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Table of Contents OUR MISSION...............................................................................................................................................3 Our Education Distinctive:.................................................................................................................................. 3 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION................................................................................................................ 3 Philosophy of Science........................................................................................................................................... 4 Philosophy of Math.............................................................................................................................................. 4 Philosophy of Literature.......................................................................................................................................4 Philosophy of History...........................................................................................................................................4 Philosophy of Music............................................................................................................................................. 5 Philosophy of Art..................................................................................................................................................5 Philosophy of Language....................................................................................................................................... 5 Philosophy of Bible............................................................................................................................................... 5 STATEMENT OF FAITH.............................................................................................................................. 6 The Scriptures....................................................................................................................................................... 6 God........................................................................................................................................................................6 Man........................................................................................................................................................................8 Salvation................................................................................................................................................................ 8 God’s Purpose of Grace........................................................................................................................................ 9 Education............................................................................................................................................................ 10 The Christian and the Social Order................................................................................................................... 10 The Family.......................................................................................................................................................... 11 SECONDARY DOCTRINE........................................................................................................................11 Age of the Earth.................................................................................................................................................. 12 Eschatology......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Baptism................................................................................................................................................................12 UNIFORM POLICY.................................................................................................................................... 12 DISCIPLINE POLICY................................................................................................................................. 12 Electronic Device Policy..................................................................................................................................... 13 Cheating and Plagiarism.....................................................................................................................................13 Dress Code Violation..........................................................................................................................................14 Primary Student Discipline Plan........................................................................................................................14 Office Visit Protocol........................................................................................................................................... 15 Excessive Office Visits......................................................................................................................................... 16 Serious Discipline Cases..................................................................................................................................... 16 STRUGGLING LEARNERS.......................................................................................................................17 OUR PROGRAM........................................................................................................................................ 17
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Our Grading & Homework Protocol................................................................................................................ 17 Parent Communication......................................................................................................................................19 Lower Primary Grading Scale.............................................................................................................................19 Upper Primary Grading Scale............................................................................................................................ 19 Secondary & Secondary Prep Grading Scale......................................................................................................20 Primary & Secondary Weighted Categories.......................................................................................................20 Homework Expectations....................................................................................................................................20 SECONDARY STUDENT HONOR CODE............................................................................................. 21 INTERNET USE AND SOCIAL MEDIA..................................................................................................22 HEALTH & WELLNESS............................................................................................................................. 22 Lunch.................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Snacks.................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Administration of Medicines............................................................................................................................. 22 Illness Policy........................................................................................................................................................ 23 GOVERNMENT AGENCY REQUESTS...................................................................................................23 ACADEMIC SCHEDULE........................................................................................................................... 23 Calendar.............................................................................................................................................................. 23 Daily Schedule.....................................................................................................................................................23 Arrival and Dismissal.......................................................................................................................................... 24 Attendance.......................................................................................................................................................... 24 Tardies................................................................................................................................................................. 24 ENROLLMENT POLICY........................................................................................................................... 25 Enrollment Process............................................................................................................................................. 25 ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND ADA STATEMENT........................................................................... 25 TUITION......................................................................................................................................................25 Tuition Assistance.............................................................................................................................................. 26 EVALUATIONS............................................................................................................................................26
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OUR MISSION Our mission is to form a biblical foundation from which students grow in knowledge and understanding while seeking God’s truth, God’s goodness, and God’s beauty. We do this through deep, reflective learning that trains in discernment and equips students for all of life.
Our Education Distinctive: Training in Spiritual Excellence ● Laying a biblical foundation for all of life ● Instilling a hunger for hearing and practicing God’s Word ● Loving God and loving our neighbor
Training in Academic Excellence ● Fostering a love of learning while building strong reasoning skills ● Building clear communication skills and mastering the art of words ● Mastering skills in the art of numbers and knowing more about God’s world
Training in Physical Excellence ● Honoring God with our bodies and living a disciplined life ● Honoring others above ourselves and working together as a community ● Building endurance and overcoming adversity
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Calvary Christian School trains image-bearers to know, understand, practice discernment, and apply their learning in order to become wise as they pursue truth. Our teachers understand that God has designed each child in a unique way; therefore, we personalize the student’s education through our instructional approach. We want students to develop a hunger for learning with the aim of knowing and following Christ as they live out their calling in God’s Kingdom.
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Philosophy of Science Science gives us the opportunity to know God more fully. Students are trained to observe, question, and use evidence to seek truth. Observing nature reveals God’s manifest power, and faith informs our examination of the world. We will cultivate curiosity and discernment in students, and aim to foster a love for science. Science is ultimately a means of discovering God's world and character.
Philosophy of Math Mathematics is language that reveals the way God ordered the world and His incomprehensible creativity in creation. We aim to foster a love of learning math by building skills in concrete numbers through interactive learning that promotes mastery. A deep study of mathematics, using a mastery approach, builds the foundation for more complex thought and provides a foundation for both the sciences and the arts. Through discovering truth in mathematics, we train students to persevere and build important reasoning skills.
Philosophy of Literature Literature provides students with an avenue to experience the world and the consequences of one’s choices by observing characters in a variety of cultural and historical settings. Such observation allows students to learn discernment in a safe and controlled environment. Literature gives insight into the brokenness of the human condition while allowing teachers to encourage discussion that leads to a God-centered view of humanity and perspective on life. Our literature choices will serve the above purposes and seek to promote discussion that trains discerning students who are able to recognize the truth, goodness, and beauty of God in life and literature.
Philosophy of History History allows students the opportunity to discern appropriate decisions for the future by discovering the truth of what has unfolded in the past. Using a cyclical approach, students will move through historical eras of time, diving deeply into the history and literature of the ancient, medieval, early modern, and post-modern worlds. Students will learn the skills of interpreting history and interrogating texts for truth while recognizing image-bearers of God throughout history. Literature is taught within the construct of history and the stories, as well as original source material, will lay the foundation for deeper understanding of what has happened in the past.
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Philosophy of Music Music creates a pathway to worship and edification, giving us a means of communicating with God and others. In the songs of Scripture, the language of music serves as a vehicle of expression and praise. God’s word encourages us to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” thus establishing believers as a singing people. Chapel services at Calvary Christian School incorporate a variety of music, including traditional hymns and modern praise and worship. In music education, we strive to build vocal skills and develop musicality while learning the language of music. We desire for students to grow in confidence and cohesion as they study and prepare to perform as a choir that moves audiences to see the truth, beauty, and goodness of God.
Philosophy of Art Art, being born of the creative nature of humanity, is a direct expression of the image of God in man, who is the chief Creator. Art provides an avenue of expression and appreciation for that which is true, good, and beautiful in the world, while serving as a lens through which we view the events and cultures of the past, thus aiding our study of humanity. We seek to unlock the artistic potential of each student according to their abilities, both by introducing new skills and sharpening existing skills. Art that is displayed or discussed in the classroom must be considered appropriate for the age of its audience, and never compromise a student’s innocence.
Philosophy of Language Latin is the source for much of the technical vocabulary of English. Its order and clear grammatical rules make Latin an excellent language for building skill in communication in addition to reinforcing English grammar skills and deepening students’ understanding of grammar and syntax. In studying Latin, students will dissect a language that holds unique historical importance for the Western world and Christianity while understanding more deeply, the Roman world in which Jesus was born. At its heart, the goal of Calvary Christian School in teaching Latin is that students might further build the skill of language itself.
Philosophy of Bible Bible is integrated throughout each field of study but is intentionally taught during humanities through a survey of the Bible. This survey through Scripture allows students to become familiar with the entire scope of God’s Word. We will use the English Standard Version for memory work, as we teach students to hide God’s Word in their hearts and show them how to properly navigate the Scriptures. Utilizing Bible surveys as well as an examination of ancient statements of faith and doctrine,
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we hope to aid students in applying their knowledge of the Bible to everyday life and equip them with a Biblical worldview.
STATEMENT OF FAITH The Scriptures The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
God There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19;
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Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service. Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 7
14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
Man Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
Salvation Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
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B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God. C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life. D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
God’s Purpose of Grace Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2. 9
Education Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people. In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists. Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
The Christian and the Social Order All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25;
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John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
The Family God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7. Read Commentary on Article XVIII – The Family
SECONDARY DOCTRINE Calvary Christian School will approach secondary doctrine discussions from a protestant and orthodox perspective. The primary years will introduce some of these topics through both class material and questions from students. In the secondary years, we will encourage robust discussion and 11
debate so that students learn to interrogate Scripture, seek truth, and debate in a manner that demonstrates love for their neighbor. The following list is not exhaustive but represents some of the secondary doctrine discussions that may occur (mainly) at the secondary level:
Age of the Earth We read Genesis 1–3 from the framework of an orthodox Christian perspective. We will teach from the perspective of a literal 24-hour day but will open the discussion in the secondary years, where we will discuss other orthodox views and their interpretations.
Eschatology We will teach about the imminent return of Jesus and that the dead will be raised to eternal life or eternal judgment. We will teach from the viewpoint of historical premillennialism*. This will expand, in the secondary years, to discussion of other held views of eschatology, including amillennialism and postmillennialism. *Historical premillennialism: the rapture of the church, followed by the imminent return of Christ after a period of tribulation, with a following age of peace where Satan is bound until right before the final judgment.
Baptism We hold that baptism is not salvific and must occur after coming to saving faith.
UNIFORM POLICY Please see our Uniform Policy HERE.
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 We recognize that maintaining a well-disciplined classroom is key to learning. We believe that “knowledge without virtue is dangerous.” Therefore, encouraging virtuous behavior that stems from the heart is as important as encouraging excellence in math and grammar. A young student’s behavior,
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attitude, and physical disposition should contribute positively to the classroom environment and Calvary Christian School’s value of shaping godly character. Our rule is simple for maintaining this disciplined atmosphere: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Calvary Christian School uses a structured discipline plan for the classroom while varying the consequences based on the frame of the child and the parent’s input. Although our method of helping them reach the standard of “loving God and loving our neighbor” may be different, the standard remains.
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 put on silent or turned off and left in bags or backpacks while a student is at school or on campus. Any use of phones must be approved by a faculty member. ● 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 the Head of School ● A third violation of this policy will result in a disciplinary hearing ● Calvary Christian School 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. This includes the use of non-permissible sources during an exam. Plagiarism is defined as using another’s work without acknowledging and thanking them for the use. Proper documentation of sources is required. This includes the use of Artificial Intelligence. AI should be used as a resource only, must be cited, and should never be used as a substitute for a student’s original work. If either cheating or plagiarism is noticed in the case of an exam or final writing assessment, the student will be given the opportunity to complete an additional assignment within one week, along with a 20% 13
reduction in grade on the original exam. Failure to complete the additional assignment, will result in a 0 on the exam. In the case of plagiarism, students must rewrite the original, as well as complete an additional assignment within one week’s time and will receive a 20% reduction in grade. Failure to do so will result in a 0 on the original writing assessment. Cheating or plagiarism noticed on any weekly homework assignment will result in an automatic 0. Parents will be notified of all cheating or plagiarism infractions. A second cheating or plagiarism infraction will result in an Education Council review.
Dress Code Violation If a staff member notices a dress code violation* he or she will indicate a dress code violation within ClassReach. A designated staff member will send a note home to families concerning infractions. After 4 dress code violations an office visit and email will follow. After the 5th within a semester the student will be sent home. Subsequent dress code violations will require the Head of School to treat the violations as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy. *A dress code violation is something that cannot be corrected in class.
Primary Student Discipline Plan The rule is love God and love your neighbor. 1. If a student is overtly disrespectful to authority an immediate office visit will follow 2. If there is unloving behavior in the classroom, during breaks, or at lunchtime, the teacher who observed the situation will give a warning and correct the behavior 3. If a second infraction occurs, the child’s name will be written on the board 4. If an infraction occurs during a break, the student’s lead teacher will be notified and documented accordingly 5. If a third infraction occurs, the teacher will send the child to the Head of School for an office visit with information specifying the issue a. The Head of School will notify the parents through email of what occurred and the discipline given 6. If a student has not completed homework the teacher will notify the parents by entering a “0” in ClassReach; parents will receive an automated email a. After the third “0” or third poor grade, the parents will be notified. The late assignment policy is: 10% grade reduction each day for 3 days. 14
Secondary Student Discipline Plan The rule is love God and love your neighbor. 1. If a student is overtly disrespectful, there will be an immediate office visit 2. If a student is speaking inappropriately, there will be an immediate office visit 3. If a student has not completed homework, the teacher will notify the parents by entering a “0” in ClassReach; parents will receive an automated email. a. After the third “0” or third poor grade, the parents will be notified. The late assignment policy is: 10% grade reduction each day for 3 days.
Office Visit Protocol 1. The Head of School may discipline in one of several ways: a. Cleaning i.
Picking up trash
ii.
Cleaning bathrooms
iii.
Vacuuming and/or sweeping
iv.
Cleaning desks, walls, white boards, etc.
v.
Cleaning outside
b. Physical endurance i.
Wall sits
ii.
Running laps
iii.
Push ups
c. Writing i.
A note on what the student did wrong
ii.
A note asking forgiveness
d. Other i.
Loss of privilege(s)
ii.
Repetition and practice of proper or expected behaviors 15
iii.
Being sent home
iv.
A consequence or discipline plan particularly suited to the student and situation as agreed upon with the parent(s)
2. If an office visit occurs, a discipline note will go home from the Head of School to the parents
Excessive Office Visits As noted above, the purpose of the discipline policy is to shape godly character in the student. If it becomes apparent to the Head of School that the student’s character is not improving over time and/or is becoming worse to the detriment of the school culture, the Head of School will meet with the parents and they will come up with a plan to resolve the issue. The Head of School will also meet with the parents in cases where the student exhibits a lack of repentance or lacks interest in attending Calvary Christian School. The Head of School may allow for additional meetings with the parents if the previous discipline plan to help the student was unsuccessful. To help the parents understand their child’s behavior, they may be required to sit with the student during a part or all of the school day. If the Head of School determines that the student’s behavioral issue still cannot be corrected through the discipline plan(s) generated by the meeting(s) with the parents, then it will be considered a “Serious Discipline Case.”
Serious Discipline Cases A Serious Discipline Case occurs when a student exhibits extreme ungodly behavior that impedes the culture of the school. Examples include (but are not limited to): 1. Excessive Office Visits (see section of the same name above) 2. Unrepentant, consistent, or serious disrespect of authority 3. Unsafe behavior—endangerment to themselves or others 4. Overt moral issues including (but not limited to): a. Inappropriate touching b. Substance abuse c. Illegal activity If the Head of School has determined that the student’s words or behavior constitute a Serious Discipline Case, the student will be subject to a disciplinary hearing before the Education Council. The discipline hearing will include the student, the parent(s), the teacher (if applicable), the Head of
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School, and designated Council members. At this point, the discipline hearing will determine the necessary course of action, which may include suspension or expulsion of the student. Tuition will not be reimbursed for suspensions or expulsions.
STRUGGLING LEARNERS Calvary Christian School aims to teach students of all ability levels through solid Christian instruction and materials. Teachers will maximize the use of a curated curriculum and create a structure to advance learners individually at an appropriate pace. The timing of academic progress should not be a critical measurement of success. While maximizing a child’s abilities, each student will be encouraged to pursue his/her God-given talents and progress as far as he or she is able regardless of age. Therefore, we won’t follow arbitrary time-bound grades for placement. Academic and behavioral accommodations may be made at the recommendation of the Education Council, who reviews diagnostic information and/or circumstances. Concerning behavioral issues, we will not use the child’s condition as an excuse for sin. Decisions will not be automatic as per the request of a parent. Professional advice, prayers, and consultation with invested parties allows the school to make the best decision for the student and the school community. We desire to: ● Provide our students with a well-ordered, consistent, environment ● Help our students see who they are in the context of God’s world ● Teach our students clear communication and use clear communication in training ● Coach our students in loving their neighbors through structured actions ● Guide our students through as much academic material as they are capable
OUR PROGRAM Our Grading & Homework Protocol Humanities ● Soft grading throughout the week on various writing and speaking assignments
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● Assessment or major assignment 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 (or as appropriate) as a hard grade*
Science ● 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ● 1 assessment every other week (or as appropriate) as a hard grade*
Music & Art ● 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ● 1 assessment every other week (or as appropriate) as a hard grade*
Latin ● 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ● 1 assessment every other week (or as appropriate) as a hard grade* *Hard grades are recorded in the gradebook and represent demonstrated mastery on an assessment, presentation, or major assignment. *Soft grades are informal feedback that support instruction and growth but may not appear in the gradebook.
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Finals ● Review week and finals week before Christmas ● Review week and finals week at the end of the school 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 in October and March ● 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
Lower Primary Grading Scale %
Progress Report Information
90–100
Mastery
80–89
Good Understanding
70–79
Beginning to Understand
0–69
Not Understanding
Upper Primary Grading Scale %
Progress Report Information
90–100
Mastery
80–89
Good Understanding
70–79
Beginning to Understand
0–69
Not Understanding
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Secondary & Secondary Prep Grading Scale %
Letter Grade
GPA
97-100
A+
4.0
93-96
A
3.9
90-92
A-
3.7
87-89
B+
3.3
83-86
B
3.0
80-82
B-
2.7
77-79
C+
2.3
73-76
C
2.0
70-72
C-
1.7
67-69
D+
1.3
63-66
D
1.0
60-62
D-
0.7
Below 60
Not Ready to Progress
0.0
Primary & Secondary Weighted Categories ● 20% Practice Work - Regular assignments and weekly work that reinforce learned skills. ● 60% Magnum Opus - Major projects, tests, essays, or presentations that demonstrate understanding. ● 20% Finals - Comprehensive end-of-term assessments that evaluate overall learning and integrations that are administered at the end of each semester.
Homework Expectations Age Group
Weeknights
Weekend (Saturday–Monday)
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Lower Primary
10–20 minutes
1 hour
Upper Primary
20–45 minutes
1–2 hours
Secondary Prep
45 minutes–1 hour
2–3 hours
Secondary 9+
1–2 hours
3–4 hours
SECONDARY STUDENT HONOR CODE As a secondary student at Calvary Christian School I commit to the following: 1. I will do my best to honor the faculty at Calvary Christian School by: a. Being respectful to those in authority b. Submitting homework on time c. Preparing for examinations d. Being prepared for class 2. I will do my best to honor my fellow students at Calvary Christian School by: a. Loving those around me in the way I act, and speak b. Following the Uniform Policy and dressing modestly c. Aiding those around me who are struggling d. Being wise in my relationships with those of the opposite sex e. Welcoming all new students and visitors 3. I will honor God by: a. Not gossiping b. Not lying c. Being a good steward of my time and the school’s resources d. Not using coarse jesting e. Taking responsibility for my actions I commit to positively contributing to the Christian culture of Calvary Christian School. 21
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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS Lunch Students will bring packed lunches to be eaten in the cafeteria. Please pack lunches that do not have to be heated or refrigerated. Please also alert us of any severe allergies your child has so we can accommodate as needed and alert other families (if the allergy is very severe). At Calvary Christian School, we value health and wellness, so please keep this in mind when packing lunches, as a healthy lunch helps students stay focused during class time.
Snacks Parents are welcome to send an easy to eat snack (we recommend a nutritious snack) for mid-morning. Water is the only beverage allowed to accompany snacks. Students should have water bottles for the day.
Administration of Medicines Calvary Christian School Administration is willing to administer any over-the-counter medication to the children in their care only with authorization from the child’s parent or guardian. Prescription medication will be handled on a case-by-case basis with clear communication and based on the ability of faculty to handle the administration of medication in a safe way. Prescription medications should remain in their original container and be clearly marked. Calvary Christian School reserves the right to refuse the responsibility of prescription administration for any reason. If this 22
occurs, we will be happy to accommodate parent visits during the day for the purpose of medication administration.
Illness Policy In consideration of your child’s wellness and to prevent the spread of illness to classmates and teachers, we kindly ask that a young student should be symptom-free a full 24 hours from the following before returning to onsite classes. ● Fever—Temperature of 100 degrees or above without the use of fever-reducing medication ● Vomiting/diarrhea ● Please do not send children with any highly contagious illness such as strep, hand/foot/mouth, or pinkeye
GOVERNMENT AGENCY REQUESTS Calvary Christian School values our parent partnership and as such we will notify parents of any interaction with a government agency, such as child protective services, as it relates to your child. Our policy is as follows: ● Parents will be notified and their presence requested prior to a government agency being allowed to interview a child during school hours ● Calvary Christian School will do its best to uphold this policy with any government agency but cannot be held liable if we are unable to contact a family or if the government agency uses legal force to demand the interview
ACADEMIC SCHEDULE Calendar The Academic Calendar is located on our website or through ClassReach.
Daily Schedule Tuesday through Friday are core academic days on site. Monday will be a day for reviewing or preparing at home and “Magnum Opus,” or greatest work, projects will be assigned for this day. We will also have a Monday Add-On option that will be available for families who are interested in a five-day week. 23
Arrival and Dismissal Students are able to arrive between 8:00 AM and 8:10 AM. School ends at 2:45 PM with students available for pick up at 2:50 PM. Students need to be picked up no later than 3:00 PM. Before school care from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM will be available for a fee. After school care from 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM will be available for a fee. Students not enrolled in our Before School or After School Care program that are dropped off early or picked up late will be assessed a fee of $3 per occurrence on their monthly invoice.
Attendance Calvary Christian School has intentionally set its vacations, schedule, and structure to allow important time for families. By registering a child in Calvary Christian School, 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 8 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. In cases of planned absences or important family time. It is the parent’s responsibility to communicate with the teachers and make a plan for the class time that will be missed. This must be done without putting an excessive burden on the teachers and with an understanding that classical education does not come in “packets.” A student that surpasses 12 days, or a total of 6 days in a semester, will be subject to an Education Council review which may result in retention, need for a paid tutoring supplement, or the student not being invited to return. For sickness or doctor’s appointments, please notify Calvary Christian School through the ClassReach form provided. For prolonged periods of absence (to extend beyond the 8 academic days), please get pre-approval from the Head of School. *Emergency situations will be taken into consideration.
Tardies A student who arrives later than 8:10 AM is considered tardy. Four unexcused tardies within a month will constitute a parent email. A 5th tardy will result in an office visit. Subsequent unexcused tardies will be treated as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy. 24
ENROLLMENT POLICY Enrollment Process 1. General Inquiry 2. Family Interview Request 3. Family Interview/Tour 4. Application* 5. Tuition Agreement 6. Enrollment *Assessment of students will occur during this process pending availability of seats within the appropriate learning cohort. Families interested in partnering with Calvary Christian School in discipleship, moral safeguards, and academic philosophy will be considered for admissions. All families must agree to have their child taught under the Calvary Christian School Statement of Faith, educational philosophy statements, and the discipline policy.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND ADA STATEMENT Calvary Christian School admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Children diagnosed with a learning disability are welcome to be a part of Calvary Christian School so long as they can meet, or be assisted to meet, the discipline standards of the classroom, discussions, and daily routine.
TUITION Please see our tuition guide HERE.
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Tuition Assistance Tuition Assistance is determined by school leadership on a case-by-case basis and with the assistance of BeneFAQ. You may find our BeneFAQ information sheet HERE.
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
Disclaimer: The reader should take notice that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, Calvary Christian School 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. Calvary Christian School 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.
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