Our Mission…

Heritage Christian Academy and its partner families aspire to biblically challenge students to honor Christ through academic excellence and exemplary citizenship.

HCA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt organization for both federal and state tax purposes.  Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Conduct & Discipline

Conduct
It is the desire of the school to help each student develop the mind and image of Jesus Christ as demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: 22-23, (“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”)  These traits are the standard of conduct for the students, teachers, and staff that are associated with our school.

Heritage Christian Academy supports Philippians 4:8 which states “...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  

General Code of Conduct

1.  Necessary, Desirable Attitudes

  • Respect, obey and show courtesy for all authority and fellow students.
  • Be obedient in class.
  • Follow the teacher’s instructions.
  • Follow the Dress Code with a positive attitude.

2.  Unacceptable Actions or Attitudes

  • Dishonesty:  never lie, cheat or steal
  • Fighting
  • Damaging property
  • Using profanity
  • Having any inappropriate contact with another student.

3.  Guidelines for items, which can and cannot be brought to school: 

  • Do not bring toys, radios, ipods, CD or tape players, playing cards, or other non-school related items without specific prior approval of the teacher.  Cell phones are allowed but should not be turned on until after school is dismissed.
  • Do not use, possess, or bring to school, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances including prescription drugs or over the counter drugs including, but not limited to, inhalants and steroids.  (See Medication at School policy)
  • Do not bring knives, guns, hunting equipment or explosives.
  • Do not possess or view on the computer inappropriate or pornographic literature.
  • Teachers have permission to search student’s property if needed.

General and Classroom Discipline

It is our goal to conduct an orderly and efficient school, and therefore, it is necessary to maintain good discipline. Good discipline is teaching the right way and requiring it consistently.  It is training that goes beyond the present and into a lifetime.  Its effectiveness depends upon cooperation between home and school.  We are here to cooperate with you in the proper training of your child.  We solicit your support in carrying out our discipline policies.

All discipline will be based on Biblical principles such as restitution, apologies (public and private), punishment, and restoration of fellowship.  Prayer, counseling, correction, love and forgiveness will be an integral part of the discipline of students.

Classroom Discipline

Most discipline problems are to be dealt with at the classroom level.  For minor infractions not specified in the Code of Conduct, teachers will have the option to impose discipline themselves for their students or refer the student to the board.  Further, teachers may require janitorial work in the classroom, additional academic work, restitution of property, apologies (public or private, individual or group), or other appropriate actions or activities.  

Violation of the General Code of Conduct or the Dress Code

All teachers and staff are responsible for monitoring and responding appropriately to violations of the Code of Conduct or the Dress Code.  When a situation arises that they believe to require administrative action, they will refer the child to the principal.  When that occurs, the board will determine the nature of the discipline and may require restitution, school wide janitorial work, parental attendance during the school day with the student, in or out of school suspension, expulsion, or other measures which may be appropriate.

If for any reason a student receives discipline from the teacher, the following procedures will be kept within each semester of the school year:

  1. The first time, the student’s parents will be contacted and given details of the incident.  The parents’ assistance and support in averting further problems will be sought.
  2. The second time will be followed by a meeting with the student’s parents and the teacher.     
  3. Should the student’s conduct not improve, the board will be notified and a possible   suspension may be imposed on the student.  (Teacher may require pick-up of a student at any time).   

Corporal Punishment

If a student is willfully defiant and is beyond the normal protocol of discipline provided by the school, the parent or guardian will be called.  HCA will not administer corporal punishment; it will be the parent or guardian’s discretion as to discipline.  The child will not be allowed back into class until the behavior has been rectified.

Suspension

Suspension may be either “in school” or “out of school” depending upon the student’s past conduct and the nature and severity of the offense.  The length of suspension may be from one to ten days and, for multiple offenses occurring simultaneously, the suspension may be either concurrent or consecutive.

For “in school” suspension, the student will be at the school but out of the classroom.

“Out of school” suspension will result in the child being restricted from the school property and all school activities during the period of suspension.  During out of school suspension, the parents may pick-up and return academic assignments.

Expulsion

The HCA Board realizes that expelling a student is a very serious matter and should always be carefully dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  Forgiveness and restitution are fundamental to our total discipline policy.  However, should a student and his parents not be able to eliminate behavioral problems before the fifth time, the student will be expelled.

Serious Misconduct

Should a student commit an act with such serious consequences that the teacher deems it necessary, the discipline process may be by-passed and the board could enforce suspension or expulsion.  

Examples of such serious misconduct could include:  acts endangering the lives of other students or staff members, gross violence/vandalism, violations of civil or criminal law, or any act in clear contradiction of scriptural commands.  Students may be subject to school discipline for serious misconduct that occurs after school hours either on or off school property.

Readmittance

Should an expelled student desire to be readmitted to Heritage at a later date, the school board, or its delegated committee, will make a decision based on the student’s attitude and circumstances at the time of reapplication.