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),andthenfinallyan 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,fromwhichthefieldsofstudypourout Weseehistorycomealivethroughstory,revealing context,ratherthanseeinghistoryasjustadateoranevent.Throughstoryweseecharactersmakingdecisions andtheconsequences,goodorbad,forthosedecisions.Thisgivesusopportunitiestopracticediscernment. Throughstory,Jesustaughttruth.
WewillsurveyGod’sWordtounderstandHisultimateplan.Wewillinterrogatethetextsbeforeusandaim towardsthatwhichistrue,good,andbeautiful evenwhenevilispresent Therefore,ourhumanitieswillbe foundedinreadingbooks,bothfictionandnon-fiction,thattellthestoryoftheeraoftimeinwhichweare studying,givingusavantageofGod’sintricateorchestrationofHisstory
PhilosophyofBible AtValorClassicalAcademy,theBiblewillbeinterwovenintothefabricofeachclass,andChristiantheology willbeintegraltoallthatweteach.Whilethisisfoundationaltoallthatwedowealsowanttoensurethat childrenhaveadeepunderstandingofScriptureandnotjustworldview.Thereforewewillhaveafifteenminute chapeleachdaywherewewalkthroughWestminsterShorterCatechismtohonesolidfoundational understanding. WithineachhumanitiescoursewewilldiveintoarobustBiblesurveywherestudentsseethat allofScripturepointstowardsChrist Wheresecondarydoctrinaldiscussiontakesplacewewilldefaultto orthodoxbeliefsasoutlinedwithinourStatementofFaithandwillencourageteachersandchildrenaliketo embarkonthoseimportantdiscussions
PhilosophyofArt Becauseweliveinavisuallydominatedsociety,artisawonderfulandnecessarytraininggroundforChristian discernment.WeunderstandthatGodisaGodoforderandobjectivebeautyisapartofthatordersowewant ourstudentstorecognizegoodartasthatwhichhonorstheCreator.Assub-creatorsouraimshouldbe expressingtruebeautythroughskillfulart.Badartdoesexistandit isarepresentationofsinthatrevealsa mutationofwhatistrue,good,andbeautiful Goodarthassymmetry,isorderedandreflectscreation Artisa formofrhetoricthatrevealswhatwebelieve,andweaimtohaveourstudentscreate,andrecognizeartthattells astoryoftruththatglorifiesourCreator
PhilosophyofMusic Scripturecallsustobeasingingpeople("singpsalmshymnsandspiritualsongs,"Eph 5),sowedesirethat studentsareskilledinsinging Wewilllayafoundationof"musicality"throughrhythm,andthenbuildafluency inthelanguageofmusicthroughmusictheory.Thiswillbedoneinthecontextofchoralworkwherestudents willbeengagedinliftingtheirvoicestoglorifytheLord.
PhilosophyofLanguage AtValorClassical,studentswillstudyLatinafterdevelopingfoundationalEnglishgrammarskills.Latin reinforcesEnglishgrammarbyapplyinggrammaticalskillstoanewlanguage.BecauseLatinisawell-ordered language,itsstudentsdevelopalogicoflanguagethatdeepenstheirunderstandingoflanguageingeneral The studyofLatinanditsetymologybuildsastrongvocabularyfoundation,asitisthebasisofourlegalandmedical termsandtherootofallRomancelanguages LatinisalsothelanguageofRome,thecultureinwhichChrist
came,somanyfoundationaldocumentsfortheChristianChurchwerewritteninLatin.Notonlydoestheclear grammaticalstructureofLatinmakeitbeneficialtostudytoformthelogicalmindsofstudents,butitisalsoan excellentlanguagetobeabletotranslateandinterpretfordeeperunderstanding
PhilosophyofMath InaClassicalLiberalArtsTradition,theQuadriviumistheartofnumbers Westartwitharithmetic(numbers) andmovetogeometry(numbersinspace),whichgivesusafoundationforbetterunderstandinginmusic (numbersintime)andfinallythislaysafoundationforunderstandingthe"cosmos"(scientificunderstandingof theworldaroundus).
Masteryinthelanguageofnumbersisparamounttobeingabletointerprettheworldaroundus Mathematics teachesobjectivetruthaswesolveproblemsandcometoaprovableanswer Webuildskillsinarithmeticand intentionallyworktodeveloparichsenseofnumbers,sothattheyarealanguagethestudentcanusefluentlyto decodeGod'screation.
PhilosophyofScience Thewordsciencederivesfrom"scientia"whichmeansknowledgeinLatin,andbecauseGodIStheCreatorof all,scientificskillgrantstheopportunitytoobserveandunderstandmoreofGod'screation.Throughsciencewe canknowmoreaboutGodHimself.Withthisasouraimitisimperativethatourscienceprogramsparks"holy curiosity"abouttheworldinwhichwelive WewillviewscienceasatoolforgettingtoknowtheCreatorand throughjoyfulinteractionswithscientificmaterialwewilltrainchildrenintheskillofobservationandhowto interpretwhattheyobservethroughthelensofaCreatedworld
StrugglingLearners&SpecialNeeds Thetimingofacademicprogressshouldnotbeacriticalmeasurementofsuccess;ouraimistouncouple those factors.Wewanttoseestudentsindividuallygrowingintheirabilitiesandwewantsuccesstobequalifiedby progress notarbitrarytime-boundgrades. Wewanttomaximizeachild’sabilities;notdefinetheirabilityby age.WeinsteadwanttohelpeachstudentinvesttheirGod-giventalentandprogressasfarasheorsheisable. Therefore,ourprogramwillhireteachers,whomaximizetheuseofcuratedcurriculum,andcreateastructure toadvancelearnersindividuallyatanappropriatepace
Ifouruniquestructureisnotenoughforaparticularchild,wemayofferaclasspulloutatanadditionalfee Thisiscarefullyconsideredbyacouncilandonlysuggestedafterotheraccommodationshavebeentried.Parents willbeasignificantpartofthisconversation. Ourendgoalistoserveachildwell,ifweareunabletodothat,we willrecommendotherschooloptionsforafamily.
Wealsounderstandthatchildrendiagnosedwithparticulardisordersmayhavebehavioralissuesthataccompany thediagnosis,wewanttoloveanddisciplinethesechildreninpartnershipwithparents,butwedonotallowa diagnosistobeanexcuseforsin,thereforewewillcreaterobustdiscipleshipplansthatoffersexternalsupportto 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.WebelievethatGodoffersredemptionandrestorationtoallwhoconfessandforsaketheir sin,sexualorotherwise,seekinghismercyandforgivenessthroughfaithinJesusChrist(Acts3:19–21;Rom 10:9–10;1Cor 6:9–11)
WebelievethatinordertopreserveValorClassicalAcademy’sintegrityandeffectiveness,asabiblicallyfaithful institutionofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itisimperativethatallpersonsemployed byValorClassicalAcademyinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,affirmandabidebythisstatement(Matt 5:16;Phil 2:14–16;1Thess 5:22) Wealsoexpectstudentstoupholdthesebiblicalvaluesregardingsex,gender, andsexualactivityintheirspeech,dress,andconduct
OnGender WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothinbiological sexandingender.Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherreflecttheimageofGod(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)issinfulandoffensivetoGod (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. EssentialdoctrinesarefoundinthosestatementswhichhavehistoricallydefinedbasicChristianorthodoxy:the Apostles’Creed,theNiceneCreed,theChalcedonianDefinition,andtheAthanasianCreed Wealsoteachand followtheWestminsterShorterCatechismforstudents
Secondarydoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichreflectdistinctivedenominationaldifferencesinotherwise historically-orthodoxChristians Thesedifferencesincludeproperrecipientsofbaptism(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 sacrificialdeathatonedforthesinsofallwhowilltrustinHimaloneforsalvation
● WebelievethatJesusascendedbodilytotherighthandoftheFatherwherehecurrentlyreignswithall authorityandintercedesforallthosewhoareHis
● WebelievetheHolySpiritindwellsGod’speopleandgivesthemthestrengthandwisdomtotrust ChristandfollowHim
● WebelieveJesuswillreturn,bodilyandvisibly,tojudgeallmankindandtoreceiveHispeopleto Himself
● WebelieveallaspectsofourlivesaretobelivedtothegloryofGodunderthelordshipofJesusChrist
SecondaryDoctrine ValorClassicalAcademy’sStatementofFaithandtheWestminsterShorterCatechismdefinethebeliefson whichtheschoolisbased ValorClassicaldefinessecondarydoctrineasdoctrinalissueswhicharenotdirectly 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 Satanisbounduntilrightbeforethefinaljudgment
†Amillennialism:themillenniumissymbolicandrepresentsthetimeofChurchgrowththatisspiritual ratherthanphysical.Jesus'imminentreturnwilloccuraftera“millennium”ofpeoplecomingto Christ.Therearevariousaspectstotimingheldwithinthisview.
‡Postmillennialism:Satanwasboundatthecross,themillennialperiodisaperiodoftimeratherthana literalthousandyears.Duringthismillenniumthegospelwillspread“totheendsoftheearth”until deathisthelasttobeconqueredandputunderJesus’feet,whentheearthwillbetransformedinthe “blinkofaneye”withJesus’imminentreturn.ThisviewholdsthatmanyoftheNewTestament propheticpassageswerefulfilledbythefallofJerusalemin70AD
3. Baptism:
Weholdthatbaptismisnotsalvific.ItisthewashingwithwaterinthenameoftheFather,theSon,and theHolySpirit;itsignifiesandsealsouradoptionintoChrist,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
Multipleopportunitiesmaybeofferedtohelpstudentscourse-correct.Ifateacherneedsassistance,astudent maybesenttotheoffice.
OfficeVisits Overtbehaviorswhichrequireadministrativeinvolvementnecessitatesparentnotification Dependingonthe severityoftheinfraction,studentsmayneedtobepickedupimmediatelyfromschoolandinsomecases,receive suspension Fordisciplinetobeeffective,itisimperativeforteachersandparentstobehaveasateam Ifthiscan’t beaccomplished,astudentmayneedtobeunenrolleduntilsuchatimeasanagreementcanbereached.
● Flagrantdisrespectshowntostaff
● Dishonesty(e.g.,lying,cheating,stealing)
● Defiance(eg,outrightdisobedience,consistentcorrection,orrebellion)
● Fighting(e.g.,strikingwiththeintentiontoharmanotherstudent)
● Bullying(i.e.,whenastudentdeliberatelyharassesanotherstudentduringoroutsideofschooland includescyber-bullying)
● Enablingothersbadbehavior
● Actsthatendangerthelivesofanotherperson
● Vandalism
● Theft
● Inappropriateuseofschoolpropertyorfacility
● Inappropriatelanguage(eg,obscene,vulgar,profane)
● Romanticdisplaysofaffection(e.g.,kissing,hugging,hand-holding,etc.)
● Sexualmisconduct(eg,inappropriatetouching,useofpornography,etc)
● Illegalsubstanceabuse(e.g.,drugoralcoholuse)
● Weaponsoncampus(eg,guns,knives,etc)
DegreesofDiscipline Thedegreeofdisciplinedependsontheseverityoftheoffenseandfallssomewherealong(butnotlimitedto) thiscontinuum:
● Verbalwarnings(eg,student’sopportunitytoself-correct)
● Acknowledgingoffenseandmakingapologies(publicoffensespromptpublicapologies,privateoffenses promptpersonalapologies)
● Makingrestitution
● Changingoflocation(eg,desk/chairchange)
● Sittingoutofanactivity
● Documentationforstudent/parentfile
● Removingofsomeprivilege(e.g.,fieldtrip)
● 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 schoolofficeduringschoolhours
● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approveddirection andsupervisionofateacher
● Afirstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconfiscationofthedevice,tobereleasedtoa parentorguardian
● AsecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithAdministration
● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing
● ValorClassicalAcademyacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneorother personalitems
CheatingandPlagiarism Cheatingisdefinedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicatingwith anotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.
Plagiarismisdefinedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse
Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0.Parentswillbe notified.AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinanEducationCouncilreview.
DressCodeViolation Iffacultynoticesadresscodeviolation,*theywillinformAdministration(orHeadofSchool),and AdministrationwillnotifyparentsthroughaDressCodeViolationForm(viaClassReach).After4dresscode violations,anofficevisitwillfollowinadditiontoemailnotification.Afterthe5thviolationwithinasemester, thestudentwillbesenthome SubsequentdresscodeviolationswillrequiretheHeadofSchooltotreatthe violationsasofficevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy
*Adresscodeviolationissomethingthatcannotbecorrectedinclass.
PrimaryStudentDisciplinePlan TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor
1. Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultoauthorityanimmediateofficevisitwillfollow
2 Ifthereisunlovingbehaviorintheclassroom,duringbreaksorlunchtimetheteacherwhoobservedthe situationwillgiveawarningandcorrectthebehavior
3. Ifasecondinfractionoccurstheinfractionwillbedocumented
4 Ifaninfractionoccursduringabreakthestudent’sleadteacherwillbenotifiedanddocumented accordingly
5 IfathirdinfractionoccurstheteacherwillsendthechildtotheHeadofSchoolforanofficevisitwith informationspecifyingtheissue
a. TheHeadofSchoolwillnotifytheparentsthroughemailofwhatoccurredandthediscipline given
6. Homework:Anymissinghomeworkwillbeenteredasa“0”inClassReach.Afterthethird“0”orthird poorgrade,theparentswillbenotified Thelateassignmentpolicyis10%gradereductionthefirstday, 20%reductionthesecondday,and1percentagepointforanydaythereafter Astanding“0”willmean theassignmentwasneversubmitted
SecondaryStudentDisciplinePlan TheruleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor.
1 Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultherewillbeanimmediateofficevisit
2. Ifastudentisspeakinginappropriatelytherewillbeanimmediateofficevisit
3 IfastudenthasnotcompletedhomeworktheteacherwillnotifytheparentsandtheDeanof Students
4. Homework:Amissedassignmentwillbeenteredasa“0”untilsubmitted,andthelatepercentageswill apply:10%fornotbeingsubmitted,20%forthe2nddayand“1”thereafter.Astanding“0”willmean thestudentneversubmittedthework
ExcessiveOfficeVisits 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. ExcessiveOfficeVisits(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 objectiveswewillobtainthemostqualifiedanddedicatedteachersaspossible: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,historicalfiction,andgreatbooksthatembodytheseerasoftime Aliterature, history,&theologycreditwillbereceivedbythosewhomeettheir“CreditObjectives”Rhetoricandlogicskills areintertwinedinthiscourseandstudentswillreceivea025creditinthesefieldsofstudyannually
Mathematics(Recommendation:4credits)4years
Studentstakingourregulartrackofhighschoolmathematicswillbegivenadeepunderstandingofalgebra, geometry,trigonometry,andcalculus.Thesewillbeattributedtothetranscriptastraditionalcredits.
Science(Recommendation:4credits)4years
Studentswillreceiveadeepandrigorousstudyinphysicalscience,chemicalscience,andthebiologicalsciences Weuseexperimentsasfoundationaltothescientificprocessofhypothesisandconclusion Wewanttofoster curiosityintheworldGodcreated
Latin(Recommendation:3credits)3years
WeprovideLatinlevelssostudentscanstartatLevelIandprogressthroughtoLevelIIIorasfarastheyareable. Latinallowsourstudentspracticeingrammar,etymology,masteryoflanguageskills,andrichhistoricalcontext ofthelanguagethatisfoundationaltoourwesternworld
Language(Recommendation:1credit)1year
ThiscanbetakenoutsideofValorandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
Music(1credit)
Thiswillbeofferedat0.25credithoursperyearthroughValor.
Art(1credit)
Thiswillbeofferedat0.25credithoursperyearthroughValor.
Electives(1credit)
25Civics
.25USGovernment
PhysicalEducation(1credit)
ThismustbetakenoutsideofValorandmustbeapprovedbytheEducationCouncil
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
● 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(livingsacrifice)
● WillingtobeoutofComfortZone(rejoicewhenyouarepersecuted)
● KingdomMinded/Oriented
Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories
● 30%PracticeWork
● 70%MagnumOpus
LowerPrimaryGrading(K-3)
Notyetunderstanding 0-69
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.
ReviewweekandfinalsweekbeforeChristmas.
Reviewweekandfinalsweekattheendoftheyear.
AIPolicy AImaynotbeusedduringanyacademicwork
ParentCommunication ● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach
● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParentPartnershipMeetings
● FallParentPartnershipMeetingswillbeheldonOctober19,20,&26th
● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially
● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththestaff
ExpectedHomeworkLoad Thiswillvarypendingtheframeofthechildandtheirabilitytograspconceptsthattheypractice Wewant childrentobereaders,thereforethemajorityofthe“homeworktime”willbespentinreadingliterature AgeGroup
LowerSecondary
(maytakelongerfor somestudents)
GradesatValorClassicalAcademydonotinanywayreflecttheimmeasurableworthandvalueofeachchild madeinGod’simage,butrathertheyareareflectionofthequalityofworkinagivenfieldofstudyatagiven time.AtValorClassicalAcademy,gradesservethreebasicpurposes:
1 Tohelpstudentstoimprove
2. Todeterminethebestplacementlevelconsidering academicability
3 Toprovideajustandlegitimatemeansofholdingstudentsaccountableforthequalityoftheirwork
Gradesprovideawidelyunderstoodmeansofcommunicatingprogressandachievementtoparentsandother partiessuchascollegeentranceboardsorotherschoolstowhichtheyoungstudentmaytransfer
IndividualGrades ValorClassicalAcademywilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto“practice” beforetheyreceiveagrade Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclassregarding newconceptswill begivenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook MagnumOpusassignments(bestwork), thatwillmoregreatlyaffectoverallstandings,willalsoberecordedfortranscriptpurposes.Consistentwith educatingthewholechild, bothattitudeandeffortwillbeconsideredwithinourgradingsystems.
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%ofthefinalgrade
● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthefinalgrade(grouporindividual)
ScienceGradingPolicy Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroupprojectgradein theprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevariousscientificfieldsofstudyinthe 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,understandingofdirectionsandeffortwill allbetakenintoconsideration
Parentswillbenotifiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisinjeopardyof failing
PARENTCOMMUNICATIONANDINVOLVEMENT AtValorClassicalAcademy,werecognizethatparentsareultimatelyresponsiblefortheeducationand flourishingoftheirchildren 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,youwillfindasatisfactoryresolution
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.
IunderstandthataUniformPolicyisawayoflovingthosearoundusbyrespectingaunifiedandmeaningful representationofourschoolculture,includingprofessionalism,modestyandourdistinctvalues Iwillmake surethatmychildfollowstheuniformpolicysothatthiscultureismaintained.
IunderstandthatmychildwillneedtosubmittotheauthorityofValorClassicalAcademyfacultyandstaff duringschoolevents IalsounderstandthatIwillbeultimatelyresponsibleformychild’sbehaviorwhileat ValorClassicalAcademyandtherebywillfollowthedirectivesoftheschoolasoutlinedbelow
IfadisciplinenotegoeshomefromateacherortheHeadofSchool,IunderstandthatIneedtoworkwithmy childonchangingtheirbehaviorthroughtheheart,byencouragingthemtoseekforgiveness
Ifmychildcontinuestoincurinfractions,itwillbecleartomethatIneedtodealmoreseriouslyand consistentlywithmychild.Ialsounderstandthatmychildwillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththediscipline policyoutlinedinthishandbookandthatIwillneedtomeetwiththeHeadofSchoolincasesofexcessiveoffice visitstoworkoutaplandesignedtocorrectmychild’sdisruptivebehavior
Ifmychildcontinuestoremainunresponsivetocorrection,Iunderstandthatmychildmaybesubjecttoa disciplinaryhearingasoutlinedbythedisciplinepolicyofthishandbook.Ialsoagreethatifmychildissubject toadisciplinaryhearingbeforetheschoolboard forexcessiveofficevisitsorforanyextremeungodlybehavior
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:
● Sendingordisplayingoffensivemessagesorintimatepictures
● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage
● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers
● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers
● AImaynotbeusedforacademicwork
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 ValorClassicalAcademyshouldbenotifiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns
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:
● Parentswillbenotifiedandtheirpresence requestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeingallowedto interviewachildduringschoolhours
● ValorClassicalAcademywilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagencybutcannot beheldliableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernmentagencyuseslegalforceto demandtheinterview
ACADEMICSCHEDULE 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 WeaskthattheAdministrationbenotifiedassoonaspossibleforany absences Astudentthatsurpasses12days,oratotalof6daysinasemester,willbesubjecttoanEducation Councilreviewwhichmayresultinretention,apaidtutoringsupplement,orthestudentnotbeinginvited back.
Classicaleducationisdistinctlydifferentfromtraditionalwhenastudentisabsentfromschool Becauseitisnot simply about“information,”beautifulclasstimediscussionsaremissedwhichisoneofthemostimportant partsofValor Itisnotpossibleforateacherto“pre-create”workforastudentthatwillbeabsent Basicmath chaptersandreadingcanbeassignedinadvance,butpleaseunderstandthatvaluableeducationismissedwhena studentisabsent.
Forsickness,pleasenotifyadministrationthroughtheClassReachformprovided
Forprolongedperiodsofabsence(toextendbeyond6academicdaysineithersemester),pleasegetpre-approval fromtheHeadofSchool.
*Emergencysituationswillobviouslybetakenintoconsideration
Tardies Astudentwhoarriveslaterthan8:45AMisconsideredtardy Fourunexcusedtardieswithinamonthwill constituteaparentemail.A5thtardywillresultinanofficevisit.Subsequentunexcusedtardieswillbetreatedas officevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy.
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
TuitionAssistance WedonotwantfinancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoValorClassicalAcademywhile wealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds.Weaskthatfamiliesinneedoftuitionassistanceask grandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingforfinancialaid.Iftuitionassistanceisstillnecessaryweuse athirdpartyfinancialaidprocessorcalledBenefaq.Theapplicationis$35andValorClassicalAcademyreceives areportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblyaffordbasedontheirfinancialportfolio.Withthisinformation,our committeemakesadecisiontakingintoaccountthereportandanyextenuatingcircumstance Ourdesireisthat afamilyinneedoftuitionassistanceisabletopayaminimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristian education,butwealsoreviewthefinancialcircumstancesinmakingourdetermination
1. Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)
2. Step2:ApplythroughBenefaq
3 Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation
4. Step4:Youwillbenotifiedofanyaidtobeawarded
5 Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition
EVALUATIONS 1 Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge
2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear
3 Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythestaff
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
