Student Handbook

2026-2027 Highland Academy

WELCOME

Welcome to Highland Academy! We are honored that you are considering partnering with us in your child's educational journey.

Highland Academy is a faith-based micro school serving students kindergarten through third grade, with plans for thoughtful growth in the future. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, personalized learning environment where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

We believe children thrive when families and educators work together. This handbook outlines our philosophy, expectations, and daily practices so that families clearly understand how Highland Academy operates.

MISSION

To glorify God by assisting families in the Christ-centered, biblically-directed education of their children.

Vision Statement: We desire to cultivate Christ-centered leaders who pursue truth, reflect godly character, and boldly live out their faith for God’s glory.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

At Highland Academy education is viewed as a holistic journey that nurtures each child spiritually, academically, emotionally, physically, and socially. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and our micro-school partners closely with families to support and extend the biblical training taking place in the home. Through small class sizes and individualized instruction, we seek to cultivate both Christlike character and academic excellence in every student.

ENROLLMENT

The following must completed prior to final admission.

  • Application and Registration fee

  • Family Interview- Potential families of Highland Academy (K-3rd) will interview with administration before

    acceptance.

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an email with required enrollment documents through an electronic signature system. These documents must be completed and signed prior to your student’s first day of attendance.

Kindergarten students must be five years old by August 1st.

Enrollment is reviewed annually. Highland Academy reserves the right to determine continued enrollment based on:

  • Student participation and attendance

  • Alignment with school expectations

  • Ability to meet the needs of the student within the micro-school setting

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

  • Days: Monday–Thursday

  • School Year: Academic-year calendar provided annually

  • Drop-off window: 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM

  • Instruction begins: 8:30 AM

  • Dismissal: 2:00 PM

  • Extended Hours: After school tutoring sessions 2:00 PM-5:30 PM

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is important for student growth and community consistency.

Expectations:

  • Families should notify the school of absences as soon as possible.

  • Excused absences include illness, family emergencies, or pre-communicated family commitments.

  • Excessive absences may result in a parent conference to discuss continued enrollment and support needs

Arrival & Dismissal:

  • Families are expected to follow established arrival and dismissal procedures.

  • Students should arrive no later than 8:30 AM to ensure they are present and prepared for the start of instruction.

  • Students who arrive earlier during the drop-off window will be supervised and given time to settle in before the school day begins.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

School closings due to weather will follow the Monticello School District.

STUDENT CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE

The school seeks to instill the following characteristics in our students:

  • Cheerful obedience to all in authority

  • Responsibility in doing assigned or expected tasks

  • Cooperation with others within and outside the classroom

  • Courtesy and respect of others

  • Cleanliness in person and property

  • Truthfulness and honesty in work and life

  • Respect for property that belongs to others

  • Promptness in attendance and assignments

  • Morally good conduct in respect to recreation, social relationships and language

Discipline Procedures

Our discipline philosophy emphasizes:

  • Student counseling

  • Loss of privileges

  • Phone call to parents

  • Parent/teacher conference

Serious or ongoing behavioral concerns will be addressed through parent communication and collaborative planning.

COMMUNICATION

Highland Academy communicates primarily through:

  • Seesaw app

  • Email

  • Scheduled conferences

Parents are encouraged to communicate questions or concerns directly and respectfully.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Medical Information & Emergency Care

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date medical information for their child.

In the event of an emergency, Highland Academy will make reasonable efforts to contact a parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the school may seek appropriate medical care for the student.

Medication Policy

Highland Academy is not a medical facility and does not employ licensed medical personnel on-site.

While reasonable efforts may be made to accommodate student health needs, the school does not assume liability for the administration of medication or any adverse reactions that may occur.

All medication must be:

  • Provided by the parent/guardian

  • Clearly labeled

  • Accompanied by written instructions

Highland Academy reserves the right to require that a parent or guardian come to the school to administer medication when deemed appropriate.

Student Health & Safety

Highland Academy is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Students are expected to:

  • Follow safety guidelines provided by staff

  • Participate appropriately in activities

  • Respect the well-being of others

Due to the nature of a microschool environment, including outdoor and hands-on learning, students may participate in activities that involve physical movement and exploration. While reasonable precautions are taken, families acknowledge that participation includes inherent risks.

Illness Guidelines

To help maintain a healthy environment for all students:

  • Students should remain at home if they have a fever, vomiting, or other contagious symptoms

  • Students may return once symptoms have improved and they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours

Acknowledgment

Parents/guardians acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to these Health & Safety policies as part of the Highland Academy Enrollment & Consent Packet.

FIELD TRIPS & SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Field trips and special learning experiences may be offered throughout the year.

  • Permission slips will be required

  • Parent participation may be requested or encouraged

TUITION & STATE FUNDING

Annual tuition for Highland Academy is $10,000 per student.

Families may use eligible state education funds, currently up to $7,208 per student, which are applied toward tuition. Families are responsible for any remaining balance.

Tuition policies, payment schedules, and refund guidelines will be outlined in the Tuition and Fees and Refund Policy and attached to our website.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Highland Academy is committed to intentional, sustainable growth. Any expansion in grade levels, enrollment size, or programming will be communicated clearly and thoughtfully to families.

HANDBOOK AGREEMENT

This handbook serves as a guide for families and students. Policies may be updated as needed to best serve the school community.

These policies are acknowledged and agreed to as part of the Highland Academy Enrollment & Consent Packet.