Student Handbook

93 Pages·2016·1.42 MB·English

Grace Christian Academy
Student Handbook

History of Grace Christian Academy ..................................................................... 1
Administration ....................................................................................................... 2
Relationship of the Academy to the Church .................................................. 2
Pastor ........................................................................................................... 2
School Board ................................................................................................ 2
Principal ........................................................................................................ 2
Academic Supervisor .................................................................................... 2
Assistant Academic Supervisor .................................................................... 3
Teacher’s Aide .............................................................................................. 3
Purpose ................................................................................................................ 4
Admissions Policies .............................................................................................. 5
Kindergarten ................................................................................................. 5
Elementary Learning Center ......................................................................... 5
Secondary Learning Center .......................................................................... 5
Racial Nondiscrimination .............................................................................. 5
Selection of Students .................................................................................... 6
Admissions Committee ................................................................................. 6
Admissions Procedures ................................................................................ 6
Re-Enrollment ............................................................................................... 6
Withdrawal Policies ............................................................................................... 7
Notice ............................................................................................................ 7
Tuition Refund .............................................................................................. 7
Financial Policies .................................................................................................. 8
Tuition ........................................................................................................... 9
Additional Fees ........................................................................................... 11
Summer School .......................................................................................... 11
General Policies .................................................................................................. 12
Church Attendance ..................................................................................... 12

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Arrival and Dismissal .................................................................................. 12
Before-and After-School Care Policies ....................................................... 13
Attendance .................................................................................................. 13
Tardiness .................................................................................................... 13
Contacting Students in the Learning Center ............................................... 14
Early Dismissal from Class ......................................................................... 14
Health Service and First Aid ....................................................................... 14
Student Vehicles ......................................................................................... 15
Visitors ........................................................................................................ 15
Deliveries .................................................................................................... 16
Academy Closing ........................................................................................ 16
Personal Property ....................................................................................... 16
Lunch .......................................................................................................... 16
Breaks ......................................................................................................... 17
Articles Prohibited in Academy ................................................................... 17
Parental Involvement .................................................................................. 17
Fire and Tornado Drills ............................................................................... 18
Search for Suspicion of Illegal or Unauthorized Materials ........................... 18
Lost and Found ........................................................................................... 19
Communication with Parents ...................................................................... 19
Off Limits ..................................................................................................... 19
Binding Arbitration....................................................................................... 19
Dress Code Policies ............................................................................................ 21
Uniform Supplier ......................................................................................... 21
General Appearance ................................................................................... 21
Uniforms ..................................................................................................... 22
Lower Elementary Uniforms ........................................................................ 23
Upper Elementary and Secondary BOYS Uniforms .................................... 24
Upper Elementary and Secondary GIRLS Uniforms ................................... 25
Standard of Conduct ........................................................................................... 26
Courtesy ..................................................................................................... 26
Learning Center Guidelines ........................................................................ 26

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Cleanliness of Clothes and Person ............................................................. 27
Cheating ..................................................................................................... 27
Stealing ....................................................................................................... 27
Vandalism ................................................................................................... 27
Language .................................................................................................... 27
Physical Contact ......................................................................................... 27
Worldly Pursuits .......................................................................................... 27
Off-Campus Behavior ................................................................................. 28
Fighting ....................................................................................................... 28
Racist Behavior ........................................................................................... 28
Disciplinary Policies ............................................................................................ 29
Home and Academy Cooperation ............................................................... 29
Character Builders ...................................................................................... 29
Detention .................................................................................................... 31
Corporal Discipline ...................................................................................... 31
Disciplinary Probation ................................................................................. 32
Suspension ................................................................................................. 32
Expulsion .................................................................................................... 32
Academic Policies ............................................................................................... 33
Grading Scale for Grades 3 - 12 ................................................................. 33
Grading Scale for Lower Elementary .......................................................... 34
Standardized Achievement Tests ............................................................... 34
Ignitia Curriculum ........................................................................................ 34
LIFEPAC Curriculum ................................................................................... 35
Learning Center Procedures ....................................................................... 35
Homework ................................................................................................... 36
Graduation Requirements ........................................................................... 36
Courses of Study ........................................................................................ 37
Academy Graduates ................................................................................... 44
Bible ............................................................................................................ 45
Scripture Memory........................................................................................ 45
Chapel ........................................................................................................ 45
Study Helps for Students ............................................................................ 45
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Report Cards and Other Reports ................................................................ 46
Incentive Program ....................................................................................... 46
Awards Program ......................................................................................... 48
Honor Roll Trips .......................................................................................... 49
Field Trips ................................................................................................... 49
Summer School .......................................................................................... 50
PSAT/NMSQT ............................................................................................ 50
SAT/ACT ..................................................................................................... 50
Transfer Credits .......................................................................................... 51
Daily Schedule ............................................................................................ 52
Extra-Curricular Programs .................................................................................. 55
Athletics ...................................................................................................... 55
Fine Arts and Performing Arts ..................................................................... 56
Student Performing Arts .............................................................................. 59
Southern Plains Jr. Convention Event List .................................................. 60
School Supplies .................................................................................................. 61
Joy Learning Center (downstairs in gym) Lower Elementary Age .............. 61
O’Leary Learning Center – Upper Elementary Age (upstairs) ..................... 61
O’Leary Learning Center – Secondary Age (upstairs) ................................ 61
Miscellaneous ..................................................................................................... 62
School Pictures ........................................................................................... 62
Graduation .................................................................................................. 62
Transcripts .................................................................................................. 63
Class Rings ................................................................................................ 63
Pledges to the U.S. Flag, Christian Flag, and the Bible .............................. 63
Philosophy and Objectives .................................................................................. 64
Statement of Faith ............................................................................................... 65
Required Forms .................................................................................................. 73
Enrollment Application ................................................................................ 75
Minor Medical Release ............................................................................... 77
Parent’s Pledge .......................................................................................... 79
Pastor’s Reference ..................................................................................... 80
Physical Education Permission and Waiver Form ...................................... 81
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Permission for Medical Treatment .............................................................. 82
Permission to Ride ...................................................................................... 83
Re-enrollment Form .................................................................................... 84
Standard of Conduct ................................................................................... 85
Sports Registration and Medical Release Form .......................................... 86
Student Record Release ............................................................................ 87

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I. History of Grace Christian Academy
Grace Christian Academy was established in 1970 as the laboratory school of Accelerated
Christian Education to assist parents in fulfilling their God-given responsibility of educating
their children. In 1981, the Academy came under the authority of the church. In 1994,
when the church expanded its ministries and facility, the Academy moved with the church
to Flower Mound. In the summer of 2016 GCA transitioned from the ACE curriculum to
Alpha Omega Publications curriculum and utilizes the digital format for grades 3 – 12.
The Academy has faithfully served its families for over 45 years. It is noteworthy that the
GCA family includes graduates who have returned to the church and community after
college graduation and continue as productive citizens of our area. Grace Christian
Academy is proudly represented by many graduates in full-time ministry (i.e., pastors,
missionaries, and Christian educators) and in professional fields (i.e., lawyers, doctors,
nurses, law enforcement officers, corporate businessmen, computer programmers, and
entrepreneurs).
Grace Christian Academy is accredited by the National Association of Private Schools.
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II. Administration
A. Relationship of the Academy to the Church
Grace Christian Academy is one of the educational ministries of Grace Baptist Church,
and therefore falls under the leadership of the pastor. The Academy staff are members
and employees of Grace Baptist Church.
B. Pastor
While the pastor is not involved in the daily operation of the Academy, he is ultimately
responsible for the entire church’s education, including the Academy. The pastor shall
have the authority to approve or disapprove any decision or recommendation of the school
board of GCA on all matters relating to the ministry of education. The pastor may hire
administrators, principals, teachers, and support staff to assist the pastor in carrying out
the ministry of education.
C. School Board
The deacon board of Grace Baptist Church shall serve as the school board of Grace
Christian Academy. The members of the board are elected by the church members of
Grace Baptist Church. The school board is not a governing authority but an advisory
committee. The board shall assist and advise the pastor on matters relating to the ministry
of education, including the Academy. The board also shall hear matters and disputes
which may arise out of the ministry of education and shall advise the pastor
accordingly. All recommendations of the board shall be submitted to the pastor for final
approval prior to becoming effective. The board may create and recommend to the pastor
Academy policies for governing the ministry of education consistent with the provisions
herein.
D. Principal
The principal of Grace Christian Academy works closely and under the direction of the
pastor. He oversees the daily operation of the Academy. He also has the principle
decision-making authority for the Academy. Presently Mr. Daniel O'Leary serves as the
principal of the Academy. He has 38 years of experience in Christian education. He has
ministered at Grace Christian Academy since 1981. Mr. O’Leary graduated from Florida
Bible College with a degree in Theology. In addition to being the principal, Mr. O’Leary
also serves as the academic supervisor for the Elementary students.
E. Academic Supervisor
At GCA, teachers are called academic supervisors. An academic supervisor is a
professional educator who has Bible training as part of, or in addition to, a bachelor’s
degree. The academic supervisor must be active in a local, Bible-believing church. The
academic supervisor has the responsibility to oversee the academic progress of students.
They prescribe the students’ academics and assist the students in their academic issues.
The academic supervisor also is responsible to inspire achievement in the students. He
encourages and motivates students to maximize their potential in their daily academic
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work. Since GCA is committed to train young people in a Christian environment, with the
emphasis on matters of eternal value, the academic supervisor will work closely with the
parents in the training and development of the whole child.
F. Assistant Academic Supervisor
An assistant academic supervisor is a professional educator who has Bible training as part
of, or in addition to, a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of two years of college education
(in some rare situations). The assistant academic supervisor must be active in a local,
Bible-believing church. The assistant academic supervisor has the responsibility to
oversee the academic progress of students. They prescribe the students’ academics and
assist the students in their academic issues. The assistant academic supervisor also is
responsible to inspire achievement in the students. He encourages and motivates
students to maximize their potential in their daily academic work. Since GCA is committed
to train young people in a Christian environment, with the emphasis on matters of eternal
value, the assistant academic supervisor will work closely with parents in the training and
development of the whole child.
G. Teacher’s Aide
Their primary responsibility is to assist the academic supervisor in Learning Center
activities. They provide procedural assistance, such as answering nonacademic flags, to
maintain a quiet and pleasant learning environment for the students. They have at least a
high school education and are active in a local, Bible-believing church.
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III. Purpose
Grace Christian Academy is an extension of the Christian home and the local church to
train young people in a Christian environment. The purpose of the Academy is to educate
and train the whole student--physically, socially, intellectually, and spiritually. The principle
of self-discipline is the basis of our disciplinary structure. In addition to self-discipline, a
young person needs to be growing in Biblical knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, to
serve the Lord Jesus Christ effectively. Therefore, the Bible is not substituted for any
academic subject, but is integrated into the total educational program. The desire of GCA
is to see each student become a sincere, responsible servant of the Lord in a Bible-
believing, soul-winning local church.
The Mission Statement of Grace Christian Academy is:
 To provide Biblically based, individualized, digital curriculum, involving diagnostic
testing, goal setting, and mastery of subject content.
 To accomplish this in a learning environment with informed family members assisted
by experienced GCA academic supervisors who supervise the educational process
and challenge students to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, incorporating the
character traits of the Lord. It is the purpose of GCA to give every student the
opportunity to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to receive an education
based on a Biblical interpretation and philosophy of education. GCA further
encourages every student to dedicate their life to Christ in Christian service. To that
end, our prescribed course of study encourages students academically and spiritually
to exceed minimum requirements for graduation and to excel to an individual maximum
potential, both spiritually and academically.
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