AYE 2027 Charis Classical Family Handbook

2026-2027​ Family Handbook

“For the praise of his glorious grace” (Eph. 1:6).

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© CCA Family Handbook​

Table of Contents The School​ Welcome to Charis Classical Academy​ Mission Statement​ Our Vision​ Non-Discriminatory Policy​ Christian and Nondenominational​ What’s In A Name?​ Distinctive Elements​ Statement of Faith​ Admissions Procedures​ Attendance Policies​ Student Health and Safety​ Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors​ Class Procedures​ Grievance Procedures​ THE STUDENTS​ Student Behavioral Expectations​ The Seven Virtues​ Learning Tips​ Academic Policies​ Satellite Classroom Work​ Houses​ Discipline Procedures​ Dress Code​ THE PARENTS​ Roles​ Responsibilities​ Communication​ Computer Use​ Calendar and Events​ Delegating Satellite Day Work​ CPC (Charis Parent Committees)​ Publicity​ Fundraising​ Family Commitment Statement​ Thank you!​

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The School Welcome to Charis Classical Academy The Board and Staff wish to warmly welcome you to Charis Classical Academy! The purpose of this Family Handbook is to familiarize all families with our policies and procedures in order to make this next school year the best one yet.

Mission Statement To partner with parents in preparing students for a lifelong pursuit of learning through classical methodology and joyful discovery; developing depth of character, wisdom, and a desire to engage their world for the glory of God. Charis Classical Academy combines four distinctive elements: ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

Gospel-Centered Worldview Classical Curricula Collaborative Learning Joyful Discovery ​

We strongly believe that these characteristics work in tandem to educate the whole child: mind, heart, and soul so they will live out what they learn for the benefit of their generation to the glory of God.

Our Vision To inspire each member of our community to live a life empowered by the gospel.

Our Vision for Students: ●​ Desire to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding ●​ Develop a God-centered, Biblical worldview ●​ Display Christ-honoring character and humility ●​ Demonstrate respect and honor for their elders and fellow classmates ●​ Learn to communicate persuasively and eloquently ●​ Cultivate creativity​ Our Vision for Parents: •​ Assume the responsibilities of a co-teacher for their children in each course of study •​ Live out their role as the most influential spiritual advisor for their children •​ Encourage one another in training children to glorify God​ Our Vision for Educators: •​ Display a love for God, a love for children, and a love of learning •​ Demonstrate a passion for classical education and excellence in teaching •​ Assist parents in their role as spiritual and academic mentors •​ Cultivate effective communication skills to motivate and inspire students toward learning •​ Demonstrate Christ-honoring character and humility •​ Serve as a positive role model for students, parents, and the community 3 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

Non-Discriminatory Policy Charis Classical Academy does not discriminate based on race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin with regard to rights, privileges, programs, activities, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school administered programs. It also is not discriminatory in fellowship, acceptance, membership, employment, or leadership.

Christian and Nondenominational Charis Classical Academy is a private, Christian school and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is not a ministry of any particular church or denominational body, nor does it promote or endorse any particular denomination. It is our desire to maintain this position for the purpose of unity and fairness to each student, avoiding any dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctives. As a Christian organization, all board, faculty, and staff profess faith in Jesus Christ.

What’s In A Name?

The essence of the Christian worldview is grace. Two thousand years ago Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus that Christians exist "for the praise of his glorious grace" (Eph. 1:6). Charis Classical Academy exists for the same reason. The Greek word "charis" (care-iss) means grace, and grace is the guiding value for all aspects of this educational institution. It is the sustaining sun around which this Christian, Classical, and Collaborative school orbits. Anything less would be hopeless moralism that harms children and robs God of the glory due his name. Grace. It's what we all need. It's what Charis Classical Academy is all about.

Distinctive Elements Gospel-Centered We believe that a gospel-centered education orients children to the truth and aids in their understanding of the world around them. We believe that the pursuit of truth is not a subjective venture. Rather, all truth belongs to and stems from God through Christ as found in the Word of God, our ultimate reference point. More than teaching children to simply behave, our desire is that children will discover that they need the gospel.

The good news is that Jesus came into the world, lived a perfect life unlike we ever could, died on the cross to bear the wrath of God for our sin, and was raised from the dead victorious. It is only through faith in this gospel that one can be accepted by God. As children learn to treasure this grace, they will be transformed from the inside out to become the men and women God has called them to be. We seek to view language, history, science, and the arts through the lens of grace by which we learn more of God’s character and His design for our world.

Classical Approach Classical Education is a centuries old methodology committed to cultivating wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty. Its aim is to equip students with the “tools” of learning, teaching them how to think and be life-long learners by using Great Books, the study of classical languages, and the seven liberal arts.

The Seven Liberal Arts are the arts considered essential for a free man or woman.

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The Trivium comprises three of those arts that also correspond to the strengths of a child’s natural development: GRAMMAR (K-6th grade): Students focus on the fundamental elements of each subject, focusing on memorization and content knowledge.

LOGIC (Dialectic) (7th grade - 8th grade): Students start to critically analyze and interpret the facts that were memorized during the grammar phase.

RHETORIC (9th- 12th grade): Students are taught to communicate their thoughts and beliefs clearly, eloquently, and persuasively.

The Quadrivium (astronomy, geometry, music, arithmetic) are further arts which train the student to think logically, aesthetically, and harmoniously.

Collaborative Learning We seek to partner with parents in their God-given task to educate their children spiritually, academically, and physically. The collaborative learning model integrates challenging academics, student activities, and Christ-like character development and employs a university-style schedule giving families more time together. Grammar school students attend classes with paid professional teachers two and a half days per week while older students attend classes three days per week. Students spend alternate days in a satellite classroom (usually the home) where co-teachers (usually a parent) serve as tutors or supervisors.

Co-teachers will conduct lesson plans as directed by the classroom teacher, creating a partnership between the school and the home to educate children in a way that will be most beneficial.

Joyful Discovery Our curriculum will also incorporate the ideas of Charlotte Mason (a teacher who lived from 1842-1923 in Britain, trained teachers, and wrote extensively on her philosophy of education), who emphasized the child as a unique, whole individual. She was able to encourage children’s natural curiosities in life, art, literature and nature. We want our students to have a rich awareness of the beauty of God’s creation in all aspects of life.

Statement of Faith Teachers and Board Members of Charis Classical Academy embrace the historic tenets of Christianity as presented in the following Statement of Faith. This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Charis Classical Academy’s doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors is the school’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

1. God We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

2. The Bible We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original 5 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

3. The Human Condition We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

4. Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures.

Jesus-Israel’s promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

5. The Work of Christ We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, perfectly fulfilled the law of God and shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

6. The Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

7. The Church We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, and all Charis families should be vitally connected to a local church.

8. Christian Living We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose.

God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.

9. Response and Eternal Destiny We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace.

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We believe that God has created mankind in His image, male and female, that men and women are to dress and live in conformity to their biological sex, and that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman, and that all forms of sexual immorality inside or outside of marriage are forbidden by Scripture.

Adapted from the EFCA Statement of Faith: www.efca.org.

Admissions Procedures Parents must complete an online admissions application. Required fees and deposits should be paid at this time. Parents should also submit copies of academic records to the Charis office. When enrolling at CCA, parents must understand and be committed to providing suitable instruction and supervision of their children’s studies during Satellite Classroom Days. Parents and students must be willing to adhere to the policies and procedures of CCA as outlined in this Family Handbook.

In the case of shared custody, every individual with parental rights must agree to our vision, mission, and grievance policy.

When remedial work is assigned, students are admitted provisionally on the assumption that all assigned work will be completed.

Student Files Student files are either kept in a locked file cabinet in the school office or on Classreach where information is only accessible to administrative staff. All information in these files is considered.

Parents may have access to the contents of their child’s file, but all documents in the files are the property of Charis. Student files include: •​ •​ •​ •​ •​ •​ •​ •​

Application Forms Attendance Record Any copies of records from previous schools Emergency Contact Information Medical Records (if necessary) Progress Reports Report Cards Any copy of disciplinary forms and behavioral concerns (if applicable)

According to HIPAA regulations, immunization records will be kept in a separate file in a locked location.

Grade Placement Applicants for Kindergarten should have their fifth birthdays before September 1st of the year for which they are applying. Exceptions to this guideline will be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Headmaster. Because of the rigorous nature of the school, especially in later grades, parents of students whose birthdays fall between May 1 and September 1 are encouraged to err on the side of having their children be older rather than younger for their grades in order to allow for more developmental maturity.

All applicants will be assessed for social maturity in addition to academic ability. For students in first grade and higher, placement will be assessed based on standardized test scores (if those are available), previous schoolwork, references by previous teachers or caregivers, placement tests, and parental 7 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

consultation. CCA reserves the right to recommend students for the grade levels at which it deems them most likely to succeed and to refuse admission or re-enrollment for reasons it deems sufficient.

Mid-Year Enrollment Given the demanding and sequential nature of CCA ’s curriculum, students applying for admission during a semester in progress are handled on an individual basis. Qualified candidates may enter after the start of the school year only with the Headmaster’s approval.

Tuition and Fees A current tuition and fee schedule is available on the school website. Because tuition must fully fund classroom instruction and basic school administration, a modest increase in tuition and fees can be expected each year.

Procedures for Admission 1.​ Attend a School Tour and watch Informational Modules 2.​ Read required books: Classical and Christian Education and The Charis Collaborative Model.

3.​ Prayerfully consider your family’s needs for education and whether those needs would best be met by Charis Classical Academy.

4.​ Complete an online application and send in the $100 non-refundable Application Fee and copies of required documents. Notify references, sign up for a family interview and student placement testing.

5.​ Within two weeks of your interview you will be notified of your application status (accepted, denied, or pending) or if we need any further information from you.

6.​ If admitted, you will receive an email notifying you of your acceptance with instructions on how to log into Classreach, where you will be able to access handbooks, book lists, uniform requirements, ect.

7.​ Enroll for courses and select a tuition payment plan. Pay the enrollment fee (the fee is posted on our website). The enrollment deadline is July 15th.

Procedure for Enrollment 1.​ Enrollment for returning families will open after the State of the School address in January, a week before general enrollment opens. This early bird window will hold class spots for returning students after which class spots will become available on a first come first serve basis with placement on a waiting list once capacity is reached.

2.​ To Enroll (or re-enroll), families must complete the following forms on Classreach & pay any relevant fees: student enrollment and family info form.

Books and Supplies Parents are responsible for their students’ books and supplies; Charis will provide a list of required and suggested books as well as a list of teacher recommended school supplies. Book rentals and course packets are covered in the enrollment fee.

Refunds for Schedule Changes Tuition, fees and deposits will be refunded in the event a class does not have a sufficient number of students enrolled. Parents will be notified as soon as possible in the event a class is canceled.

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Attendance Policies Attendance Requirements Instructional time is valuable in a collaborative learning school. Students enrolled in CCA are expected to be present, and on time, every day school is in session. A school calendar may be viewed on ClassReach.

School days for students are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00(3:05) p.m.; on Fridays, Kindergarten through 4th grade students are dismissed at noon. Due to the limited number of in-class days, it is vital that students attend each day and period. Personal appointments and activities should be scheduled on days when class is not in session. If a student is leaving school before the end of the day, the parent must contact the School Office.

Students are required to attend 80% of the classes offered during a semester to receive credit for a course.

If students miss more than 20% of the course days in a prerequisite course, they may not register for the following course. If students miss more than 20% of the total number of days during a school year, they cannot be promoted to the next grade. In most cases, a failure to successfully complete a course because of excessive absences will also prevent a student from being able to register for the next course in the sequence. Removal of the incomplete can be done by make-up course work prescribed by the school.

Unplanned and Planned Absences In the case of an unplanned absence, parents should contact the school office and teachers as soon as possible on the day the student misses. In the case of a planned absence, parents should notify teachers and the Front Desk via Classreach as far in advance as possible. Parents and older students are responsible for obtaining any missed assignments from teachers and should bear the burden of responsibility in ensuring students are caught up on concepts and work missed. Parents and students should realize teachers may not be able to prepare assignments and tests earlier than usual in order to accommodate them.

If any student leaves school during the school day they need to sign out and, when applicable, sign back in when they return.

Tardiness Instruction begins promptly at the beginning of each class period. Students who are tardy miss important instructions. Being tardy is also disruptive to the entire class since it takes attention away from instruction.

Although occasional delays are unavoidable, it is important for students to make every effort to be at school on time. All tardies will be recorded. If a student’s tardiness become excessive the Headmaster will contact the parents to discuss in more detail. If a student is driving, he/she must check in with the office upon arrival.

Emergencies If you need to contact your child’s teacher or another staff member during the school day, please call 608-250-0551. Parents will be contacted if their child is injured or has an accident at school. In an emergency situation, 911 will be called if that is deemed necessary. Please ensure that your contact information is current at all times!

Inclement Weather In the event of severe inclement weather, Charis often considers what other area schools are doing. If some or all of the following schools close: Abundant Life Christian School, High Point Christian School, St. Ambrose Academy, Verona, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Monona Grove, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, McFarland, etc., it is likely that Charis will close. All announcements concerning cancellations or delays 9 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

will be posted to WKOW.com and Classreach no later than 7:30 a.m. Parents will not be required to complete the lesson plans posted for that day. After the first canceled day, if additional days are missed, school days may be added to the spring semester, if necessary, to meet hourly requirements. If you are unsure of school closings or delays, please check WKOW.com or Classreach before contacting the school administration. In the event of severe weather during the school day, teachers will be instructed to move their students to a secure location within the facility.

Abbreviated Day In the event that inclement weather during the morning hours, Charis may have a two-hour delay. School will commence at 10:30 AM and dismiss at the regular time. This announcement will be posted on WKOW.com and Classreach no later than 7:30 AM.

Student Health and Safety The safety of Charis students is always of utmost importance. Students are under the supervision of teachers, staff members, or volunteers at all times during school hours. If a student becomes ill during class, he/she is sent to the School Office so that a parent or other designated person listed on the Emergency Card may be called.

All Charis staff members and subs are required to undergo a criminal background check. Anytime a guest or volunteer is in the classroom without a Charis staff member they too are required to undergo a background check. When chaperoning a field trip parents should always be within eyesight of another chaperone or staff member.

Communicable Childhood Diseases/Fever Upon having the following diseases, a child should have written consent from either a physician or the Health Department to be readmitted to school: chicken pox, measles, mumps, whooping cough, pinworms, scabies, ringworm, impetigo, fifth disease, and others.

Please keep your children home if they have any of the following symptoms the night before a school day or in the morning before school starts: •​ Fever of 100°F or greater

•​ Suspected contagious illness (such as flu, unidentified rash, strep throat) •​ Contagious condition (such as head lice, pinkeye or impetigo) •​ Vomiting or diarrhea

•​ Severe stomach ache or stomach cramps

•​ Severe headache, sinus infection or ear ache •​ Runny nose with yellow or green drainage •​ Persistent cough

**PLEASE NOTE: Your child must be free from fever or symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.

Known Food and Insect Allergies Because food allergies are increasingly common, out of love and care for students with nut allergies, we have chosen to be nut free for our K-2nd grade classrooms. Our older students are better able to be diligent in avoiding situations where they are exposed through other students, but we have a “nut free” table available. Parents are responsible to alert Charis of allergies and also supply an EpiPen for serious food or insect allergies.

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**PLEASE NOTE: during our school wide events, parents will take responsibility for helping their student(s) understand what should or should not be eaten. Charis is not responsible for food brought in from outside sources and whether or not it has been processed with nuts.

Medication No medication (including OTC products like aspirin, Tylenol, Advil) may be given to a student without permission and exact instructions from a parent. Medication should only be administered by school office personnel. Students are not to take medication on their own, unless other arrangements have been made, as in the case of an asthma inhaler.

If a student requires medication during school hours, parents must bring the medication to school and hand it to an administrator. A Medication Authorization Form must also be completed before medication can be left at school. All medication must be in the original container. Prescription medication must have the student’s name, dosage and directions for administration on the label. Over-the-counter medications must be within the expiration date and contain the correct dosage for the student.

Students with chronic medical conditions that require them to have medication in their possession must have a release form on file.

Immunizations A current copy of each student’s immunizations records or waiver of such, should be given to the office each year. Students must be vaccinated as required by the State of Wisconsin or obtain the proper exemptions.

Immunization Policy We understand that there are families at Charis who have opted out of immunizations for a variety of reasons. We recognize that the decision to not vaccinate is often made after careful consideration and by no means do we want families to feel coerced.

The modern program to immunize American children decreases the burden of communicable disease. One such disease (smallpox) has been eliminated through immunizations. Other diseases (such as influenza, measles, mumps, and rubella) are still active. These illnesses have decreased in activity over time and vaccines likely play some role in that.

However, in the past several years there have been outbreaks in Wisconsin of both measles and pertussis. This may be related to decreased immunization.

If there is an outbreak of a communicable disease in the Madison area all non-vaccinated students may have to be kept home for a minimum of twenty-one days.

Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors Arrival Drop off begins at 8:05 and ends at 8:25 a.m.; classes start promptly at 8:30 a.m. If you arrive before the carline begins, please wait with your child in the car until staff members are on duty to open the car doors and escort your child into the building. Students should not be left at school unsupervised.

Dismissal Pick-up begins at 3:00 p.m for grammar students and 3:05 for LR students to 3:20 p.m.; Fridays for K-4th is 12:00-12:15 p.m. Parents should make every effort to pick up students by 3:20 p.m.If a parent 11 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

will be late, he or she should call the school phone number to share their expected arrival time or make other arrangements. If another authorized person (other than the mother, father or legal guardian) is picking up a student, the authorized person must be listed on the student’s release form.

Parents may pick up their children in the car line or park and walk to the entrance. Please be cautious when driving or walking through the parking lot.

Visitor’s Policy By its very nature, Charis encourages a high level of parental participation in education. However, in order to enhance both student safety and operation efficiency, Charis has adopted the following guidelines governing the presence of visitors on the campus during regular school operation hours. For the purposes of this policy, “visitors” are defined as all individuals other than staff or students.

1.​ The doors of all buildings will be locked. All visitors will need to ring the doorbell or call the school

phone and wait for an administrator to open the door. Calling the office before arrival at Charis is preferable.

2.​ All visitors must check in with the office staff upon arriving at the campus. At a minimum, visitors must identify themselves, explain their intended business, and indicate how long they expect to be on campus. Visitors will be issued a temporary ID at the front desk.

3.​ All visitors must be willing to comply with all rules and regulations governing student and/or staff conduct, including the appropriate dress regulations (variances for legitimate and honorable reasons may be granted).

Anyone failing to abide by these provisions may be denied access to any and all restricted areas or be required to leave the campus. Persons having no legitimate connection with the school or reason for being present on the school campus, will not be allowed to enter the building and will be expected to leave the campus immediately.

Parking It is imperative that the parking lot be a place of safety for all students and staff of Charis. For this reason, please observe the following rules/guidelines: 1.​ Please park in designated spots. These will be detailed during FEW. 2.​ A maximum 5 mile per hour speed limit in the parking lot. “Slow” is the key word here.

3.​ Do not leave your car unattended in the drive-up lane.

4.​ Use extra caution when approaching and crossing areas used for crosswalks (e.g. directly in front of

the drop-off area).

Class Procedures Lunches Students will eat lunch at school. Students will not have access to refrigeration or microwave facilities, so parents are asked to keep that in mind when packing a lunch for their child. Parents are asked to monitor the sugar content of the sack lunches they provide for their students so that learning ability is not negatively affected later in the day. **PLEASE NOTE: Because food allergies are increasingly common, please be sensitive to this and do not pack peanuts or nuts. If other serious food allergies exist at Charis, school officials will alert parents. Also note, that during our school wide events, parents will take responsibility for helping their student(s) understand what should or should not be eaten.

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Recess Students must be accompanied by a supervising adult to go outside or return to the building. All students must stay in designated areas during recess. Recesses will be monitored by CCA personnel at all times.

Field Trip Guidelines Field Trips are a great way for students and parents to extend their learning outside the boundaries of the classroom. Parents may be asked to act as chaperones. If you chaperone, we ask you not bring along younger siblings. While chaperoning, parents should remain within eyesight of another staff member or chaperone.

After School Clubs After school clubs must have two adults, one of which must have completed safety training. The group leader should have a list of all students that includes emergency contacts and must keep a record of who is participating in the club on any given week. The group leader is responsible to put things back into order, clean up all messes, wipe down tables, vacuum, etc. as needed, and take out any garbage. Before leaving they should turn off all lights and close and lock all doors.

Fire Drills According to Wisconsin Law we are required to conduct several fire drills each school year. Teachers are trained where to go and how to evacuate their classrooms. Each class will be given specific instructions on how to conduct a fire drill.

Grievance Procedures From time to time an individual may disagree with a decision or practice of the administration or faculty of Charis Classical Academy. Individuals who want to appeal a decision of the Administration or faculty must follow these procedures based on Matthew 18:15-17.

1.​ Speak directly with the offending party in a timely manner with clear communication of the issue.

This should be done before talking about the matter with other parents, students, or teachers. Every effort should be made to resolve problems at this level of one-on-one contact.

2.​ If the problem is not resolved, then the offended party should take the appeal to an appropriate administrator or supervisor. All parties should make an effort to gain resolution.

Appeals Grieved parties may appeal beyond the administration level by the following steps: Describe in writing the pertinent points of the issue and clearly state their wishes. This written request should be addressed to the President of the Board of Directors.

2.​ The President shall determine: ​​ ​ Whether the administration has worked within the scope of their capacity and authority. ​ Whether the appeal should be heard by the whole Board of Directors.

3.​ The President shall communicate in writing to the aggrieved party within ten (10) working days. This communication shall clearly state the future steps in the appeals process including time considerations.

4.​ The decision of the Board of Directors, its officers and/or its committees shall be final.

1.​

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THE STUDENTS Student Behavioral Expectations Classroom Conduct CCA wants to provide the best learning environment possible. Based on the biblical concept of building our lives on rock and not sand, these standards of behavior are called the Five Rocks.

R​​

Respect authority (Ephesians 6:1-3)​ Address adults at school with the “Mr.”, “Miss”, and “Mrs.” and promptly obey directives and requests.

O​

Others are Important (Mark 12:31) ​ Use kind words such as “Please” and “Thank you”. Come to class on time, raise your hand before speaking, listen while others are speaking, keep your hands and feet to yourself, and only touch things that belong to you.

C​

Correction: accept it and learn from it (Proverbs 12:1)

K​ ​

Keep yourself prepared (1 Peter 1:13)​ Be organized, bringing necessary items to school, completing homework on time and to school standards.

S ​​

Seek excellence (Colossians 3:23-24)​ Be the best that you can be at all times and in all places.

Student Code of Conduct As representatives of Christ and Charis, Charis students are expected to live virtuously at all times and in all places. The following code of conduct provides some framework for what that should look like. This code governs conduct both in and outside of the classroom because Christian students should live with integrity by maintaining Christlike attitudes and actions in all facets of life. Depending on the severity of the offense, students may be subject to disciplinary action for actions that occur outside of school.

Charis students are expected to: 1.​ Respect staff by obeying all school rules without arguing, complaining, or reminders and by

quickly and cheerfully following directions.

2.​ Respect themselves by living in conformity to one’s biological sex and refraining from tobacco,

illicit drug use, alcohol and sexual activity outside of the lawful bounds of marriage. The latter includes excessive displays of personal affection, coarse jokes or speech, the viewing or distribution of sexually explicit material, homosexual relationships or behavior, and sexual harassment.

3.​ Respect the government by obeying all state and federal laws so far as the Bible and conscience allow.

4.​ Show that others are important in both their speech and conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, listening respectfully to others and avoiding gossip, coarse joking, and sarcasm that tears others down both in person and on social media or other electronic modes of communication.

5.​ Humbly accept correction for any violation of rules or directions.

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6.​ Keep themselves prepared by punctually arriving at class, prepared to learn and contribute, with all

required materials.

7.​ Seek excellence by doing all assigned work honestly, in a timely manner, and to the best of their

ability; participating in and contributing to classroom activities and discussions; and avoiding conversations and actions that distract or undermine their own learning and/or the learning of others.

The Seven Virtues Faith (πίστις, pistis) is not just the affirmation of doctrine. The faithful trust in God for all things, trusts his word, and follows his commandments.

Hope (ἐλπίς, elpis) is not just blind optimism. The hopeful are clear-eyed. They see what is wrong, see what is right, and work to improve themselves and the world while waiting on the Lord’s deliverance.

Love/Charity (ἀγάπη, agape) is not mere affection or romantic love. The charitable worship God; they will the good of the other; forgive enemies; refuse to judge others; sacrifice their own preferences for others; and humbly submit to suffer or even to die for their friends.

Justice (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) is not just about fairness. The just give to everyone what they are due, live in harmony with friends and society, and remain faithful in doing what is right.

Temperance/Moderation (σωφροσύνη, sōphrosynē) is not just about food and drink. The temperate balances all their priorities, remaining self-controlled with sleep, food, and entertainment so that less important things do not overrun more important things.

Perseverance/Fortitude (ἀνδρεία, andreia) is not just about fighting or military matters. The courageous stay at their post, doing what is right, no matter what adversity they face.

Wisdom/Prudence (φρόνησις, phronesis) is not just about some areas of life. The prudent are reasonable in morality, career, relationships, and religion

Learning Tips Festina Lente—Make Haste Slowly. Master before moving on.

Multum non Multa—Much not many (integrate, breadth accomplished through depth) Repetitio Mater Memoriae—Repetition:the mother of memory/making learning permanent Songs, Chants, Jingles—Adding music and rhythm makes memory stronger Embodied Learning— Become truth seekers, active learning Wonder and Curiosity—Stir imagination, sense of awe in learning, cultivate delight and affection Educational Virtues—Become what you love: Temperance, Constancy, Patience, Perseverance Schole—Restful learning. Not anxious or hurried. Enjoy the process of learning

Academic Policies Academic Dishonesty Academic Dishonesty is a serious offense which will not be tolerated at Charis. It is considered a breach of personal integrity. Parents will be contacted if their child is involved in any of the following situations: 1.​ 2.​

Lying or giving false information about an assignment Copying another student’s work without permission 15

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3.​ 4.​ 5.​ 6.​ 7.​ 8.​ 9.​ 10.​

Using answer keys or teacher editions to finish assignments without permission Obtaining copies of quizzes or tests without permission to “practice” the test Plagiarizing an assignment without crediting the source Using AI absent express permission from a teacher for a limited and specified use Altering a graded paper or assignment to change the grade Talking to another student during a test or quiz without permission Giving or receiving information during a quiz or test (copying) Signing any other name other than his/her own with the intent to mislead parents or teachers

**PLEASE NOTE: Refer to the section on Discipline for more information. Disciplinary action depends on the age of the student and the severity of the incident.

Student Computer Use Teachers may invite students to bring computers in during class time to enable them to do research or work on a group project. During this time students should only use their computer for the specified purposes.

Some students may have standing permission from the Headmaster to use a computer during study hall for an online class. During this time students should only use their computer for that class.

At other times students may want to bring in a computer to work on a paper or project during study hall. In those instances students must (1) get permission from the study hall supervisor and (2) be sure to only use the computer for the specified purpose they requested.

Facility Guidelines Students are expected to be good stewards of the physical resources and spaces of both Charis and any tenant that rents from Charis. They are also expected to be models of good citizenship by keeping the facility clean and by refraining from actions that are destructive to property or disrespectful to others.

1.​ Grammar Students are not allowed to chew gum while on school property to help with maintenance issues.

2.​ Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away during school hours. Charis is not responsible for stolen property.

3.​ Students are expected to treat all school materials and facilities with respect and care. Students may be charged for any damage to the school’s property that is attributable to their actions.

4.​ Students should refrain from any romantic, physical displays of affection with fellow students while at school.

5.​ Students should not have guns, knives, or any other weapons on school property. Any weapon on school property will be immediately confiscated by school staff. The offending student will be taken to the school office, where the Headmaster will contact the student’s parents and determine appropriate consequences. The School Board reserves the right to suspend or expel any student it deems to be a threat to the safety of other students, faculty, or staff at the school.

AI Usage Policy (see LR Handbook for more details) Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Grok and ChatGPT, can serve as aids to learning when used with discernment and under strict oversight. However, their misuse risks undermining the development of critical thinking, personal effort, and the honest pursuit of truth, which are central to our educational philosophy.

All AI use must be approved by and disclosed to the instructor, documented in assignments (e.g., via citation), and limited to preparatory or supplementary tasks. Students must always produce their own final work, reflecting their understanding and effort. Because our purpose at CCA is to train students and give tools of learning, instructors may require that students not use AI for specific classes, papers, or projects.

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Academic Responsibilities A successful school experience requires a cooperative effort between students, parents and teachers, with each party playing a crucial role.

Students are responsible for completing all assignments by the due date and consistently putting forth their best effort. Students should bring all required materials to class and participate in discussions and daily activities. Please see “Student Behavioral Expectations” for more details.

Parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s at-home work, for helping their child locate resources and for providing the necessary support to complete assignments (going to the library, buying a poster board, finding a plant, etc.). Parents must provide adequate teaching time at home to ensure their student’s success. Parents must commit to a scheduled and uninterrupted study time. At the grammar school level, parents must take responsibility for ensuring assignments are completed on time, and that any make-up work is turned in a timely fashion.

Teachers monitor student progress in achieving the objectives outlined for each course. Although some allowances are made for individual differences, students are expected to complete all course requirements.

Teachers are responsible for identifying objectives and clearly communicating expectations, giving relevant assignments, grading assessments promptly and returning papers and tests to students in a timely manner.

Daily grades (quizzes, participation, and homework) are recorded on ClassReach regularly. Test and project grades are recorded as soon as all tests or projects have been graded.

Report Cards and Progress Reports Report Cards and Progress Reports at Charis are a way for teachers and co-teachers to measure and monitor progress. While striving for a high grade is a natural human tendency, a letter grade isn't necessarily the most important way to measure mastery of a subject. At the grammar school level it is important to realize that a student's grades are kept on file, but will not be a part of a higher level academic transcript. As a school, Charis desires for students to love learning, and not fear report card time. Parents are encouraged to use report cards as a way of encouraging their student(s) in areas where they are succeeding, as well as concentrating extra time toward areas that need improvement. Report Cards are available for viewing and printing on Classreach.

Promotion Students are promoted to the next course or grade in a sequence when they successfully complete all requirements of the prerequisite course. Students are promoted from one grade level to the next when they successfully complete all of the academic requirements for their current grade.

Grade Point Average (GPA)/Grading Scales Kindergarten and 1st Grade Kindergarten and 1st Grade will use the following grading scale. Letter grades are recorded on Report Cards which will be sent out at the end of each semester.

Letter Grade Description ●​ ●​ ●​

“E” The student Exceeds Expectations.

“S” The student shows Satisfactory performance in this area.

“N” The student Needs Improvement in this area.​

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Grades 2-8 (Grammar/Logic School) A numerical grading scale of 0-100 is used in grades 1-8. The following table illustrates the letter grade and quality point equivalents for numerical grades. Report Cards show grades as numerical averages each quarter.

Semester averages are calculated by averaging the first and second quarter grades together in each subject.

Average Letter Grade Quality Points ●​ 90-100=A​ 4.0 ●​ 80-89=​B​ 3.0 ●​ 70-79=​C​ 2.0 ●​ 60-70=​D​ 1.0 ●​ 0-59= ​ F​ 0.0

Grades 9th-12th (Rhetoric School)​ A numerical grading scale of 0-100 is used in grades 9-12, but includes -/+ when calculating transcript averages. The following table illustrates the letter grade and quality point equivalents for numerical grades.

Report Cards show grades as numerical averages as well as letter grade.

Average Letter Grade Quality Points ●​ 93-100= A​ 4.00 ●​ 90-92= A-​ 3.67 ●​ 87-89= B+​ 3.33 ●​ 83-86= B​ 3.00 ●​ 80-82= B-​ 2.67 ●​ 77-79= C+​ 2.33

●​ 73-76= ●​ 70-72= ●​ 67-69= ●​ 63-66= ●​ 60-62= ●​ 0-59=

C​ 2.00 C-​ 1.67 D+ 1.33 D​ 1.00 D-​ 0.67 F​ 0.00

Rhetoric Weighted Scale for Math, Science, Humanities and AP Courses *Because of the level of difficulty , rhetoric math, science, and humanities courses will use a weighted scale as follow: Average Letter Grade Quality Points ●​ 97-100= A+​ 4.20 ●​ 93-96= A​ 4.00 ●​ 90-92= A-​ 3.67 ●​ 87-89= B+​ 3.33 ●​ 83-86= B​ 3.00 ●​ 80-82= B-​ 2.67 ●​ 77-79= C+​ 2.33

●​ 73-76= ●​ 70-72= ●​ 67-69= ●​ 63-66= ●​ 60-62= ●​ 0-59=.

C​ 2.00 C-​ 1.67 D+​ 1.33 D​ 1.00 D-​ 0.67 F​ 0.00

All course requirements must be fulfilled by the date determined by the course instructor and the administration. Any required work not completed by that date will be awarded a grade of "0. " The student's final grade will be calculated after the date given for completion of the course using whatever grading system was employed for all other students in the course (unless other arrangements have been previously made) and including all grades earned up to that time. Course instructors must provide the administration with a description of the grading system to be used as well as any and all evaluation materials (e.g. tests and keys) necessary for completing the course.

Graduation Requirements ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

4 credits in Math 3 credits in Science (4 rec.)

3 credits in a Foreign Lang. (3 rec.)

4 credits in History

●​ ●​ ●​

4 credits in English 1 credit in Rhetoric 2 credits in the Fine Arts(e.g. music, drama, art)

●​ ●​ ●​

1 credit in Thesis 1 credit in Phys. Ed 2 credit Enrichments

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Outside Credit Policy For various reasons a student may want to take classes from another institution (e.g. a foreign language that Charis does not offer, an additional enrichment course like pottery, or a class related to future career goals like programming or something in the trades). In order for a student to receive course credit at Charis the student must first discuss (1) the course they are taking, (2) the institution they are taking it from, and (3) their purpose for taking the course with the Headmaster; credits will be accepted at his or her discretion.

In general, Charis will accept credits from: 1.​ Public and other private high schools (both in-person and online).

2.​ Public and private universities (both in-person and online).

3.​ In limited circumstances, Charis will accept independent studies done with the permission and under the supervision of a Charis teacher and the Headmaster.

In all above cases credits will be accepted on a pass/fail basis and grades from these courses will not count towards a student’s GPA. Adding a Course In late spring and late fall, Logic & Rhetoric students choose elective courses; it is their responsibility to make sure that they are completing all required courses and sufficient credits (most students will follow the recommended CCA scope while choosing individual elective courses). If students would like to add a class after the spring registration period has closed they must fill out the add/drop form (found on Classreach) within the first two weeks of the semester and submit it to the Headmaster who will approve or deny the request at his or her discretion.

Dropping a Course There may be times when a student registers for a course only to come to discover that the course is not what they expected or that their schedule no longer allows sufficient time for the assigned coursework. If a student wishes to drop a course, the student must fill out the add/drop form (found on Classreach) listing: (1) what class they desire to drop, (2) why they wish to drop it, and (3) have this form signed by a parent.

This form must be filled out no later than two weeks into a semester. The student must then meet with the Headmaster who will approve or deny the request at his or her discretion.

Academic Probation Logic and Rhetoric students (7th-12th grade) are required to maintain at least a 1.7 grade-point average during any semester. Progress reports are sent out at the midpoint and end of each semester. If a student's GPA (excluding art, lit/drama, music, and PE) is below 1.7 (i.e. a “C-"average) during any half of a semester (quarter), he/she will be placed on academic probation during the following quarter and be required to meet with the Headmaster. At the end of the following quarter, if the student's quarter GPA has not risen to at least a 1.7, the student may be expelled at the discretion of the board.

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Remedial and/or Summer Work If a student receives a D or F the student’s teacher may assign remedial and/or summer work at his or her discretion. Students that receive a C may be encouraged, but not required, to complete remedial and/or summer work. The goal of this work is to help prepare students to succeed at the next grade level.

Testing and Assessment Policy Students in grades K-5 are given assessment tests in the spring on math, spelling, reading, and grammar.

4th, 8th, & 10th grades take the Classical Learning Test.

11th grade takes the PSAT. 11th-12th grade students are encouraged to take the ACT, SAT, or CLT.​

•​ •​ •​ •​

Special Needs Charis is not equipped to modify its instructional or evaluation practices or procedures in response to a student's learning disabilities or other special challenges, such as ADD. All students will receive (or not receive) credit based on what they have (or have not) done relative to a common standard, rather than upon individualized standards developed in response to special needs.

Additionally, Charis is not licensed or equipped to provide individualized educational plans (IEPs) for gifted or struggling students.

Satellite Classroom Work Satellite Work Policy Charis sets high academic standards for its students. Success in a collaborative school requires a significant and consistent effort by both students and their parents to complete assignments outside of class. For that reason, “Satellite Work” is an integral part of academic success at Charis.

Well-planned assignments have three purposes: 1.​ 2.​ 3.​

to preview and develop a basic understanding of material before it is presented in class to practice new concepts, skills or vocabulary (math, spelling, grammar) to show achievement (preparing book reports, and studying for tests)

Late Work In the event of an excused absence (absence due to illness or when prior arrangements have been made), students may turn in class work and/or “Satellite Work” missed at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled class without penalty.

While exact penalties will vary slightly from assignment to assignment, our default assignment policy is that assignments are due on the specified due date within their given class periods, assignments must be submitted in the format assigned by the teacher, extensions must be requested at least one day before the due date, and late work incurs a penalty of 20% per classroom day.

Workload Language Arts and Math comprise 50-75% of Satellite classroom assignments, particularly in the early grades when foundational skills are being learned. Guidelines for Satellite days assignments are as follows:

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•​ •​ •​ •​

2-4 hours of work per day for students in grades K 4-6 hours of work per day for students in grades 1-3 5-6 hours of work per day for students in grades 4-6 6-10 hours of work per day for students in grades 7-12​

These guidelines apply to what the “average” student should be able to accomplish in the given time frame.

However, each student is different and may require varying degrees of study time depending on his or her understanding of the material, study habits, and/or attention to detail. As the Co-Teacher, it is important that you identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments as needed. You are highly encouraged to utilize all available resources that may provide assistance and encouragement in dealing with any difficulties with your satellite study time. These include, but are not limited to, the CCA Classroom Teacher, Headmaster, Co-Teacher Coach, and mentor parents.

Allowing Your Student to Fail As parents, we naturally want to see our student(s) succeed and excel in everything they do, whether in their educational pursuits or life in general. However, we also understand that some of their greatest personal growth and maturation may take place as they learn from their failures. One of the many benefits of collaborative model is that you as the parent and co-teacher are able to better identify areas where your student(s) may be thriving or struggling. This gives you the ability to make quick, meaningful adjustments as necessary in order to help your child reach their potential. Often, however, it can be tempting to help your student(s) “too much”. In these cases, although well intentioned, you may be causing more harm than good as it relates to their academic and knowledge base.

At Charis, our desire is for students to master all areas of their academic pursuits; but not at any cost.

Although it may be acceptable for you to “prompt and gently remind” your student to help them recall important facts and details, it is vitally important that you allow your student’s tests and satellite work to reflect the knowledge gained, or not, by them. This may, at times, mean “allowing” your child to fail a particular test and/or assignment so that you, your student, and the classroom teacher(s) can identify areas requiring more attention and study. As your student transitions into the School of Logic, and later the School of Rhetoric, these “failures” will further bear fruit as your student becomes increasingly more independent in their studies. It is important to remember that grades at the Grammar School level are NOT part of a permanent academic record and, therefore, represents a “safe and acceptable” environment to allow a student to fail so that they learn to take personal responsibility for their own academic successes or failures.

Houses Incoming 5th grade students as well as all new 6th-12th grade students will be assigned to a house (Boethius, Athanasius, Ten Boom, Bonhoeffer, Carmichael, or Wilburforce). Houses will meet together, serve together, and engage in various games and activities together throughout the year. The goal of houses is to build community and relationships across grades.

Discipline Procedures Purpose The purpose of discipline at Charis is to teach children to adopt Christ-like behavior and attitudes, to submit respectfully to the authority of teachers and parents, and to accept the consequences of their 21 © CCA Family Handbook 04/11/2026​

behavior. To be effective, discipline must be administered in a fair and consistent manner, following Biblical principles. Students are expected to maintain acceptable standards of behavior and personal responsibility.

Anytime disciplinary actions are required parents will receive a Classreach email or phone call from the teacher or staff member.

The Word of God as found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments will be the standard used to evaluate conduct. However, because none of us can keep God’s law perfectly, grace and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of a student, as will biblical principles such as restitution, and public and private apologies.

The majority of discipline issues will be dealt with by the teacher in the classroom. However, students who are not responsive to teacher correction will be asked to go to the school office and meet with the Headmaster or office staff. Parents will be notified when this occurs. Parents should see this action as an opportunity to discuss behaviors with their child(ren) as an area of growth. Parents are encouraged as partners in our model to engage students in discussions and instill necessary and merciful consequences as needed (removal of privileges, writing apologies, etc…). Depending on the situation, a parent might be given the opportunity to talk to the child on the phone to encourage the child to return to class and act appropriately. If the child continues to be a disruption to the class, he or she will be asked to return to the office, where a parent will be contacted to pick up the child. Students will be immediately sent to the office for serious offenses.

Students who commit acts with particularly serious consequences, whether in school or out, may be suspended or expelled from school immediately at the discretion of the School Board. Examples of such serious misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following: acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, large-scale vandalism to school facilities, and other violations of criminal or civil law.

If a student must visit the office for discipline five or more times in a semester, the student will be suspended for one day or longer. If a pattern of misbehavior continues after the suspension, a meeting will be required among parents, the student, and with the Headmaster. Further consequences may include a longer suspension or expulsion. In the younger grades (Kindergarten and 1st), the number of office visits may be greater than five before further disciplinary action is taken. Students who have been suspended multiple times or expelled may be denied enrollment for the following semester or year. Charis desires for students to return to classes and be reconciled to those who have been offended, but if there is a continual pattern of misbehavior, the school may deny re-enrollment.

Dress Code The most current dress code is on the school’s website and also in your profile tab on Classreach. Please carefully review each year to make sure you are in compliance. It may be helpful to print out the dress code for quick reference.

CCA’s dress code is intended to reflect the school’s stated aims to honor God and disciple students. It is designed to encourage modesty, decency, and propriety and to de-emphasize the use of clothing as a significant means of establishing self-identity or gaining attention or social status (Matt 6:28-34; 1 Cor 9:19-23; 1 Peter 3:2-4; 1 Tim 2:9,10; James 2:1-5).

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The Headmaster, or one designated to act in his/her stead, retains the authority to determine the appropriateness of a given student’s attire or appearance, and may remove the student from campus or otherwise discipline any student deemed to be inappropriately dressed. The administration also reserves the right to grant a limited variance to these regulations for special purposes, provided that high standards of modesty are always upheld.

Dress code adherence and violations are a parent’s responsibility. If a student is in violation of any of the rules stated above the administration will contact the parents to inform them of the violation and remind them of these standards.

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THE PARENTS Roles Collaborative learning is designed for parents to take an active role in their children’s education. While parental involvement is key at every stage, the level of this involvement progresses throughout the educational years from co-teacher/private tutor in the grammar years to a guide for dependent study in the Logic years to more of a course monitor in Rhetoric courses. Throughout these changing roles, parents are expected to continue exercising loving and active responsibility for their children all the way through graduation.

Co-Teacher Courses that require a Co-Teacher role are primarily in the Grammar School. Responsibilities may be divided between the classroom teacher and the parent-teacher at home. In all areas of study in the Grammar School, the classroom teacher provides detailed plans and expects the parent-teacher to assist the student and instruct as needed.

Transitional Co-Teacher During these grades, the parent transitions from the role of Co-Teacher to that of a Guide for Dependent Study. When this transition takes place depends upon the individual student's level of maturity and responsibility. Parents and classroom teachers need to communicate effectively and work together to ensure that this transition takes place smoothly.

Guide for Dependent Study This role usually applies to parents with logic and rhetoric school students but may also apply to some students in 5th and 6th grades. During this time the student is at a dependent age where disciplined study habits must be developed, not by parental force, but through positive encouragement and through the student's growing awareness of personal consequences. In order for the class to be successful, the classroom teacher is dependent upon the parent to make certain that the student keeps up with the course assignments and communicates with the teacher if difficulties arise.

Guide for Independent Study Most academic courses at the 11th and 12th grade levels require this role for parents. Here, the parents have the opportunity to supervise the progress of their students' independent schoolwork and provide any additional guidance they may need. Courses offered at this level will mimic that of a junior college program or higher where independent study and research skills, time management skills, a strong work ethic, and self-discipline are essential.

Private Tutor In some cases, private tutoring by someone other than the parent may be necessary.

Course Monitor Many elective courses, such as PE or Grammar School Art, involve equipment and/or expertise that require most of the teaching to be done in the classroom, leaving little for the parent to do at home. In these classes the primary responsibility of the parent is to maintain and express interest in the course by

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keeping up to date with what is taking place in the classroom and notifying the teacher of any concerns. In these cases, the parental and student responsibilities will be spelled out in advance by the classroom teacher.

Project Assistant With student projects, parental mentoring is needed on an intermittent basis. In many respects, this role is similar to that of the Course Monitor; however, at one or more times during the semester, help at home might be needed in support of a particular project. For example, additional assistance might be needed for student costuming, puppet making, science experiments, etc.

Positive Motivator & Cheerleader Parents can experience great satisfaction and joy when they study each of their children to identify what motivates his or her best effort. With practice, they can learn how to tap those positive inner drives and passions to encourage each child toward success. Children not only need motivators, they also need cheerleaders—those who believe in them at all times, "go wild" when they do well, and lift their spirits when they are down. Children never forget parents who motivate them and parents who never stop believing in them. *Note: Parent Roles & Descriptions adapted from Character Driven College Preparation by Dr. John W. Turner, Jr.

Responsibilities While the primary co-teacher bears the hours and duties that come with this “part-time job,” the other parent assumes the role of the encourager. Both parents benefit from participating in school events and staying up to date with communications. Charis' parents take on a dynamic role that thrives when both school and home are united in purpose and objectives and when a healthy partnership is in place and continually cultivated.

The expectations for parents generally fall into two categories: communication (incoming and outgoing) and participation (required versus encouraged).

Communication Expectations The need for excellent communication cannot be overstated for the successful (and enjoyable) experience at Charis. Below are some concrete examples of what that looks like.

Incoming (receive and read)

Outgoing (provide)

•​ Weekly lesson plans •​ All messages on Classreach •​ Family Handbook •​ Special mailings and distributions •​ Anything sent home in the Communication folder •​ Calendar events, printed each year

•​ Parent surveys •​ Constructive criticism and ideas •​ Updated “My Profile” information on Charis ClassReach •​ Resolution of issues and problems at lowest level without involving others or gossiping

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Participation Encouraged of Parents •​ Co-Teacher Coffees •​ Family Socials and Community Group get- togethers •​ Special events such as field trips •​ Student performances •​ Fundraising events, initiatives, benefits and campaigns, if requested •​ Co-Teacher trainings •​ Volunteering in classroom

Participation Required of Parents/Co-teachers ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

FEW and SOS Required readings Punctuality to school and related events Respect for the alternate days at home as legitimate “school days”

Face-to-Face While it is imperative for parents to keep abreast of the happenings of the school via ClassReach, nothing can beat face-to-face communication. Co-teachers are given several opportunities throughout the year to meet and discuss the progress of their students with their classroom teacher. However, as the needs arise for more communication, or if there is a sensitive topic or something you are upset about, please don’t send an angry email; instead, please make an appointment to speak with your classroom teacher over the phone or in person to discuss matters.

Computer Use For the collaborative model to work effectively, all parents should have available at home, an up-to-date computer with adequate software and internet access. All parents should also have a printer available. Parents should plan to check ClassReach at least every home day during the week.

Charis Classreach Charis Classreach is the hub of communication at Charis. All important documents and forms (calendars, schedules, enrollment forms, etc.) are posted on Classreach.

Lesson Plans All home and class assignments for the week are posted on Charis Classreach by 5:00 p.m. on Friday before the week they will be used. Assignments include objectives, specific homework assignments, activities students should complete at home, lists of materials the students should bring to the next class and reminders about quizzes, tests, projects or research papers.

Communication Folder Each Grammar School student has a two-pocket folder that goes back and forth between home and school.

PLEASE check this folder daily. Assignments will be turned in and returned in the Communication folder.

Parent Conferences A date will be designated for face-to-face conferences between teachers and parents at mid-term during the 1st semester of each year. Please arrange a conference with your child’s teachers anytime there is a need, or if you have a concern.

Calendar and Events The annual calendar will be posted when re-enrollment opens (late January). Families are responsible for consulting the Classreach Calendar for specific times and dates.

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Delegating Satellite Day Work Occasionally, a parent might need to delegate part of the responsibility for supervising satellite day work to someone else. When this situation arises it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant information is passed on to the appropriate person, as well as ensure that assignments are turned in on-time and complete.

It is helpful if teachers are informed of such situations and given all relevant contact information as well.

Pods Charis offers supervised study groups, or “pods”, as an option to our families on Tuesdays. The goal of these pods is to allow Charis teachers to help small groups of students in a small range of grades with their satellite work. Pods operate like a small “family” satellite classroom, with expectations for behavior similar to the Charis classroom on M/W/F. Pods are held on Tuesday mornings, 9:00-12:30 for students 2nd grade and up. Families are asked to commit to pods for at least one semester. They may register for pods when enrolling for classes or at the beginning of a semester.

CPC (Charis Parent Committees) General Purpose The purpose of CPCs is to organize volunteers to support, in cooperation with the Headmaster and the Charis Board of Directors, the ongoing operations at Charis Classical Academy in the areas of communication, events, fundraising and service to the teachers and students.

Publicity There are lots of ways to help promote Charis in your community. If you have other networks that you can share Charis with, we’d love to know about it.

Bumper Stickers: The office has these for sale for $3 each. They are easy to put on (and remove) your back windshield. Many times people have commented that they’ve seen our name on bumper stickers.

Why not buy one for all your vehicles? ●​ Find us on Facebook: Enter in Charis Classical Academy and “Like” us and Share us with your friends and family. ●​ Athletic Wear: Purchase Charis clothing for the whole family from Land’s End and wear it around town. ●​ Community Events: Join us for Community Events and spread the word to your friends and family. ●​

Fundraising Some of the fundraising efforts at Charis go beyond the scope of CPCs. Scrip and Year-End Giving are some of our larger fundraising efforts.

Charis is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Donations are accepted any time, including at year’s end.

Receipts will be given.

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FAMILY COMMITMENT STATEMENT We understand that enrolling our child(ren) at Charis Classical Academy requires a high degree of parental involvement, and we are embracing the role as our child(ren)'s primary influence.

We agree to: ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​

Acknowledge and accept the responsibility for our child(ren)’s behavior at school and provide the necessary supervision of character development and academic support that is required at home.

Supervise and complete satellite classroom work as specified in lesson plans from Central Classroom Teachers.

Honor our financial commitment to the school unless certain exemptions apply. (See Withdrawals and Refunds) Turn in all required forms before the beginning of the school year (during FEW).

Have at least one parent attend the required parent meetings which are intended to help parents better fulfill their role in the collaborative model (FEW and State of School as scheduled in the annual calendar).

Take the responsibility to consult and follow any necessary steps as outlined in the family handbook when dealing with conflict resolution before making decisions which may affect our relationship with Charis.

Thank you!

Thank you for your sincere commitment and dedication to your children’s education and future! We look forward to the school year and all that the Lord has in store for Charis Classical Academy. Our prayer is that the families and students of Charis would truly be rooted in the excellence of God’s Word and His everlasting truth!

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