School Policies

Horizon Academy uses a comprehensive assessment approach that includes both formative and summative assessments to evaluate student learning and progress.

Grading Scales

Grade Reporting

Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter. Progress reports are issued at the midpoint of each quarter. Parents can access current grades through the Parent Portal at any time.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPAs are calculated on a 4.0 scale. Honors courses receive a 0.5 weight, and AP courses receive a 1.0 weight. Only core academic courses are included in GPA calculations.

Homework is an important extension of classroom learning that provides opportunities for practice, review, and application of concepts and skills.

Homework Guidelines

The amount of homework assigned varies by grade level and is designed to be developmentally appropriate:

• Kindergarten: 10-15 minutes per night
• Grades 1-2: 20-30 minutes per night
• Grades 3-5: 30-50 minutes per night
• Grades 6-8: 60-90 minutes per night
• Grades 9-12: 90-120 minutes per night

Late Work Policy

Assignments are expected to be submitted on time. Late work policies vary by division:

• Lower School: Late work is accepted with parent communication, with emphasis on developing responsibility.
• Middle School: 10% deduction per day late, up to 50%. Work more than 5 days late may receive a maximum of 50% credit.
• Upper School: 10% deduction per day late, up to 5 days. Work more than 5 days late receives no credit unless prior arrangements have been made.

Make-Up Work

Students are responsible for making up work missed due to absences. For excused absences, students have one day for each day absent to complete make-up work. For planned absences, students should request assignments in advance.

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students are expected to attend school every day unless they are ill or have an excused absence.

School Hours

• Lower School: 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM
• Middle School: 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM
• Upper School: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Reporting Absences

Parents should report absences by 8:30 AM by calling the attendance line or submitting an absence form through the Parent Portal. Please provide the student's name, grade, reason for absence, and expected return date.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Excused absences include:

• Illness or injury
• Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled outside school hours
• Religious observances
• Family emergencies
• College visits (for Upper School students)
• School-sponsored activities

All other absences are considered unexcused unless prior approval has been granted by the division principal.

Excessive Absences

Students who miss more than 10 days of school in a semester may be required to complete additional work or attend make-up sessions. Excessive absences may affect academic standing and course credit.

Academic integrity is a core value at Horizon Academy. Students are expected to complete their work honestly and to give credit to others for their ideas.

Definition of Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to:

• Cheating on tests or quizzes
• Copying another student's work
• Allowing another student to copy your work
• Plagiarism (using someone else's words or ideas without proper citation)
• Fabrication of data or sources
• Unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments
• Using unauthorized materials or devices during assessments

Consequences for Academic Dishonesty

Consequences for academic dishonesty vary by grade level and severity of the offense:

• First offense: Zero on the assignment, parent notification, and meeting with teacher and advisor
• Second offense: Zero on the assignment, parent conference, disciplinary action, and academic probation
• Third offense: Zero on the assignment, parent conference, suspension, and possible dismissal

Note: Severe cases of academic dishonesty may result in more serious consequences, even for a first offense.

To graduate from Horizon Academy, students must complete the following minimum requirements:

Additional Requirements

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Completion of 60 hours of community service (15 hours per year)
• Completion of a Senior Capstone Project
• Participation in at least two extracurricular activities during high school

Students who do not meet these requirements may not be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony and may need to complete additional coursework or requirements to receive a diploma.