Policy Statements for School Policy Manual
Church-Related Schools, State Exempt
Kingdom Christian Academy operates legally in the state of Tennessee by virtue of its membership in the Tennessee Association of Non-Public Academic Schools, T.C.A. 49-50-801.
Students transferring back to public school from Kingdom Christian Academy may be required to take pre-placement tests. Students graduating from Kingdom Christian Academy are accepted at colleges and universities. However, students who score below average on ACT or SAT college entrance exams may be required to take the GED before admission.
SECTION 1---PHILOSOPHY & PRINCIPLES
Vision Statement
The vision of Kingdom Christian Academy is to raise up effective leaders of Godly character who will
blend academic achievement and Biblical truth to influence society for the glory of God.
Mission Statement
The mission of Kingdom Christian Academy is to provide a Christian-based education consistent with
Biblical principles. Within a secure, loving environment, students will develop spiritually, socially, and intellectually. We strongly believe that the union of our school, its families, and the church will equip our students for a life pursing excellence and integrity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Philosophy of Education
The right and responsibility to teach begins in the home with the parents. Beyond the lessons learned in the family environments, the church also has the right and responsibility to educate children both academically and spiritually. Moreover, Proverbs 22:6 says to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart it.” It is with this philosophy in mind that Kingdom Christian Academy endeavors to educate students and teach them to excel academically and spiritually in all avenues of life.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of Kingdom Christian Academy is to instruct students in basic Christian principles that will lead them to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to help develop the qualities of Christian character and leadership with emphasis on academics, meaningful experiences, and problem solving.
Education Objectives
The objectives of Kingdom Christian Academy in the education of students are as follows:
1. To prepare students spiritually by instilling in them a personal responsibility to and an appreciation for the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. To prepare students to successfully live in a democratic society, helping them to develop a
sense of responsibility as a Christian and a citizen.
3. To offer an instructional program that meets the academic needs of students, by encouraging
them to think clearly, logically, and independently, as well as achieving mastery in the tools of learning and communication.
4. To develop a moral, ethical, and spiritual sense which will aid them in an appreciation of their own personal worth and that of others.
5. To offer opportunities to participate in wholesome forms of recreation, which encourages a healthy physical body that aids in the development of teamwork and social skills and provides a positive outlet for mental and emotional stress.
SECTION 2---ADMISSIONS
Admissions Policy
As a private institution, Kingdom Christian Academy reserves the right and privilege of setting and maintaining its own standards of student conduct, dress, cleanliness, and scholarship. The school maintains the right to refuse admittance to anyone it so chooses and to suspend or expel anyone who violates the standards or rules of conduct as defined by the school. Students admitted to Kingdom Christian Academy are assigned to a specified grade level on the basis of former records or entrance and placement tests.
Admission Procedures
1) Application forms must be filled out completely and returned to the school office. These forms are used to obtain basic information concerning the student as relates to educational experience and general background.
2) Applications must be updated yearly. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the school has the corrected information at all times.
3) An appointment for an interview by the principal with the student and parents will be scheduled and include informal questioning of the student and the parents to establish a foundation of understanding about Kingdom Christian Academy and for home and school relationships.
4) After an entrance interview with the principal, all applications of new students are presented to the school board for final approval.
5) In the case of application for re-admission, the principal may feel an interview with the returning student and parents would be productive for the student and the school, and as such may require a meeting prior to approving the student’s application for readmission.
6) A testing program covering several areas will be administered to all applicants if warranted. If a child ranks at such a level that Kingdom Christian Academy administration feels the school is not equipped to deal with, or if the child needs special attention or help that the school cannot provide, the application for admission will be denied.
7) Final registration is complete only when the following items have been received by the school:
a)Completion of all Registration Forms
b)Child’s Health Records
c)Registration Fee
d)First Month’s Tuition
e)Book Fees
f)Previous School Records(academic and behavioral)
Probation & Dismissal
A student may be suspended or dismissed from school at any time he/she is found out of harmony with the rules and policies of the school. In the case of suspension, the opportunity of makeup work will not be granted, and there must be a conference between student, parents, teacher, and principal before the student will be allowed to return to classes. No student married, pregnant, fathering a child, will not be allowed to be enrolled at Kingdom Christian Academy. Kingdom Christian Academy expects full cooperation from both student and parents in the education of the student. If at any time the school feels that this cooperation is lacking, the student may be asked to transfer elsewhere. Parents should feel free to consult with the student’s teacher about problems or questions concerning the welfare of their child. Each teacher welcomes a visit from any parent. However, parents are requested to schedule such visits by appointment with the teacher at a convenient time after school hours. Tuition fees still apply while a student is on suspension. In the case of dismissal from the school, the full current month’s tuition is still due.
Withdrawals
Withdrawal from school must go through the school office. Students transferring to another school should transfer at the end of a grading period. Report cards and other records will not be issued to a transferring student whose account is not current. If a student is one month behind on tuition, the parent(s) must agree to withdraw the student(s) from school.
Tuition
Tuition is required to be paid between the 1st and the 10th of each month. A $10 late fee will be charged if tuition is not paid by the 10th of each month. If there are any questions concerning tuition payments, please contact Sister Regina Blanton @ 901-326-6805.
Fee Schedule and Supplies
Registration fees are non-refundable and are payable with each application yearly. Please see the current fee schedules for a full list of fees. Students must furnish their own supplies. Supply lists are available in the school office.
SECTION 3---ACADEMICS
Grading Scale
Students are encouraged to work hard to develop good study habits and to reach the highest level of their individual capabilities. Listed below is the Kingdom Christian Academy grading scale:
A90-100
B80-89
C70-79
D60-69
F0-60
Honor Roll Policy
An honor roll system is implemented with each semester and awarded at the end of the year. When a student averages all A’s, he/she will be placed on the Principal’s List. If a student earns more A’s than B’s, he/she will receive A Honor Roll.
Report Cards
The reporting system is designed to provide parents and students with an indication of the progress, or lack of progress, being made. Each child’s ability, attitude and application are taken into account in the grading process. Grades are issued using a number grade.
The grading system at Kingdom Christian Academy may not be the same as other schools and should not be used for comparsion. A certain level of achievement reached at one school may earn one grade, while that same level of progress at another school may earn a totally different grade. This is because each school defines the level of achievement that it deems appropriate for a particular grade or grading period. However, all schools, including Kingdom Christian Academy, must meet the minimum standards for achievement as set forth by the U. S. Department of Education and the State of Tennessee.
Homework
Liberal portions of each school day are allotted to the students at each grade level to work on their homework assignments while having the opportunity for teacher assistance. Homework is assigned for the following reasons:
1. For practice, following classroom explanation, illustration, and drill on new work. It is given so the material will be mastered.
2. As instruction progresses, various weak points in the students’ grasp of a subject becomes evident. Homework following instruction is given to overcome such difficulties.
3. Homeschool day assignments must be returned the following school day.
4. Daily folders must be signed and returned the next school day.
Book reports, compositions, technological applications, special research assignments and projects are some of the activities that are frequently the subject of homework attention. Parents are requested to give full cooperation in overseeing the completion of their student’s homework assignments. Repeatedly delinquent homework will result in a less than acceptable grade report.
Curriculum/Textbook Selection and Purchases
Kingdom Christian Academy uses the Abeka Curriculum from the Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. Lesson plans are prepared to include instruction, application and testing for comprehension and knowledge.
The Bible As Curriculum
Bible study is recognized at Kingdom Christian Academy as a fundamental requirement for all students. It augments the subjects of: English, History, Social Studies, Science, and Health. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”(Proverbs 1:7) The Bible offers the best guide for life and the only hope for the life to come. No other book can enrich and influence the minds and the hearts of children like the Bible. It is with this thought in mind that Kingdom Christian Academy uses a curriculum that will take students systematically and progressively on the individual grade level through the Word of God. Students are required to memorize scriptures!
Promotion Requirements
Students not showing academic progress at the end of the school year as reflected on report cards will be subject to retention or non-promotion. Non-promotion of a student is the responsibility of the teacher with the concurrence of the principal. When a teacher has determined that a student will not be promoted, the teacher will discuss the situation with the principal.
SECTION 4---ATTENDANCE
In case of absence, the parent or guardian must call the school/church office at 901-850-2131 by 9:00am to report and explain the absence. For an absence or tardy to be excused parent must provide a written excuse. Any student that misses 15 or more days per semester, excused or unexcused, will automatically fail that semester.
Excusable Absences
The State of Tennessee recognizes the following as excusable absences:
1) Sickness of the student whose attendance would endanger his/her health and the health of other students.
2) Serious illness of a member of the student’s immediate family that would reasonable necessitate absences.
3) Death in the family may be excused for a reasonable period of time.
When the absences are excusable, the teacher will permit the student to make up any work that was missed. It is strongly urged that dental and medical appointments not be made during school hours. If an appointment is necessary during school hours, we ask that you notify the school at the earliest possible time. A note must be sent for all absences.
Unexcused Absences
Five unexcused absences in any one school year will be reported to the local school superintendent’s office. Parents must have a conference with the school administration and explain the absences. Fifteen absences during a semester will result in failure for that entire semester in all classes. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis. No refunds on tuition or fees will be made due to absences.
Sickness Policy
Kingdom Christian Academy does not employ medical personnel. The parent will be notified that the student is too ill to remain in the classroom and must be taken home.
Tardiness Policy
A student arriving after 8:30am will be considered tardy. FIVE UNEXCUSED TARDIES IN A NINE WEEK PERIOD EQUALS ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. The makeup work can be handled case by case.
Home School Days
Home school days are allowed. They are 4 hour days of education. Completed work earns the students a grade of 100. Non-completed work earns the student a grade of ZERO. Home school day grades are averaged every semester for a test grade.
Early Dismissal
There are times when students need to leave before the regular dismissal time. We ask parents picking up their child early to consult with the teacher and the principal beforehand so proper plans can be made.
SECTION 5---LIFESTYLE EXPECTATIONS
A Christian school must provide an environment conducive to the spiritual growth and development of its young people. Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but that ye be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you might prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” In the atmosphere of definite and positive Christian standards of conduct, the opportunity exist for the development of strong and stable Christian character. Students found to be out of harmony with Kingdom Christian Academy principles of work and life may be requested to withdraw whenever the general welfare demands.
Code of Conduct
The sense of the need for spiritual growth has led Kingdom Christian Academy to adopt the following standards for students in attendance while they are at school and at home.
1) Students must maintain high standards of: courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty.
2) Students will respect those in authority.
3) Students must be kind and helpful to young children.
Discipline
Kingdom Christian Academy strongly enforces the rules and standards of conduct set forth herein. Infractions, such as those below, will result in discipline up to and including suspension or being expelled from school, depending on the severity, frequency and consequences of the infraction. Infractions include but are not limited to:
1) Disrespect to teachers or students.
2) Disorderly conduct in the classroom, chapel, or on school grounds, including talking without permission, interrupting the class, writing notes, throwing objects indoors, or cheating of any kind.
3) Not completing assigned work.
4) Destroying or defacing school property.
5) Meddling in another individual’s property or taking personal things without permission.
6) Fighting
7) Bullying or intimidating another student or teacher.
8) Leaving the school grounds without permission.
9) Bringing or possessing weapons. (pocket knives included)
Believing that order is necessary for the welfare of the students as well as the entire school, each teacher is given the liberty of making and enforcing classroom procedures that are in accordance with Kingdom Christian Academy and Christian principles as set forth in the Bible.
Church Attendance
All students are required to attend a Bible believing church that teaches the principles of God on a weekly basis.
Addendum to Kingdom Christian Academy
Purpose: To clarify beliefs pertaining to the transgender topic.
For this bylaw, transgender is defined as follows: Denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.
Humankind is made in God’s image; both male and female(Genesis 1:27). It is contrary to God’s design to not accept one’s birth gender. Marriage and sexuality are God-given gifts. Marriage is only between one man and one woman. A transgender person will not be allowed to serve as a minister in our church. We oppose the transgender movement as contrary to the traditional and biblical family unit with one father and one mother. We raise our children to accept and embrace their natural gender. We pray for those who have difficulty with this issue.
We will not participate in any activities promoting the transgender lifestyle. This includes the use of church property or staff.
SECTION 6---HEALTH AND SAFETY
Accident/Injury Policy
A teacher or class aid will administer first aid for minor injuries. Parents will be contacted immediately for more serious injuries. If on-the-spot emergency treatment is needed, parents and emergency crews will be summoned immediately. Parents must sign the Consent for Medical Treatment form each year that permits the school administration to use its best judgment in contacting a physician or transporting the child to a hospital for emergency treatment when neither parent can be contacted.
Communicable Diseases
While perfect attendance is to be commended, students who are sick with communicable disease are encouraged to stay home until they have recovered. Students who arrive at school communicable diseases will be sent home.
Emergency Preparedness
Fire and emergency drills will be practiced at regular intervals to ensure preparedness for a possible emergency situation.
SECTION 7---PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is encouraged and even needed in some instances. Parents who are not employed by the school are considered volunteers. However, all volunteers are subject to school policies and procedures. It is the responsibility of the parents to familiarize themselves with school policy. It is the responsibility of the supervising teacher to ensure that all volunteers have been given a student handbook and instructed in their roles and responsibilities.
Volunteering
Volunteers who work in fundraising or other school-related activities are responsible for the work they have been assigned. Standard staff policy and procedures apply to all volunteers, including appearance and behavior. While Kingdom Christian Academy appreciates the time and efforts given by
volunteers, the school has a responsibility to maintain a healthy, positive, Christian atmosphere that is orderly and productive.
Field Trips
Parents are sometimes requested to accompany their child’s class and teacher on a field trip. Parents may serve as chaperones for school-related field trips or may accompany for personal reasons. Parents may ride the church bus with their children during the field trip if space is available. Students not attending the field trips will be counted absent for the day.
Guides for Chaperones (Student Safety on Field Trips)
The most important responsibility of a chaperone is to ensure the safety of all the children he/she is assigned. Chaperones must stay with their group of children at all times. This includes accompanying young children to the restroom and other places that require separation from the group.
SECTION 8---GENERAL INFORMATION
Kingdom Christian Academy Hours
The school day at Kingdom Christian Academy begins at 8:30am and ends at 3:30pm Tuesday through Friday. Parents should drop students off no earlier that 8:15am. There is not an after school program, students are expected to be picked up when school dismisses unless other arrangements have been made. Any student arriving after 8:30am is considered tardy. Mondays are homeschool days. These should involve 4 hours of learning with assignment being completed.
School Visitors
All NON-STUDENTS, NON-STAFF visitors MUST check in with the church/school office when entering the building. For the safety and welfare of all, everyone must inform the church/school office of his/her presence in the building and give the nature of their visit. Family members are welcome and communication is encouraged, but visits may sometimes interrupt important lessons or tests.
Student Cell Phone & Electronics Policy
No cell phone use during school hours. Phones must be turned off. Watches are only to be used for time. No electronic devices should be brought to school.
Grievances
When a concern or grievance arises, self-examination should be the first step(Matthew 7:4-5). This includes evaluating how the student or the parent may have contributed to the problem. Following this, if a parent wishes to discuss the actions or decision of a teacher or staff, the parent should follow the procedure outlines by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17:
1. Communicate first and privately with the teacher, sharing with him/her their complaint or concern.
2. If the first step does not resolve the problem, contact the principal. The principal may schedule a meeting with the parent alone or with the parent and teacher. In some cases, the student may also need to be involved.
3. If the issue remains unresolved after the meeting with the principal, the parent should ask the principal to contact the pastor for final resolution.
Inclement Weather Policy and School Closures
Kingdom Christian Academy generally follows the inclement weather schedule of Collierville School System except in very rare instances. Students and parents will be given a phone call or text for information regarding school closings.
Food/Lunches
NO EXCESS TO USE THE MICROWAVE. Please strive for food in a container already heated. No macaroni or noodles!!!! Please do not bring or send any fast food. There will be designated days for party foods, pizza, etc.
SECTION 9---DRESS CODE AND UNIFORM GUIDELINES
Since a Christian’s first responsibility is obedience to the Word of God, and it is unrealistic to expect societal norms to reflect a Christian ethic, a dress code is warranted to help train students in that area of their lives. The dress code at Kingdom Christian Academy mandates the wearing of uniforms. Submission to the dress code is required for continued attendance.
It is the responsibility of every parent and student to use good judgment regarding appearance and attire. Cleanliness shall be a basic consideration. Should a student’s obvious lack of hygiene disrupt the educational process, it shall remain at the discretion of administration to handle the issue as needed. The following attire shall be considered acceptable:
Shirts: Polo-style shirts of royal blue, white, or orange. No logos, emblems, and insignias are allowed.
Skirts: All skirts must be solid colors in khaki, navy, or black (NO BLUE JEAN OR DENIM). All skirts must be BELOW the knee. Leggings are allowed when worn with a skirt that meets the skirt length guidelines specified. Females are to wear undershorts for modesty during playtime. NO RAZOR BRAS ARE TO BE WORN. (NO SHORTS).
Pants (boys only): All slacks must be khaki, navy, or black in color(NO BLUE JEAN OR DENIM). Cargo pants are prohibited. No sagging pants or pants with holes or tears are allowed. No logos, emblems and insignias are allowed. (NO SHORTS ALLOWED).
Shoes: Shoes must tie, buckle, velcro, or slip on. All shoes must be closed-toe and closed heel. The shoes must fit properly and not too big. No house shoes or crocs are allowed at all. All students must wear shoes.
Coats, jackets, pullovers: (NO HOODIES OF ANY KIND). Coats, jackets, pullovers(must be orange, blue, or white. sweatshirts may be worn as long as the uniform shirt collar is revealed underneath. Any pullover with inappropriate logos or wording, as determined by school principal/school board will not be permitted. Sweatshirts must be solid in color of either royal blue, white, or orange. Collar must show over the sweatshirt.
Additional guidelines:
1) Caps, hats, and sunglasses are not permitted.
2) All jewelry, excluding wristwatches, is prohibited. (NO EARRINGS).
3) Boys must keep hair cut above the collar and ears, and hair must not extend below the eyebrows. Boys must be clean shaven.
4) No cosmetics, which alter natural appearance, such as eye shadow, tinted or colored fingernail polish, lipstick, etc.
5). No altering of natural hair color. Student’s arriving with colored hair will be sent home until natural color is restored.
6). Girls hair must be combed and styled appropriately with barrettes, ponytail holders, or bows so that their hair doesn’t get tangled in their headphones.
All clothing must be clean and neat. Clothing should be free of wrinkles, strings, frayed edges, holes, and tears. Also students must wear clothing that fits appropriately: no oversized clothing or skintight clothing.
Infractions of the dress code guidelines include the failure to wear one component of the uniform. For the first infraction of the uniform code, students will receive a verbal warning from teacher or staff member. For second infraction students are given a Uniform Violation slip, which must be signed by parent and returned to teacher or staff member the following day. A final Uniform Violation slip is sent home for the third infraction. Any infraction after two written warnings will result in the student being sent to the office until the proper uniform can be brought to him/her.
NOTE: THE ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADJUST THIS
POLICY SHOULD IT BE INEFFECTIVE IN ADDRESSING UNIFORM
VIOLATIONS OR SHOULD AN EXTREME VIOLATION OF DRESS
CODE OCCUR.
ALL STUDENT PRE-K through 7TH MUST BRING AN EXTRA SUIT OF CLOTHES TO LEAVE AT THE SCHOOL FOR EMERGENCIES.
ALL CONTENTS IN THIS HANDBOOK ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, AS DEEMED NECESSARY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AS WE GROW.