BCA STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
(For a printed copy of our handbook, you may contact the school.)
Purposes and Uses of this Handbook
The purpose of the Student/Parent Handbook is to provide to students, parents, members of the faculty and staff, and those inquiring about Bedford Christian Academy (BCA) a concise presentation of the mission, philosophies, policies, guidelines of behavior, and practices of BCA. The policies enumerated in this document are in effect with the opening of school in the fall and constitute a formal and legal portion of the enrollment contract. The entire contents of the Handbook should be read by every parent before signing the enrollment contract for this academic year. Parents are responsible to communicate all pertinent information to the student. We recognize that the handbook is imperfect and silent on some issues that may arise. In cases of disagreement about a particular interpretation, the Head of School and Board of Directors of BCA will render decisions that they deem fair to both the students and the school; they also reserve the right to establish new policies and/or modify existing policies contained herein upon written notice to all parents and students by the Head of School.
Statement of Mission
The Board of Directors of Bedford Christian Academy purpose that Bedford Christian Academy should exist as an educational community which is classical and Christ-centered in content, approach, and philosophy. Emphasis is placed upon teaching students how to think and how to learn, which prepares them for a broad range of post-secondary educational and vocational experiences. The curriculum and educational methods employed are intended to meet the academic, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the Christian student.
History
New Covenant Schools of Bedford was established in 1996. NCSB contacted Main Street United Methodist Church which graciously consented to NCSB’s initial location in their facilities. On September 3, 1996, twenty-seven students entered New Covenant Schools of Bedford for the first day of classes. NCSB continued to meet at Main Street until January 8, 1997. On January 10, 1997, New Covenant Schools of Bedford was moved to Trinity Baptist Church where facilities were larger and more spacious. NCSB finished its second and third years at Trinity Baptist Church. Also during the 1997-98 school year, the Wells Road campus was purchased. NCSB’s 1999-00 school year was conducted in the educational annex of Liberty Baptist Church adjacent to Liberty High School.
DISTINCTIVES
Christ-centered Approach
Bedford Christian Academy holds that all truth is God’s truth. We seek to integrate all subjects with orthodox Christianity and the teachings of the Scriptures in ways which are natural and not contrived. Our intent is to provide a clear model of the Christian life and a Biblical worldview through our staff and board so that every child is encouraged to develop a genuine and meaningful relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ. As a basis for instruction in Christian doctrine, children learn passages of Scripture and are instructed in the Westminster Shorter Catechism (available in booklet form upon request), a cornerstone of protestant Reformation teaching. We are unapologetic in the assertion of doctrines which are central to orthodox Christianity. However, students and faculty alike may express their personal and denominational views on issues about which genuine believers disagree. This approach cultivates an appreciation for the views of others, while maintaining a confidence in one’s own views and those of one’s family and denomination.
Classical Methodology
Bedford Christian Academy employs the classical approach of learning based upon the centuries-old Trivium described in The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy L. Sayers (Please see appendix A). The grammar school (K-6) emphasizes basic learning skills, while the dialectic school (7-9) begins formal instruction in logic. The rhetoric school (10-12) concentrates students’ efforts on a clear understanding of verbal, written, and mechanical aspects of expression used in each subject studied. The goal is to teach our students how to think as a basis for mastering specific subject areas. Intensive phonics and primary reading sources, including the Bible and classic works, are used for instruction in reading and the language arts. An incremental and cumulative approach to developing and retaining mathematics skills is utilized and Latin is taught for its direct benefits and as a reinforcement for understanding English grammar and vocabulary.
Latin
“I will say at once, quite firmly, that the best grounding for education is the Latin grammar. I say this, not because Latin is traditional and medieval, but simply because even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning any other subject by at least fifty percent.”
Dorothy L. Sayers (An Oxford trained writer, philosopher and educator)
At Bedford Christian Academy, instruction in Latin begins in 4th grade. By introducing a child to the language at an early age, we take educational advantage of a child’s great capacity for learning vocabulary and his/her love for the rhythmic chanting of verb conjugations and noun declensions. The exercise of fitting the meaning, tense, number, case and gender of a Latin word to its English equivalent develops analytical skills and vocabulary. A 1981 study of SAT scores placed students of Latin above students of French, Spanish, German and Hebrew on analytical as well as verbal tests. Latin students scored an average of 134 points above the national average on verbal tests and 199 points above the average on analytical tests.
Logic
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord . . .(Isaiah 1:18)
Bedford Christian Academy maintains that God is a God of order, and that human beings created in His image are endowed with a capacity to reason for two ends. The first reason is that we may better appreciate the intrinsic order that characterizes the Creator, and that appreciation results in a deeper and richer praise for and pleasuring in the God that made us. The second is so that, by exercise of the reasoning faculty, we might better exercise dominion as stewards over God’s world. BCA trains upper grade students in logic to sharpen their minds as an aid to the proper worship and service of the Lord. Part of our service to God involves an intelligent grasp of the mental contents of the faith and an ability to articulate and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only reasonable means of salvation for sinful humanity before a just and holy God. And while the revelation of God’s love in Christ is not a product of reason, yet there is nothing unreasonable about the Christian faith properly understood. Our concern for logic and reason is not that they should stand alone, but rather that they be developed for their original purpose, as tools for the servants of God, for His glory alone.
Personal Attention
Every child benefits from personal attention and answers to his/her questions. Children love to be singled out for specific praise and recognition. Bedford Christian Academy accomplishes this kind of personal attention by limiting class sizes to no more than 20 students and through the active involvement of parent helpers in the classroom. Our goal is for teachers and administrators to know and love every student in a way that will encourage the student to live up to his/her own potential and to work cooperatively with others.
Parental Involvement
It is our belief that parents are responsible for educating their children (Deuteronomy 4:9 and 6:6-9). For this reason Bedford Christian Academy provides a service to Christian parents for the education of their children. Parents are encouraged to participate at all organizational levels volunteering in and out of the classroom, serving on the faculty or staff, working on the governing board. We welcome parental visitations to the classroom and encourage them to join their children for lunch when schedules permit. Every parent is a member of Bedford Christian Academy - Bedford Christian Academy (BCA-PTF), and participation in the meetings and activities of the association is expected. Parental involvement and support at special services, programs, and annual fund-raising events are also expected.
Effective Discipline
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right ... and, Fathers do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.” Ephesians 6:1-4
It is our intent at Bedford Christian Academy to instruct every child to obey those in Biblical authority. Requiring obedience to those in authority provides training for good citizenship and, more importantly, establishes a life-style of obedience to God and His Word. In fairness to all students and their families, no student is allowed to be disruptive to the process of instruction or to ill-treat another student.
Uniforms
The wearing of uniforms at Bedford Christian Academy accomplishes a number of valuable objectives: 1) Instilling in students a sense of belonging and loyalty to the school community 2) Improving student behavior and productivity 3) De-emphasizing fashion consciousness and diminishing tendencies to form cliques 4) Reducing the cost of a student’s wardrobe 5) Easily identifying students on field trips 6) Creating a positive image of our school within our community. (Uniforms will be purchased only through BCA’s appointed vendors.)
Affiliation
1. The Scriptures are the infallible Word of the living and true God which are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). Bedford Christian Academy is a ministry of education to families of all denominations. The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion forms the doctrinal statement for BCA (available upon request). Students, parents, board members, faculty, and staff are asked to demonstrate respect for this document and its contents as being consistent with historic and biblical Christianity. In turn, BCA will respect other’s differences, so long as the differences are also consistent with the Word of God.
2. Bedford Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools and thereby, committed to a classical approach to education in light of a Christian worldview grounded on the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
3. Bedford Christian Academy is also a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.
Governance
Bedford Christian Academy is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Board serves as the nominating committee for candidates who stand for election. The Directors must be ratified by the existing Board. The Board of Directors has authority over the operations of BCA.
Accountability
Bedford Christian Academy strives to provide a quality of education which is unparalleled in Central Virginia. The faculty and administration of BCA are highly capable by virtue of a combination of degrees, certification, and God-given ability to teach. Nationally-normed standardized tests are administered to certain grade levels every year. While the Commonwealth of Virginia does not accredit private schools, BCA is pursuing accreditation with the Association of Classical and Christian Schools.
Curriculum
For young children, the educational goal at Bedford Christian Academy is to develop automaticity in the basic learning skills. In older students, critical thinking skills together with a confidence in verbal and written methods of communication are expected. In support of our classical approach, we have carefully selected what we believe to be the finest materials available for each skill and subject area at each level of instruction. Nonetheless, our curriculum and support materials are constantly under review and are modified and updated as necessary to best meet the educational needs of our students.
A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO THE ARTS
It is our commitment at Bedford Christian Academy to view the arts in a manner that looks to underlying ideas to determine their acceptability. We will use three basic categories for determining the use of books and art. The first category contains those works that describe literal types of people, creatures, and events. They do not describe anything that is non-literal. In this category their acceptability will be based only on whether they promote good values or contain truthful concepts. Those literary works that do not promote good values or contain truthful concepts will be unacceptable and not included in the curriculum.
The second category includes works that present non-literal material, but within a biblical moral worldview. Good wins, and in an appropriate way. This category of works is acceptable.
The third category is works that present non-literal materials within a non-biblical worldview. This material would glorify evil. For example, it might speak of sorcery or witchcraft in ways that make it acceptable. At the core level material of this type has a worldview which is deficient. These works are unacceptable.
Some parents may not agree with these categories. It is their privilege to disagree with us in this characterization, and it is permissible for them to ask that their children (especially Grammar School children) not read material in the second category. We would request that they discuss their reasons with the teacher in an open manner so that acceptable work can be assigned.
In the upper level grades some study of the history of ideas may necessitate an exposure to significant works of literature that would violate biblical worldviews. Obviously, we do not want to expose young people to explicit evil. On the other hand, it may be appropriate to read some of the great literature so that an understanding of the worldview from the era in which it was written can be gained. The Odyssey by Homer would be an example. It is foundational to western literature, yet some of its ideas are contrary to biblical truth. When this is the case, great care will be given to be sure that it is analyzed .
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES
Parents wishing to enroll students in Bedford Christian Academy must fill out a student application for each student. Each new student application must be accompanied by a $100 registration fee (maximum $200 family fee), a completed health form, a recent report card, and copies of standardized test results (if available). Returning students pay a $60 re-enrollment fee if paid by March 15. Returning students who re-enroll after March 15 pay a $100 re-enrollment fee. When all materials have been submitted, an interview will be scheduled for the family with the Head of School. Both parents (if living with or if financially responsible for the student) must attend the interview. BCA reserves the right to place students in the appropriate instructional level as determined by test data and developmental maturity. Children must be five years of age by October 31st to be eligible for kindergarten and six years of age by October 31st to be eligible for first grade.
Parents of students accepted for enrollment will receive an enrollment contract and parent commitment form which should be signed and returned to the school. Students for whom contracts are received will be given available seats in classes upon a first come first served basis. Registration fees are nonrefundable if space is available and the child is accepted. If no space is available in the class requested for a particular student, such students will be placed on a waiting list and will be assigned spaces when available.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Bedford Christian Academy does not discriminate against any student or family on the basis of sex, race, ethnic background, or denominational preference. However, families who are delinquent in payment of tuition to BCA or who have outstanding balances at other private schools are not eligible for enrollment at BCA. Priority for enrollment will be given first to families with children currently enrolled at BCA.
TUITION AND FEES
A ten-month payment plan begins August 1 with monthly payments due on the first day of each month from August through May. A twelve-month payment plan is also offered with payments due on the first day of June through May. A 5% discount is available for any who pay the entire year’s tuition on or before August 27th. A $25 late fee is assessed for all tuition not received by the fifth calendar day of each month. A student whose family’s accounts become two months past due may be administratively withdrawn, and his/her place will be made available to those on the waiting list. In such cases, the entire balance of tuition becomes payable and due immediately. Any family facing unexpected financial difficulties should contact the Head of School in order to avoid a record of tuition delinquency.
Please see tuition payment schedule for current rates.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Testing
Students in all grades may expect to take regular and periodic tests in all subjects and skills areas. Students will be informed ahead of time of approaching test dates and will be given adequate time to prepare. Upper school faculty will coordinate test administration so as not to burden students with too many tests in a single day. Tests which are missed due to excused absences must be made up within three (3) class days of returning to school. Tests not made up within this time period, or tests missed due to unexcused absence or tardiness may not be made up, but will be assigned a grade of zero (0). It is the responsibility of parents and students to arrange for making up missed tests within the prescribed time limit. Any exceptions are solely at the discretion of the Head of School.
Homework Policy
Grammar (K-6) and Upper School students (grades 7-8) may expect daily homework assignments. Students may be allowed to begin assignments during class at the teacher’s discretion. Students not completing assignments in class will be expected to complete them at home before returning to school the next day. Assignments not completed by start of day homework check on due date necessitate detention on the same day.
Daily Detention
Detention will be scheduled from 3:15 - 4:15 P.M. The purposes are twofold:
1) to discipline the student for undone or incomplete homework2) to motivate the student in self-discipline.Homework check for all subjects will occur before morning opening exercises. Undone or incomplete assignments will result in a phone call informing a parent of his/her child’s afternoon detention the same day. Scoring for any homework completion requiring detention begins at 85%. Any assignment still incomplete at next morning’s homework check will receive a 0. This service is not covered by tuition/curriculum fees. The charge for this additional supervision is $5.00 per child per occurrence. This amount will be billed to the parent on a monthly basis.
In the case of illness, students should keep up assignments at home unless too ill to work. For each day absent, up to 5 school days, one day of grace (with no penalty) will be allowed. Assignments not made up within this time period or assignments missed due to unexcused absence or tardiness, will be made up, but will be made up during afternoon detention. As with missed tests, it is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents to arrange for making up missed assignments within the prescribed time period. The teacher will have assignments available upon request after 3:25 P.M. After 5 days absence, the makeup work falls under the heading of extenuating circumstances and requires a meeting with the teacher, parents, and Head of School.
Students planning to be away from school for more than 3 days should give notice to the Head of School and make arrangements with teachers a week before departure, if possible. For each day absent, up to 5 school days, one day of grace (with no penalty) will be allowed. After 5 days absence, the makeup work falls under the heading of extenuating circumstances and requires a meeting with the teacher, parents, and Head of School.
Academic Honesty
Any instance of a student attempting to record answers or submitting work in ways or forms other than those prescribed by traditional and biblical ethical standards will be considered cheating. A first occurrence will be used as an opportunity for instructing the student, in conference with parents, on the biblical understanding of honesty and allow the student opportunity for repentance and forgiveness. A grade of zero (0) will be applied to all affected work. A second occurrence will result in expulsion.
While parents may guide students in the writing of papers or preparation of projects, under no circumstances will parents’ work be received as the child’s.
Grading
Percentage grades rather than letter grades are given as a specific indication of each student’s performance in each graded skill or subject. Sixty-eight (68%) is required for passing credit. A system of marks using O, S, N, and U is used for other areas of study, for behavior, and for all aspects of kindergarten. O is for outstanding, S is for satisfactory, N means needs improvement, and U is unsatisfactory. Each teacher is authorized to assign final grades for the subjects for which he/she is responsible. Grades are reflective of a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators weighted according to the teacher’s discretion and may include tests, projects, assignments, activities, and classroom participation.
Honors
Three levels of academic honors are recognized at both end-of-quarter and end-of- year. Cum laude (honors) are given to those students having no more than two scores below 90% and no scores below 87%. Magna cum laude (high honors) are granted students having no scores below 90%. Summa cum laude (highest honors) are bestowed upon students having no scores below 94%. Character grades affect honors.
Attention to outstanding character and conduct will be given through the “Student of the Month Award” and the annual Recognition Program held in May.
Academic Probation
Students who have unsatisfactory or failing work in any two (2) subjects or skills areas for a given grading period shall be on academic probation for the ensuing grading period. The student on probation must pass all subjects and skills areas during the quarter on probation or be subject to academic discipline including possible expulsion. The Head of School will determine the academic discipline that will be taken.
Promotion and Retention
Students who achieve passing credit in all subject and skill areas are eligible for promotion to the next grade level. Grammar School students who fail to achieve passing credit in one subject or skills area may be promoted provisionally, provided the subject failed is not English language studies. Grammar School students who fail to achieve passing credit in language studies or any two (2) other subjects or skills areas are subject to retention. Upper School students who fail to achieve passing credit in one or two subjects may be promoted provisionally, but must retake the subjects failed. Upper School students who fail three or more subjects are subject to retention or expulsion.
Field Trips
Teachers are encouraged to plan for field trips that will supplement the students’ curriculum. Transportation for field trips may be provided by parent volunteers or rented transportation. Chaperones are asked to ensure safe and well-mannered conduct of the students they are supervising.
Every student must be safely buckled in his/her seat. School rules and policies are always in effect on field trips and, unless otherwise directed by the teacher, dress uniforms are to be worn on all field trips irrespective of the day of the week. While field trips are optional, any student not attending will be expected to be in school that day and will receive assignments related to the trip through materials provided by the teacher. Parents choosing to participate in a field trip will understand that the classroom teacher is in charge and students must participate with their class, not singularly with their parent(s). Siblings of students are allowed on field trips only at the classroom teacher’s discretion.
After-school Supervision
Kindergarten students who are still on campus 10 minutes after school dismissal (12:10 P.M.) will report to the office. After 3:25 P.M. students in grades 1 and above will remain in a designated area to await the arrival of their parents. The person in charge of these students will supervise homework assignments. This service is not covered by tuition/curriculum fees. The charge for this additional supervision will fall under the category of child care with a cost of $5.00 per 15 minutes per child per occurrence. This amount will be charged to the parent and due at pickup.
Parental Supervision
Students or siblings of students who attend school functions or events with parents must be under their parents’ supervision at all times.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Classroom Rules
Bedford Christian Academy uses disciplinary forms which are biblical in approach and administration. Each teacher has established, with administrative approval, rules, rewards, and consequences which are appropriate for the particular classroom. These rules will be posted in the classroom, communicated to the parents, and taught to the students during the first days and weeks of school. In general, rules are designed to help students respect authority, other students, and property. In cases of wrongdoing, a biblical pattern of confession, repentance, discipline, restitution and restoration of fellowship is followed whenever possible. Parents will be informed of major incidents involving their children and the disciplinary measures taken.
Bible Based.
Christ Centered.
Academic Excellence.
"Experience the nurturing environment of a classical Christian school."
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This page was last updated: February 3, 2009
©2006 Bedford Christian Academy
