We will teach about the imminent return of Jesus and that the dead will be raised to eternal life or eternal judgment. This will expand, in the secondary years, to discussion of three held views of eschatology: premillennialism, amillennialism and postmillennialism.
Baptism
Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church. In the secondary years, we will discuss the two main positions, credobaptism and paedobaptism, as a viable, orthodox belief
Perseverance
We understand that believers must persevere in faith and obedience in order to be saved. Yet this perseverance is also a gift of God in Christ, who seals them with his Holy Spirit and keeps them by his power through faith for the salvation yet to be revealed. In the secondary years, we will discuss whether the believer’s position is eternally secure or if one may fall from grace.
Spiritual Gifts
We will teach that the Holy Spirit is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe and that He is the believer’s Helper who convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word In the secondary years, we will discuss the two main positions concerning the gifts of the Spirit, cessationism and continuationism, as a viable, orthodox belief.
Cultural Statements
(Faculty, Administration and families must affirm)
Marriage and Sexuality
We believe that marriage joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive, lifelong union and that God designed and directs sexual intimacy exclusively for one man and
one woman married to each other. Any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change or disagree with one ’ s biological sex is sinful and offensive to God
Sanctity of Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, those with physical or intellectual disabilities, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.
Catechism
At Covenant, we will use the New City Catechism because it teaches the truths of the Protestant Reformation in modern language that can be adapted for upper and lower grades. The companion resources that have been published allow for supplemental instruction that is conducive not only for indoctrination but also spiritual formation
Uniform Policy
For more information, please see the Uniform Policy
DISCIPLINE POLICY
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” –Hebrews 12:11
Covenant Classical Academy recognizes that the purpose of discipline is to develop our fellowship and love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). Discipline is necessary for discipleship. To this end, discipline is not meant to simply modify outward behavior, but to train the heart to love Jesus
General Guidelines
Discipline is administered in light of severity, situation, and attitude of the individual
student. The kind of discipline may be determined by the teachers or, and if necessary, Administration (e.g., Head of School) following the guidelines below. Any disciplinary action must be done in love with the hope of restoration
Classroom Discipline
God is a God of order, and our teachers foster this order through classroom discipleship (1 Cor 14:33, 40) Students will be asked to behave in a way that fosters respect for their teacher especially as it relates to love for God and their neighbors in class. General behaviors that can be corrected in-class include:
● Minor classroom disruption
● Nuisance behavior to teacher or students
● Inappropriate use of classroom material
Three opportunities will be offered to help students course-correct At that point an office visit will be held. At the office visit a consequence will be given along with a note to the parent.
Office Visit Protocol
School Administration (e g Head of School) may discipline in one of several ways depending the situation:
○ Cleaning
■ Picking up trash
■ Cleaning bathrooms
■ Vacuuming and or sweeping
■ Cleaning desks, walls, white boards, etc
■ Cleaning outside
○ Physical endurance
■ Wall sit
■ Running laps
■ Push ups
○ Writing
■ A note on what the student did wrong
■ A note asking forgiveness
○ Other
Re-Admittance
Should a student who was expelled, or who withdrew to prevent expulsion, desire to be readmitted to Covenant Classical Academy at a later date, they would require a discipline hearing involving the parents, teachers, and school Administration. The Education Council, in consultation with the Head of School, will make a decision based on the student's attitude and circumstances.
Electronic Device Policy
Use of personal electronic devices (i.e., phones, smart phones, portable gaming devices, smart watches etc.) by students is prohibited on campus. Such devices may be brought to school ,but they must be checked in at the school office during school hours
● Use of laptops is permissible for secondary academic purposes only under the pre-approved direction and supervision of a teacher.
● A first violation of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the device, to be released to a parent or guardian.
● A second violation of this policy will result in a parent conference with Administration
● A third violation of this policy will result in a disciplinary hearing.
● Covenant Classical Academy accepts no responsibility for use, breakage, theft, or loss of phone or other personal items
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating is defined as looking at another’s work without the teacher’s permission or communicating with another during an exam without the teacher’s permission.
Plagiarism is defined as using another’s work without acknowledging and thanking them for the use
If either cheating or plagiarism is noticed, the assignment or exam will immediately receive a 0 Parents will be notified A second cheating or plagiarism infraction will result in an Education Council review
Dress Code Violation
If faculty notices a dress code violation, they will inform Administration, and Administration will notify parents through a Dress Code Violation Form (via ClassReach) After 4 dress code violations, an office visit will follow in addition to email notification. After the 5th violation within a semester, the student will be sent home. Subsequent dress code violations will require school Administration to treat the violations as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy.
*A dress code violation is a violation that cannot be corrected in class
PHILOSOPHY
OF GRADING
Grading Policy
Covenant Classical Academy – Conduct & Virtue Formation Rubric
Purpose:
At Covenant Classical Academy, conduct is not merely about compliance, but about discipleship and formation in virtue. We believe that our students’ actions, words, and attitudes should reflect the pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful. This rubric helps teachers and parents partner together to cultivate hearts that love the Lord and habits that reflect His wisdom, humility, and grace.
Rating Scale Score
4 – Exemplary Faithfully Formed Consistently demonstrates Christlike character and self-control; models virtue for others.
3 – Proficient Growing in Virtue Generally demonstrates desired behavior and attitudes with occasional reminders.
2 – Developing Needs Formation
Shows partial understanding or effort; requires frequent reminders and guidance
1 – Needs Improvement Requires Restoration Regularly struggles with self-control or respect; requires intentional discipleship and restorative correction.
Domains of Virtue and Conduct
Domain 4 – Faithfully Formed 3 – Growing in Virtue 2 – Needs Formation 1 – Requires Restoration
Respect & Courtesy Joyfully honors teachers and peers as image-bearers of God; models humility and gratitude Generally respectful and courteous; responds positively to correction Occasionally careless or disrespectful in speech or actions; needs frequent redirection Regularly displays disrespect or disregard for authority and peers; disrupts community life
Responsibility & Self-Government
Integrity & Repentance
Faithfully stewards time, materials, and actions; acts with diligence and integrity even without supervision. Usually responsible; completes tasks and obeys promptly with minimal reminders Inconsistent responsibility; often needs external motivation or reminders Rarely completes tasks responsibly; requires continual supervision and intervention
Honest in word and deed; confesses mistakes readily and seeks reconciliation with humility. Usually honest; accepts correction and shows remorse when prompted. Occasionally avoids responsibility or deflects blame; inconsistent in seeking forgiveness. Dishonest or defiant; resists correction and refuses to accept responsibility.
Community & Cooperation Joyfully contributes to the class as a servant-leader; encourages others and pursues peace.
Self-Reflection & Growth in Virtue
Regularly examines the heart and desires growth in wisdom and holiness; receives feedback with humility
Cooperative and kind; works well with peers and follows group expectations
Sometimes uncooperative; may withdraw or cause friction in group settings
Disruptive or unkind; refuses to work with others or damages community trust
Reflects on behavior and applies teacher guidance toward improvement.
Aware of areas needing growth but struggles to follow through consistently.
PRIMARY & SECONDARY WEIGHTED CATEGORIES
● 30% Practice Work
● 70% Magnum Opus
PRIMARY GRADING
SECONDARY & SECONDARY PREP GRADING
Shows little reflection or desire to grow; resistant to correction or guidance.
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING PROTOCOL
Humanities
Soft grading throughout the week on various writing and speaking assignments
Magnum Opus for each week that is graded in the gradebook (may be written or oral)
Assessment at the end of each book that includes: Grammar section
Logic section
Rhetoric Section
Mathematics
1 *Hard grade per week of homework/practice work
1 Assessment every other week as a hard grade
Science
1 *Hard grade per week of homework/practice work
1 Assessment every other week as a hard grade
Music & Art
1 *Hard grade per week of homework/practice work
1 Assessment every other week as a hard grade
Latin
1 *Hard grade per week of homework/practice work
1 Assessment every other week as a hard grade
*Hard grade: after practicing the child will be assessed on mastery or improvement.
Review week and finals week before Christmas
Review week and finals week at the end of the year
Parent Communication
● Grades will be communicated through ClassReach
● Conduct items will be entered prior to the Fall and Spring Parent Partnership Meetings
● Parent Partnership Meetings will be held on October 2, 2026 and April 2, 2027
● Teachers will contact parents if a student is struggling academically or socially
● Please use ClassReach as the best way to communicate important information with the staff
Expected Homework Load
Age Group
(for Core only Students)
Lower Primary K-3
Upper Primary 4-5
Lower Secondary 6-8 45 minutes - 1 hour 2-3 hours
Upper Secondary 9+ 1-2 hours 3-4 hours
Grades at Covenant Classical Academy do not in any way reflect the immeasurable worth and value of each child made in God’s image, but rather they are a reflection of the quality of work in a given field of study at a given time. At Covenant Classical Academy, grades serve three basic purposes:
1. To help students to improve
2. To determine the best placement level considering academic ability
3. To provide a just and legitimate means of holding students accountable for the quality of their work
Grades provide a widely understood means of communicating progress and achievement to parents and other parties such as college entrance boards or other schools to which the young student may transfer.
Individual Grades
Covenant Classical Academy will use a unique method of grading that ensures students have time to “practice” before they receive a grade. Therefore regular feedback within the scope of the class regarding new concepts will be given and “practice” grades will be recorded within the gradebook Magnum Opus assignments (best work), that will more greatly affect overall standings, will also be recorded for transcript purposes. Consistent with educating the whole child, both attitude and effort will be considered when we assess a student’s progress.
Group Project Grades
1 Thessalonians 5: 14 “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone ”
Group projects are a part of coursework. It should be expected that grading of these will not be individualized because we believe that character in community reveals the heart Covenant Classical Academy cares even more about the heart than the academics. Group projects allow teachers to see where character work is needed, and since we are preparing students for life, not just college, character in Christian community is integral to “Loving God and loving neighbor” (Matt. 22:36-40).
Mathematical Grading Policy
Because math problems are objectively right or wrong, grading will follow a simple number correct out of the number of problems. Exercises that are philosophically based will follow the humanities scale (see below)
Math examinations are 70% of the final grade
Math homework, practicums, and projects are 30% of the final grade (group or individual)
Science Grading Policy
Since science is taught through experiments, and discovery, this will be a participation and group project grade in the primary years and will move towards mastery grading through the various scientific fields of study in the secondary years.
Latin Grading Policy
Latin is taught to build vocabulary and continue to grow English as well as Latin grammar skills Assessments will be based on these concepts and points will be awarded for the purpose of demonstrating mastery.
Humanities Grading Policy
Vocabulary terms, spelling, grammar, and direct character names or dates will be objectively graded and will be on a points-based system. With mastery as our goal, students will be asked to correct the wrong answers.
Assignments that are more philosophical in nature will be graded on a scale Within each assignment, grammatical and spelling mistakes will be clearly marked and students will be asked to review the word or grammatical rule and edit their writing. This promotes mastery in writing assignments.
Failing and Retakes
Retakes will be left to the teacher’s discretion. A student who has simply failed for a lack of understanding may be given another opportunity to prove their understanding after further practice. A student who neglected their studies and therefore failed, may not be given a retake opportunity
If a student fails an entire course, the student, parents, and teacher will meet with the Education Council to determine the best course of action for the student. Circumstances, understanding of directions and effort will all be taken into consideration
Parents will be notified within three weeks of the end of the grading period if their student is in jeopardy of failing
PARENT COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT
At Covenant Classical Academy, we recognize that parents are ultimately responsible for the education and flourishing of their children. We believe that educators are facilitators and advisors as parents pursue this important work
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled as needed. We encourage teachers and parents to communicate regularly about how the student is doing and to schedule formal meetings as needed.
Teachers may be contacted through ClassReach outside of regular working hours When addressing any concerns, parents should copy the Head of School to keep the school informed of classroom circumstances. Teachers will do the same when addressing concerns via emails with parents.
If you have a concern about curriculum content, Covenant Classical Academy policy, or philosophy, communicate with the Head of School. If you have questions about the weekly workings of a particular classroom (e.g., homework load), contact the Lead Teacher through ClassReach At no time should an individual student’s problem be
addressed to non-involved parties. In the great majority of cases, if you have worked patiently and in good faith, with the teacher and directors, you will find a satisfactory resolution
Please follow Matthew 18:15 to determine the proper order of communication: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother”
HONOR CODE
Parent Honor Code
Covenant Classical Academy
As a parent of a student at Covenant Classical Academy, I commit to supporting the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, character, and conduct for the glory of God. I recognize that my words, actions, and attitudes reflect not only on my family, but also on our school community and the Lord we serve.
Excellence
I will encourage my child to do all things with diligence and integrity, as unto the Lord
● I will partner with teachers to support my child’s academic growth and personal responsibility.
● I will ensure that my child comes to school prepared and ready to learn.
● I will uphold the school’s academic and behavioral standards at home and in conversation
● I will model a love of learning and a pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful
Gratitude
I will cultivate a heart of thankfulness and teach my child to do the same.
● I will express appreciation for the teachers, staff, and volunteers who serve our school.
● I will speak with grace about the school and its community, especially in the presence of my child.
● I will approach challenges with humility and gratitude, trusting God’s providence in all circumstances.
Discipline
I will seek to demonstrate self-control, faithfulness, and perseverance in parenting and partnership with the school.
● I will address concerns respectfully and directly with those involved.
● I will uphold the school’s policies and expectations, even when doing so requires sacrifice or correction
● I will nurture habits of order, responsibility, and perseverance in my child
● I will pray for the school’s leadership, faculty, and students regularly.
Respect
I will treat all members of the Covenant community with kindness and dignity, acknowledging them as image-bearers of God.
● I will communicate with teachers and staff respectfully and courteously.
● I will refrain from gossip, divisive speech, or criticism that harms the unity of the school.
● I will model peacemaking and forgiveness in my words and actions.
● I will honor the school’s authority and support its mission to form students in wisdom and virtue
By adhering to this honor code, I commit to partnering with Covenant Classical Academy in cultivating a Christ-centered culture of respect, gratitude, and excellence. I desire that, through my example and support, my child and our school community
would grow in wisdom and in favor with God and man. When I fall short, I will seek forgiveness and restoration, trusting that God’s grace covers our imperfections and allows our community to flourish in humility and love
Secondary Student Honor Code
As a student of Covenant Classical Academy, I commit to pursuing excellence in scholarship, character, and conduct for the glory of God. I recognize that my words, actions, and attitudes reflect not only on myself, but on my school community and the Lord I serve.
Excellence
I will do my best in my studies, striving to honor God through diligence and integrity.
● I will pursue what is true, good, and beautiful in all subjects and endeavors.
● I will complete my work on time and to the best of my ability.
● I will come prepared for class and participate attentively
● I will take responsibility for my learning by asking questions, taking notes, and maintaining order of my materials.
Gratitude
I will cultivate a heart of thankfulness, recognizing that all I have is a gift from God.
● I will express joy rather than complain, even when faced with challenges.
● I will show appreciation to teachers, classmates, and those who serve our school
Discipline
I will develop self-control and perseverance in my work and relationships.
● I will use my time wisely and avoid laziness or distraction.
● I will follow through on commitments and accept correction humbly.
● I will be mindful of my conduct both in and out of class, on and off campus.
Respect
I will treat others with kindness and dignity, acknowledging them as image-bearers of God
● I will speak truthfully and avoid gossip or unwholesome talk
● I will show respect to teachers, staff, and peers through obedience, courtesy, and self-control.
● I will dress modestly and appropriately, following the school’s uniform policy.
● I will seek to be a peacemaker, forgiving others as I have been forgiven
By adhering to this honor code, I commit to growing in wisdom and virtue, contributing positively to the Christian culture of Covenant Classical Academy, and reflecting the character of Christ in all things.
When I fall short, I will seek forgiveness from God and others, trusting in His grace to help me grow in righteousness. I understand that grace and truth work together as I learn to walk faithfully as a student and follower of Christ
Internet Use and Social Media
Students are held to the same standard of behavior whether they are on campus or online at home. Individuals agree to use these technological tools honorably and responsibly
The following is not permitted:
● Sending or displaying offensive messages or intimate pictures
● Using obscene, vulgar, or profane language
● Harassing, tormenting, threatening, embarrassing, humiliating, insulting, or attacking others
● Texting or social media interaction with teachers
ClassReach communication is permitted for students, parents, and teachers.
ACADEMIC SCHEDULE
The Academic Calendar is located on our website.
Daily Schedule
Chapel begins at 8:15 and school ends at 3:00 PM.
Arrival and Dismissal
Students are able to arrive between 8:00-8:15
Students must be picked up between 3:00-3:15
A fee will be implemented if there is early arrival or late pick up. Consistent early arrival or late pick up will constitute a meeting with Administration.
Attendance
Covenant Classical Academy has intentionally set its vacations, schedule, and structure to allow important time for families. By registering a child in [School name}, the parent or guardian is agreeing to this schedule and it is loving to the community of students to be in attendance. Emergencies or important family time arise from time to time; therefore students have 6 Core academic days* within each semester for school absences without consequence to their credits unless pre-approvals are arranged We ask that the Administration be notified as soon as possible for any absences. A student that surpasses 12 days, or a total of 6 days in a semester will be subject to an Education Council review .
For sickness: please notify administration through the ClassReach form provided.
For prolonged periods of absence (to extend beyond the 6 academic days in a semester) please get pre-approval from the Head of School All work would need to be followed up after the absence and educational packets will not be provided.
*Emergency situations will obviously be taken into consideration.
Tardies
A student who arrives later than [insert time] is considered tardy Four tardies within a month will constitute a parent email. A 5th tardy will result in an office visit.
Subsequent tardies will be treated as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy.
ENROLLMENT POLICY
Regarding Candidates for Admissions
Enrollment Process
1 General Inquiry
2. Family Interview Request
3. Admissions Interview
4. Assessment of student
5 Application
6 Enrollment
7. Tuition Agreement
TUITION
For more information, please see the Tuition and Fee Schedule.
Tuition Assistance
Financial Assistance must be requested by May 1, families are strongly urged to seek assistance from their family, churches, and friends prior to seeking financial aid We are partnering in education with families and we are run solely on private funds, therefore every dollar not collected in tuition is a dollar that must be raised through
donations. The best advocates for a child are their parents and family. However, we also do not want finances to be the reason a family does not attend [School name} therefore financial aid may be offered under certain circumstances of extreme need Multi-student aid may be available under specified circumstances.
1. Applicants will be categorized from the greatest financial need to the least financial need
a. Financial need will be pre-designated based on a ratio of the number of family members to gross income.
2. Tuition Assistance Requests will be handled through the Tuition Assistance Committee including initial application and interview
EVALUATIONS
1. Teachers will evaluate students regularly for the purpose of assessing skill and knowledge
2. Teachers are evaluated unannounced throughout the year.
3. The administration will be assessed periodically by the staff.
4. Parents will evaluate the school annually.
Anti-Discrimination and ADA Statement
Covenant Classical Academy admits students and hires employees without regard to race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin, ensuring equal access to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to our school community. We are committed to upholding applicable nondiscriminatory policies in the administration of educational policies, admissions, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered activities Covenant Classical Academy does not accept federal funds.
Admitting Students with Special Needs
At Covenant Classical Academy, children diagnosed with a learning disability are welcome to apply for admissions so long as we can serve them well and they can
meet, or be assisted to meet, the discipline standards of the classroom, discussions, and daily routine.
Students applying for admissions should have a desire to receive this form of education. We do not mind assisting parents in fostering this desire, but the student needs to at the very least be “willing to be made willing” to be discipled through a Classical Christian education
General Agreement: All parents and students who are enrolling in Covenant affirm by their application and enrollment their intentional willingness to abide by the Christian conduct (word and deed) presented in this handbook and all other school documents, both expressed and implied. This includes the Statement of Faith, Cultural Issues, attending church, and all policies stated herein.
Students applying for admissions should have a desire to receive this form of education. We do not mind assisting parents in fostering this desire, but the student needs to at the very least be “willing to be made willing” to be discipled through a Classical Christian education.
General Agreement: All parents and students who are enrolling in Covenant Classical Academy affirm by their application and enrollment their intentional willingness to abide by the Christian conduct (word and deed) presented in this handbook and all other school documents, both expressed and implied This includes the Statement of Faith, Cultural Issues, and all policies stated herein.
Disclaimer
The reader should take notice that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, Covenant Classical Academy reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Parents will be notified of any changes to the handbook that occur during the current academic year Covenant Classical Academy provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and, to the extent permissible by law, expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred
