Communication Policy
We consider it a great privilege to assist families in educating their children. We are committed to upholding and supporting parental authority in the
lives of our pupils. We also recognize that ours in a learning community, where families are working together to fulfill shared goals. These
relationships require, and we strongly encourage, prompt and clear communication. In the event of conflict, communication should follow the biblical
standards set forth in Matthew 18 and James 3. In all matters, conflict should be handled discreetly and carefully, while believing and speaking the
best about each other.
Parents to Tutors
If an issue should arise regarding individual tutor rules or procedures, the parent should speak to the tutor before discussing the matter with those in
authority over the tutor.
Parents to Board Members
If an issue should arise concerning school guidelines, procedures, school programs, finances, curriculum, or tutors, parents are encouraged to present their
concerns or comments to a Board member. Simply arrange a mutually convenient time to meet in person or by telephone, or communicate by e-mail.
Tutors to Parents
If an issue should arise concerning a pupil's learning or behavior, tutors may speak directly with the pupil's parents. If information shared with the Board,
or another Tutor would be helpful or necessary to ameliorate the situation, this is allowable with permission of the parents. In a case where a serious
misconduct has occurred, a tutor may certainly consult immediately with the Grace Academy Board to handle the disciplinary action.
Placement Policy
Grace Academy, wherever and whenever possible and necessary, will offer either informal assessments or more formal testing in order to correctly
place incoming pupils in the best learning environment for their needs and their socio-emotional and educational development. If an entering pupil has not had
the preceding or prerequisite classes for a given course of study that is being offered, we want to correctly (we humbly hope) assess their ability to excel in
our program and classes.
In conjunction with tutors and other staff members who are trained and experienced, and in discussion with the parents and their knowledge of the pupil's past
educational experience and performance, we will suggest the appropriate class for each child. Due to the nature of our program; our small classes and individualized
instruction, it becomes much easier and even desirable, to maximize the effectivemess of our teaching by placing children exactly where they should be educationally,
regardless of their age or overall "grade". Many of our classes will sometimes have slightly mixed ages as a result, and we believe that this can enhance
and broaden the experience for all, when the placement has been conscientiously and carefully made.
Please do not hesitate to speak with a Board member or Tutor at any time regarding the ideal placement for your child.
Download Our Placement Policy
Discipline Policy
We will seek to provide an environment where pupils are encouraged and challenged to exemplify Christian behavior. It is very important that our children
feel safe and secure in a loving and nurturing environment. Actions that jeopardize the safety and well-being of pupils and staff must be dealt with firmly,
graciously and expediently.
Download Our Pupil's Code of Conduct
At Grace Academy, discipline will consist of restitution, apologies (public and/or private), swift and measured punishment (corporal punishment is left to parental
discretion; it will
never be administered by the tutor or the POD) and restoration of fellowship. Parents will be made aware of disciplinary action as
soon as possible after each incident, as well as any other concerns or warnings given by a tutor or POD.
The tutor will carry out the majority of day-to-day discipline. There are instances, however, where a stronger warning or more severe penalty is needed.
The following offenses may necessitate such action:
- Disrespect shown to tutor or Parent Of The Day.
- Dishonesty in any situation while in class, including lying, cheating or stealing.
- Rebellion: i.e., outright disobedience in response to instructions.
- Fighting, i.e., striking, pushing or pulling in anger with the intention to harm another.
- Using the Lord's name in vain, or any deliberately unkind, obscene, vulgar, or profane language.
If any of the above actions occur, the pupil may be immediately suspended for the remainder of the class or day and face the prospect of further suspension.
Restitution, parental attendance of classes with the child, or other measures deemed appropriate may be requested. In severe cases, where there is no change
in the pupil's actions or assistance from the parents, the child will be expelled for the remainder of the academic year.
Download Our Disciplinary Procedures
Parental Involvement
Although parents of Grace Academy pupils have employed tutors to help meet their goals, they retain the primary responsibility for the education and upbringing
of their children. Grace Academy strongly recommends and encourages close parental involvement. Each family is expected to participate in the following
ways:
- Pray "without ceasing" for our children, tutors, and the direction of their education.
- Oversee your children's class work, and work with them on any assignments to be completed at home.
- Provide diligent instruction on non-class days and in the additional subjects that comprise the
balance of your children's curricula and life learning.
- Attend all parent-tutor conferences. Informal conferences may be held if necessary at the request
of the parent or tutor.
- Be aware of and praise your child's progress
- Read and respond when necessary to all emails and/or paperwork sent home by Grace Academy tutors.
This is essential to the efficient running of the Academy.
- Serve as Parent of the Day (see link below) on a rotational basis. Please note that pupils are
only permitted at the Academy during class hours. Siblings and other non-pupil youth are not normally permitted.
- Communicate your ideas for improvement, feedback and concerns to the Board. We truly want to hear from you!
Parents are welcome to attend a particular class with their child; however, a Board member must be contacted in advance so that the administrator and tutor may
be notified in advance for planning purposes. Please note that while the Board will attempt to accommodate all such requests, not all visitation dates can
necessarily be approved.
Parent of the Day Responsibilities
Attendance Policy
A pupil enrolled at Grace Academy is expected to be present and on time for all classes every day the school is in session. If it will be known in
advance that a pupil will be unable to attend class, please talk to the tutor as soon as possible. Last-minute absences (e.g. illness) or unavoidable
delays will be excused if immediate notification is given to a staff member or tutor, even by proxy, so that they can teach and plan accordingly to the
benefit of the whole class.
- Responsibility: Pupils and their parents are solely responsible for all make-up work in the event of absence.
- Make-up work: Pupils may take make-up tests and submit any other make-up work before or after class. Pupils
or their parents should discuss these arrangements with the tutor and take the initiative in completing the missed work.
- Lateness: Pupils are required to arrive and be ready to begin classes promptly at the beginning of the school
day (or the time designated for their specific class). The Grace Academy door will be opened at least 15 minutes prior to the start
of the first class to allow pupils to arrive and complete any necessary activities in order
Class Withdrawal Policy
We recommend that pupils complete the classes for which they have enrolled during an academic year. However, if a parent decides to withdraw
their child from a class, the following procedure must be followed:
- The Grace Academy Board must be provided with written notification at least 7 days in advance of the withdrawal. The notification should
be delivered to the Grace Academy administrator and include reasons for the class withdrawal.
- The administrator will present the Grace Academy Board and the pupil's tutor with a copy of the withdrawal notification.
- A Grace Academy Board or staff member will contact you to discuss your reason for withdrawal, as we seek to support and enhance your efforts as
an educating parent.
- There will be no refund of tuition paid for class withdrawals. Grace Academy is a small organization, and relies upon your financial commitments
in the planning, staffing and expenditures of funds for the academic year. If extenuating circumstances are in effect, the Board will graciously
evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis.
GANH Academic Conduct Policy
The purpose of Grace Academy (GA) is to "assist parents" in the education and training of their children. It is the expectation of GA that parents
maintain standards of academic conduct that are consistent with the goals and philosophies of GA. All GA pupils accept responsibility to complete all
homework assignments in the time frame set forth by the tutor. (Pupil's Code of Conduct, #12). Parents are expected to provide oversight and
accountability of their children's class work. Failure to complete assignments primarily hinders that pupil, but also hinders the tutor and fellow
pupils as they seek to advance in their studies.
This Academic Conduct policy addresses the expectations and consequences of failing to maintain good academic conduct. The tutors provide homework assignments
and it is expected that these assignments will be completed to the best of the pupil's ability in the time frame defined by the tutor. Please note that
this policy is focused on academic
conduct only, and is not focused on academic
achievement.
Academic Conduct will be graciously yet diligently taken into consideration with regard to admissions for subsequent academic years.
Download Our Academic Conduct Procedures