevenchallengedasstudentsprogressinmaturity.

Asaschool,ValorClassicalAcademywillclearlyteachEssentialdoctrinesandprovidestudentstheimportant toolsindevelopingSecondarydoctrines Studentswillbeencouragedtoworkthroughthesewiththeirparents andintheirlocalchurch

BasicBeliefs

● WebelievetheBibleconsistsofthe39booksoftheOldTestamentand27booksoftheNew Testament TheBibleisGod’swrittenrevelationtoman,inspiredbytheHolySpirit,andwithouterror intheoriginalmanuscripts.TheBibleisthewordsofaninfallibleGodandisauthoritativeinallmatters offaithandpractice

● WebelieveintheTriuneGod ThereisoneGod,whoexistseternallyinthreepersons:theFather,the Son,andtheHolySpirit

● WebelievethatallaresinnersandtotallyunabletobesavedapartfromGod’smercy

● WebelievethatJesusisIsrael’sMessiahandtheeternalSonofGod,whothroughhisperfectlifeand sacricialdeathatonedforthesinsofallwhowilltrustinHimaloneforsalvation

● WebelievethatJesusascendedbodilytotherighthandoftheFatherwherehecurrentlyreignswithall authorityandintercedesforallthosewhoareHis

● WebelievetheHolySpiritindwellsGod’speopleandgivesthemthestrengthandwisdomtotrust ChristandfollowHim

● WebelieveJesuswillreturn,bodilyandvisibly,tojudgeallmankindandtoreceiveHispeopleto Himself

● WebelieveallaspectsofourlivesaretobelivedtothegloryofGodunderthelordshipofJesusChrist

SecondaryDoctrine

ValorClassicalAcademy’sStatementofFaithandtheWestminsterShorterCatechismdenethebeliefson whichtheschoolisbased ValorClassicaldenessecondarydoctrineasdoctrinalissueswhicharenotdirectly addressedinourStatementofFaithortheWestminsterShorterCatechism

Inmattersofsecondarydoctrine,ValorClassicaladministratorsandteacherswill:

1 Encourageandchallengestudentstothinkandbediscerningonallmattersaccordingtothetruthof God’sWord

2 Fosteraclassroomenvironment,especiallyatthesecondarylevel,oflove,respectandcharityamong students

3. Beencouragedtocharitablypresentthevarioussidesofasecondaryissue

4 SeektomaintainunityamongourstudentsandfamiliesaccordingtoourStatementofFaithandthe WestminsterShorterCatechismandbynotteachingsecondarydoctrinesasprimaryandnot disparagingsecondarydoctrinalbeliefsthatarecontrarytotheirpersonalconvictions

5 Encouragestudentstoseekthesupportandinstructionoftheirparentsandtheirlocalchurch

Thefollowinglistisnotexhaustivebutrepresentssomeofthesecondarydoctrinediscussionsthatmayoccur (mainly)atthesecondarylevel:

1. Ageoftheearth:

WereadGenesis1–3fromtheframeworkofanorthodoxChristianperspective.Wewillteachfromthe perspectiveofaliteral24-hourdaybutwillopenthediscussionupinsecondaryyears,wherewewill discussotherorthodoxviewsasviableinterpretations

2. Eschatology:

WewillteachabouttheimminentreturnofJesusandthatthedeadwillberaisedtoeternallifeor eternaljudgment Thiswillexpand,inthesecondaryyears,todiscussionofthreeheldviewsof eschatology:historicalpremillennialism,*amillennialism,† andpartialpreteristpostmillennialism ‡

*HistoricPremillennialism:anon-literalinterpretationofthetrialsdescribedinRevelation,thisview holdstotheimminentreturnofChristafteraperiodoftribulationwithafollowingageofpeacewhere Satanisbounduntilrightbeforethenaljudgment

†Amillennialism:themillenniumissymbolicandrepresentsthetimeofChurchgrowththatisspiritual ratherthanphysical.Jesus'imminentreturnwilloccuraftera“millennium”ofpeoplecomingto Christ.Therearevariousaspectstotimingheldwithinthisview.

‡Postmillennialism:Satanwasboundatthecross,themillennialperiodisaperiodoftimeratherthana literalthousandyears.Duringthismillenniumthegospelwillspread“totheendsoftheearth”until deathisthelasttobeconqueredandputunderJesus’feet,whentheearthwillbetransformedinthe “blinkofaneye”withJesus’imminentreturn.ThisviewholdsthatmanyoftheNewTestament propheticpassageswerefullledbythefallofJerusalemin70AD

3. Baptism:

Weholdthatbaptismisnotsalvic.ItisthewashingwithwaterinthenameoftheFather,theSon,and theHolySpirit;itsigniesandsealsouradoptionintoChrist,ourcleansingfromsin,andour commitmenttobelongtotheLordandtohischurch(NCC,question44) Inthesecondaryyearswe willdiscussthetwomainpositions,credobaptism§andpaedobaptism,**asaviable,orthodoxbelief

§Credobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignofabeliever’sfellowshipwithChristinhis deathandresurrectionandshouldbeadministeredtothosewhoprofessrepentancetowardGodand faithinandobediencetoourLordJesusChrist BelieversaretobebaptizedinthenameoftheTriune Godbyimmersioninwater

**Paedobaptism:Thispositionteachesthatbaptismisasignandsealofthecovenantofgrace.Immersion intowaterisnotnecessary,butisrightlyadministeredbypouringorsprinklingwaterupontheperson inthenameoftheTriuneGod Infantsofoneorbothbelievingparentsaretobebaptized,notfor salvation,butsothatthepromisedgraceofGodisexhibitedandconferredbytheHolySpirittosuchas thatgracebelongsto,accordingtoGod’sownwillandinHisappointedtime.

4 Cessationism&Non-cessationism:

WewillteachthattheHolySpiritisGod,coeternalwiththeFatherandtheSon,andthatGodgrants himirrevocablytoallwhobelieve(NCC,question36)andthatHeisthebeliever’sHelperwho convictsusofoursin,comfortsus,guidesus,givesusspiritualgiftsandthedesiretoobeyGod;andhe enablesustoprayandtounderstandGod’sWord.(NCC,question37)Inthesecondaryyearswewill discusseachofthetwomainpositionsconcerningthegiftsoftheSpirit,cessationism††and non-cessationism,‡‡asaviable,orthodoxbelief

††Cessationism:Cessationismistheviewthatthe“miraclegifts”oftonguesandhealinghaveceased that theendoftheapostolicagebroughtaboutacessationofthemiraclesassociatedwiththatage.Most cessationistsbelievethat,whileGodcanandstilldoesperformmiraclestoday,theHolySpiritnolonger usesindividualstoperformmiraculoussigns 1

‡‡Non-cessationism:Continuationismisthebeliefthatallthespiritualgifts,includinghealings,tongues, andmiracles,arestillinoperationtoday,justastheywereinthedaysoftheearlychurch.A continuationistbelievesthatthespiritualgiftshave“continued”unabatedsincetheDayofPentecost andthattoday’schurchhasaccesstoallthespiritualgiftsmentionedintheBible 2

UniformPolicy

Pleaseseeouruniformpolicy.

DisciplinePolicy

“Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful Later,however,itproducesaharvestofrighteousnessand peaceforthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit”–Hebrews12:11

1Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/cessationism html

2Taken from: https://www gotquestions org/continuationism html

Werecognizethatmaintainingawell-disciplinedclassroomiskeytolearning.Webelievethat“knowledge withoutvirtueisdangerous”Therefore,encouragingvirtuousbehaviorthatstemsfromtheheartisas importantasencouragingexcellenceinmathandgrammar Ayoungstudent’sbehavior,attitude,andphysical dispositionshouldcontributepositivelytotheclassroomenvironmentandValorClassical’svalueofshaping godlycharacter.Ourruleissimpleformaintainingthisdisciplinedatmosphere:“loveyourneighborasyourself.”

ValorClassicalAcademyrecognizesthatthepurposeofdisciplineistodevelopourfellowshipandloveforGod andneighbor(Mark12:30–31) Disciplineisnecessaryfordiscipleship Tothisend,disciplineisnotmeantto simplymodifyoutwardbehavior,buttotrainthehearttoloveJesus

GeneralGuidelines

Disciplineisadministeredinlightofseverity,situation,andattitudeoftheindividualstudent.Thekindof disciplinemaybedeterminedbytheteachers,andifnecessary,Administration(e.g.,HeadofSchool)following theguidelinesbelow.Anydisciplinaryactionmustbedoneinlovewiththehopeofrestoration.

ClassroomDiscipline

GodisaGodoforderandourteachersfosterthisorderthroughclassroommanagement(1Cor 14:33,40) Studentswillbeaskedtobehaveinawaythatfostersrespectfortheirteacherespeciallyasitrelatestolovefor Godandtheirneighborsinclass.Generalbehaviorsthatcanbecorrectedin-classinclude:

● Minorclassroomdisruption

● Nuisancebehaviortoteacherorstudents

● Inappropriateuseofclassroommaterial

Multipleopportunitiesmaybeoeredtohelpstudentscourse-correct.Ifateacherneedsassistance,astudent maybesenttotheoce.

OceVisits

Overtbehaviorswhichrequireadministrativeinvolvementnecessitatesparentnotication Dependingonthe severityoftheinfraction,studentsmayneedtobepickedupimmediatelyfromschoolandinsomecases,receive suspension Fordisciplinetobeeective,itisimperativeforteachersandparentstobehaveasateam Ifthiscan’t beaccomplished,astudentmayneedtobeunenrolleduntilsuchatimeasanagreementcanbereached.

● Flagrantdisrespectshowntosta

● Dishonesty(e.g.,lying,cheating,stealing)

● Deance(eg,outrightdisobedience,consistentcorrection,orrebellion)

● Fighting(e.g.,strikingwiththeintentiontoharmanotherstudent)

● Bullying(i.e.,whenastudentdeliberatelyharassesanotherstudentduringoroutsideofschooland includescyber-bullying)

● Enablingothersbadbehavior

● Actsthatendangerthelivesofanotherperson

● Vandalism

● Theft

● Inappropriateuseofschoolpropertyorfacility

● Inappropriatelanguage(eg,obscene,vulgar,profane)

● Romanticdisplaysofaection(e.g.,kissing,hugging,hand-holding,etc.)

● Sexualmisconduct(eg,inappropriatetouching,useofpornography,etc)

● Illegalsubstanceabuse(e.g.,drugoralcoholuse)

● Weaponsoncampus(eg,guns,knives,etc)

DegreesofDiscipline

Thedegreeofdisciplinedependsontheseverityoftheoenseandfallssomewherealong(butnotlimitedto) thiscontinuum:

● Verbalwarnings(eg,student’sopportunitytoself-correct)

● Acknowledgingoenseandmakingapologies(publicoensespromptpublicapologies,privateoenses promptpersonalapologies)

● Makingrestitution

● Changingoflocation(eg,desk/chairchange)

● Sittingoutofanactivity

● Documentationforstudent/parentle

● Removingofsomeprivilege(e.g.,eldtrip)

● Senthome(eg,earlypick-up)

● Parentalattendanceduringtheschoolday

● Cleaning

a. Pickinguptrash

b Cleaningbathrooms

c. Vacuumingandorsweeping

d. Cleaningdesks,walls,whiteboards,etc.

e Cleaningoutside

● Physicalendurance

a Wallsit

b. Runninglaps

c Pushups

● Writing

a Anoteonwhatthestudentdidwrong

b. Anoteaskingforgiveness

● Other

a. Lossofprivilege(s)

b Repetitionandpracticeofproperorexpectedbehaviors

c. Beingsenthome

d Aconsequenceordisciplineplanparticularlysuitedtothestudentandsituationasagreed uponwiththeparent(s)

ElectronicDevicePolicy

Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(i.e.,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smartwatches,etc.)by studentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybebroughttoschoolbuttheymustbecheckedinatthe schooloceduringschoolhours

● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approveddirection andsupervisionofateacher

● Arstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconscationofthedevice,tobereleasedtoa parentorguardian

● AsecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithAdministration

● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing

● ValorClassicalAcademyacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneorother personalitems

CheatingandPlagiarism

Cheatingisdenedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicatingwith anotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.

Plagiarismisdenedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse

Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0.Parentswillbe notied.AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinanEducationCouncilreview.

DressCodeViolation

Iffacultynoticesadresscodeviolation,*theywillinformAdministration(orHeadofSchool),and AdministrationwillnotifyparentsthroughaDressCodeViolationForm(viaClassReach).After4dresscode violations,anocevisitwillfollowinadditiontoemailnotication.Afterthe5thviolationwithinasemester, thestudentwillbesenthome SubsequentdresscodeviolationswillrequiretheHeadofSchooltotreatthe violationsasocevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy

*Adresscodeviolationissomethingthatcannotbecorrectedinclass.

PrimaryStudentDisciplinePlan

TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor

1. Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultoauthorityanimmediateocevisitwillfollow

2 Ifthereisunlovingbehaviorintheclassroom,duringbreaksorlunchtimetheteacherwhoobservedthe situationwillgiveawarningandcorrectthebehavior

3. Ifasecondinfractionoccurstheinfractionwillbedocumented

4 Ifaninfractionoccursduringabreakthestudent’sleadteacherwillbenotiedanddocumented accordingly

5 IfathirdinfractionoccurstheteacherwillsendthechildtotheHeadofSchoolforanocevisitwith informationspecifyingtheissue

a. TheHeadofSchoolwillnotifytheparentsthroughemailofwhatoccurredandthediscipline given

6. Homework:Anymissinghomeworkwillbeenteredasa“0”inClassReach.Afterthethird“0”orthird poorgrade,theparentswillbenotied Thelateassignmentpolicyis10%gradereductiontherstday, 20%reductionthesecondday,and1percentagepointforanydaythereafter Astanding“0”willmean theassignmentwasneversubmitted

SecondaryStudentDisciplinePlan

TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor.

1 Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultherewillbeanimmediateocevisit

2. Ifastudentisspeakinginappropriatelytherewillbeanimmediateocevisit

3 IfastudenthasnotcompletedhomeworktheteacherwillnotifytheparentsandtheDeanof Students

4. Homework:Amissedassignmentwillbeenteredasa“0”untilsubmitted,andthelatepercentageswill apply:10%fornotbeingsubmitted,20%forthe2nddayand“1”thereafter.Astanding“0”willmean thestudentneversubmittedthework

ExcessiveOceVisits

Asnotedabove,thepurposeofthedisciplinepolicyistoshapegodlycharacterinthestudent Ifitbecomes apparenttotheHeadofSchoolthatthestudent’scharacterisnotimprovingovertimeand/orisbecoming worsetothedetrimentoftheschoolculture,theHeadofSchoolwillmeetwiththeparentsandtheywillcome upwithaplantoresolvetheissue.TheHeadofSchoolwillalsomeetwiththeparentsincaseswherethestudent exhibitsalackofrepentanceorlacksinterestinattendingValorClassicalAcademy.TheHeadofSchoolmay,at hisdiscretion,allowforadditionalmeetingswiththeparentsifthepreviousdisciplineplantohelpthestudent wasunsuccessful Tohelptheparentsunderstandtheirchild’sbehavior,theymayberequiredtositwiththe studentduringapartoralloftheschoolday IftheHeadofSchooldeterminesthatthestudent’sbehavioral issuestillcannotbecorrectedthroughthedisciplineplan(s)generatedbythemeeting(s)withtheparents,thenit willbeconsidereda“SeriousDisciplineCase”.

SeriousDisciplineCases

ASeriousDisciplineCaseoccurswhenastudentexhibitsextremeungodlybehaviorthatimpedesthecultureof theschool Examplesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):

1. ExcessiveOceVisits(seesectionofthesamenameabove)

2 Unrepentant,consistent,orseriousdisrespectofauthority

3. Unsafebehavior endangermenttothemselvesorothers

4 Overtmoralissuesincluding(butnotlimitedto):

a. Inappropriatetouching

b. Substanceabuse

c Illegalactivity

IftheHeadofSchoolhasdeterminedthatthestudent’swordsorbehaviorconstituteaSeriousDisciplineCase, thestudentwillbesubjecttoadisciplinehearingbeforeaselectcommittee Thedisciplinehearingwillinclude thestudent,theparent(s),theteacher(ifapplicable),theHeadofSchool,andEducationCouncilmembers At thispointtheEducationCouncilwilldeterminethenecessarycourseofactionwhichmayincludesuspensionor expulsionofthestudent.Tuitionwillnotbereimbursedforsuspensionsorexpulsions.

Re-Admittance

Shouldastudentwhowasexpelled,orwhowithdrewtopreventexpulsion,desiretobereadmittedtoValor ClassicalAcademyatalaterdate,theywouldrequireadisciplinehearinginvolvingtheparents,teachers,and schoolAdministration TheEducationCouncil,inconsultationwiththeHeadofSchool,willmakeadecision basedonthestudent'sattitudeandcircumstances

OURPROGRAM

EducationSchedule

Schoolbeginsat8:45AMandendsat3:30PM.

OnCurriculum

AtValorClassical,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,buttheteacherbringseducationtolife throughuseofthattool.Assuch,inadditiontousingvariouscurriculaandadevelopedlistofskillsand objectiveswewillobtainthemostqualiedanddedicatedteachersaspossible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveof learningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChristthroughimmersingtheirteachingingoodness,beauty,and truth

TheValorClassicalAcademySecondaryProgram

StudentsatValorClassicalAcademyprepareforoursecondaryprograminourSecondaryPrepclass When ready,astudentwillmovetoourSecondaryprograms Wewillholdanimportant“CreditObjectives”meeting tocreatearobusthighschoolprogramtailoredtothestudent.InApril,asastudentiscompletinghis/herthird yearofhighschoolcredit(traditionallyajunior),heorshewillpresentaSENIORPROJECTPROPOSALto theEducationCouncil.Thiswillbesubmittedandtheneitherapproved,sentbackforrevision,ordeniedwith resubmissionguidelinessothestudentcanbegintheprojectoverthesummer(priortotheirSenioryear) The SeniorProjectwillbedueinApriloftheproposedgraduationyearandwillbepresentedtotheboardandthe EducationCouncil Thiswillbethecapstoneofourprogram

HighSchoolAdmissions

1 PetitiontobeginHighSchoolCredits

2. EducationCouncilapproval

3 UponacceptanceintoourHighSchoolProgram,wewillholdaCreditObjectivesMeetingwherewe willvisitwithparentsandstudentsandcreateacreditplanforthestudent’shighschoolcareer

Humanities(Recommendation:12credits)4years

Studentswillreceivearobusthumanitiesinstructionthrougherasoftime:AncientWorld,MedievalWorld, ModernWorld,andPostModernWorld.Asstudentsmovethroughtheseerasoftimeinhistorytheywillreada combinationoforiginalsources,historicalction,andgreatbooksthatembodytheseerasoftime Aliterature, history,&theologycreditwillbereceivedbythosewhomeettheir“CreditObjectives”Rhetoricandlogicskills areintertwinedinthiscourseandstudentswillreceivea025creditintheseeldsofstudyannually

Mathematics(Recommendation:4credits)4years

Studentstakingourregulartrackofhighschoolmathematicswillbegivenadeepunderstandingofalgebra, geometry,trigonometry,andcalculus.Thesewillbeattributedtothetranscriptastraditionalcredits.

Science(Recommendation:4credits)4years

Studentswillreceiveadeepandrigorousstudyinphysicalscience,chemicalscience,andthebiologicalsciences Weuseexperimentsasfoundationaltothescienticprocessofhypothesisandconclusion Wewanttofoster curiosityintheworldGodcreated

Latin(Recommendation:3credits)3years

WeprovideLatinlevelssostudentscanstartatLevelIandprogressthroughtoLevelIIIorasfarastheyareable. Latinallowsourstudentspracticeingrammar,etymology,masteryoflanguageskills,andrichhistoricalcontext ofthelanguagethatisfoundationaltoourwesternworld

Language(Recommendation:1credit)1year

ThiscanbetakenoutsideofValorandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil

Music(1credit)

Thiswillbeoeredat0.25credithoursperyearthroughValor.

Art(1credit)

Thiswillbeoeredat0.25credithoursperyearthroughValor.

Electives(1credit)

25Civics

.25USGovernment

PhysicalEducation(1credit)

ThismustbetakenoutsideofValorandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil

HonorsDiploma (Transfercreditsmustbepre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil)

● 4CreditsofLiterature(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern,post-modern)

● 4CreditsofTheology(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern,post-modern)

● 4CreditsofHistory(throughintegratedhumanities:ancient,medieval,modern,post-modern)

● 4CreditsofScience

○ Biology

○ Chemistry

○ PhysicsorHumanAnatomy

○ GeneralScienceorPhysicalScience

● 4CreditsofMath

○ AlgebraI

○ AlgebraII

○ Geometry

○ Trigonometry/Calculusorbusinessmathcourse

● 4CreditsofLanguage

○ Atleast3creditsinLatin(additionalcreditmaybetakenoutsideofValorwithapproval)

● 4CreditsElectives(1music,1art,1PE,1additional)

○ Music:025creditperyearthroughValorClassicalAcademy

○ Art:0.25creditperyearthroughValorClassicalAcademy

○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil

● SeniorProject

○ Projectsmusthavewrittencomponent

○ Musthaveanoraldefense

○ MustbeapprovedbyEducationCouncil

Diploma

(Transfercreditsmustbepre-approvedbyEducationCouncil)

● 4CreditsofLiterature

● 4CreditsofTheology

● 4CreditsofHistory

● 4CreditsofApprovedScience(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 4CreditsofMath(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 2CreditsofLatin(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 3CreditsElectives(1music,1art,1PE)

○ Music:0.25creditperyearthroughValorClassicalAcademy

○ Art:025creditperyearthroughValorClassicalAcademy

○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc.andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil

● SeniorProject

○ Projectsmusthavewrittencomponent

○ Musthaveanoralcomponent

○ MustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil

Certicate

● 2CreditsofLiteratureorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 2CreditsofTheologyorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 2CreditsofHistoryorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 1CreditofRhetoric/Logicorequivalent(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 2CreditsofScience(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 2CreditsofMath(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 1CreditofLanguage(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

● 1CreditofElective(orCreditObjectivesdetermination)

○ Othercredithourscanbeobtainedthroughprivatelessons,sports,etc andmustbe pre-approvedbytheEducationCouncil

● Seniorprojectmustbepre-approvedbyEducationCouncil

PHILOSOPHYOFGRADING

GradingPolicy

Gradingshouldtellastoryofachild’sprogressinlearning,andbecause,asChristians,webelievethateducation ofthewholemanisessential,Valorusesbothacademicandcharactergradessothatparentscanseewhethera poorgradeisasinissueoranacademicstruggle Reciprocallyparentscanseethatagoodgradedoesnot necessarilyimplyrighteousness Forthisreason,Valorwillgivebothacademicgradesandconductdescriptions sothatwecantrulydisciplethewholechild.

ConductItems

Studentswillbegivenaconductdescriptioninthefollowingareas.Theconductdescriptorwillbeoneofthe following:always,usually,sometimes,rarely,never.

● Charitable

● Humble

● Patient

● Honest

● ServantMinded

● Respectful

● TakesInitiative(notasluggard)

● Volunteers(Jesuscamenottobeserved,buttoserveothers)

● InteractswithQuestions(slowtospeak,quicktolisten,notacoward[balancebetweenthese])

● DoesHardThings(livingsacrice)

● WillingtobeoutofComfortZone(rejoicewhenyouarepersecuted)

● KingdomMinded/Oriented

Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories

● 30%PracticeWork

● 70%MagnumOpus

LowerPrimaryGrading(K-3)

UpperPrimaryGrading(4-6)

Mastery 90+ A

GoodUnderstanding 80-89 B

BeginningtoUnderstand 70-79 C

NotUnderstanding 0-69 Notmovingforward

Secondary&SecondaryPrepGrading

Assessment&GradingProtocol

Humanities

● Softgradingthroughouttheweekonvariouswritingandspeakingassignments

● MagnumOpusforeachweekthatisgradedinthegradebook(maybewrittenororal)

● Assessmentattheendofeachbookthatincludes:

○ Grammarsection

○ Logicsection

○ RhetoricSection

Mathematics

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

Science

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

Music&Art

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

Latin

● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework

● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*

*Hardgrade:afterpracticingthechildwillbeassessedonmasteryorimprovement.

ReviewweekandnalsweekbeforeChristmas.

Reviewweekandnalsweekattheendoftheyear.

ParentCommunication

● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach

● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParentPartnershipMeetings

● FallParentPartnershipMeetingswillbeheldonOctober19,20,&26th

● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially

● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththesta

ExpectedHomeworkLoad

Thiswillvarypendingtheframeofthechildandtheirabilitytograspconceptsthattheypractice Wewant childrentobereaders,thereforethemajorityofthe“homeworktime”willbespentinreadingliterature

AgeGroup

LowerPrimary

UpperPrimary

LowerSecondary 45minutes–1hour 2–3hours

UpperSecondary

(maytakelongerfor somestudents)

GradesatValorClassicalAcademydonotinanywayreecttheimmeasurableworthandvalueofeachchild madeinGod’simage,butrathertheyareareectionofthequalityofworkinagiveneldofstudyatagiven time.AtValorClassicalAcademy,gradesservethreebasicpurposes:

1 Tohelpstudentstoimprove

2. Todeterminethebestplacementlevelconsidering academicability

3 Toprovideajustandlegitimatemeansofholdingstudentsaccountableforthequalityoftheirwork

Gradesprovideawidelyunderstoodmeansofcommunicatingprogressandachievementtoparentsandother partiessuchascollegeentranceboardsorotherschoolstowhichtheyoungstudentmaytransfer

IndividualGrades

ValorClassicalAcademywilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto“practice” beforetheyreceiveagrade.Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclassregarding newconceptswill begivenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook.MagnumOpusassignments(bestwork), thatwillmoregreatlyaectoverallstandings,willalsoberecordedfortranscriptpurposes.Consistentwith educatingthewholechild, bothattitudeandeortwillbeconsideredwithinourgradingsystems.

GroupProjectGrades

1Thessalonians5:14“Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive,encouragethe disheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone”

Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart.ValorClassicalAcademycares evenmoreabouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstoseewherecharacterworkis needed,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege,characterinChristiancommunityisintegral to“LovingGodandLovingNeighbor”(Matt 22:36–40)

MathematicalGradingPolicy

Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrectoutofthe numberofproblems

● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthenalgrade

● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthenalgrade(grouporindividual)

ScienceGradingPolicy

Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroupprojectgradein theprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevariousscienticeldsofstudyinthe secondaryyears.

LatinGradingPolicy

LatinistaughttobuildvocabularyandcontinuetogrowEnglishaswellasLatingrammarskills.Assessments willbebasedontheseconceptsandpointswillbeawardedforthepurposeofdemonstratingmastery.

HumanitiesGradingPolicy

Vocabularyterms,spelling,grammar,anddirectcharacternamesordateswillbeobjectivelygradedandwillbe onapoints-basedsystem.Withmasteryasourgoal,studentswillbeaskedtocorrectthewronganswers.

Assignmentsthataremorephilosophicalinnaturewillbegradedonascale Withineachassignment, grammaticalandspellingmistakeswillbeclearlymarkedandstudentswillbeaskedtoreviewthewordor grammaticalruleandedittheirwriting Thispromotesmasteryinwritingassignments

FailingandRetakes

Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackofunderstandingmay begivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice Astudentwhoneglectedtheir studiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.

Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducationCouncilto determinethebestcourseofactionforthestudent Circumstances,understandingofdirectionsandeortwill allbetakenintoconsideration

Parentswillbenotiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisinjeopardyof failing

PARENTCOMMUNICATIONANDINVOLVEMENT

AtValorClassicalAcademy,werecognizethatparentsareultimatelyresponsiblefortheeducationand ourishingoftheirchildren Webelievethateducatorsarefacilitatorsandadvisorsasparentspursuethis importantwork.

Parent-Teacherconferencesarescheduledasneeded Weencourageteachersandparentstocommunicate regularlyabouthowthestudentisdoingandtoscheduleformalmeetingsasneeded

TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressingany concerns,parentsshouldcopytheHeadofSchooltokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroomcircumstances. Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents

Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,ValorClassicalAcademypolicy,orphilosophy,communicate withtheHeadofSchool.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsofaparticularclassroom(e.g., homeworkload),contacttheLeadTeacherthroughClassReach.Atnotimeshouldanindividualstudent’s problembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties Inthegreatmajorityofcases,ifyouhaveworkedpatientlyandin goodfaith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwillndasatisfactoryresolution

Pleasefollow Matthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersinsagainstyou, goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegainedyourbrother”

HONORCODE

ParentHonorCode

IamplacingmychildasastudentatValorClassicalAcademybecauseIcareaboutmychildbeingeducatedboth incharacterandinacademics.IunderstandthatmychildwillbeeducatedunderaChristianworldviewandthat lovingGodandneighborareprimarytenantsofValorClassicalAcademy.Ialsounderstandthatthe responsibilityofChristiannurtureisultimatelytheresponsibilityofparents(Eph.6:4,Deuteronomy6:7–9).I understandtheimportanceofparticipationinalocalchurchandcultivatinganat-homespiritualenvironment totheraisingofmystudent(s)intheLord

PartoflovingGodandneighbormeansbeingontime,present,andrespectful.ValorClassicalAcademyhas beenverythoughtfulindevelopingaschoolschedulethatallowsforsolidfamilytimeduringsummers,holidays andvariousbreaks Forthisreason,Iunderstandthatschoolattendanceisawayoflovingteachersand classmatesandIwillensurethatmychildispresentandontimeunlessanemergencyarises Incasesofplanned absencesorimportantfamilytime,Iunderstandthatitismyresponsibilitytocommunicatewiththeteachers andmakeaplanfortheclasstimemychildwillmisswithoutputtinganexcessiveburdenontheteachers.Ialso understandthatpoorattendancemaycausemychildtofallbehind.

IunderstandthataUniformPolicyisawayoflovingthosearoundusbyrespectingauniedandmeaningful representationofourschoolculture,includingprofessionalism,modestyandourdistinctvalues Iwillmake surethatmychildfollowstheuniformpolicysothatthiscultureismaintained.

IunderstandthatmychildwillneedtosubmittotheauthorityofValorClassicalAcademyfacultyandsta duringschoolevents IalsounderstandthatIwillbeultimatelyresponsibleformychild’sbehaviorwhileat ValorClassicalAcademyandtherebywillfollowthedirectivesoftheschoolasoutlinedbelow

IfadisciplinenotegoeshomefromateacherortheHeadofSchool,IunderstandthatIneedtoworkwithmy childonchangingtheirbehaviorthroughtheheart,byencouragingthemtoseekforgiveness

Ifmychildcontinuestoincurinfractions,itwillbecleartomethatIneedtodealmoreseriouslyand consistentlywithmychild.Ialsounderstandthatmychildwillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththediscipline policyoutlinedinthishandbookandthatIwillneedtomeetwiththeHeadofSchoolincasesofexcessiveoce visitstoworkoutaplandesignedtocorrectmychild’sdisruptivebehavior

Ifmychildcontinuestoremainunresponsivetocorrection,Iunderstandthatmychildmaybesubjecttoa disciplinaryhearingasoutlinedbythedisciplinepolicyofthishandbook.Ialsoagreethatifmychildissubject toadisciplinaryhearingbeforetheschoolboard forexcessiveocevisitsorforanyextremeungodlybehavior

thatimpedesschoolculture,thatIwillabidebytheboard'sdecision.Iftheschoolboarddecidestosuspendor expelmychild,IunderstandthatTuitionwillnotbereimbursed

IunderstandthattheteachersatValorClassicalAcademyaimtoeducatethewholepersonandwillkeepthe wellbeingofthestudentinmind.Withthatunderstanding,IwillnotimpedegradingasIunderstandthe teacherwillbeusinggradingto“coach”mychildtowardsmastery.

SecondaryStudentHonorCode

AsasecondarystudentatValorClassicalAcademy,Icommittothefollowing:

1 Iwilldomybestinmyacademicsby

a. Submittinghomeworkontime

b Preparingforexaminations

c. Beingpreparedforclass

d. Takingnotes

e Keepinganorganizedbinder

2. Iwillbeanexampletoyoungerstudentsby

a Beingrespectfultothoseinauthority

b. LovingthosearoundmeinthewayIdress,act,andspeak.

c FollowingtheUniformPolicy anddressingmodestly

d. Aidingthosearoundmewhoarestruggling

e Beingwiseinmyrelationshipswiththoseoftheoppositesex

3. IwillhonorGodby

a Notgossiping

b. Notlying

c Beingagoodstewardofmytimeandtheschool’sresources

IcommittopositivelycontributingtotheChristiancultureofValorClassicalAcademy.

InternetUseandSocialMedia

Studentsareheldtothesamestandardofbehaviorwhethertheyareoncampusoronlineathome Individuals agreetousethesetechnologicaltoolshonorablyandresponsibly.

Thefollowingarenotpermitted:

● Sendingordisplayingoensivemessagesorintimatepictures

● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage

● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers

● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers

ClassReachcommunicationispermittedforstudents,parents,andteachers.

HEALTH&WELLNESS

Lunch

Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeatenintheirclassroomoroutsideiftheweatherpermits Pleasepack lunchesthatdonothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated Pleasealsoalertusofanysevereallergies AtValorClassical Academy,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpackinglunches,asyouryoung studentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc.

Snacks

Parentsarewelcometosendaneasytoeatsnack(werecommendanutritioussnack) formid-morning.Wateris theonlybeverageallowedtoaccompanysnacks.

HealthRecords

ValorClassicalAcademyshouldbenotiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns.

AdministrationofMedicines

ValorClassicalAcademyAdministrationmayadministerover-the-countermedicationtothechildrenintheir carebutonlywithauthorizationfromthechild’sparentorguardian.

ValorClassicalAcademyreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescriptionadministrationforany reason Ifthisoccurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthedayforthepurposeof medicationadministration

IllnessPolicy

Inconsiderationofyouryoungstudent’swellness,inaddition,preventingthespreadofillnesstoyourchild’s classmatesandteachers,ayoungstudentshouldbesymptom-freeafull24hoursfromthefollowingbefore returningtoonsiteclasses:

● Fever Temperatureof100degreesorabovewithouttheuseoffever-reducingmedication

● Vomiting/diarrhea

● Pleasedonotsendchildrenwithahighlycontagiousillnesssuchasstrep,hand/foot/mouth,orpinkeye (tonameafew)

GovernmentAgencyRequests

ValorClassicalAcademyvaluesourparentpartnershipandassuchwewillnotifyparentsofanyinteractionwith agovernmentagencysuchaschildprotectiveservices,asitrelatestoyourchild Ourpolicyisasfollows:

● Parentswillbenotiedandtheirpresence requestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeingallowedto interviewachildduringschoolhours

● ValorClassicalAcademywilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagencybutcannot beheldliableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernmentagencyuseslegalforceto demandtheinterview

ACADEMICSCHEDULE Calendar

TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsite

4. Jesus’resurrection EasterSunday

DailySchedule

Tuesday throughThursdayarecoreacademicdaysonsite.Fridaywillbeadayforreviewathomeand “MagnumOpus,”orgreatestwork,projectswillbeassignedforthesedays Afteralotofpracticestudentswill trytheirhandatproducingtheirbestwork

ArrivalandDismissal

Schoolbeginsat8:45AMandendsat3:30PM

Studentsareabletoarrivebetween8:20–8:45AMandmustbepickedupbetween3:30–3:45PM.

Afeewillbeimplementedifthereisearlyarrivalorlatepickup Consistentearlyarrivalorlatepickupwill constituteameetingwiththeHeadofSchool

Attendance

ValorClassicalAcademyhasintentionallysetitsvacations,schedule,andstructuretoallowimportanttimefor families.ByregisteringachildinValorClassical,theparentorguardianisagreeingtothisscheduleanditis lovingtothecommunityofstudentstobeinattendance.Emergenciesorillnessesarisefromtimetotime; thereforestudentshave6academicdays*withineachsemesterforschoolabsenceswithoutconsequencetotheir creditsunlesspre-approvalsarearranged WeaskthattheAdministrationbenotiedassoonaspossibleforany absences Astudentthatsurpasses12days,oratotalof6daysinasemester,willbesubjecttoanEducation Councilreviewwhichmayresultinretention,apaidtutoringsupplement,orthestudentnotbeinginvited back.

Classicaleducationisdistinctlydierentfromtraditionalwhenastudentisabsentfromschool Becauseitisnot simply about“information,”beautifulclasstimediscussionsaremissedwhichisoneofthemostimportant partsofValor Itisnotpossibleforateacherto“pre-create”workforastudentthatwillbeabsent Basicmath chaptersandreadingcanbeassignedinadvance,butpleaseunderstandthatvaluableeducationismissedwhena studentisabsent.

Forsickness:pleasenotifyadministrationthroughtheClassReachformprovided

Forprolongedperiodsofabsence(toextendbeyondthe8academicdays),pleasegetpre-approvalfromthe HeadofSchool.

*Emergencysituationswillobviouslybetakenintoconsideration

Tardies

Astudentwhoarriveslaterthan8:45AMisconsideredtardy Fourunexcusedtardieswithinamonthwill constituteaparentemail.A5thtardywillresultinanocevisit.Subsequentunexcusedtardieswillbetreatedas ocevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy.

ENROLLMENTPOLICY

Anti-DiscriminationandADAStatement

ValorClassicalAcademyadmitsstudentsandhiresemployeeswithoutregardtorace,color,nationalorigin,or ethnicorigin,ensuringequalaccesstoallrights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyavailabletoour schoolcommunity Wearecommittedtoupholdingapplicablenondiscriminatorypoliciesintheadministration ofeducationalpolicies,admissions,scholarships,loanprograms,athletics,andotherschool-administered activities.ValorClassicalAcademydoesnotacceptfederalfunds.

Childrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartof ValorClassicalAcademysolongas theycanmeet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom,discussions,anddailyroutine

Studentsapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonotmind assistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingtobemadewilling” tobediscipledthroughaClassicalChristianeducation

EnrollmentProcess

TuitionAssistance

WedonotwantnancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoValorClassicalAcademywhile wealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds.Weaskthatfamiliesinneedoftuitionassistanceask grandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingfornancialaid.Iftuitionassistanceisstillnecessaryweuse athirdpartynancialaidprocessorcalledBenefaq.Theapplicationis$35andValorClassicalAcademyreceives areportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblyaordbasedontheirnancialportfolio.Withthisinformation,our committeemakesadecisiontakingintoaccountthereportandanyextenuatingcircumstance Ourdesireisthat afamilyinneedoftuitionassistanceisabletopayaminimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristian education,butwealsoreviewthenancialcircumstancesinmakingourdetermination

1. Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)

2. Step2:ApplythroughBenefaq

3 Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation

4. Step4:Youwillbenotiedofanyaidtobeawarded

5 Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition

EVALUATIONS

1 Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge

2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear

3 Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythesta

4. Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually

GeneralAgreement:AllparentsandstudentswhoareenrollinginValorClassicalAcademyaﬃrm bytheirapplicationandenrollmenttheirintentionalwillingnesstoabidebytheexpectationsand rulespresentedinthishandbookandallotherschooldocuments,bothexpressedandimplied.This includesallpoliciesstatedherein.

Disclaimer

Thereadershouldtakenoticethatwhileeveryeﬀortismadetoensuretheaccuracyoftheinformationprovided herein,ValorClassicalAcademyreservestherighttomakechangesatanytimewithoutpriornotice Parentswillbe notiﬁedofanychangestothehandbookthatoccurduringthecurrentacademicyear ValorClassicalAcademy provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and,totheextentpermissiblebylaw, expresslydisclaimsanyliabilitywhichmayotherwisebeincurred