We all know that education starts at birth and is a life-long process. Children need their education to be consistent. Consistency - not conflict - between home, school, and church is very important. One goal we have at Plaza Heights Christian Academy is to have the Bible be the integrating factor in all that we do. We are committed to teaching students Biblical principles that reinforce what is taught in the home.

Established in 1999, PHCA is a full kindergarten through 12th grade school that provides preschool opportunities as well as extended care.

Chapel:
We have chapel services weekly as part of our Bible curriculum. These services reinforce the teaching of spiritual truths, the importance of prayer, and encourage a desire to serve the Lord. Parents are always welcome to attend.

Sunday School and Worship Attendance:
We strongly urge our families and students to attend a Bible-believing church of their choice.

Extended Care:
We offer before- and after-school care for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Before-school care is available from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and after-school care is available from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in this service, please complete an Extended Care Enrollment Form when you enroll your child/children in school.

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF):
The PTF program is an integral part of our total school program. This program keeps parents involved in their child’s education as well as allowing the teachers to gain a better knowledge of the parents. Through this program, we acquire volunteers to help with various activities throughout the year. PTF meets the second Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

School and Business Office Hours:
School begins at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:30 p.m. Half-day kindergarten begins at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 11:30 a.m. Unless your child is enrolled in morning Extended Care or has made arrangements to meet with his/her teacher, he/she should not be in the building before 8:20 a.m. Students should be picked up by 3:40 p.m. unless arrangements have been made for them to be under the supervision of an adult. If students are not picked up by 3:40 p.m. and there have been no arrangements made for them to stay for extra help, clubs, or for some other reason, they will be taken to Extended Care and their parents will be charged according to the Extended Care fee schedule. If an emergency arises and you need to make special arrangements, please call the school office. All school business should be conducted during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Cancellation of Classes:
If bad weather forces the closing of school, our school listing “Plaza Heights Christian Academy” will be on the radio and all major network television channels. We do not close in conjunction with any school district.

Custodial Parent:
The school seeks the advice and follows the direction of the custodial parent(s). A parent that is not involved in the enrollment process is still allowed contact with and information about the student, unless contact is prevented by court action. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to make the school staff aware of such action.

Car Line:
In order for the dropping off and picking up of students to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, it is imperative that every driver follow the guidelines that govern the parking lot. The speed limit is 15 mph. From 8:15 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and from 3:15 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. our parking lot is one way. Please enter the East parking lot and proceed to the very back, going around the large “island” at the back of the gym. Elementary pick-up is on the West side and cars should exit the West parking lot. Maps and details are available in the school office. Remember that we only ask you to follow these guidelines to be safe and have things flow as smoothly as possible. Please remember also that your children are watching you as their example.

Lunch Program:
A hot lunch program is available to those students wishing to purchase lunch at school. There is an additional charge for lunch.

School Supplies:
A school supply list can be found at the back of this handbook.

Field Trips:
Field Trips will be a part of your child’s educational experience. If there is a particular field trip that you do not want your child to participate in, you will need to talk with your child’s teacher so that arrangements for your child can be made while his/her class is gone. Parents are welcome to attend school field trips with their children, but should note that siblings are not permitted to attend.

School Programs:
We want to encourage all students to participate in any school programs we may have during the year. These events would be a great time to invite family and friends.

Students Leaving the School Premises:
All requests to leave the building while school is in session must be cleared through the school office. Leaving school without permission is classified as truancy.

Sign In/Sign Out Procedures:
Parents coming during class time to pick up children must report to the office and not to the student’s classroom. Teachers have been instructed not to dismiss a child early unless contacted by the school office. Parents must sign their children out in the school office before leaving. Parents must also sign their children back in when returning to school.

Visitors/Volunteers to the School:
All visitors/volunteers to the school should report directly to the office to sign in. Parents are always welcome to visit the classrooms, but we ask that you arrange for any visit in advance by contacting the school office. A parent who desires a conference with a teacher or the Administrator is also asked to arrange for the conference in advance.

Student Visitors:
Student visitors are usually welcome if the arrangements are made in advance. Our student must fill out a visitor form and have it approved in the office at least 24 hours before any visit by a student from another school. Approval for student visitors is at the discretion of the Administrator.

Recess:
Children need fresh air and exercise and are normally expected to go outside with their class. If your doctor recommends that your child stay inside, please send a note to that effect each day that he/she needs to stay inside. Normally, if the temperature is above 35 degrees and it is not raining or snowing, students will go outside.