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Academic Enrichment Center

The Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) at Whitefield Academy exists to support and supplement regular classroom instruction for students who have been professionally diagnosed with learning differences and for students who could benefit from tutorial support or specific enrichment opportunities. For more information on the AEC and the services it provides for our families, please visit the website.

Accreditation

Whitefield Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Whitefield Academy is a member of Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS), the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), and the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA). The Whitefield Academy athletic program participates in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). The Whitefield Academy Middle School athletic program participates in the Metro 10 League.

Advisory Programs - Middle School and Upper School

The mission of the Whitefield Academy Advisory Program is to provide an environment in which teachers can mentor and disciple Whitefield students by creating lasting relationships centered on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. To that end, Whitefield Academy emphasizes mentoring and personal relationships. Therefore, each student beginning in fifth grade is assigned annually a Whitefield advisor. The goal of this advisory system is to ensure a one-on-one relationship for each student outside the classroom with a supportive member of the Whitefield community. The advisor provides a link between the advisee’s family and Whitefield Academy through which problems or concerns may be shared and better communication may occur.

After School – Middle and Upper School Supervised After-School Study Hall (included with tuition): Available Monday through Friday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Students not involved in practicing or competing in extracurricular activities are to be picked up at 3 p.m. unless they will be attending extra help. Students who remain on campus after 3:30 p.m. and are not involved in an extracurricular activity, must report to the school study hall. This study hall is provided for parents who are not able to pick their students up right away. Middle School students are not allowed to be in any other location on campus (including the gym, Upper School, Quad, Lower School, Innovation Lab, etc.) after school without parent or staff supervision. Students involved in extracurricular activities are to report to the after-school study hall if they are not picked up immediately following the activity.

All students remaining on campus after school hours who do not report to study hall will receive disciplinary consequences. Outside of participation in some extracurricular activities, no adult supervision is provided in the Middle or Upper School after 5:30 p.m., and all students must be picked up no later than that time. The school assumes no responsibility for students who are not picked up by this time. Other arrangements must be made if a student cannot be picked up by that time.

Athletics

The purpose of athletics at Whitefield Academy is to develop and maintain an outstanding Christ- honoring program in which Upper School students have opportunities to use and develop their God-given athletic talents, strengths, and sportsmanship. The Athletics Program at Whitefield makes every effort to maintain and foster a fair and appropriate opportunity for each student to participate in the athletic program. As a member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Whitefield Academy adheres to and supports the rules/policies regarding proper decorum and conduct at all athletic events.

Upper School athletic opportunities for girls include basketball, cheerleading (fall), cheerleading (winter), cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swim/dive, tennis, track/field, and volleyball; Upper School athletic opportunities for boys include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swim/dive, tennis, track/field, and wrestling.

Middle School athletic opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls include basketball, cheerleading (fall), cheerleading (winter), wrestling (winter), cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swim/dive, tennis, track/field, and volleyball; Middle School athletic opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swim/dive, tennis, track/field, and wrestling.

Fifth grade boys may participate in cross country, football, track, and swim/dive. Fifth grade girls may participate in cross country, swim/dive, track, and cheer for 5th/6th grade football.

Whitefield Academy athletes represent Jesus Christ and Whitefield to other teams and fans. People are watching to see if our athletes reflect a Christ-honoring behavior. The Middle and Upper School community at Whitefield is expected to demonstrate Christian principles and support and encourage our players as well as our athletic opponents. This demonstration is for not only the athletes but the fans as well. Failure to act in an appropriate manner may result in removal from the athletic event and/or further consequences by the coach, athletic director, and/or administration.

Bible Version

Whitefield recognizes that there are numerous versions of the Bible and that these different versions may be used at church, Bible studies, or in personal devotions. Whitefield has chosen the English Standard Version as the translation normally used in the classroom for study, quotation, and memorization.

Campus Store

The Campus Store serves Whitefield families with approved uniform apparel and accessories. Information on uniform requirements and hours of operation may be accessed on the Whitefield Academy website under the Parent and Students heading. Purchasing uniforms from the campus store is the most effective way to ensure they align with all uniform and dress code requirements. Questions may be directed to the Campus Store by dialing 678-305-1457.

Chapel

The purpose of Whitefield Academy’s chapel program is to gather together as a worshiping community, to encourage spiritual growth, and to deepen understanding of our Christian faith and relationships with Jesus Christ. Whitefield Academy has an ongoing commitment to enhance the spiritual growth and development of its students. This growth and development take place through weekly chapel services, required Bible courses, guest speakers, musicians, prayer times, and devotions. Special times are set aside for spiritual renewal and refreshment. The objectives of chapels and other special spiritual events are to challenge, inspire, and motivate students and staff toward a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, each other, and the Whitefield community.

Discipline

At Whitefield Academy, we view appropriate discipline not only as a vehicle for restoration but also as a form of care and partnership. When rules and policies are enforced consistently, fairly, and based on Christ-centered love, they can help clarify the distinction between right and wrong and motivate students to improve their behavior, where necessary.

The accumulation of minor offenses or one major offense before a behavior outcome (detention, loss of privilege, parent conference) allow for a few "warnings." For instance, a student can have dress code violations before having to serve a behavior outcome. Only the more severe behavior incidents receive a major offense, thus an immediate detention, loss of privilege, or parent conference.

The teacher of each class oversees the ordinary discipline in the classroom. The student is expected to comply with whatever regulations or disciplinary measures the teacher may impose. Faculty and staff members should always be addressed in a polite and respectful manner. Confrontational behavior with the teacher is at variance with conduct expected from all students and parents. Each situation will be handled at the school’s discretion in accordance with the school’s rules, policies, and practices, as well as general common sense.

Disciplinary matters, or incidents in violation of school rules and regulations, will be handled initially at the most immediate level possible. Violations will subject the student to disciplinary consequences. The level of disciplinary response for any violation of school rules will depend on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Whether any person was harmed;

• Whether there was property damage or other loss of property;

• The level of any class or school disruption caused by the student's behavior;

• Whether the student has been previously disciplined;

• Whether there was illegal or prohibited substances (for example, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.);

• Whether the student had been earlier warned about the same or similar conduct;

• Whether there was a weapon or other dangerous item involved;

• Whether the conduct is of the kind also prohibited by criminal law; and/or

• Whether the student was honest and cooperative in connection with the investigation of the behavior.

In addition, the school may report to the appropriate governmental authorities any actions that appear to violate law.

Graphic Design Standards

Very specific graphic design standards have been adopted at Whitefield Academy. Consistent use of elements such as logotype, color, typestyle, and layout all combine to give the organization a “face” that, ideally, is recognized instantly. Every publication, banner, advertisement, T-shirt, or other visible product should use, insofar as possible, the prescribed design elements in a consistent pattern. These standards apply to all constituencies (employees, coaches, parents, outside designers/printers, etc.). All promotional items, including but not limited to cups, T-shirts, bags, etc. must receive approval by the director of marketing and communications before printing. Any item printed that does not adhere to the graphic standards of Whitefield Academy will be confiscated.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

The school strives to provide the highest quality education, and we depend on the timely payment of tuition and registration fees to cover our obligations. Enrolling your child requires a financial commitment much like any other major purchase. Please make school tuition a budget priority. Failure to make tuition/fee payments by the contractual dates may result in a child being removed from school. Transcripts and student records cannot be forwarded to another school if there is an outstanding balance in his/her account, or if there are other outstanding debts.

Personal Counseling

The school counselor will work one-on-one and in small groups with students who are facing challenges. These range from simple matters of decision-making and adjusting to a new school, to issues involving difficult family relationships, stress, and grief. The counselor will also facilitate larger group meetings to offer strategies for dealing with typical adolescent challenges. Students may visit the counselor before or after school, between classes, lunch, or anytime in an emergency.

The level of counseling that Whitefield can provide is limited. All Whitefield counseling staff members will handle information provided to them discreetly to maintain confidentiality, to the extent consistent, in the counselor’s judgment, with ascertaining the truth, protecting the counselee or others, and providing or obtaining assistance for the counselee or others. Students dealing with problems beyond the scope of Whitefield's counseling capabilities will be referred to private counselors.

Personal Injury/Emergency

Whitefield Academy will make every effort to reach a parent in the event of an emergency. If a parent cannot be reached, the school is authorized to have the child treated by a physician at the nearest emergency clinic.

Photographs

Included in the terms of the enrollment agreement, parents give permission to the school to allow their child’s picture in Whitefield publications, in social media, and on the website.

Re-enrollment Contracts

The decision not to offer a re-enrollment contract will be made by the Principal with concurrence of the Head of School. The decision is based on several factors, which may include the student’s academic performance, attendance, work habits, behavior/attitude, and/or financial obligations.

Severe Weather and Emergency Closing

Parent Notification Process for School Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather

It is important to note that administration makes every effort in keeping school open, but safety for our community is the number one priority. When a decision is made to close school, we have various means of communicating this announcement.

Once a decision is made to close school, an announcement will be posted on our website. In addition, you will also be notified by e-mail and phone.

The following radio and TV stations will announce the school’s closing:

Radio Stations

WSB 750AM

Television Stations

WSB-TV Channel 2 ABC

WXIA Channel 11 Alive NBC

FOX 5 Atlanta

WGCL Channel 46 CBS

Whitefield Parent Association (WPA)

The Whitefield Parent Association (WPA) is the official parent group. The purposes of the WPA are:

• To provide more effective communication for and with the parents in order to inform the parents of school events.

• To provide a more effective organization of the parent community in order to utilize the parent volunteers to enhance and support the faculty and administration, and student body

• To provide an avenue where each parent can share his/her gifts and serve where he/she is needed so that as a school we will bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.