THEMISSIONOFFIRMFOUNDATIONSACADEMY
NORTHWEST
MISSIONSTATEMENT
FFANWpartnerswithChristianfamiliestoprovideadiversityoflearnerswithaChrist-centered classicaleducationthatcultivateswisdomthroughengagingandjoyfullearning,allforthegloryof God.
Christ-centered:wecomefromthepresuppositionalpositionthatGodIS,andallthingswerecreated byHimandHeistheonlyonethatcouldredeemHiscreationthroughHisson.
Classical:theliberalartstraditionencompassesthetriviumandquadrivium theartofwordsandthe artofnumbers,respectively.Weguidestudentsfromknowledgetounderstanding,andultimately towardswisdominalltheirstudies.Wisdomisknowledgeinaction;itbeginswiththefearoftheLord, whichleadstounderstandingthroughinstructionandguidance,fosteringtheabilitytodiscernthe 'right'fromthe‘almostright'
Engaging:thegoodteacherunderstandsthatlearningisactiveandnotpassive,studentsarenot knowledgereceptacles,butareco-discoverersoftruth
Joyful:anurturing,vibrant,andenthusiasticeducationthatliftstheeagerstudenttowardstruth.
Wisdom:Proverbs9:10says,“thefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom,andknowledgeofthe HOLYONEisunderstanding.”InChrist,alltreasuresofwisdomandknowledgearefound.Asone fearsGodandkeepsHiscommands,theydeveloptheabilityandcompetenciestodiscernandmake choicesthathonorGodandblessothers
Alllearners:everyoneismadeinGod’simage,fearfullyandwonderfullymade,andweaimtoservea diversityoflearners
OURDEEPHOPE
AtFirmFoundations,wedeeplyhopethateachstudentgrowsinloveforGodandHisinfallibleWord, abletodiscerntruthfromdeceptionwithastronggraspofthegospeltheylongtoshare Rootedinthe Christianliberalartstradition,weseektocultivatedisciples courageous,humble,Kingdom-focused individuals equippedwithcriticalthinkingskillstoupholdHisteachings,embodyHislove,andlive withheartsfullofgratitude.InacommunitythattreasuresChristaboveall,wepraythateachchild
learnstowalkfaithfully,yieldingtheirheartstoGod,joyfullyservingothers,andcontinuallybeing recreatedinHisimage.InspiredbyMicah6:8,maythey“actjustly,lovemercy,andwalkhumbly”with God,understandingthateveryaspectoflifeisshapedbyHisWord Maytheyliveastrueimage-bearers ofthelivingGod,groundedinfaith,wisdom,gratitude,andhumbleobedience.
EDUCATIONPHILOSOPHY
FirmFoundationsAcademywillinfuseallthatitdoeswithScripture.Weaimtofeedthemindwith truth,goodness,andbeauty,andfosterholydiscernmentandeloquence Weusethetriviumtoguide thestudentthroughthisprocessandwillmovefromconcreteconceptstophilosophicallydeep understanding,inspiringjoyfulandlifelonglearning.
Christian•Compassionate•Classical
FirmFoundationsAcademyNWprovidesaholisticclassicaleducation Wetakeintoaccountstudents’ spiritualhealth,cognitiveabilities,socialacumen,andemotionalstability,tobringstudentstotheir fullpotentialthroughindividualizinglearning.Weteachchildrenhowtothink,notwhattothink. TheJoyfulLearningModel(2021)outlinesthreepillarsthatdefineoureducationalpractices: encouragingculture,individualizedlearning,andcognitiveenhancement
Thefirstpillarisencouragingculture.AtFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,webuild communitycreatingasenseofbelongingthroughteamwork,practice,andagrowthmindset.We nurturestudentsastheynavigatepeerrelationships,learnhowtoshowkindnessandcompassionto theirneighbors,andpracticerespecttowardtheirelders.
Thesecondpillarisindividualizedlearning Studentslearnbestwhentheyareworkingintheirzoneof proximaldevelopment(ZPD), thelevelwhere,ifassisted,thestudentcanmasternewskillsandreach thenextlevel.Wepracticedirectclearinstructionthatissystematic.Webelievethatnotallstudents needthesamelearningexperience,andourteachersdifferentiatelessonstomeetindividualneeds. Studentslearnbestthroughenjoyment,andweincludelotsofgames,livelydiscussions,andhands-on experiences.
Thethirdpillar,cognitiveenhancement,iswhatsetsusapart Webelievethattobringstudentstotheir fullpotentialweshouldseektoincreasecognitiveprocessesthroughdailycognitiveenhancement activities.Ourteachersaretrainedtousegamesandthinkingskillpracticestohelpchallengethe studentstogrowcognitively.
AtFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwesttheTrivium(threeclassicalstages),whichmovesfromthe concretetothephilosophical,isappliedateverylevelandineveryfieldofstudy,buildingskillsin discernment Academicallystrongandstrugglinglearnersareintegratedintolearninggroupsbasedon masteryofmaterialratherthanage.Curriculaisatoolratherthanamaster.Wesynthesizefieldsof studyinstorycentricorthematiclessonsbasedonhistoricerasoftimeandbuildtheimportant literary,mathematicalandscienceskillsnecessaryforinterpretingGod’screationandtheorderofthe world Outputexpectationsarevaried,becausestudentgiftingisvaried Smallclassesfosterdiscussion, speaking,andservicewhilebeinggivenspacetotakeacademicrisk equippingthemforresponsibility andleadershipinGod’sKingdom.
EDUCATIONFORTHOSEWITHSPECIALNEEDS
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestaimstoteachstudentsofallabilitylevelsthroughexcellent Christiancurriculumanddirectteachingmethods.Becauseweareabletoenrollbothconventional anduniquelearners,ourprogramisverydistinct.Weofferclassicalteachingasinput,butonlyexpect classicaloutputbasedonthegiftingofeachindividualstudent Ourteachingisdoneinamulti-age groupsettinginwhichweimplementthetriviumandmovefromtheconcretetothephilosophicalas thestudentsareready.
Webelievethatthosediagnosedwithalearningdisabilityaswellasthosewithdevelopmentaldelays,or trauma,arenotdefinedbytheircondition.TheyarefirstandforemostimagebearersofthelivingGod. Theseuniquelygifted,andsometimeshurtingchildren,haveamind,abodyandasoulthathasthe sameneedsanddesiresasotherchildren Forsome,thedifferenceisintheirhyper-sensoryskillswhich canoverloadtheirminds.Forothers,theyneedaddedassistanceinvariousbehaviorandacademic areas.Becauseofthis,ourgoalistogivethesechildrenalearningenvironmentthathelpsthemorganize theirsensorysystems,seethemselvesasanintegralpartofGod’sworld,andinvestthetalentGodhas giventhem
Wedonotusethechild’sconditionasanexcuseforsin,butwemaymakeacademicandbehavioral accommodationsforchildrenattherecommendationoftheEducationCounciluponreviewof diagnosticinformationandorcircumstances Thisdecisionwillnotbeautomaticaspertherequestof aparent,butwillseekprofessionaladvice,pray,andconsultwithinvestedpartiestocomeupwiththe bestdecisionforthestudentandcommunity.
Whileourgoalisstraightforward,thewayweaccomplishthisforeachchildiscomplex.Becauseeach childisanimage-bearerofGodandiscreatedwithuniquegiftsandstruggles,webelieveitisimportant toindividualizetheirinstructionwithoutcompromisingthecommunity.Weemployavarietyof
methodstohelpourstudentslearntofocustheirmindsandcalmtheirbodies,sotheycangrowin theirloveforGodandneighbor.
Thereforewewill:
1 Provideourstudentswithawell-ordered,consistent,environment
2. HelpourstudentsseewhotheyareinthecontextofGod’sworld
3. Teachourstudentsclearcommunicationanduseclearcommunicationintraining
4 Coachourstudentsinlovingtheirneighborsthroughstructuredactions
5. Guideourstudentsthroughasmuchacademicmaterialastheyarecapable
Wearenotabletoaccommodatechildrenwithknownovertbehaviorsthatwouldmorallyor physically,intentionallyharmotherstudents.Studentsneedtobeclassroomready(notdistracting fromtheoverallprogressbeingmadebythegroup,abletofollowteacher’sinstructions,engagedin activities)andbewillingparticipantsinindividualandgroupactivities
OURDISTINCTIVE
1. Verylowstudent/teacherratio,allowingtrueindividualizedlearningplans
2. Integratedages,wherestudentsmovethroughmilestonesratherthanage-relatedgrades
3 Integratedsubjects
4. Minimalhomeworkintheyoungeryearswiththisexpandingovertime
5 Classically-trainedteachers,whoindividualizethelearningexperience
STATEMENTOFFAITH
Apostles’Creed
"WebelieveinGod,theFatherAlmighty,theMakerofheavenandearth,andinJesusChristHisonly Son,ourLord:WhowasconceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornofthevirginMary,sufferedunderPontius Pilate,wascrucified,dead,andburied.Hedescendedintohell.ThethirddayHearoseagainfromthe dead;Heascendedintoheaven,andsitsattherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty;fromtherehe shallcometojudgethelivingandthedead IbelieveintheHolyGhost;theholycatholicchurch;the
communionofsaints;theforgivenessofsins;theresurrectionofthebody;andtheeverlastinglife. Amen."
TheHolyScriptures
WebelievetheBibletobetheonly,inerrant,andinspiredworkofGod.Itis,therefore,thesupreme andfinalauthorityinallmattersoffaithandlife (Psalm12:6-7;IITimothy3:16-17;IIPeter1:20-21)
TheTrinity
WebelievethatthereisoneGod,eternallyexistentinthreepersons:Father,Son,andHolySpirit.Heis omnipotent,omniscient,andomnipresent (Genesis1:26;John10:30,14:10,26)
GodtheSon
WebelieveinthedeityoftheLordJesusChrist,inHisvirginbirth,inHissinlesslifeandinHis miracles WebelieveinHisvicariousandatoningdeaththroughHisbloodwhichwasshedtosaveHis peoplefromtheirsins.WebelieveinHisbodilyresurrection,andinHisascensiontotherighthandof theFather,whereHerulesasKing.(Isaiah7:14,9:6;John1:1-3:18;Luke1:30-37;Matthew1:21; Philippians2:5-7; John3:16;Romans6:23;Hebrews4:14-5:10,7:22-25,8:1,9:12)
TheCreationoftheWorldandMan
WebelievethatitpleasedGodtheFather,Son,andHolySpirittocreatetheworld,andallthings therein,visibleorinvisible WebelievethatmanwascreatedbythedirectspokenactofGodandinthe imageofGod.WebelievethatGodcreateseachpersonasmaleorfemale,andthatthesetwodistinct complementarygenderstogetherreflecttheimageandnatureofGod.(Genesis1:1-2:7,2:18,21-22; Psalm139:13-16;Colossians1:16-17)
TheFallofMan
Webelievethatmansinnedandtherebyincurrednotonlyphysicaldeathbutalsospiritualdeath, whichisseparationfromGod.Asaresult,allhumanbeingsarebornwithasinfulnatureandallfall shortofGod’sstandard (Genesis3:1-3:24;John1:3,10;Romans3:10-12,3:23,5:12)
Justification
WebelievethatjustificationisagraciousactofGod,whereHepardonssinnersanddeclaresthem righteousthroughfaithinJesusChrist ThisjustificationisbasedonChrist’sredemptiveworkonthe cross,whereHeborethepenaltyofoursinsandfulfilledtherequirementsofGod'slawonourbehalf. ThroughfaithinHim,wearecountedasrighteousinGod’ssight,notbyourownmeritbutsolelyby themeritofChrist Justificationisreceivedbyfaithaloneandisthefoundationofoursalvation,
grantinguspeacewithGodandtheassuranceofeternallife.(Romans3:23-26,5:1;Ephesians2:8-9; Philippians3:9;Titus3:5-7)
Sanctification
WebelievethattheHolySpiritsanctifiestheheartsofbelieversbyremovingthecorruptionofsinand workingtomakeusmorelikeChrist,enablingustodogoodworksandtolivelivesexemplifiedbythe fruitofthespirit (Ephesians4:24;ICorinthians10:13;IICorinthians5:17,7:1;IThessalonians5:23; Hebrews2:11)
FamilyRelationships
WebelievethatGodhasestablishedthefamilyasthefoundationalinstitutionofhumansociety The husbandistolovehiswifeasChristlovestheChurch,andheistosubmittotheheadshipofChrist. ThewifeistosubmitherselftoherownhusbandasthechurchistosubmittotheheadshipofChrist. ChildrenareaheritagefromtheLordandarecommandedtohonorandobeytheirparents Parentsare responsibleforteachingtheirchildrenspiritualandmoralvaluesandleadingthemthroughconsistent lifestyleexampleandappropriateadmonition,correction,anddiscipline.(Exodus20:12; Deuteronomy6:4-9;Psalm127:3-5;Proverbs19:18,22:15,23:13-14;Mark10:6-9;Ephesians5:21-33, 6:1-4;Colossians3:18-21;Hebrews13:4;IPeter3:1-7)
SanctityofHumanLife
WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinHisimage.Humanlifeisofinestimable worthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentallychallenged, andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Wearethereforecalledto defend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife.(Genesis1:26-28;Job3:16;Psalm51:5,139:14-16;Isaiah 44:24,49:1,5;Jeremiah1:5)
HumanSexuality
WebelievethatGodcreatedmarriagetobeexclusivelytheunionofonemanandonewomanandthat intimatesexualactivityistooccurexclusivelywithinthatunion Webelieveanyactsofhomosexuality, lesbianism,bisexuality,transgenderism,adulteryorpornographyaresinfulperversionsofGod’sgiftof humansexuality.WebelievethatGodcreatedtwogendersanddisapprovesofattemptstotreatgender asachoicebyeither1)portrayingoneselfassomethingotherthanthegenderofbirth,or2)by formallychanginggenderthroughreassignment (Genesis1:27,2:24;Leviticus18:1-30;Deuteronomy 22:5;Matthew19:4-6;Romans1:26-29,7:2;ICorinthians5:1,6:9,7:1-16;Hebrews13:4)
FinalAuthorityforMattersofBeliefandConduct
Thestatementoffaithdoesnotexhausttheextentofourbeliefs.TheBibleitself,astheinspiredand infallibleWordofGodspeakswithfinalauthorityconcerningtruth,morality,andtheproperconduct ofmankind.TheBibleisthesoleandfinalsourceofallthatwebelieve.
SecondaryDoctrine
ConcerningmattersthatarenotessentialtoaproperunderstandingofandresponsetotheGospeland inwhichtheBibleisnotsufficientlyclear,weagreetogiveoneanotherliberty.
DISCIPLINEPOLICY
Werecognizethatmaintainingawell-disciplinedclassroomiskeytolearning Webelievethat knowledgewithoutvirtueisdangerous.Therefore,encouragingvirtuousbehaviorthatstemsfromthe heartisasimportantasencouragingexcellenceinmathandgrammar.Astudent’sbehavior,attitude, andphysicaldispositionshouldcontributepositivelytotheclassroomenvironmentandFirm FoundationsAcademyNorthwest’svalueofshapinggodlycharacter Ourruleissimplefor maintainingthisdisciplinedatmosphere:“loveyourneighborasyourself.”
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestusesastructureddisciplineplanfortheclassroomwhile varyingtheconsequencesbasedontheageofthechildandtheparent’sinput.Althoughourmethod ofhelpingthemreachthestandardof “lovingGodandlovingourneighbor”maybedifferentforeach child,thestandardremains.
AsanenrolledstudentatFirmFoundationsAcademy,thechild’sbehavioronandoffcampusissubject todisciplineifovertmoralissuescompromisethehealthandreputationoftheculture.
ELECTRONICDEVICEPOLICY
Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(i.e.,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smartwatches, etc.)bystudentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybeputonsilentorturnedoffandleftin bagsorbackpackswhileastudentisatschooloroncampus.Anyuseofphonesmustbeapprovedby theadministration
● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondarystudentsforacademicpurposesonlyunderthe pre-approveddirectionandsupervisionofateacher
● Afirstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconfiscationofthedevice,tobereleased tothestudentattheendoftheday
● Asecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconfiscationofthedevice,tobe releasedtotheparentattheendoftheday
● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinnodeviceallowedatschool
● FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,or lossofphoneorotherpersonalitems
CHEATINGANDPLAGIARISM
Cheatingisdefinedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicating withanotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission
Plagiarismisdefinedasusinganother’sworkwithoutformallyacknowledgingthesource.
Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0 Parents willbenotified.Asecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionwillresultinaneducationcouncilreview.
UNIFORMPOLICY
ClicktoseetheUniformPolicy
UNIFORMVIOLATION
ParentswillbenotifiedofuniformviolationsthroughaforminClassReach.Afterfouruniform violations,thestudentwillhaveanofficevisitandanemailwillbesenttoparents Afterfiveviolations withinasemester,thestudentwillbesenthome.Subsequentuniformviolationswillrequirethe administrationtotreattheviolationsasofficevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy.
PRIMARYSTUDENTDISCIPLINEPLAN
TheprincipleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor
1. Ifthereisunlovingbehaviorintheclassroomduringbreaksorlunchtime,theteacherwho observedthesituationwillgiveawarningandcorrectthebehavior
2. Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultoauthority,theywillhaveanimmediateofficevisitwith administration
3. Ifasecondinfractionoccurs,theinfractionwillbedocumented.
4 Ifaninfractionoccursduringabreak,thestudent’sleadteacherwillbenotifiedandthe instancewillbedocumentedaccordingly.
5 Ifathirdinfractionoccurs,theteacherwillsendthechildtotheofficewithdetailsaboutthe issue.
a Theadministrationwillnotifytheparentsthroughemailofwhatoccurredandthe disciplinegiven.
SECONDARYSTUDENTDISCIPLINEPLAN
TheprincipleisloveGodandloveyourneighbor.
1. Studentswillrespecttheauthorityofalladultsandtherightsandpropertyofothers. Disrespecttowardfellowstudents,teachersorotherstaffinattitude,wordsoractionswillnot betolerated Blatantdisrespectresultinginthestudentbeingdismissedfromtheclassroomora schoolactivitywillresultinaparentphonecall.
2 Ifastudentisovertlydisrespectfultherewillbeanimmediateofficevisit
3. Ifastudentisspeakinginappropriatelytherewillbeanimmediateofficevisit.
4 Ifastudenthasapatternofincompletehomework,theteacherwillnotifytheparentsandthe administration.
5 HOMEWORK
a. Amissedassignmentwillbeenteredasa“0”untilsubmitted.Thefollowingpenalties willapplytounexcusedlateassignments:10%fornotbeingsubmittedbytheduedate, 20%ifhandedintwodayslate,and30%forthreedaysorlater.Astanding“0”will meanthestudentneversubmittedthework(the“days”referredtoabovearecalendar days).
OFFICEVISITPROTOCOL
1. Theadministrationmaydisciplineinoneofseveralways:
a Acompositionexplaining:
i. Whattheydidwrong
ii. Whatmotivatedthemtodoit
iii. Whatwouldhavebeenabetterchoice
iv. Whattheywilldotomakecompensation
v Followup
b. Timetositandthink.Removalfromtheactivity.
c. MissingRecess
d Ifanofficevisitoccurs,adisciplinenotewillgohomefromadministrationtothe parents.
EXCESSIVEOFFICEVISITS
Asnotedabove,thepurposeofthedisciplinepolicyistoshapegodlycharacterinthestudent.Ifit becomesapparenttotheadministrationthatthestudent’scharacterisnotimprovingovertimeand/or isbecomingworsetothedetrimentoftheschoolculture,anadministratorwillmeetwiththeparents andtheywillcomeupwithaplantoresolvetheissue.Administrationwillalsomeetwiththeparents incaseswherethestudentexhibitsalackofrepentanceorlacks interestinattendingFirmFoundations AcademyNorthwest Tohelptheparentsunderstandtheirchild’sbehavior,theymayberequiredtosit withthestudentduringapartoralloftheschoolday IftheEducationCouncildeterminesthatthe student’sbehavioralissuestillcannotbecorrectedthroughthedisciplineplan(s)generatedbythe meeting(s)withtheparents,thenitwillbeconsidereda“SeriousDisciplineCase”.
SERIOUSDISCIPLINECASE
ASeriousDisciplineCaseoccurswhenastudentexhibitsextremeungodlybehaviorthatimpedesthe cultureoftheschool.Examplesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
1. ExcessiveOfficeVisits(seesectionofthesamenameabove)
2 Unrepentant,consistent,orseriousdisrespectofauthority
3. Unsafebehavior endangermenttothemselvesorothers
4 Overtmoralissuesthatoccuronandoffcampusincluding(butnotlimitedto):
a. Inappropriatetouching
b. Substanceabuse
c Illegalactivity
d. Inappropriateuseofwords
IftheadministrationorEducationCouncilhasdeterminedthatthestudent’swordsorbehavior constituteaSeriousDisciplineCase,thestudentwillbesenthomeandbesubjecttoadiscipline hearingbeforetheschoolboard.Thedisciplinehearingwillincludethestudent,theparent(s),the teacher(ifapplicable),anadministrator,andschoolboardmembers Beforereturningtoschool,the schoolboardwilldeterminethenecessarycourseofaction,whichmayincludesuspensionorexpulsion ofthestudent.Tuitionwillnotbereimbursedforsuspensionsorexpulsions.
OURPROGRAM
EDUCATIONSCHEDULE
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestoffersa3-dayprogram Studentsareplacedinlearninggroups basedontheirreadingability.Studentsprogressthroughtheselearninggroupsastheygrowintheir skills.Becauseeachchildisuniquelydesigned,somestudentsmayprogressmorequicklythanothers. Ourlearninggroupmodelaffordsbothdelaysandaccelerationsthroughthelearninglevels.Fieldsof studyareofferedacrosstheschoolatthesametimesothatstudentscangototheclassthatfitstheir learningneeds.
HOMEWORKLOADS
CampusDays
AtHomeDays
OURSTRUCTURE FOCALPOINT
● Fellowshipbetweentheages
● Overlappinggradestoaccommodateuniquelearners
● Coreclassesthatpromotemastery
● Applicationofwhatislearned
● LovingGod&lovingneighborasprimarytenants
● Prayer&Scriptureinterwoventhrougheachday
● Outpouringofloveonstudents,families,&community
● Integratedlearning
● Nurturingeducationwithteachersasmentors
● Thematicandortopicalintegrationbetweenlearninggroups
● Largeblocksofflexibletimeratherthanrigidclassperiods
● Subjectintegrationthatisintentionalbutorganic
● Masterteachersdevelopedthroughteachertraining
● Foundationalprinciplesinstilledinteachersand,wherenecessary,memorizedforfuturerecall
● Teachersreceivingmentorshipsothattheycanmentortheirstudentswell
● Dailyclassroomschedulesaccountingforcommunityneeds
LIMITINGSUBJECTS
“…thegreatestservicewecandotoeducationtodayistoteachfewersubjects.Noonehastimetodomore thanaveryfewthingswellbeforeheistwenty,andwhenweforceaboytobeamediocrityinadozen subjects,wedestroyhisstandards,perhapsforlife.”
–C.S.Lewis
CURRICULUM
AtFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,but theteacherbringseducationtolifethroughuseofthattool.Assuch,inadditiontousingvarious curriculaandadevelopedlistofskillsandobjectiveswewillobtainthemostqualifiedanddedicated teachersaspossible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveoflearningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChrist throughimmersingtheirteachingingoodness,beautyandtruth.
“Thefinalaimofeverysubjecttaught: TofallinlovewithGodisthegreatestromance;toseekhimthe greatestadventure;tofindhim,thegreatesthumanachievement.”–Augustine
HUMANITIES
“ThescienceoftheimageofGod”
OurHumanitiesblockisatthecoreofourcurriculum,anditisorganizedaroundtwoprinciples: worldviewandintegration.History,literature,Bible,geography,grammar,writing,andspellingare wovenintoanintegratedwholeandtaughtfromadistinctivelyChristianperspective
Thisblockoftimereflectsourcommitmenttorestoringnotonlythecontentbutthestructureof education Ratherthanarigidclassschedulethathurriedlymovesstudentsfromonesubject-specific classtothenext,interruptinggreatdiscussionsormeaningfulprojects,welingerlongerandgodeeper throughintegrationofmaterial,allowingthestudenttimetomasterlearning.
Wereadstories,thestoriesofourworld Itisstoriesthatempowerideas,anditisideasthatspark innovation.WefilterallofthisinlightofBiblicaltruthtocreatemissionalstudents.
TheerasweengagewithareAncientTimes,MiddleAges,EarlyModernTimes,TheModernAge,and American/OregonHistory.Werotatethroughtheseerasasawholecommunityeachyear,learningthe bigideasthathaveshapedtheworldwithineachera
ObjectivesfortheHumanitieswillbemetrelatingtoHistory,Literature,Bible,Art,Geography, Grammar,Writing,andSpelling
LITERATURE
Literatureprovidestheopportunitytorecognizethehumanconditionthroughthepowerofstory,and understandourroleinGod’sgrandstory.Itenablesustolookatgoodandevilandpractice discernmentfromapositionofinnocence* Fiction,non-fictionandsourcetextsatFirmFoundations willhavethisaimwhilealsoincorporatingathemeprevalentintheeraoftimebeingstudied.Wewill intentionallychooseliteraturethatiseloquentwheneverpossible,butmostimportantlywewillchoose literaturethatprovokesconversationwiththematicunderpinningsnecessaryforlayingthefoundation ofGod-centeredwisdom
*Whileastorymaydiscusssin,thestudentgainsunderstandingaboutsinwithoutexperiencingit,thus gainingdiscernment
ART&MUSIC
Artandmusicshouldbeinterwoventoarobuststudyofthe“imageofGod.”ThereforeFirm FoundationsAcademyNorthwestwillincorporatetheseintothefiberofteachinghumanitieswhile alsoholdingskill-basedclassesfortechnique
SCIENCE
"Somepeople,inordertodiscoverGod,readbooks.Butthereisagreatbook:theveryappearanceofcreated things Lookaboveyou!Lookbelowyou!Readit God,whomyouwanttodiscover,neverwrotethatbook withink.Instead,HesetbeforeyoureyesthethingsthatHehadmade.Canyouaskforaloudervoicethan that?" –Augustine
WeteachthattheCreatorliterallyspoketheworldintoexistenceandthereforebeliefinGodasCreator isfoundationaltoallscientificstudies.
Westudyvarioussciencetopicswithineachblendedgradelevelduringtheprimaryyearsandbuildthe importantscientificskillsnecessaryforfurtherdiscoveringGod’sbeautifulearth.Asstudentsmove
intosecondaryeducation,weprovidethefoundationalfieldsofstudynecessaryforapost-secondary education.
MATHEMATICS
“MathematicsisthelanguagewithwhichGodwrotetheuniverse.”–Galileo
Mathematicstakesmasterytounderstand Thismeansthatbothcorporateinstructionand individualizedlearningareimportantinmasteringtheseskills.Weuseacombinationofintegrated methods,manipulatives,andthetriviumtobuildimportantskillsinthestudyofmathematics.Word problems,workedthroughasagroup,helpwithpuzzlingskillsandwithouraimtogoamiledeep ratherthanamilewideinregardtoourunderstandingofmathematics
MathforPrimarystudents isofferedschool-wideatthesametimeeachday.Thisallowsstudentstobe groupedintheirappropriateskilllevelnomattertheirreadinglevel Bothprimaryandsecondary studentsadvanceastheymastermaterialratherthanastheyage.
PHILOSOPHYOFGRADING
GRADINGPOLICY
GradesatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestdonotinanywayreflecttheimmeasurableworth andvalueofeachchildmadeinGod’simage,butratheranaccuratereflectionofthequalityofworkin agivenfieldofstudyatagiventime.AtFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,gradesservethree basicpurposes:
1 Tohelpstudentslearnintheirzoneofproximaldevelopment
2. Toidentifyskillsthataremastered
3. Toprovideajustandlegitimatemeansofholdingstudentsaccountableforthequalityoftheir work.Gradesprovideawidelyunderstoodmeansofcommunicatingprogressandachievement toparentsandotherpartiessuchascollegeentranceboardsorotherschoolstowhichthe youngstudentmaytransfer
Wehaveestablishedabalancedandobjectivegradingsystembasedonthesevalues.
ELEMENTARYGRADINGPOLICY
Ourevaluationwillgobeyondgrades.Wewilluseamasterybasedgradingsystem.Thepurposeofour evaluationsaretomeasuregrowthandrateofgrowthandclearlycommunicateprogresstotheparents
SECONDARYGRADINGPOLICY
INDIVIDUALGRADES
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestwilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshave timeto“practice”beforetheyreceiveagrade Thereforeregular“feedback”grades,or“softgrades”on newconceptswillbeinternallykeptwhilegradesthataffectoverallstandingswillberecordedinour softwarefortranscripts.Consistentwitheducatingthewholechild, bothattitudeandeffortwillbe consideredwithinourgradingsystems.
GROUPPROJECTGRADES
Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart: IThessalonians5:14 “Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive,encouragethe disheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone.”BecauseFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest caresevenmoreabouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstoseewhere characterworkisneeded,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege,characterin Christiancommunityisintegralto“lovingGodandlovingneighbor”
MATHEMATICALGRADINGPOLICY
Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrectout ofthenumberofproblems Exercisesthatarephilosophicallybasedwillfollowthehumanitiesscale (seebelow).
● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthefinalgrade
● Mathhomeworkandclasswork30%ofthefinalgrade
HUMANITIESGRADINGPOLICY
Humanitieswillhaveaunittesteverythreeweeksthatisrelatedtotheliteraturebeingreadandhistory beingstudied. A“magnumopus”inwriting,(orgreatestwork)willberefinedoverthecourseofaunit andsubmittedattheendofareadingunit.
● MagnumOpus&assessmentswillbe70%ofthefinalgrade
● Classworkandpracticewritingwillbe30%ofthefinalgrade
FAILINGANDRETAKES
Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion.Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackof understandingmaybegivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice Astudentwhoneglectedtheirstudiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.
Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducation Counciltodeterminethebestcourseofactionforthestudent Circumstances,understandingof directionsandeffortwillallbetakenintoconsideration.
Parentswillbenotifiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisin jeopardyoffailing.
ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCEPOLICY
RegardingArtificialIntelligence(AI):StudentsandteachersaremadeintheimageofGodandare thereforeuniquelycapableofrationalthought,moralresponsibility,creativity,andcommunion.AI mustneverreplacehumanrelationalityormoralagency.Thegoalofeducationistheformationofthe soul notmerelytheacquisitionofdata AImayassistinlearningbutmustnotdisplacetheroleof teachersorclassicalmethodslikeSocraticdialogue,narration,memorization,anddebate.AItoolsare consideredextensionsofhumanproductivityandmustneverberegardedasmoralagentsor pedagogicalsubstitutes.Itisatoolthatisnotneutralandtherebyshouldbehandledverycarefully.
Useofartificialintelligenceforresearchassistancemaybepermittedforhighschoolstudentswhen guidedbyclassicalresearchmethodsandcitationexpectations.
Creativegenerationtoolsmaybeallowedinelectiveorenrichmentcoursesaspartofbroaderprojects underteachersupervision.
UsingAItowriteessays,completehomework,orgenerateacademicworkinplaceofthestudent’sown effortisaviolationofacademicintegrityandourcommitmenttotruthandvirtue AIusedinsolving
anytypeofmathproblemorusedforthescientificprocessisprohibited.AnyuseofAIinsecretor deceptivewaysisaviolationoftheschool’scodeofconduct.
TeachersandstaffmayuseAItoolstodraftlessonideas,generatequizquestions,andexplore curricularsupport,revieworsummarizeeducationalcontent,andassistwithadministrativetasks(e.g., calendarcoordination,gradingrubrics),withdiscernment
Discipleship-OrientedTechInstruction:TerraNovawillintentionallyteacholderstudentshowto approachAIwithBiblicaldiscernment,includinglessonsondigitalethics,intellectualhonesty,and humanlimitations
ARRIVALANDDISMISSAL
Studentsareabletoarrivebetween8:10and8:30AM Schoolwillbeginpromptlyat8:30AMeach day Studentsneedtobepickedupbetween3:00and3:15PMintheafternoons Therewillbeno supervisionforstudentsbefore8:10AMandafter3:15PM,sopleasedonotdropoffstudentsearlier, andpleasepickupstudentsbefore3:15PM.
ATTENDANCE
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwesthasintentionallysetitsvacations,schedule,andstructureto allowimportanttimeforfamilies.ByregisteringachildinFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,the parentorguardianisagreeingtothisscheduleanditisshowinglovetothecommunityofstudentsto beinattendance Emergenciesorimportantfamilytimesarisefromtime-to-time;thereforestudents have6academicdays(theequivalentof2weeks)*withineachsemesterforschoolabsenceswithout consequencetotheircredits,unlesspre-approvalsarearranged.Weaskthatteachersbenotifiedassoon aspossibleforanyabsences
Forlowerprimarystudentswhoareabsent,theteacherwillsendaclearassignmentformathand reading,attheendoftheday.Materialwillnotbere-coveredforthestudent.
Forolderstudentswhoareabsent,theteacherwillsendthereadingmaterialandthehomework assignmentsbutthestudentisresponsibleformakingupthelearningbygatheringnotesfromother students
Ifastudentexceedstheir6absentdays,theEducationCouncilwillevaluatestudentprogress.
Forsickness,pleasenotifytheteacherthroughtheClassReachformprovided
Forfamilytime(vacations,etc.),pleaseuseourpre-scheduledabsenceformtonotifytheappropriate teacher
Forprolongedperiodsofabsence(toextendbeyondthe6academicdays theequivalentof2weeks), pleasegetpre-approvalfromtheHeadofSchool
*Emergencysituationswillbetakenintoconsideration.
TARDIES
Astudentwhoarriveslaterthan8:30AMisconsideredtardy.Fourunexcusedtardieswithinamonth willconstituteaparentemail.Afifthtardywillresultinanofficevisit.Subsequentunexcusedtardies willbetreatedasofficevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy.Forstudentswhoarriveafter8:30 AM,parentsmustpark,walkchildrenin,andsigntheminwithadministration
PARENTCOMMUNICATIONANDINVOLVEMENT
AtFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,werecognizethatparentsareultimatelyresponsibleforthe educationandflourishingoftheirchildren.Webelievethateducatorsarefacilitatorsandadvisorsas parentspursuethisimportantwork
Parent-Teacherconferencesarescheduledasneeded.Weencourageteachersandparentstospeak weeklyabouthowthestudentisdoingandtoscheduleformalmeetingsasneeded.Allteacherswill meetwitheachfamilyinOctoberorNovember
TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressing anyconcerns,parentsshouldcopytheadministratortokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroom circumstances.Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents.
Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestpolicy,or philosophy,communicatewiththeadministrator Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsof aparticularclassroom(homeworkload,etc.),contacttheLeadTeacherthroughClassReach.Atno timeshouldanindividualstudent’sproblembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties.Inthegreatmajority ofcases,ifyouhaveworkedpatientlyandingoodfaith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwillfinda satisfactoryresolution
PleasefollowMatthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersins againstyou,goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegained yourbrother”
PARENTHONORCODE
IamplacingmychildasastudentatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestbecauseIcareaboutmy childbeingeducatedbothincharacterandinacademics Iunderstandthatmychildwillbeeducated underaChristianworldviewandthatlovingGodandneighborareprimarytenantsofFirm FoundationsAcademyNorthwest.
PartoflovingGodandneighbormeansbeingontime,presentandrespectful FirmFoundations AcademyNorthwesthasbeenverythoughtfulindevelopingaschoolschedulethatallowsforsolid familytimeduringsummers,holidays,andvariousbreaks.Forthisreason,Iunderstandthatschool attendanceisawayoflovingteachersandclassmatesandIwillensurethatmychildispresentandon timeunlessanemergencyarises Incasesofplannedabsencesorimportantfamilytime,Iunderstand thatitismyresponsibilitytocommunicatewiththeteachersandmakeaplanfortheclasstimemy childwillmisswithoutputtinganexcessiveburdenontheteachers.Ialsounderstandthatpoor attendancemaycausemychildtofallbehind
Iunderstandthattheuniformisawayoflovingthosearoundusbyrespectingaunifiedand meaningfulrepresentationofourschoolculture,includingprofessionalism,modestyandourdistinct values Iwillmakesurethatmychildfollowstheuniformpolicysothatthiscultureismaintained
IunderstandthatmychildwillneedtosubmittotheauthorityofFirmFoundationsAcademy Northwestfacultyandstaffduringschoolevents IalsounderstandthatIwillbeultimatelyresponsible formychild’sbehaviorwhileatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestandtherebywillfollowthe directivesoftheschoolasoutlinedbelow.
Ifadisciplinenotegoeshomefromateacherorheadofschool,IunderstandthatIneedtoworkwith mychildonchangingtheirbehaviorthroughtheheart,byencouragingthemtoseekforgiveness.
Ifmychildcontinuestoincurinfractions,itwillbecleartomethatIneedtodealmoreseriouslyand consistentlywithmychild.Ialsounderstandthatmychildwillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththe disciplinepolicyoutlinedinthishandbookandthatIwillneedtomeetwiththeLeadTeacheror administratorincasesofexcessivediscipliningissuestoworkoutaplandesignedtocorrectmychild’s disruptivebehavior
Ifmychildcontinuestoremainunresponsivetocorrection,Iunderstandthatmychildmaybesubject toadisciplinaryhearingasoutlinedbythedisciplinepolicyofthishandbook.Ialsoagreethatifmy childissubjecttoadisciplinaryhearingbeforetheschoolboard forexcessiveofficevisitsorforany extremeungodlybehaviorthatimpedesschoolculture,thatIwillabidebytheboard'sdecision.Ifthe schoolboarddecidestosuspendorexpelmychild,Iunderstandthattuitionwillnotbereimbursed.
IunderstandthattheteachersatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestaimtoeducatethewhole personandwillkeepthewellbeingofthestudentinmind.Therefore,alleffortswillbemadetonot impedegradingasitmayaffectmychild’snextsteps.
ByenrollingmychildinFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,Iunderstandthatnomatterthe specialneedsofastudent,behaviorthatfallsintothecategoryof“seriousdisciplinecase,”including unsafebehaviorthatendangersothersorovertmoralissues,willbeaddressedthroughadiscipline hearingandnotexcusedduetothespecialneed However,Iunderstandtheimportantmissionto specialneedschildren.IunderstandthatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestwillnotifymeifmy childisexposedtounusualbehavior(s).
SECONDARYSTUDENTHONORCODE
AsasecondarystudentatFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest,Icommittothefollowing:
1 Iwilldomybestinmyacademicsby:
a. Submittinghomeworkontime
b Preparingforexaminations
c. Beingpreparedforclass
d. Takingnotes
e Keepinganorganizedbinder
2. Iwillbeanexampletoyoungerstudentsby:
a. Beingrespectfultothoseinauthority
b LovingthosearoundmeinthewayIdress,act,andspeak
c. Followingtheuniformpolicyanddressingmodestly
d. Aidingthosearoundmewhoarestruggling
e. Beingwiseinmyrelationshipswiththoseoftheoppositesex
3 IwillhonorGodby:
a. Notgossiping
b. Notlying
c Beingagoodstewardofmytimeandtheschool’sresources
HEALTH&WELLNESS
LUNCH
Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeateninourmultipurposeroom.Pleasepacklunchesthatdo nothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated.Pleasealsoalertusofanyallergiesyourchildhassowecan accommodateasneededandalertotherfamilies(iftheallergyisverysevere) AtFirmFoundations AcademyNorthwest,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpackinglunches, asyouryoungstudentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc.Wateristheonlybeverage allowedatlunch.WhenyousignupforFFANWyoumaybeinanut-freeclass.Youwillbenotifiedif yourchild’sclassroomisnutfree
SNACKS
Parentsarewelcometosendaneasy-to-eatsnackformid-morning.Wateristheonlybeverageallowed toaccompanysnacks
HEALTHRECORDS
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestdoesnotrequireinformationregardingimmunizations.Firm FoundationsAcademyNorthwestshouldbenotifiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns
ADMINISTRATIONOFMEDICINES
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestadministrationiswillingtoadministeranyover-the-counter medicationtothechildrenintheircareonlywithauthorizationandwrittenpermission(form provided)fromthechild’sparentorguardian
Prescriptionmedicationcanbeadministeredonlywhenthefollowingconditionsaremet:
1 ThemedicineisbroughttoFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestinitsoriginalcontainerby theparentandisdelivereddirectlytothedesignatedadministrators.Undernocircumstances shouldachildhandlehisorhermedication
2. Anotefromtheprescribingdoctorisprovidedthatstatesdosage,frequency,andalistof possiblesideeffects.Pharmacy-printedinformationmaybeacceptedinlieuofadoctor’snote FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescription administrationforanyreason.Ifthisoccurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthe dayforthepurposeofmedicationadministration.
ILLNESSPOLICY
CommitmenttoHealth&Continuity
Ourprogramiscommittedtoprotectingstudentandstaffhealthwhileremainingopenwhenever safelypossible.Becausefamiliesrelyonconsistentinstruction,closureisalastresortusedonlywhen safety,staffing,orclearin-programillnessspreadrequiresit.GuidanceisinformedbytheOregon HealthAuthority
WhenStudentsorStaffMustStayHome
Donotattendifexperiencing:
● Fever(1004°F/38°Corhigher)
● Vomitingordiarrhea
● Persistentcoughthatdisruptsparticipation
● Shortnessofbreath
● Unexplainedrash
● Anysymptomsofcontagiousillness,includingpinkeye
Returnwhen:
● Fever-free24hours(nomedication)
● Vomiting/diarrheafree24hours
● Symptomsimproving
● Abletoparticipatenormally
PreventivePractices
Weaimtoreducespreadby:
● Encouraginghandwashingandrespiratoryhygiene
● Increasingventilationduringillnessseasons
● Cleaninghigh-touchsurfacesregularly
● Askingfamiliestoreportconfirmedcontagiousillnesses
Staffmaychoosetomaskduringelevatedillnessperiods.
ClosureDecisionPrinciples
Wedonotclosebasedsolelyonapercentageofabsences,buttheboardwillmakeadecisionbasedon thecircumstancesandthefollowingprinciples:
Closureorschedulechangesmayoccurif:
1 Staffing:Safesupervisionratioscannotbemaintained
2 ActiveSpread:Evidencesuggestsillnessiscurrentlyspreadingwithintheprogram(newcases developingaftersharedattendanceoverconsecutivedays).
Illnessthatbeganoutsidetheprogramorbeforebreaksdonotaloneindicatein-programspread.
Vomiting/StomachVirusProtocol
Iftwoormorepeopleinoneclassroomvomitorapatternsuggestsrapidspread:
● Thatclassmaybedismissedfortheday
● Siblingsmaybesenthomeasaprecaution
● Additionalcleaningmeasureswilloccur
Returnonlyafter24hourssymptom-freeandabletoparticipatenormally
StaffCoverage
Ifastaffmemberisillorfeelsunabletoperformdutiesduetoactiveillnessconcerns:
● Theyshouldstayhome
● PTOmaybeused
● Leadershipwillarrangesubstitutecoveragewhenpossible
Communication
Ifillnesslevelsrise:
● Familieswillbenotified
● Remindersaboutsick-dayexpectationswillbesent
● Anyscheduleadjustmentswillbecommunicatedclearly
SharedResponsibility
Healthycommunityfunctioningdependsonpartnership Familiesagreeto:
● Monitorsymptoms
● Keepsickchildrenhome
● Communicatecontagiousdiagnoses
Ourcommitment:stewardhealthresponsiblywhilemaintainingdependable,in-personlearning
ACADEMICSCHEDULE
CALENDAR
TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsiteandinClassReach.
DAILYSCHEDULE
Dropoffisbetween8:10–8:25AM;schoolbeginsat8:30AM
Schoolendsat3:00PM. Studentsmustbepickedupnolaterthan3:15PM.
SchoolDays: Newberg Sherwood
T/W/TH
T/TH/F
SNOWDAYS
NewbergcampusfollowstheNewbergschooldistrictforsnowdays,andSherwoodcampusfollows theSherwoodSchoolDistrict Inthecaseofano-schooldayforpublicschoolorlate-startWednesdays inNewbergschooldistrict,adecisionwillbemadebytheAdminteamofeachcampus Anemailwill besentby7:00AM.
Pleasenotethatonthefirstsnowdayoftheyeartherewillbenoextraassignedwork Tokeep schoolingprogressinginour35-weekyear,pleaseexpectthefollowingafterthefirstsnowday:
1 Teacherswillbeassigningworkforthedaythatmorning
2. PrimaryPrep,PrimaryA,andPrimaryBclasseswillbeassignedregularschooldayloads
3 PrimaryC,D,andSecondaryPrepstudentsshouldbepreparedtodobetweentwoandfour hoursperday.Teachersmayoptforliveteachingonzoomthemorningofthesnowday
ENROLLMENTPOLICY
RegardingCandidatesforAdmissions
Allchildrenarewelcometoapplyforadmissions;wedonotdiscriminateonrace,gender,orreligion. Ourstatementoffaith,mission,andvisionareclear.OuraimistoDisciplestudents:teachingthemall thatJesuscommanded.
ChildrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartofFirmFoundationsAcademy Northwestsolongastheycanmeet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom, discussions,anddailyroutine
Familiesapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonot mindassistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingtobe madewilling”tobediscipled
ENROLLMENTPROCESS
1. GeneralInquiry
2. InterviewRequest
3 AdmissionsInterview
AssessmentofStudent
5 Application
6. Enrollment
7. TuitionAgreement
PART-TIMESTUDENTS
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestdesirestoassistasmanystudentsaspossible,butthestructure oftheschoolnecessitatesacommunityofstudentsworkingtogether.Forthisreason,Firm FoundationsAcademyNorthwestwillnottakepart-timestudentsunlessuniquecircumstancesare involved.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATIONANDADASTATEMENT
FirmFoundationsAcademyNWadmitsstudentsandhiresemployeeswithoutregardtorace,color, nationalorigin,orethnicorigin,ensuringequalaccesstoallrights,privileges,programs,andactivities generallyavailabletoourschoolcommunity Wearecommittedtoupholdingapplicable nondiscriminatorypoliciesintheadministrationofeducationalpolicies,admissions,scholarships,loan programs,athletics,andotherschool-administeredactivities.FirmFoundationsAcademyNWdoes notacceptfederalfunds.
TUITION
SeeourTuitionandFeeSchedule.
FINANCIALAID
FinancialAidmayberequestedbutfamiliesarestronglyurgedtoseekassistancefromtheirfamily, churches,andfriendspriortoseekingfinancialaid Wearepartneringineducationwithfamiliesand wearerunsolelyonprivatefunds,thereforeeverydollarnotcollectedintuitionisadollarthatmustbe raisedthroughdonations.Thebestadvocatefortheirchildistheparentandfamily.But,wealsodon’t wantfinancestobethereasonafamilydoesnotattendFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwest; therefore,financialaidmaybeofferedundercertaincircumstancesofextremeneed Multi-studentaid
maybeavailableunderspecifiedcircumstances.Familieswillneedtoapplyforfinancialaidthrougha privatelysharedlink.FinancialaidwillbediscussedthroughacommitteeappointedbytheBoard.
MAINTAININGEXCELLENCE
FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestwillbeseekingexcellencebyseekingconsistentfeedbackon ourteachers,ourstudents,andouradministration.
Wewantourteacherstobecome“master”teachersandassuchwillbeinvestingintheirfurther educationthroughvariousclasses,training,andenrichment.Wewillalsobeholdingthemtoahigh standardtoensureexcellenceinacademics.
1. TeacherswillsubmitanacademicmappingschedulebySept.1ofeachyear
2 TeacherswillsubmitalessonplanwithclearobjectivesbyFridayoftheweekpreceding This willbereviewedbytheleadteacher
3 Attheweeklymeeting,teacherswillexplainhowtheymettheobjectivesanddiscussany strugglingstudentsorextraneeds
4. Everyweekthedetailsofteachingtheseobjectivesandhowtheyweremetwillbediscussed; studentprogressisintegraltothisdiscussion Thiswillbedoneforallcoresubjectsandwithall teachers
5 Theteacherwillalsoneedtopresenttheirplanonhowtoassessthatstudentshavelearnedand engagedwiththeobjectives Thisdevelopsaverypersonalizededucationandholdsteachers accountablefortheirinstruction
ThisoutlinedprocesskeepsFirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestBoardinformedaboutalllearning processesandtheacademicwelfareofeachstudentattheforefrontofourobjectives.
EVALUATIONS
1 Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularly
2. Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear
3 Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythestaff
4. Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually
SCHOOLGOVERNANCEANDACCREDITATION
ACCREDITATION
Whilethereisnotanaccreditingbodyforthismodelofschool,wewillseekexcellencethrough constantassessmentofourpracticesandpedagogy.
BOARDOFADVISORS
TheBoardofAdvisorsofFirmFoundationsAcademywillconsistofmemberswhosefunctionisto overseeandholdthemissionofFirmFoundationsAcademy Theymeetregularlytoensurefiscal responsibilityandtosupporttheHeadofSchoolateachcampus.
Disclaimer
Thereadershouldtakenoticethatwhileeveryeffortismadetoensuretheaccuracyofthe informationprovidedherein,FirmFoundationsAcademyNorthwestreservestherightto makechangesatanytimewithoutpriornotice.Parentswillbenotifiedofanychangestothe handbookthatoccurduringthecurrentacademicyear.FirmFoundationsAcademy Northwestprovidestheinformationhereinsolelyfortheconvenienceofthereaderand,to theextentpermissiblebylaw,expresslydisclaimsanyliabilitywhichmayotherwisebe incurred.