AYE 2027 TKCA Handbook

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MISSION STATEMENT............................................................................................................................... 5 OUR METHOD............................................................................................................................................. 5 STATEMENT OF FAITH.............................................................................................................................. 6 Cultural Issues.......................................................................................................................................................7 Secondary Doctrine Policy....................................................................................................................................8 Baptism...........................................................................................................................................................8 Age of the Earth............................................................................................................................................. 8 Eschatology.................................................................................................................................................... 8 EDUCATIONAL CONVICTIONS.............................................................................................................. 8 Family.................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Knowledge.............................................................................................................................................................8 Love....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES.............................................................................................................. 9 Struggling Learners............................................................................................................................................... 9 OUR DISTINCTIVES................................................................................................................................... 9 Homework Policy............................................................................................................................................... 10 Philosophy of Grading........................................................................................................................................10 Grading Policy..............................................................................................................................................10 Individual Grades........................................................................................................................................ 10 Group Project Grades..................................................................................................................................10 Mathematical Grading Policy......................................................................................................................11 Science Grading Policy................................................................................................................................ 11 Latin Grading Policy....................................................................................................................................11 Humanities Grading Policy.........................................................................................................................11 Humanities Grading Scale...........................................................................................................................11 Group Project Grading Scale...................................................................................................................... 13 Failing & Retakes......................................................................................................................................... 13 Cheating & Plagiarism.................................................................................................................................13 SCHOOL CULTURE...................................................................................................................................13 Uniform Policy....................................................................................................................................................13 DISCIPLINE POLICY................................................................................................................................. 13 Basic School Rules.............................................................................................................................................. 14 Student Etiquette................................................................................................................................................15 Hallways....................................................................................................................................................... 15 The Students................................................................................................................................................15 Electronic Device Policy..................................................................................................................................... 16 Sins Against Fellow Students and Authority.....................................................................................................16

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Sins Against Fellow Students...................................................................................................................... 16 Sins Against Authority................................................................................................................................ 17 Office Visits......................................................................................................................................................... 17 ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL..................................................................................................................... 17 Attendance.......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Absences..............................................................................................................................................................18 Make-Up Work............................................................................................................................................ 18 Lateness............................................................................................................................................................... 19 Signing Students Out/In....................................................................................................................................19 Afternoon Dismissal...........................................................................................................................................19 VOLUNTEERS & TEACHING AIDES..................................................................................................... 20 PARENT COMMUNICATION & INVOLVEMENT.............................................................................. 20 Parent Involvement at TKCA:........................................................................................................................... 20 HEALTH & WELLNESS............................................................................................................................. 21 Lunch.................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Snacks.................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Health Requirements/Policies........................................................................................................................... 22 Contagious Illness........................................................................................................................................22 Head Lice..................................................................................................................................................... 22 Medication Distribution & Administration.............................................................................................. 22 Health Records................................................................................................................................................... 23 Illness Policy........................................................................................................................................................ 23 ACADEMIC SCHEDULE........................................................................................................................... 24 Calendar.............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Daily Schedule.....................................................................................................................................................24 ENROLLMENT POLICY........................................................................................................................... 24 Regarding Candidates for Admissions.............................................................................................................. 24 Enrollment Process............................................................................................................................................. 24 Part-Time Students............................................................................................................................................. 25 SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS......................................................................................................................25 ANTI-DISCRIMINATION & ADA STATEMENT................................................................................. 25 TUITION & FEE SCHEDULE................................................................................................................... 26 FINANCIAL AID.........................................................................................................................................26 SCHOOL GOVERNANCE & ACCREDITATION.................................................................................. 26 EDUCATION COUNCIL........................................................................................................................... 26

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MISSION STATEMENT Trinity Knox Classical Academy exists to aid parents in their duty to disciple their children according to the commandments given in Deuteronomy 6. We provide a distinctly Christian and classical education that forms souls, orders affections, and causes students to love mercy, seek justice, and act righteously. We seek to raise up a generation of young people who think clearly with reason and logic and who can winsomely articulate truth.

Our goal is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to develop world changers through a rigorous, classical methodology and a comprehensive knowledge of biblical truth.

OUR METHOD Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers its students an education that is both classical and Christian. It is classical in that it draws deeply on the rich heritage of Western civilization and culture; it is Christian in that it recognizes the Bible as the final authority in matters of life and thought.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers a rich humanities and arts curriculum that merges the study of literature and the arts with the study of history and geography. Students will understand the present and gain perspective on the future through knowledge of the past. By studying those who have gone before, students are warned of evil and error and challenged to live virtuously and nobly. By evaluating the writings of outstanding thinkers from the past and present, they learn to think critically and biblically. And through exposure to literature and art, they are encouraged to express themselves creatively.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers a mathematics and science curriculum that enables students to participate knowledgeably in the scientific and technological discussion of the modern world. From the early grades, the mathematics curriculum emphasizes real-life applications while simultaneously encouraging mastery of the concepts and skills that form the foundation of advanced study. The science curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of the world in which they live by offering direct, hands-on encounters with the wonders and laws of God's creation.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers a physical education program that involves students in a variety of physical activities and sports designed to develop their physical fitness, athletic skills, and character. TKCA also offers additional opportunities for learning in areas not covered by the traditional academic disciplines.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers a nurturing community in which students are respected as unique individuals created in the image of God, each with special abilities and needs. Classes are small so that each student receives individual attention and has abundant opportunity to participate and lead. Students are taught by skilled and knowledgeable teachers who love children and are dedicated to helping them realize their highest potential-spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and creative.

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Trinity Knox Classical Academy offers an environment in which its students can develop sound intellectual, spiritual, moral, and physical habits. TKCA believes that the best foundation for a responsible and joyful life is the early development of a disciplined lifestyle in the context of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

STATEMENT OF FAITH As a Christian School, the following statement of faith expresses the basics of our beliefs. We recognize and believe in the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. We do not recognize creeds issued by man as authoritative and binding, but we do offer in humility and sincerity the following statement of doctrine: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord.

Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and was born of a virgin, Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hades, and on the third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From Heaven He shall come to earth again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, one holy catholic church, the communion of all true saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the gift of everlasting life.

(Apostles’ Creed) 1.​ The Scriptures. Old and New Testaments are the divinely inspired Word of God and infallible in their original writings. They are perfect and complete, the only written revelation of God to man, and authoritative in all matters. II Timothy 3:16‐17; II Peter 1:20‐21; Galatians 1:11‐12; II Peter 1:10‐12; Luke 24:44 2.​ There is only one God who as Creator of the universe manifests Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1‐2, 26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:6. God the Father. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. He reveals Himself as a merciful and loving Father seeking fellowship with mankind. John 5:19‐26 3.​ We believe in the true deity and full humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, such that two distinct natures, divine and human, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. We believe in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory. Luke 19:10; John 1:1‐2, 14, 18; 3:16; Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18‐21 4.​ We believe that Adam was made from the dust of the ground and formed after God’s image and likeness, which was good, righteous, and holy. Because of Adam’s sin all mankind is in a state of rebellion against God. For the salvation of such lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary. Genesis 1:27; 2:7; 3:1-19; Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15

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5.​ Because mankind is hopelessly lost, we are in need of a Savior. Salvation has been provided through substitutionary death of Jesus upon the cross. Through the shedding of His blood we have the forgiveness of sin. Salvation is a gift entirely by the grace of God. Through repentance and faith in His death and resurrection, we have a living hope and through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Please Note: Salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, on the merits of Christ alone, and not through the merit or works of man. The grace that saves does not come through acts of obedience or church sacraments. I Peter 1:3-5; I John 1:7-9; 5:10-13; Hebrews 10:5-25; Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10 6.​ We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, as the Spirit of Christ within us enables us to do freely and cheerfully what the will of God revealed in Scripture requires to be done. We believe that good works are only those which arise from true faith, conform to God’s Word, and are done for His glory. Philippians 2:13; II Peter 1:3; I Corinthians 3:10-15 7.​ We believe God has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved to the resurrection of life, and those who are lost to the resurrection of damnation. Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:28; Daniel 12:1-3; I Corinthians 3:9-17; Revelation 20:11-21:8 8.​ We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. All who are united to Christ as Head of the Church are united to one another in love and have communion in each other’s gifts and graces. Ephesians 4:1-7; I Corinthians 12:13 9.​ We believe that God defined marriage as the life-long covenant between one man and one woman, and that all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage are sin. Genesis 2:7, 18, 22; Ephesians 5:3-14; Genesis 1:27 10.​ We believe that God immutably creates each person to reflect His image as male or female. Genesis 2; Genesis 1:27

Cultural Issues Trinity Knox Classical Academy is committed to a healthy discussion of this issue in a way that values all those of other opinions, yet does not compromise our values. Our ultimate goal is Christian unity within the parameters of the Apostles’ Creed and the truth of Scripture.

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Secondary Doctrine Policy Baptism As it comes to baptism, we hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith but we teach the views of both credobaptism and paedobaptism. We will hold friendly debates regarding the distinctions in secondary school.

Age of the Earth All things are created in the space of 6 “yom” (days) “and it was very good.” The word “yom” has been debated as a day or a period of time. But we ultimately hold Colossians 1:17 “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” We will hold friendly debates regarding the age of the earth within the scope of Scripture.

Eschatology We will discuss historical premillennialism, amillennialism and postmillennialism as important views that our brothers and sisters in Christ hold. These three views will be discussed in secondary school and a hopeful eschatology will be held by our teachers. Please see Westminster Confessions of Faith Chapters 32 and 33 for more end times information that is foundational to our views.

EDUCATIONAL CONVICTIONS Family Trinity Knox Classical Academy desires to partner with families in a way that serves; and to serve families in a way that creates a partnership to fulfill the mandate of training children in the Paideia of the Lord. We know that children will spend an enormous amount of time in school, and we consider this a deep responsibility.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy is not a substitute for family; we come alongside families to create a community that, together, desires to direct the loves of children towards truth, beauty, and goodness.

Knowledge Our pedagogy endeavors to lay a foundation of truth so that students view the world through Scriptural lenses.

Everything is related to the work of God and this informs the way we teach, the curriculum we choose, and the methods that we use for instruction.

Love The knowledge gained at Trinity Knox Classical Academy must be coupled with robust love. We desire graduates who are gracious, who engage culture with humility, and who are prepared with trinitarian thinking to discern the nature of God in creation.

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EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES Struggling Learners Trinity Knox Classical Academy aims to teach students of all ability levels through solid Christian pedagogy and materials. Because we are able to take both conventional and unique learners, our program is very distinct. We offer classical teaching as input but only expect classical output based on the gifting of each individual student.

Our teaching is done in a round table setting, where we move from the concrete to the philosophical as the students are ready.

OUR DISTINCTIVES 1.​ Low student/teacher ratio (background-checked TA’s and volunteers will be available) 2.​ Family involvement and engagement is encouraged and enjoyed 3.​ Integrated ages, where students move through learning groups rather than age-related grades 4.​ Curriculum is tailored to study core disciplines through: ○​ Mathematics ○​ Science ○​ Integrated Humanities i.​

Literature

ii.​

History

iii.​

Language

○​ Arts 5.​ The teacher uses curriculum as a launching point to instruct students, but curriculum is just a tool and the teacher is the mentor 6.​ Most importantly—Loving God and loving our neighbor are the two most important aspects of Christian education and all discipline is founded in this principle

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Homework Policy Homework will be minimal: ●​ Various practice work and review, minimal time for K–2nd grade ●​ Apx. 30 minutes–1 hour daily for 3rd–5th grades ●​ 6th and up will vary and include more extensive projects assigned over three-day weekends ●​ Because we are only a four-day school, it should be expected that teachers assign homework to be done over the three-day weekend in preparation for the upcoming week.

Philosophy of Grading Grading Policy Grades at Trinity Knox Classical Academy do not in any way reflect the immeasurable worth and value of each child made in God’s image, but rather an accurate reflection of the quality of work in a given subject at a given time. At Trinity Knox Classical Academy, grades serve three basic purposes: 1.​ To help our young students to improve 2.​ To determine the best placement level for a young student's academic ability 3.​ To provide a just and legitimate means of holding young students accountable for the quality of their work and to provide a widely understood means of communicating their progress and achievement to parents and other parties such as college entrance boards or other schools to which the young student may transfer We have established a balanced and objective grading system based on these values.

Individual Grades Trinity Knox Classical Academy will use a unique method of grading that ensures students have time to “practice” before they receive a grade. Therefore regular “soft” grades on new concepts will be implemented, while grades that affect overall standings will be recorded in our software for transcripts.

Group Project Grades Group projects are a part of coursework and it should be expected that grading of these will not be individualized because we believe that character in community reveals the heart: I Thessalonians 5:14, “And we

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urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Because Trinity Knox Classical Academy cares even more about the heart than the academics, group projects allow teachers to see where character work is needed, and since we are preparing students for life, not just college, character in Christian community is integral to “Loving God and Loving Neighbor.”

Mathematical Grading Policy Because math problems are objectively right or wrong, grades will be determined using a simple calculation: number correct out of the total number of problems. Exercises that are philosophically based will follow the humanities scale (see below). ●​ Math examinations are 50% of the final grade ●​ Math homework completion is 25% of the final grade ●​ Math practicums & projects are 25% of the final grade (group or individual)

Science Grading Policy Science, with the purpose of instilling wonder, will be assessed on a bi-weekly basis. Students will demonstrate the various skills and memory work that is needed for a concrete understanding of the various topics. ●​ Science examination grades are 50% of the final grade ●​ Science group experiments & projects are 50% of the final grade

Latin Grading Policy Our software platform tallies grades and comprehension. Teachers will use the metrics within the software for grading.

Humanities Grading Policy Vocabulary terms, spelling, grammar, and direct character names or dates will be objectively graded and will be scored using a points-based system. With Mastery as our goal, students will be asked to correct the wrong answers.

Assignments that are more philosophical in nature will be graded on a scale. Within each assignment, grammatical and spelling mistakes will be clearly marked and students will be asked to review the word or grammatical rule and “edit” their writing. This promotes mastery in writing assignments.

Humanities Grading Scale 10

●​ Very best work individually

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●​ Zero mistakes grammatically ●​ Met every standard given for the work and then did more ●​ Excellent creative use of words/delivery/writing style/persuasion ●​ Solid Christian worldview (either explicit or implicit biblical support) ●​ Christian character was present while working ●​ Outstanding work individually ●​ Small mistakes grammatically 9

●​ Met the standard for the work in every way ●​ Solid use of words/delivery/writing style/persuasion ●​ Solid Christian worldview (either explicit or implicit biblical support) ●​ Christian character was present while working ●​ Good work individually ●​ Some grammatical mistakes

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●​ Met the standard for the work well overall ●​ Used words/delivery/writing style/persuasion appropriately ●​ A Christian worldview was implicitly or explicitly behind the work ●​ Christian character was present while working ●​ Decent work individually ●​ Quite a few grammatical mistakes but communication was not compromised

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●​ Met the majority of the standards for the work ●​ Used words/delivery/writing style/persuasion in a sub-par way but it was sensible ●​ A Christian worldview was not as present as needed, but it wasn’t un-biblical ●​ Limited effort individually ●​ Grammatical mistakes compromised communication

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●​ Standards for the work were not met ●​ Did not use words/delivery/writing style/persuasion well ●​ A Christian worldview was not present

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●​ Assignment should be re-done ●​ The assignment was not turned in

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●​ Cheated on assignment ●​ Plagiarized

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Group Project Grading Scale Group projects will be graded using the humanities scale so far as it applies. Character, leadership, and loving your neighbor will be the top consideration of group work and the outcome should reflect that. If there is a disparity between the group effort and the final product, a conversation should ensue.

Failing & Retakes Retakes will be left to the teacher’s discretion. A student who has simply failed for a lack of understanding may be given another opportunity to prove their understanding after further practice. A student who neglected their studies and therefore failed may not be given a retake opportunity.

If a student fails an entire course, the student, parents, and teacher will meet with the Education Council to determine the best course of action for the student. Circumstances, understanding of directions, and effort will all be taken into consideration.

Parents will be notified within three weeks of the end of the grading period if their student is in jeopardy of failing.

Cheating & Plagiarism Cheating is defined as looking at another’s work without the teacher’s permission or talking during an examination.

Plagiarism is defined as using another’s work without thanking them for the use.

If either cheating or plagiarism is noticed, the assignment or exam will immediately receive a 0 and there will be no opportunity to retake the test or redo the assignment. Parents will be notified. A second cheating or plagiarism infraction will result in an Education Council review.

SCHOOL CULTURE Uniform Policy Click here to view the Primary Uniform Policy.

Click here to view the Secondary Uniform Policy.

DISCIPLINE POLICY “...he who loves his son is careful to discipline him" (Proverbs 13:24b).

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TKCA seeks to provide an environment where the students are encouraged and challenged to exemplify Christian behavior in all aspects of the school day. It is imperative that our school be a haven of safety for all children. Actions that jeopardize the safety of others are dealt with promptly.

The kind and amount of discipline will be determined by the teachers and Principal. The discipline will be administered in light of the student's problem and attitude. All discipline will be based on biblical principles (e.g., restitution, apologies [public and private], swift and appropriate punishment) to bring about restoration of fellowship without lingering attitudes, etc. As part of our belief in the authority of the family, parents will be made aware of concerns or warnings given to a student by a teacher, the Principal, the Grammar School Principal, or the Upper School Principal, as well as of any disciplinary action taken as soon as possible after each incident.

Basic School Rules 1.​ No chewing gum, electronic games, or devices in school during the normal school day. Cell phone use is permitted outside the building after school hours only.

2.​ No guns or knives are allowed on the school grounds.

3.​ Students are expected to be aware of and avoid the off-limits areas of the building or grounds. Children should not play in parking lots before or after school. Parental supervision is required for any after school play.

4.​ Students are expected to treat all of the school's materials or facilities with respect and care. This includes all textbooks distributed to the students. Students will be charged for lost or damaged textbooks.

5.​ Students are expected to treat worship, prayer, and class discussion with proper reverence. Jokes, songs, or behaviors that treat the Lord’s name or character with triviality are not permitted.

6.​ Public displays of affection (i.e., holding hands, kissing, etc.) are not permitted at school.

7.​ It is expected that students work diligently and concentrate fully on their work while in school.

8.​ All work is to be completed within the time specified by the teacher. Repeated failure to complete assignments on time is considered disobedience and will be addressed in an office visit and possibly suspension.

9.​ Restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities are only to be used in conformity with one’s biological sex.

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10.​ Students are expected to cooperate with and embrace basic Christian standards of behavior and conversation: loving the Lord in your actions and words and loving your neighbor in your actions and words.

11.​ There should be no talking back or inappropriate arguing with teachers or staff. Prompt and cheerful obedience is expected. Instructions from the teacher should not have to be repeated.

12.​ Students are expected to treat one another with kindness and respect. Teasing, criticizing, and name-calling are not permitted.

13.​ Students who do not comply with the school dress code will receive a warning in the form of a Dress Code Violation Form on ClassReach. This form will notify parents of the offense. Students will be given something compliant from our uniform closet to change into on the 1st offense. On the 2nd offense, students will receive a Dress Code Violation Form and be sent to the office to call home for a change of clothes. Students will not be allowed back to class until their uniform is compliant with our dress code policy. On the 3rd offense, the student will call home for a change of clothes and serve an in school suspension for the remainder of the day.

Student Etiquette Hallways ●​ Classes are to be led through the hall in single file with no talking ●​ No running or loud voices; consider the other classes taking place ●​ If individuals are sent to the office or restroom, the same rules apply ●​ No littering or loitering; pick up any trash you see

The Students ●​ Will be seated, quiet and ready for class to begin at the scheduled time ●​ Will not walk across chairs or dash to get to their desks ●​ Will not shoot paper into the trash ●​ Will not eat or drink in the classroom except as directed by the teacher (i.e., snack time, necessary lunch periods, holiday parties, birthday treats) ●​ Will not disturb anything on the teacher’s desk or open the drawers in the desk without permission ●​ Will not prop their feet up on the desks or lean back in their chairs

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●​ Will not write on desks, walls, textbooks, posters, etc. ●​ Will keep their work areas neat ●​ Will not adjust blinds or open windows without the teacher’s permission ●​ Will not pass notes or ask others to pass notes ●​ Will not talk while the teacher is talking nor interrupt other students during class discussions ●​ Will follow the teacher’s directions immediately and cheerfully

Electronic Device Policy Use of personal electronic devices (i.e., phones, smart phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, etc.) by students is prohibited on campus during school hours. Such devices will be turned into a lock box provided by the school. The electronic device policy still applies to students when off campus but at school sanctioned events i.e field trips, overnight trips etc. Parents may be in contact with staff or admin while students are off campus via the Remind app or office phone.

Use of laptops, computers, or tablets for research or writing (and other staff-approved purposes) is allowed with staff supervision and direction.

Violation of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the device, to be released to a parent or guardian.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy accepts no responsibility for use, breakage, theft, or loss of phone or other personal items.

Sins Against Fellow Students and Authority The Bible is clear that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. We have summed up remaining concerns into two areas of discipline: sins against fellow students & sins against authority.

Sins Against Fellow Students ●​ 1st infraction of the day: one verbal warning ●​ 2nd infraction of the day: name goes on board ●​ 3rd infraction of the day: immediate office visit

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Sins Against Authority ●​ Sins against authority will result in an immediate office visit.

Office Visits An office visit will result in: ●​ Restitution/restoration. A public offense will prompt a public apology; a private offense will prompt a private apology. For example, if a student has interrupted an entire class, the student will ask for forgiveness of the entire class; if the student has privately sinned against someone, they will go to the individual to ask forgiveness (e.g., "Please forgive me for interrupting and being selfish..."). Part of the great importance of this is calling sin sin. ●​ Parents being contacted ●​ A ClassReach Discipline Form ●​ Possible lunch or after school detention ●​ A 4th office visit in a semester will result in a Disciplinary Hearing Slander, the threat of bodily harm to oneself or others, intentional lewdness, or sexual misconduct will result in at least a one day suspension and/or possible expulsion. Consequences will be decided after the administration has had time to consider all pertinent information and will vary case by case.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Classes begin at 8:30 AM. Students may arrive between 8:00–8:25 AM and will be considered tardy after 8:30 AM. Parents may arrange early drop-off and late pick-up times with school staff.

It is most helpful when students arrive on time and are ready to begin their work when they enter the classroom.

Parking-lot gates will be locked at 8:30 AM. Classes end at 3:00 PM. Students must be picked up by 3:15 PM.

Attendance A student enrolled in TKCA is expected to be present and on time every day school is in session.

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The actual number of days school is in session will be determined by the yearly school calendar. Attendance records for the students are reported on the student's report card each semester.

Unexcused absences that exceed 4 in a semester may jeopardize a student’s academic standing. The parents may be asked to meet with the principal/administrator to discuss the situation and any possible ramifications. In addition, 9 or more absences during the school year will result in the student's school record being reviewed. The administration will determine if the student needs to repeat the academic level, is able to progress to the next grade, or whether dismissal is warranted due to a lack of attendance.

Absences All absences except for illness and emergency will be considered UNEXCUSED. If a student needs to be absent for any reason, the parent should notify the administration through the ClassReach Student Absence form and send an email to all appropriate teachers explaining the circumstances. Notification should be made as soon as possible to limit the amount of missed schoolwork. In the instance where a ClassReach Student Absence Form is not submitted by 3:00 PM on the day/days the student is absent, they will be marked “UA” for unexcused absence, regardless of the circumstances.

We are in favor of family time and understand the choice to take vacations and trips during the school year.

However, when absences are voluntary (vs emergency or illness) teachers are NOT required to send independent work home with students to complete in lieu of absence. Students may continue to read and do math homework while gone to keep pace with their class, but they will not be required to do busy work as a substitute for being present in class. In order for students to develop a love for learning and to join The Great Conversation, it is imperative that students do not miss class.

On the 5th unexcused absence, the student's grade will be affected. If a student has a planned absence when an assignment due date has already been given, it is the responsibility of the parent or student (secondary) to inform the teacher of absence and submit work before leaving or on the actual due date by 3:00 PM via email. Any submission after the due date will receive an automatic zero.

Frequent, non-consecutive absences are sometimes unavoidable due to illness but can interrupt a student’s ability to keep up in school. We recommend that families communicate with teachers when concerns arise. In the event a student is absent from a class or from school for more than five days during one semester (for any reason, planned or unplanned), the appropriate administrator and teacher(s) will meet to determine whether the student will receive a letter grade or a grade of P (pass) or F (fail) on his report card. A parents’ conference will be scheduled immediately, and the student might not receive credit for that semester.

Make-Up Work In the instance of excused absences, which constitute illness or emergency, students may take make-up tests and submit any other make-up work before or after school. It is expected that the child or his parents discuss these

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arrangements with the teacher and take the initiative to complete the missed work. Due dates for make-up work will be established by the teacher. Make-up work submitted one day after the due date will receive half credit.

Any make up work submitted after the one day grace period will receive no credit.

Lateness Students are required to arrive by 8:30 AM. Students arriving after 8:30 AM should report to the office for a late pass before entering their classroom. An excused tardy will consist of medical appointments, emergencies, etc. In order for tardies to be excused, parents or guardians must provide a doctor's note when late because of medical appointments. Any other reason for lateness will be recorded as an unexcused tardy. Parents should recognize that one student’s lateness affects an entire class and that the responsibility to arrive on time is theirs. Therefore, out of Christian charity and consideration for their classmates and teachers, please make every effort to be punctual. Students are allowed: ●​ A total of 4 tardies per semester. The 5th tardy will result in a 30-minute AFTER SCHOOL detention beginning at 3:15 PM and ending at 3:45 PM ●​ A 6th tardy will result in a 45-minute AFTER SCHOOL detention beginning at 3:15 PM and ending at 4:00 PM ●​ Tardiness exceeding the number 8 will result in a discipline hearing with parents and administrators to discuss next steps

Signing Students Out/In When it is necessary to sign students out, and consequently back in, (e.g., for a doctor’s appointment) during the course of the school day, parents are requested to go to the office and sign out/in with the “Sign Out Log.” Parents are asked to provide the date, time out/in, student’s name, homeroom class, and parent signature.

Students are not permitted to leave campus unless their parent or guardian signs them out through the office.

We do not have an open campus, students are not permitted to leave during break or lunch unless the parent follows the sign in/out protocol.

Afternoon Dismissal Students will not be released until teacher, administrator, school employee releases them to the parent or authorized pick-up person. Parents of kindergartners must pick up students IN THE CLASSROOM.

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VOLUNTEERS & TEACHING AIDES Trinity Knox Classical Academy uses volunteers and teaching aides who have been background-checked for assistance in classrooms. These volunteers are under the guidance of the Lead Teachers within every learning group.

PARENT COMMUNICATION & INVOLVEMENT School office hours: Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM–3:30 PM. At Trinity Knox Classical Academy, we recognize that parents are ultimately responsible for the education and flourishing of their children. We believe that educators are facilitators and advisors as parents pursue this important work.

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled as needed. We encourage teachers and parents to speak weekly about how the student is doing and to schedule formal meetings as needed.

Teachers will provide parents with an email address where they can be reached outside regular working hours.

When addressing any concerns, parents should copy the administrator to keep he/she informed of classroom circumstances. Teachers will do the same when addressing concerns via emails with parents. Parents and teachers will communicate via email, ClassReach, or the Remind messaging app ONLY. Parents and students should not text a teacher for any reason. Parents may call the office or email/message the teacher if a student will be late or needs to be picked up early.

If you have a concern about curriculum content, Trinity Knox Classical Academy policy, or philosophy, communicate with the Headmaster. If you have questions about the weekly workings of a particular classroom (homework load, etc.), contact the Lead Teacher or Dean of Academics via email. At no time should an individual student’s problem be addressed to non-involved parties. In the great majority of cases, if you have worked patiently and in good faith, with the teacher and directors, you will find a satisfactory resolution.

Regular communication between teachers and parents is critical for the success of the student and for building a supportive relationship with the family. Teachers will do whatever is reasonable to foster open and helpful communication between the home and classroom.

Please follow Matthew 18:15 to determine the proper order of communication: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Parent Involvement at TKCA: TKCA seeks to assist parents in their efforts to bring up their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). As a support and extension of the family unit, TKCA considers the family to be of first

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importance to a child. God, through His Word, the Bible, indicates that the family is the most important human institution He designed, since He compares it to the relationship believers have with Christ and the Father.

Therefore, at TKCA we are continually seeking ways to actively involve the parents, siblings, and grandparents of our students, as well as our Alumni, in the programs of the school. Joining the TKCA Volunteers is a great way to get involved! The following are a few of the more common ways TKCA Volunteers serve our school. You may: 1.​ Visit the school/class at any time 2.​ Assist in the classroom, regularly or infrequently (arrangements should be made with the teacher involved) 3.​ Assist with lunch duty, including helping with hot lunch 4.​ Serve as a story-reader, song-leader (in K-3), or guest artist; offer your special talents 5.​ Share your experiences or travels as they may relate to an area of study in a class 6.​ Help host class parties at home or in the classroom as a classroom parent 7.​ Assist with large office mailings or photocopying 8.​ Support a teacher or administrator through regular prayer 9.​ Accompany the class on field trips 10.​ Coach athletics For more information about how to become a TKCA Volunteer, please go to our website or email us at: admin@trinityknoxclassical.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Lunch Students will bring packed lunches. Please also alert us of any allergies your child has so we can accommodate as needed and alert other families (if the allergy is very severe). At Trinity Knox Classical Academy, we value health and wellness, so please keep this in mind when packing lunches, as your young students will be learning about nutrition, a balanced diet, etc. We encourage low-sugar drinks.

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Snacks Parents are welcome to send an easy-to-eat snack for mid-morning. Water is the only beverage allowed to accompany snacks, as they will be consumed in their classrooms.

Health Requirements/Policies 1.​ It is expected that students are sent to school healthy, well rested, and ready for class. Students who are lethargic, tired, and unable to do their schoolwork will be sent home for needed rest and recuperation.

TKCA does not operate a health suite. Students who are not able to do their schoolwork will be sent home.

2.​ Parents should use the online Emergency Form to provide the school with updated emergency numbers of friends and/or family who can pick up their child from school if the child becomes ill. This form will also be used to contact people who may need notification in a medical emergency and includes a signed waiver in order to facilitate necessary surgical action.

Contagious Illness Students with fever, diarrhea, a contagious virus, severe cold, strep throat, and the like should remain at home to avoid infecting others. They should not return to school until they are symptom-free and without a fever for at least 24 hours prior to re-entering the classroom (fever-free without the aid of medication).

Head Lice In the case of head lice on any child, a general notification will be sent to all families. Every discretion will be used in communications. To avoid spreading lice, infected children should be kept home from school until they are free of lice and nits. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is lice and nit free.

Medication Distribution & Administration Trinity Knox Classical Academy administration is willing to administer any over-the-counter medication to the children in their care, but only with written authorization from the child’s parent or guardian.

Prescription medication must only be administered by office staff (not teachers). Emergency medications such as epinephrine pens, seizure medications, and the like, will be used only in emergencies by faculty and staff. Parents must provide the medication itself and training for administration of the medication.

We will be happy to accommodate parent visits during the day for the purpose of medication administration.

1.​ Parents must give permission in Class Reach to administer medication, for their child to receive over-the-counter medication, such as tylenol or ibuprofen. Aspirin will not be administered.

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2.​ TKCA will keep documentation of OTC medications administered so that parents know the time and the dose given to their child.

3.​ Prescription medications may be given to students by office staff only with written consent from parents or legal guardians. All prescribed medication must be submitted to the front office for administration.

4.​ Students with severe allergic reactions that need to have an Epinephrine pen on hand must provide an up-to-date pen along with instructions and dosage. The Epinephrine pen will be kept in a locked cabinet.

5.​ All medication, prescription or OTC must be administered through front office staff only. No student will be permitted to administer any form of medication (prescription or over-the-counter) to himself or any other student (except for medicinal inhalers and Epi-Pens). A signed Self-Administration Form must be completed for a child to self-medicate.

Health Records Trinity Knox Classical Academy will not ask for or divulge medical records. If your child has allergies or medical concerns, please share this information through the ClassReach form provided on the parent home page.

Illness Policy In consideration of your young student’s wellness and preventing the spread of illness to your child’s classmates and teachers, a young student should be symptom-free a full 24 hours from the following before returning to onsite classes: ●​ Fever—Temperature of 100.4 degrees or above without the use of fever-reducing medication ●​ Vomiting/diarrhea ●​ Rash ●​ Persistent Cough NOTE: If your child has a contagious illness such as strep or pinkeye, please follow your doctor’s advice and return when advised.

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ACADEMIC SCHEDULE Calendar The Academic Calendar is located on our website and on ClassReach.

Daily Schedule Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are our core academic days.​ School starts at 8:30 AM each morning and ends by 3:00 PM.

ENROLLMENT POLICY Regarding Candidates for Admissions All children are welcome to apply for admissions; we do not discriminate on race, gender or religion. But our statement of faith, mission, and vision are clear. Our aim is to disciple students, teaching them all that Jesus commanded.

Children diagnosed with a learning disability are welcome to be a part of Trinity Knox Classical Academy so long as they can meet, or be assisted to meet, the discipline standards of the classroom, discussions, and daily routine.

Students applying for admissions should have a desire to receive this form of education. We do not mind assisting parents in fostering this desire, but the student needs to at least be “willing to be made willing” to be discipled.

Enrollment Process 1.​ Complete an Interview Request Form 2.​ Be invited to an admissions meeting 3.​ Interview with our admissions committee 4.​ Complete an application 5.​ Make enrollment payment

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6.​ Get ready to begin by reviewing the dress code and supply list 7.​ Have student assessed for instructional level

Part-Time Students Trinity Knox Classical Academy desires to assist as many students as possible, but the structure of the school necessitates a community of students working together. For this reason, Trinity Knox Classical Academy will not take part-time students unless unique circumstances are involved.

SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS We desire to foster healthy relationships within our school. While parents are ultimately in authority over their children, we view that dating is for the intent of finding a marriage partner and as such, it would be rare that a high school student would be prepared for this commitment. In the event that a parent supports their mature child in this type of relationship, we would expect this relationship to not be evident during school hours, at school functions, or at events that represent the school.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION & ADA STATEMENT Trinity Knox Classical Academy admits students and hires employees without regard to race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin, ensuring equal access to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to our school community. We are committed to upholding applicable nondiscriminatory policies in the administration of educational policies, admissions, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered activities. Trinity Knox Classical Academy does not accept federal funds.

School administrators and key teaching staff sign a statement of faith attesting that they hold traditional, non-denominational Judeo-Christian beliefs. Parents, students, contractors, and support staff are not required to adhere to this statement and we genuinely welcome any students regardless of their religious convictions. Our mission is to support parents as they raise their children, and our faith does not hinder our ability to do this for all students. Rather, our faith requires it.

We only ask that parents and students be aware that our educational philosophy and content is influenced by our convictions. If you have any concerns about how this may work itself out practically in the classroom, please feel free to ask.

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TUITION & FEE SCHEDULE PLEASE CLICK FOR OUR TUITION AND FEE SCHEDULE.

FINANCIAL AID Private schools do not have the benefit of any financial aid sources outside of donations. We carefully price our tuition to cover expenses associated with education; at the same time, we do not want to turn anyone away because of finances. Therefore if a family will have a difficult time with tuition, we will have them complete a financial aid application at BeneFAQ.com.

SCHOOL GOVERNANCE & ACCREDITATION While there is not an accrediting body for this model of school, we will seek excellence through constant assessment of our practices and pedagogy. We have joined with Concordis Education Partners which provides training, external teacher evaluations, and advises our Education Council on best pedagogical practices.

EDUCATION COUNCIL The Education Council is comprised of the following members: Alyssa Maden, Dana Ernst, and Heather Lloyd.

Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, Trinity Knox Classical Academy reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.

Parents will be notified of any changes to the handbook that occur during the current academic year.

Trinity Knox Classical Academy provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and, to the extent permissible by law, expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred.

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