THEMISSION
WeexisttoprovideaChrist-centered,robustclassicalliberalartseducationthatignitesthejoyof learningandfostersdiscernmentofallthingsgood,true,andbeautiful.
OurDeepHope
OurdeephopeistoseeourstudentsrootedinChrist,withanunwaveringcommitmenttotruth, equippedtodiscipleothers,andencompassedbyGod’sloveandjoy AsimagebearersinChrist,we desirethatourstudentsachieveacademicexcellencethatpreparesthemtobeleadersintheir communityandnotimpactedbytheworldlyphilosophiesoftoday.Weaspirethattheyhidethe wordofGodintheirheartsandthattheyarefaithful,humbleChrist-followers.
PHILOSOPHYOFEDUCATION
Oureducationalendeavorspringsfromtheancientfountainsofclassicalwisdom,advocatingcritical thinking,truthpursuit,andpurposefullearning.Weseeeducationnotasmerefact-gathering,butas ameaningfulquesttoequipstudentswiththetoolstograspanddefendtruththroughouttheirlives. Weprovideacomprehensivepedagogythatmovesstudentsthroughthegrammar(knowledge),logic (understanding),andrhetoric(wisdom)ofeachsubjectwestudy
WewanttoigniteyoungheartswithcuriosityandreverencefortheCreator,fosteringadeepening relationshipwithHim Weweavevaluesoffaith,integrity,andcompassionintotheveryfabricof learning.Ourclassicalapproachaimstoserveallstudents,fosteringacommunityrootedinhumility andrejectingtheseedsofpride.
Inourpursuitofmeaningfuleducation,weupholdthehigheststandardsofteaching,ledby educatorswhoembodybothhumilityandpassion.Acknowledgingthediverseabilitiesofstudents, wetailorourinstructiontounlockthepotentialofeachindividual.Throughthisapproach,weaim toprovideatransformativeeducationalexperience,equippingstudentstoflourishacademically, spiritually,andpersonally
Trivium(ArtofWords)
PhilosophyofHumanities
Thestudyofhumanitiesencompassestheexplorationofhumanityasimage-bearersofGod,delving intoliterature,history,andScripture.It'sthejourneytowardintegratingthefullnarrativeofour world,crucialforstudentsprogressingfromknowledgetounderstandingtowisdom embodiedin
thetriviumofgrammar,logic,andrhetoric Ouraimistoinstillinchildrenaloveforwhatistrue, good,andbeautiful,enablingthemtoperceivetheworldthroughabiblicallens.Throughthe synthesisofideas,inanintegratedhumanitiescurriculum,welaythegroundworkforthisauthentic worldview.Additionally,byexaminingerasoftimecollectivelyacrosstheschool,studentsgain multipleperspectivesontheunfoldingstoryofGod'sworld.
PhilosophyofBible
TheBibleisnotastandalonesubject;butwewillensureasolidBiblicalsurveyprogramisapartof eachyearofeducation.UltimatelytheBiblewillbewovenintoallaspectsofourcurriculumandday. Itholdsa"firstfruits"aspect,servingasthefoundationalelementthatintegrateswithandenriches everysubject,representingthefirstfruitsofhumanity’swisdomandknowledge,math’sorder,and scientificdiscovery.Wewantchildrento“hideGod’sWordintheirhearts,”thereforeBiblememory workwillbeavitalpartofourbiblicalstudy.
PhilosophyofLiterature
Storyimpactsourlivesandservesasavaluableeducationaltool,soitwillbepurposefullychosen Literaturewillbeusedinamannerthatallowsteacherstoclearlyrevealevilasevilandgoodasgood. Literatureprovidesbothhistoricalcontextandliteraryvalue,functioningasa"subject"for discernmenttraining
Giventhatourworldisbroken,wewillcarefullyselectliteraturethatallowschildrentoremain innocentyetnotnaivetothedissonanceinourfallenworld Readingstorieswithwell-developed charactersenableschildrentoseetheoutcomesofvariousdecisionsanddiscussthetruthofdifferent situations.Storieswillretainthevernacularoftheirtimeperiods,andteacherswillguidestudentsin biblicaltruthastheynavigatethesenarratives.
PhilosophyofHistory
Connectingsubjectstogetherenricheslearningbyexpressingtheinterconnectednessoftimeperiods andthemes.Bystudyingaspecificperiodinhistory,studentscanexperiencethepeople,culture,and nuancesofthatera,throughliterature,bringingthenuancesofhistorytolife Thisholisticapproach enhanceshowstudentsread,interpret,andunderstandtheworldinwhichwelive,promotingamore roundedcomprehension.
Weaimtoavoidaflatunderstandingofhistoricaleventsandinsteadseektoexamineallangles.This approachinvolveslookingattopicsfrommultipleperspectivestofullygrasptheeventsandtheir implications.Historyisinformativeforourmodernlife;understandingthepastprovidesinsights intothepresentandfuture,revealingthehow's,why's,andwhat'sofevents.Eacheventisathread wovenintothetapestryofGod'sstory,illustratinghowhistorymovesusforwardinHisdivineplan
PhilosophyofLanguage
Latinisacornerstoneoflinguisticheritageandhelpsunveiltheintricateconnectionsoflanguage. Masteryoflanguage,throughLatin,notonlyenrichesourabilitytoarticulatethoughtsbutalso enhancesoratoryskills ThestudyofLatinstrengthensEnglishvocabularywhilealsoprovidingakey totheRomancelanguages,buildingafoundationforfurtherlanguagestudy.Latinisanordered languagethathelpspatternEnglishsentencestructureandhoneEnglishgrammarskills.Engaging withLatinsharpensthemind,cultivatingcognitiveagilityanddiscipliningthemindforconnections. Inessence,curiosityinwordsandlanguageisnotmerelyanacademicpursuitbutatransformative journeythatenrichesourunderstandingofGod’sworld
PhilosophyofArt
Artreflectsthecultureandvaluesofitstime,servingasahistoricalnarrativethatillustratesand explainsthepast Ourapproachtoarteducationisintentionalandthoughtful,aimingtoconnect studentswiththeconceptsoftruth,beauty,andgoodness,whilechoosingartthatpresentsgoodas goodandevilasevil.Intoday'sculture,wheresexualizationisprevalent,wearecarefulnotto contributetothisinchildren,soweselectandpresentartthatmaintainsinnocenceyettellsthetruth. Asaskill,wewillworktohonetheskillsofdrawing,andtraininothermediumsofartasawayof expressingtruth
Quadrivium(ArtofNumbers)
PhilosophyofScience
OurphilosophyofscienceisrootedinColossians1:16–17:Christholdsallthingstogether.This recognitionservesasthefoundation,fosteringadeepsenseofwonderandreverencefortheintricate beautyofGod'screation.Wewillexplorethetapestryoftruth,goodness,andbeautywoven throughoutthecosmosforthepurposeofawakeningasenseofcuriositythatpropelsstudentstoask meaningfulquestions.Throughhands-onexperiences,weconnectabstracttheoriestoconcrete understandingandengagewiththeworldinatangibleway.Inallourendeavors,wearedrawnback totheCreator,recognizingtheinterconnectednessofallthingsandthedivinepresencethat permeatestheuniverse
PhilosophyofMath
Ourphilosophyofmathisrootedintheperspectivethatdelightcanbefoundinconfrontingthe unknownandembracingchallengeswithenthusiasm.TheCPA(Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) methodservesasalayeredapproach,enablingstudentstograspmathematicalconceptsthrough multipledimensions.Centraltothisphilosophyisthecultivationofcuriosityandhumility, encouragingstudentstoposequestionsandseeksolutionswhileremainingcomfortableinthe
postureofunknowing Masteryisnotmerelyaboutmemorizingequationsbutunderstandinghow theyfunction,fosteringadeepercomprehensionofmathematicalprinciples.Problem-solving becomesavehicleforbuildingconfidence,empoweringstudentstotackleunfamiliarproblemswith resilienceandcreativity.Bytransitioningfromconcreteexamplestopictorialrepresentationsand finallytoabstractconcepts,studentsdeveloparobustunderstandingofmathematics.
PhilosophyofMusic
WearecalledtobeasingingpeopleasChristians,somusicisnotonlyfoundationaltoLiberalArts buttoourChristianwalk.Weaimtofosterunderstandingandappreciation,makingmusiclearning apleasurableexperiencedeeplyconnectedtofellowshipandworship Ourultimategoalistocultivate alifelongloveofmusic,equippingstudentswiththeskillsandappreciationtoglorifyGodand enrichtheirlivesandcommunities.
PhilosophyofPhysicalEducation
Webelieveinwholechildlearning,whichnurturesthebody,mind,andspirit.Ourthree-daymodel providesampleopportunitiesforphysicalactivitybeyondtheacademicschedule.Additionally,we willintegrateintentionalgrossmotorskillexercisesintoprimarylearning,andincorporateplanned physicalactivitiesintotheclassroom.Theclassicalclassroomisanactiveenvironment,promoting movementbothindoorsandoutdoors Lunchtimerecesswilloffertimeforfreeplay,andwewill encouragerobustphysicalactivity
CULTURALISSUES
OnGender,Marriage,&Sexuality
OaksClassicalAcademyiscommittedtotheinfallibilityoftheChristianScripturesinallmattersof faithandlife OuraimistobealignedwiththetruthoftheBibleevenwhenthatmeansbeingoutof alignmentwithwhatisconsideredpopularorculturally-acceptable Moreover,especiallyasit pertainstothestatementsbelow,OaksClassicalAcademystandsincontinuitywithwhattheChurch hastaught,believed,andconfessedforover2000years.Inthesematters,weseektobebothclearand compassionate.
Webelievethateveryperson regardlessofsinfulbeliefsoractions mustbeshownlove,kindness, respect,anddignity(Mark12:28–31;Luke6:31).Werepudiatehatefulandharassingwordsor behavioraboutortowardanyoneasoutofaccordwiththeteachingsoftheBible,thecharacterof ourLord,andthemissionofOaksClassicalAcademy WebelievethatGodoffersredemptionand restorationtoallwhoconfessandforsaketheirsin,sexualorotherwise,seekinghismercyand forgivenessthroughfaithinJesusChrist(Acts3:19–21;Rom.10:9–10;1Cor.6:9–11).
WebelievethatinordertopreserveOaksClassicalAcademy’sintegrityandeffectiveness,asa biblicallyfaithfulinstitutionofChristianeducationandasamodeltoourcommunity,itis imperativethatallpersonsemployedbyOaksClassicalAcademyinanycapacity,orwhoserveas volunteers,affirmandabidebythisstatement(Matt.5:16;Phil.2:14–16;1Thess.5:22).Wealso expectstudentstoupholdthesebiblicalvaluesregardingsex,gender,andsexualactivityintheir speech,dress,andconduct.
OnGender
WebelievethatGodwonderfullyandimmutablycreateseachpersonaseithermaleorfemale,bothin biologicalsexandingender Thesetwodistinct,complementarygenderstogetherreflecttheimageof God(Gen 1:26–27) Torejectone'sbiologicalgenderisanactofrebellionagainstGod'sdesign
OnMarriage
WebelievethataccordingtotheBible,marriagehasonlyoneappropriatemeaning:theunionofone manandonewomaninaholyrelationshipintendedtobeexclusiveandlifelong(Gen.2:18–25).We believethatGodintendssexualintimacytooccuronlybetweenmenandwomenjoinedinmarriage (1Cor.6:18and7:2–5;Heb.13:4).
OnSexuality
WebelievethatparticipatinginorapprovingofanyformofsexualactivityforbiddenintheBible (includingunmarriedsex,adultery,homosexualorbisexualbehavior,andpornography)issinfuland offensivetoGod(Matt 15:18–20;Rom 1:24–32;1Cor 6:9–10)
OnSanctityofHumanLife
WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandcreatedbyGodinhisimage.Humanlifeisofinestimable worthinallitsdimensions,includingpre-bornbabies,theaged,thephysicallyormentally challenged,andeveryotherstageorconditionfromconceptionthroughnaturaldeath.Weare thereforecalledtodefend,protect,andvalueallhumanlife(Ps.139).Webelievethisisthestarting pointforalldiscussionsrelatedtothesanctityoflife(e.g.,abortion,euthanasia,war).
STATEMENTOFFAITH
OaksClassicalAcademybelievesinthefaiththatwasonce“deliveredtoallthesaints”(Jude1:3).In this,webelievethatalldoctrineisimportant,butnotalldoctrinefunctionsinthesameway.There aredoctrineswhichareessentialtosavingfaith(Essentialdoctrines)andtherearedoctrineswhich adornthegospel(Secondarydoctrines) WebelieveallChristiansoughttohaveunityinEssential doctrines,butcharityinSecondarydoctrines(evenwhenaccompaniedwithscrutiny)
OaksClassicalAcademyisdistinctlyrootedinthehistoricProtestanttraditionwhilerecognizingthe ChristianidentityofthoseinotherhistoricChristiantraditions
Essentialdoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichthechurchhastaught,believed,andconfessed throughouthistory.Essentialdoctrinesarefoundinthosestatementswhichhavehistoricallydefined basicChristianorthodoxy(i.e.,theApostlesCreed).
Apostle’sCreed
IbelieveinGod,theFatheralmighty, creatorofheavenandearth.
IbelieveinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord, whowasconceivedbytheHolySpirit andbornofthevirginMary HesufferedunderPontiusPilate, wascrucified,died,andwasburied; hedescendedtohell.
Thethirddayheroseagainfromthedead. Heascendedtoheaven andisseatedattherighthandofGodtheFatheralmighty Fromtherehewillcometojudgethelivingandthedead IbelieveintheHolySpirit, theholycatholic*church, thecommunionofsaints, theforgivenessofsins, theresurrectionofthebody, andthelifeeverlasting Amen
*thatis,thetrueChristianchurchofalltimesandallplaces
Secondarydoctrinesarethosedoctrineswhichreflectdistinctivedenominationaldifferencesin otherwisehistorically-orthodoxChristians.Thesedifferencesincludeproperrecipientsofbaptism (paedobaptismorcredobaptism),expressionofspiritualgifts(continuationismorcessationism), viewsoftheendtimes(premillennialism,amillennialism,postmillennialism),ageoftheearth,etc. Thesearenotunimportantdoctrinesandmaybediscussedandevenchallengedasstudentsprogress inmaturity Inthesecondaryyears,wewillencouragerobustdiscussionanddebatesothatstudents learntointerrogateScripture,seektruth,anddebateinamannerthatdemonstrateslovefortheir neighbor.
Asaschool,OaksClassicalAcademywillclearlyteachEssentialdoctrinesandprovidestudentsthe importanttoolsindevelopingSecondarydoctrines Studentswillbeencouragedtoworkthrough thesewiththeirparentsandintheirlocalchurch.
OaksClassicalAcademyBasicBeliefs
● WebelievetheBibleconsistsofthe39booksoftheOldTestamentand27booksoftheNew Testament.TheBibleisGod’swrittenrevelationtoman,inspiredbytheHolySpirit,and withouterrorintheoriginalmanuscripts.TheBibleisthewordsofaninfallibleGodandis authoritativeinallmattersoffaithandpractice
● WebelieveintheTriuneGod ThereisoneGod,whoexistseternallyinthreepersons:the Father,theSon,andtheHolySpirit
● WebelievethatallaresinnersandtotallyunabletobesavedapartfromGod’smercy
● WebelievethatJesusisIsrael’sMessiahandtheeternalSonofGod,whothroughhisperfect lifeandsacrificialdeathatonedforthesinsofallwhowilltrustinHimaloneforsalvation
● WebelievethatJesusascendedbodilytotherighthandoftheFatherwherehecurrently reignswithallauthorityandintercedesforallthosewhoareHis
● WebelievethatallhumanlifeissacredandthatwearecreatedintheimageofGodandcalled todefendandprotectthatlife
● Webelievetherearetwodistinctgenders,maleandfemale,andtogethertheyreflectthe imageandnatureofGodandtheBiblicalmeaningof“marriage”describedinscripture(Gen. 2:18–25)
● WebelieveGodisgraciousandfaithfultoHispeople,notsimplyasindividuals,butas familiesinsuccessivegenerationsaccordingtoHiscovenantpromises
● WebelievetheHolySpiritindwellsGod’speopleandgivesthemthestrengthandwisdomto trustChristandfollowHim
● WebelieveJesuswillreturn,bodilyandvisibly,tojudgeallmankindandtoreceiveHis peopletoHimself
● WebelieveallaspectsofourlivesaretobelivedtothegloryofGodunderthelordshipof JesusChrist
UNIFORMPOLICY
PleaseseeouruniformpolicyHERE
DISCIPLINEPOLICY
Discipline
“Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful.Later,however,itproducesaharvestof righteousnessandpeaceforthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit.”–Hebrews12:11
OaksClassicalAcademyrecognizesthatthepurposeofdisciplineistodevelopourfellowshipand loveforGodandneighbor(Mark12:30–31).Disciplineisnecessaryfordiscipleship.Tothisend, disciplineisnotmeanttosimplymodifyoutwardbehavior,buttotrainthehearttoloveJesus
Wewilltrainourstudentsinthefollowing:
1. Ladiesfirst
2. Greetingpeopleinafriendlyway
3 Addressingadultsandeachotherwithrespect
4 Attitudeofgratitude
GeneralGuidelines
Disciplineisadministeredinlightofseverity,situation,andattitudeoftheindividualstudent.The kindofdisciplinemaybedeterminedbytheteachers,andifnecessary,Administration(e.g.,Headof School)followingtheguidelinesbelow.Anydisciplinaryactionmustbedoneinlovewiththehope ofrestoration.
ClassroomDiscipline
GodisaGodoforderandourteachersfosterthisorderthroughclassroommanagement(1Cor. 14:33,40) Studentswillbeaskedtobehaveinawaythatfostersrespectfortheirteacherespeciallyas itrelatestoloveforGodandtheirneighborsinclass Generalbehaviorsthatcanbecorrectedin-class include:
● Minorclassroomdisruption
● Nuisancebehaviortoteacherorstudents
● Inappropriateuseofclassroommaterial
Multipleopportunitiesmaybeofferedtohelpstudentscourse-correct.Ifateacherneedsassistance,a studentmaybesenttotheoffice
OfficeVisits
Overtbehaviorswhichrequireadministrativeinvolvementnecessitateparentnotification. Dependingontheseverityoftheinfraction,studentsmayneedtobepickedupimmediatelyfrom schoolandinsomecases,receivesuspension.Fordisciplinetobeeffective,itisimperativeforteachers andparentstobehaveasateam.Ifthiscan’tbeaccomplished,astudentmayneedtobeunenrolled untilsuchatimeasanagreementcanbereached.
● Flagrantdisrespectshowntostaff
● Dishonesty(eg,lying,cheating,stealing)
● Defiance(eg,outrightdisobedience,consistentcorrection,orrebellion)
● Fighting(e.g.,strikingwiththeintentiontoharmanotherstudent)
● Bullying(i.e.,whenastudentdeliberatelyharassesanotherstudentduringoroutsideof schoolandincludescyber-bullying)
● Enablinganother’sbadbehavior
● Actsthatendangerthelivesofanotherperson
● Vandalism
● Theft
● Inappropriateuseofschoolpropertyorfacility
● Inappropriatelanguage(eg,obscene,vulgar,profane)
● Romanticdisplaysofaffection(e.g.,kissing,hugging,hand-holding,etc.)
● Sexualmisconduct(e.g.,inappropriatetouching,useofpornography,etc.)
● Illegalsubstanceabuse(e.g.,drugoralcoholuse)
● Weaponsoncampus(e.g.,guns,knives,etc.)
DegreesofDiscipline
Thedegreeofdisciplinedependsontheseverityoftheoffenseandfallssomewherealong(butnot limitedto)thiscontinuum:
1. Verbalwarnings(student’sopportunitytoself-correct)
2. Acknowledgingoffenseandmakingapologies(publicoffensespromptpublicapologies, privateoffensespromptpersonalapologies)
3. Makingrestitution(studentsareliableforanydamagetoschoolproperty)
4. Changingoflocation(e.g.,desk/chairchange)
5. Sittingoutofanactivity
6 Documentationforstudent/parentfile
7 Removingofsomeprivilege(eg,fieldtrip)
8. Communityservice(e.g.,janitorialwork)
9. Senthome(e.g.,earlypick-up)
10.Parentalattendanceduringtheschoolday
11.Suspension
12.Expulsion
ExcessiveOfficeVisits
Asnotedabove,thepurposeofthedisciplinepolicyistoshapegodlycharacterinthestudent Ifit becomesapparenttotheHeadofSchoolthatthestudent’scharacterisnotimprovingovertime and/orisbecomingworsetothedetrimentoftheschoolculture,theDeanofStudentswillmeetwith theparentsandtheywillcomeupwithaplantoresolvetheissue TheHeadofSchoolwillalsomeet withtheparentsincaseswherethestudentexhibitsalackofrepentanceorlacksinterestinattending OaksClassicalAcademy.TheDeanofStudentsmay,athisdiscretion,allowforadditionalmeetings withtheparentsifthepreviousdisciplineplantohelpthestudentwasunsuccessful.Tohelpthe parentsunderstandtheirchild’sbehavior,theymayberequiredtositwiththestudentduringapart oralloftheschoolday IftheHeadofSchooldeterminesthatthestudent’sbehavioralissuestill cannotbecorrectedthroughthedisciplineplan(s)generatedbythemeeting(s)withtheparents,then itwillbeconsidereda“SeriousDisciplineCase”.
SeriousDisciplineCases
ASeriousDisciplineCaseoccurswhenastudentexhibitsextremeungodlybehaviorthatimpedesthe cultureoftheschool Examplesinclude(butarenotlimitedto):
1. ExcessiveOfficeVisits(seesectionofthesamenameabove)
2. Unrepentant,consistent,orseriousdisrespectofauthority
3. Unsafebehavior endangermenttothemselvesorothers
4. Overtmoralissuesincluding(butnotlimitedto):
a Inappropriatetouching
b Substanceabuse
c. Illegalactivity
IftheHeadofSchoolhasdeterminedthatthestudent’swordsorbehaviorconstituteaSerious DisciplineCase,thestudentwillbesubjecttoadisciplinehearingbeforeaselectcommittee.The disciplinehearingwillincludethestudent,theparent(s),theteacher(ifapplicable),theHeadof School,andschoolboardmembers.Atthispointtheschoolboardwilldeterminethenecessary courseofactionwhichmayincludesuspensionorexpulsionofthestudent.Tuitionwillnotbe reimbursedforsuspensionsorexpulsions
Re-Admittance
Shouldastudentwhowasexpelled,orwhowithdrewtopreventexpulsion,desiretobereadmitted toOaksClassicalAcademyatalaterdate,theywouldrequireadisciplinehearinginvolvingthe parents,teachers,andschoolAdministration.TheEducationCouncil,inconsultationwiththe HeadofSchool,willmakeadecisionbasedonthestudent'sattitudeandcircumstances.
ElectronicDevicePolicy
Useofpersonalelectronicdevices(ie,phones,smartphones,portablegamingdevices,smart watches,etc.)bystudentsisprohibitedoncampus.Suchdevicesmaybebroughttoschoolifthey remainoffandinstudent’sbackpacks.Useofpersonalelectronicdevicesmustreceivepre-approval andmustbecheckedinwiththeirteacherduringschoolhours
● Useoflaptopsispermissibleforsecondaryacademicpurposesonlyunderthepre-approved directionandsupervisionofateacher
● Afirstviolationofthispolicywillresultinimmediateconfiscationofthedevice,tobe releasedtoaparentorguardian
● AsecondviolationofthispolicywillresultinaparentconferencewithAdministration
● Athirdviolationofthispolicywillresultinadisciplinaryhearing
● OaksClassicalAcademyacceptsnoresponsibilityforuse,breakage,theft,orlossofphoneor otherpersonalitems
CheatingandPlagiarism
Cheatingisdefinedaslookingatanother’sworkwithouttheteacher’spermissionorcommunicating withanotherduringanexamwithouttheteacher’spermission.
Plagiarismisdefinedasusinganother’sworkwithoutacknowledgingandthankingthemfortheuse.
Ifeithercheatingorplagiarismisnoticed,theassignmentorexamwillimmediatelyreceivea0. Parentswillbenotified AsecondcheatingorplagiarisminfractionandescalationtoaSerious DisciplineCase.
DressCodeViolation
Iffacultynoticesadresscodeviolation*,theywillinformAdministration(HeadofSchool),and AdministrationwillnotifyparentsthroughaDressCodeViolationForm(viaClassReach).After4 dresscodeviolations,anofficevisitwillfollowinadditiontoemailnotification.Afterthe5th violationwithinasemester,thestudentwillbesenthome.Subsequentdresscodeviolationswill requiretheDeanofStudentstotreattheviolationsasofficevisitsinaccordancewiththediscipline policy
*Adresscodeviolationissomethingthatcannotbecorrectedinclass.
OURPROGRAM
OnCurriculum
AtOaksClassicalAcademy,webelievethatcurriculumisatool,whichisessential,buttheteacher bringseducationtolifethroughuseofthattool Assuch,inadditiontousingvariouscurriculaanda developedlistofskillsandobjectiveswewillobtainthemostqualifiedanddedicatedteachersas
possible:teacherswhoexemplifyaloveoflearningandpointyoungstudentstoJesusChristthrough immersingtheirteachingingoodness,beauty,andtruth.
GradingPolicy
Gradingshouldtellastoryofachild’sprogressinlearning,andbecause,asChristians,webelievethat educationofthewholemanisessential,OaksClassicalAcademyusesbothacademicandcharacter gradessothatparentscanseewhetherapoorgradeisasinissueoranacademicstruggle.Reciprocally parentscanseethatagoodgradedoesnotnecessarilyimplyrighteousness.ForthisreasonOaks ClassicalAcademywillgivebothacademicgradesandconductdescriptionssothatwecantruly disciplethewholechild
ConductItems
● Diligenceintheclassroomandintheirwork
● Respectforauthority
● Kindnessfortheirpeers
● Joyfulattitude
● Initiative/Grit
● Humility
● Livingcourageously
Primary&SecondaryWeightedCategories
● 30%PracticeWork
● 70%MagnumOpus(greatestworkafterpracticetime) LowerPrimaryGrading
UpperPrimary&SecondaryGrading
Assessment&GradingProtocol
Humanities
● Softgradingthroughouttheweekonvariouswritingandspeakingassignments
● MagnumOpusforeachweekthatisgradedinthegradebook(maybewrittenororal)
● Assessmentattheendofeachbookthatincludes:
○ Grammarsection(knowledge)
○ Logicsection(understanding)
○ RhetoricSection(wisdom)
Mathematics
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Science
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Music&Art
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
Latin
● 1hardgrade*perweekofhomework/practicework
● 1assessmenteveryotherweekasahardgrade*
*Hardgrade:afterpracticingthechildwillbeassessedonmasteryorimprovement
ReviewweekandfinalsweekbeforeChristmas
Reviewweekandfinalsweekattheendoftheyear
ParentCommunication
● GradeswillbecommunicatedthroughClassReach
● ConductitemswillbeenteredpriortotheFallandSpringParentPartnershipMeetings
● Teacherswillcontactparentsifastudentisstrugglingacademicallyorsocially
● PleaseuseClassReachasthebestwaytocommunicateimportantinformationwiththestaff
ExpectedHomeworkLoad
AgeGroup
LowerPrimary,K–3 10–20minutes 1hour
UpperPrimary,4–5 20–45minutes 1–2hours
LowerSecondary,6–8 45minutes–1hour 2–3hours
UpperSecondary,9+ 1–2hours 3–4hours
GradesatOaksClassicalAcademydonotinanywayreflecttheimmeasurableworthandvalueof eachchildmadeinGod’simage,butrathertheyareareflectionofthequalityofworkinagivenfield ofstudyatagiventime AtOaksClassicalAcademy,gradesservethreebasicpurposes:
1. Tohelpstudentstoimprove
2. Todeterminethebestplacementlevelconsideringacademicability
3 Toprovideajustandlegitimatemeansofholdingstudentsaccountableforthequalityof theirwork
Gradesprovideawidelyunderstoodmeansofcommunicatingprogressandachievementto parentsandotherpartiessuchascollegeentranceboardsorotherschoolstowhichtheyoung studentmaytransfer.
IndividualGrades
OaksClassicalAcademywilluseauniquemethodofgradingthatensuresstudentshavetimeto “practice”beforetheyreceiveagrade Thereforeregularfeedbackwithinthescopeoftheclass regardingnewconceptswillbegivenand“practice”gradeswillberecordedwithinthegradebook MagnumOpusassignments(bestwork),thatwillmoregreatlyaffectoverallstandings,willalsobe recordedfortranscriptpurposes.Consistentwitheducatingthewholechild,bothattitudeand effortwillbeconsideredwithinourgradingsystems.
GroupProjectGrades
“Andweurgeyou,brothersandsisters,warnthosewhoareidleanddisruptive,encouragethe disheartened,helptheweak,bepatientwitheveryone.”–1Thessalonians5:14
Groupprojectsareapartofcourseworkanditshouldbeexpectedthatgradingofthesewillnotbe individualizedbecausewebelievethatcharacterincommunityrevealstheheart OaksClassical Academycaresevenmoreabouttheheartthantheacademics,groupprojectsallowteacherstosee wherecharacterworkisneeded,andsincewearepreparingstudentsforlife,notjustcollege, characterinChristiancommunityisintegralto“lovingGodandlovingneighbor”(Matt. 22:36–40).
MathematicalGradingPolicy
Becausemathproblemsareobjectivelyrightorwrong,gradingwillfollowasimplenumbercorrect outofthenumberofproblems.
● Mathexaminationsare70%ofthefinalgrade
● Mathhomework,practicums,andprojectsare30%ofthefinalgrade(grouporindividual)
ScienceGradingPolicy
Sincescienceistaughtthroughexperiments,anddiscovery,thiswillbeaparticipationandgroup projectgradeintheprimaryyearsandwillmovetowardsmasterygradingthroughthevarious scientificfieldsofstudyinthesecondaryyears.
LatinGradingPolicy
LatinistaughttobuildvocabularyandcontinuetogrowEnglishaswellasLatingrammarskills. Assessmentswillbebasedontheseconceptsandpointswillbeawardedforthepurposeof demonstratingmastery.
HumanitiesGradingPolicy
Vocabularyterms,spelling,grammar,anddirectcharacternamesordateswillbeobjectivelygraded andwillbeonapoints-basedsystem.Withmasteryasourgoal,studentswillbeaskedtocorrectthe wronganswers.
Assignmentsthataremorephilosophicalinnaturewillbegradedonascale Withineachassignment, grammaticalandspellingmistakeswillbeclearlymarkedandstudentswillbeaskedtoreviewthe wordorgrammaticalruleandedittheirwriting Thispromotesmasteryinwritingassignments
Failing&Retakes
Retakeswillbelefttotheteacher’sdiscretion.Astudentwhohassimplyfailedforalackof understandingmaybegivenanotheropportunitytoprovetheirunderstandingafterfurtherpractice Astudentwhoneglectedtheirstudiesandthereforefailed,maynotbegivenaretakeopportunity.
Ifastudentfailsanentirecourse,thestudent,parents,andteacherwillmeetwiththeEducation Counciltodeterminethebestcourseofactionforthestudent.Circumstances,understandingof directionsandeffortwillallbetakenintoconsideration.
Parentswillbenotifiedwithinthreeweeksoftheendofthegradingperiodiftheirstudentisin jeopardyoffailing.
PARENTCOMMUNICATION&INVOLVEMENT
AtOaksClassicalAcademy,werecognizethatparentsareultimatelyresponsiblefortheeducation andflourishingoftheirchildren.Webelievethateducatorsarefacilitatorsandadvisorsasparents pursuethisimportantwork.
ParentPartnershipMeetingsarescheduledasneeded.Weencourageteachersandparentsto communicateregularlyabouthowthestudentisdoingandtoscheduleformalmeetingsasneeded
TeachersmaybecontactedthroughClassReachoutsideofregularworkinghours.Whenaddressing anyconcerns,parentsshouldcopytheHeadofSchooltokeeptheschoolinformedofclassroom circumstances.Teacherswilldothesamewhenaddressingconcernsviaemailswithparents.
Ifyouhaveaconcernaboutcurriculumcontent,OaksClassicalAcademypolicy,orphilosophy, communicatewiththeHeadofSchool.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheweeklyworkingsofa particularclassroom(e.g.,homeworkload),contacttheteacherthroughClassReach.Atnotime shouldanindividualstudent’sproblembeaddressedtonon-involvedparties(unlessthesafetyof otherstudentsisafactor) Inthegreatmajorityofcases,ifyouhaveworkedpatientlyandingood faith,withtheteacheranddirectors,youwillfindasatisfactoryresolution
PleasefollowMatthew18:15todeterminetheproperorderofcommunication:“Ifyourbrothersins againstyou,goandtellhimhisfault,betweenyouandhimalone.Ifhelistenstoyou,youhavegained yourbrother.”
InternetUse&SocialMedia
Studentsareheldtothesamestandardofbehaviorwhethertheyareoncampusoronlineathome Individualsagreetousethesetechnologicaltoolshonorablyandresponsibly.
Thefollowingisnotpermitted:
● Sendingordisplayingoffensivemessagesorintimatepictures
● Usingobscene,vulgar,orprofanelanguage
● Harassing,tormenting,threatening,embarrassing,humiliating,insulting,orattackingothers
● Textingorsocialmediainteractionwithteachers
ClassReachcommunicationispermittedforstudents,parents,andteachers.
HEALTH&WELLNESS
Lunch
Studentswillbringpackedlunchestobeeatenintheirclassroomoroutsideiftheweatherpermits. Pleasepacklunchesthatdonothavetobeheatedorrefrigerated Pleasealsoalertusofanyallergies yourchildhassowecanaccommodateasneededandalertotherfamilies(iftheallergyisverysevere) AtOaksClassicalAcademy,wevaluehealthandwellness,sopleasekeepthisinmindwhenpacking lunches,asyouryoungstudentswillbelearningaboutnutrition,abalanceddiet,etc.
Snacks
Parentsarewelcometosendaneasy-to-eatsnack(werecommendanutritioussnack)for mid-morning Wateristheonlybeverageallowedtoaccompanysnacks
HealthRecords
OaksClassicalAcademyshouldbenotifiedofanysevereallergiesorhealthconcerns.
AdministrationofMedicines
OaksClassicalAcademyAdministrationmayadministerover-the-countermedicationtothechildren intheircarebutonlywithauthorizationfromthechild’sparentorguardianthroughtheClassReach releaseform.
OaksClassicalAcademyreservestherighttorefusetheresponsibilityofprescriptionadministration foranyreason.Ifthisoccurs,wewillbehappytoaccommodateparentvisitsduringthedayforthe purposeofmedicationadministration.
IllnessPolicy
Inconsiderationofyouryoungstudent’swellness,inaddition,preventingthespreadofillnessto yourchild’sclassmatesandteachers,ayoungstudentshouldbesymptom-freeafull24hoursfrom thefollowingbeforereturningtoonsiteclasses:
● Fever Temperatureof100degreesorabovewithouttheuseoffever-reducingmedication
● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Pleasedonotsendchildrenwithahighlycontagiousillnessessuchasstrep, hand/foot/mouth,orpinkeye(tonameafew)
GovernmentAgencyRequests
OaksClassicalAcademyvaluesourparentpartnershipandassuchwewillnotifyparentsofany interactionwithagovernmentagencysuchaschildprotectiveservices,asitrelatestoyourchild Our policyisasfollows:
● Parentswillbenotifiedandtheirpresencerequestedpriortoagovernmentagencybeing allowedtointerviewachildduringschoolhours
● OaksClassicalAcademywilldoitsbesttoholdupthispolicywithanygovernmentagency butcannotbeheldliableifwearenotabletogetaholdofafamilyorifthegovernment agencyuseslegalforcetodemandtheinterview
ACADEMICSCHEDULE
Calendar
TheAcademicCalendarislocatedonourwebsite.
DailySchedule
TuesdaythroughThursdayarecoreacademicdaysonsite.MondayorFridaywillbeadayforreview athomeand“MagnumOpus,”orgreatestwork,projectswillbeassignedforthesedays Afteralotof practicestudentswilltrytheirhandatproducingtheirbestwork
ArrivalandDismissal
Schoolbeginsat8:30AMandendsat3:15PM.Studentsmayarrivebetween8:15–8:30AMandmust bepickedupbetween3:00and3:15PMoralatepickupfeewillbeassessedtocompensatethe facultymembersthatstaylate.
Attendance
OaksClassicalAcademyhasintentionallysetitsvacations,schedule,andstructuretoallow importanttimeforfamilies.ByregisteringachildinOaksClassicalAcademy,theparentorguardian isagreeingtothisscheduleanditislovingtothecommunityofstudentstobeinattendance. Emergenciesorimportantfamilytimearisefromtimetotime;thereforestudentshave6academic days*withineachsemesterforschoolabsenceswithoutconsequencetotheircreditsunless pre-approvalsarearranged.Weaskthattheadministrationbenotifiedassoonaspossibleforany absences.Astudentthatsurpasses12days,oratotalof6daysinasemester,willbesubjecttoan EducationCouncilreviewwhichmayresultinretainment,apaidtutoringsupplement,orthe studentnotbeinginvitedback.
Forsickness:pleasenotifyadministrationthroughtheClassReachformprovided.
Forprolongedperiodsofabsence(toextendbeyondthe8academicdays):pleasegetpre-approval fromtheHeadofSchool
*Emergencysituationswillobviouslybetakenintoconsideration.
Tardies
Astudentwhoarriveslaterthan8:30AMisconsideredtardy.Fourunexcusedtardieswithinamonth willconstituteaparentemail A5thtardywillresultinanofficevisit Subsequentunexcusedtardies willbetreatedasofficevisitsinaccordancewiththedisciplinepolicy.
ENROLLMENTPOLICY
PrimaryPrepEnrollment
Primaryprepspotswillfirstbeofferedtosiblingsofcurrentstudentswhoarefiveorsixyearsold. Next,openspotswillbeofferedtofiveorsix-year-oldchildrenofincomingfamilies Twomonths afteropenenrollmentbegins,theremainingopenspotsmaybeofferedtoafouryearoldofacurrent orincomingfamilyifthestudentwillturnfivebyDec31andthechildpassesthereadiness assessment.
SpecialNeeds
OaksClassicalAcademyaimstoteachstudentsofallabilitylevelsthroughsolidChristianpedagogy andmaterials.Becauseweareabletotakebothconventionalanduniquelearners,ourprogramisvery distinct Weofferclassicalteachingasinputbutonlyexpectclassicaloutputbasedonthegiftingof eachindividualstudent Ourteachingisdoneina“roundtable”setting,wherewemovefromthe concretetothephilosophicalasthestudentsareready.Aslongasweareabletoservethestudent well,weareopenforenrollmentwithstudentswhostruggle.Astudentneedstobeabletokeepthe disciplinepolicyandwhilewemaybeabletosupportadiagnosisandassistwithtoolsachildmay needwedonotallowadiagnosistobeanexcuseforsin.
Anti-Discrimination&ADAStatement
OaksClassicalAcademyadmitsstudentsandhiresemployeeswithoutregardtorace,color,national origin,orethnicorigin,ensuringequalaccesstoallrights,privileges,programs,andactivities generallyavailabletoourschoolcommunity Wearecommittedtoupholdingapplicable nondiscriminatorypoliciesintheadministrationofeducationalpolicies,admissions,scholarships, loanprograms,athletics,andotherschool-administeredactivities.OaksClassicalAcademydoesnot acceptfederalfunds.
ChildrendiagnosedwithalearningdisabilityarewelcometobeapartofOaksClassicalAcademyso longastheycanmeet,orbeassistedtomeet,thedisciplinestandardsoftheclassroom,discussions, anddailyroutine.
Studentsapplyingforadmissionsshouldhaveadesiretoreceivethisformofeducation.Wedonot mindassistingparentsinfosteringthisdesire,butthestudentneedstoattheveryleastbe“willingto bemadewilling”tobediscipledthroughaClassicalChristianeducation.
EnrollmentProcess
1 GeneralInquiry
2. FamilyInterviewRequest
3. AdmissionsInterview
4 Assessmentofstudent
5. Application
6. Enrollment
7. TuitionAgreement
TUITION
PleaseseeourtuitionpolicyHERE
TuitionAssistance
WedonotwantfinancestobeareasonthatafamilycannotsendtheirchildrentoOaksClassical Academy,whilewealsowanttobegoodstewardsofdonorfunds.Weaskthatfamiliesinneedof tuitionassistanceaskgrandparents,churches,andfamilybeforeapplyingforfinancialaid.Iftuition assistanceisstillnecessaryweuseathirdpartyfinancialaidprocessorcalledBenefaq.Theapplication is$35andOaksClassicalAcademyreceivesareportrelatedtowhatafamilycanfeasiblyaffordbased ontheirfinancialportfolio Withthisinformation,ourcommitteemakesadecisiontakinginto accountthereportandanyextenuatingcircumstance Ourdesireisthatafamilyinneedoftuition assistanceisabletopayaminimumof10%oftheirsalarytowardsChristianeducation,butwealso reviewthefinancialcircumstancesinmakingourdetermination.
Step1:Askforhelpfromyourchurch(manychurcheshaveeducationfunds)
Step2:ApplythroughBenefaq
Step3:Thecommitteewillreviewandmakearecommendation
Step4:Youwillbenotifiedofanyaidtobeawarded
Step5:Payyournewtuitionamountthroughmonthlytuition
EVALUATIONS
1. Teacherswillevaluatestudentsregularlyforthepurposeofassessingskillandknowledge
2 Teachersareevaluatedunannouncedthroughouttheyear
3 Theadministrationwillbeassessedperiodicallybythestaff
4. Parentswillevaluatetheschoolannually
GeneralAgreement:AllparentsandstudentswhoareenrollinginOaksClassicalAcademyaffirmby theirapplicationandenrollmenttheirintentionalwillingnesstoabidebytheexpectationsandrules presentedinthishandbookandallotherschooldocuments,bothexpressedandimplied.Thisincludesall policiesstatedherein.
Disclaimer:Thereadershouldtakenoticethatwhileeveryeffortismadetoensuretheaccuracyofthe informationprovidedherein,OaksClassicalAcademyreservestherighttomakechangesatanytime withoutpriornotice Parentswillbenotifiedofanychangestothehandbookthatoccurduringthe currentacademicyear.OaksClassicalAcademyprovidestheinformationhereinsolelyforthe convenienceofthereaderand,totheextentpermissiblebylaw,expresslydisclaimsanyliabilitywhich mayotherwisebeincurred.
