Guidelines and Policies

Thank you for your interest in American Academy of Strategic Education! In order to complete your registration process Please read and agree to all of the following Guidelines and Policies, mark your consent and submit your signatures at the bottom of this page. 

Introduction

American Academy of Strategic Education (“American Academy”) and its staff are dedicated to improving the educational opportunities for each student who enrolls in our academy. We strive to provide a safe environment that promotes positive learning and meaningful social interactions. Through years of experience, we have developed certain guidelines to which each student must adhere to ensure a comfortable and safe environment. Please read the following guidelines and policies carefully before signing this agreement.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide flexible educational opportunities to all students grade K-12.  We aim to fill your students with boundless opportunities for academic and social growth in an environment that supports students and their families. Our students will have a safe place to study under the supervision of a certified teacher.  Students can choose to learn using our effective and award-winning, fully-accredited, California State Standards curriculum that meets the A-G requirements and qualifies them to apply to University of California and Cal State Universities. Our students also have the opportunity to study the curriculum of their choice under the supervision of a teacher. Additionally, our students will experience a rich variety of social and academic interactions in our CLUBS and afterschool classes that encourage each student to explore, discover solutions, and engage in countless projects that are of interest to him/her and that challenge and excite each one personally.

Hours of Operation

The academy is conveniently open from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and occasionally Saturday evenings – 12 months a year excluding holidays and breaks. Please see our academic calendar for detailed schedule.

Parking at our Facilities

Our academy is in commercial buildings.  It is extremely important and is written in our lease agreements, that our students will be dropped off and picked up and that parents will not park in the parking spaces. Students are old enough to walk themselves to our centers–parents do not need to walk students in.

Our academy has been allocated only a few parking spots and they are reserved for the occasional parent who needs to meet with staff personnel.  ALL PARENTS WHO NEED TO PARK FOR MORE THAN ONE MINUTE TO UNLOAD CHILDREN MUST FIRST OBTAIN A PARKING PERMIT FROM OUR CENTER. Do not park and wait for your students; waiting in our parking lot is not an allowable.  Please visit local businesses such as the mall and local parks while you are waiting for your children.   Also, please do not double park or otherwise disrupt other business patrons.

Mission Viejo Center: Drop-off and Pick-up are only allowed at the northeast end of the parking lot, behind Core Pilates. For drop-off, please quietly come down the back walkway and up the back staircase.  For pick-up, students will wait quietly until they see parent’s car at the gate entrance, then they will proceed down the stairwell and walkway to the car.

Tuition 

All registration and enrollment fees must be paid or arrangements for a payment plan must be in place prior to the first day of class.

Cancellation Policy                

We reserve the right to cancel a learning activity if an adequate number of advanced registrations are not received, or if unforeseen/unexpected circumstances occur.  In the event of a cancellation by the Center, registrants will receive either a full refund or a credit towards an upcoming learning activity.

Refund Policy

American Academy is confident that you will be happy with our programs. In the unlikely event, if you wish to cancel, you may request cancellation in writing, email is preferred.

1. If enrollment cancellation is requested within five (5) days from midnight of the day on which the enrollment agreement is signed, the school will issue a refund in full minus the nonrefundable registration fee.
2. If enrollment cancellation is requested after five (5) days from midnight of the day on which the enrollment agreement is signed, and before two weeks prior to the start of our sessions, we will refund 50% of the tuition.
3. No refunds will be given after two weeks prior to the beginning of a session.

Registration Form and Personal Information

Parents are required to complete and update (at least annually) the registration information including but not limited to general contact information, personal information, and releases and waivers. Parents are encouraged to inform the center of changes in residence; custody; and home, work and emergency telephone numbers.

Parental Involvement

We encourage our parents to:
(1) Come by and observe our classes. Our interior windows provide easy visibility into our classrooms. Parking permit is required if parking on our premises. Please request parking pass from American Academy prior to appointment.

(2) Participate in special events and activities occurring throughout the year (notices will be posted).

Open Communication

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact a staff member at any time.  Conferences can be scheduled at your request. In addition, written student evaluations can also be completed by our staff at your written request. Should you have any questions or concerns about any anything, please contact the Director by email or phone, or request a conference.

Attendance Policy

1. The student should arrive ON TIME to scheduled sessions but no earlier than 5 minutes before their scheduled session.
2. Students are not permitted to leave our center during registered class time without parental consent and the permission of our staff.
3. Parents should pick students up on time.
4. No credit is issued, in any, form for missed classes.

Food Allergens

Due to the increasing number of severe allergic reactions to peanut butter and peanut butter products, we have a strict “no peanut butter” policy. It has been documented that severely allergic children can react simply to the smell of peanut butter, without even ingesting it. Since there may be students or staff in our center who have, or may develop, an allergic reaction to peanut butter, we feel the presence of peanut butter is not worth the risk to anyone’s health. We ask that parents support our effort in keeping our centers peanut-free environment

Electronic Devices

1. All electronic devices must be labeled with student’s name.
2. Students may not share electronic devices with other students.
3. Students are responsible for bringing a working laptop or tablet if they have online work.

Class Material and Supplies

Students are responsible for bringing all required materials and supplies necessary for each session, including laptops and tablets.

Academic Honesty Policy

Cheating is not tolerated. Students shall not give or receive unauthorized information or assistance regarding class work or class activities. If a student is found cheating or using forgery on any school work or exam, his/her parents will be notified immediately.

Computer and Internet Use Policy

1. Students are expected to act responsibly when using a computer at our centers.
2. Computers are only allowed for class work during study time and age-appropriate material during break time.
3. One student is not allowed to show another student information on his/her computer.
4. Hardware and/or software problems on personal computers are the responsibility of the student.
5. Respect the privacy of others by not sending them unwanted email messages, misrepresenting others when sending mail, or tampering with other accounts, files, or data.
6. Wi-Fi internet is available for student’s use. We do what we can with firewalls to protect the innocence of the students. Please initial here if you will allow your student to access the internet at our centers. Please block the internet on your student’s device if you do not allow him/her to gain access to our internet.

Students are not allowed to:

1. Add or delete any software or files or download any software while on our Internet.
2. Use or otherwise access information on a teacher or staff member’s computer without permission.
3. Use computers for illegal purposes, such as unauthorized copying of licensed or copyrighted software, images, music, movies, or other files.
4. Attempt to break a computer system, access restricted data or websites, or harass other people, either by developing programs for these purposes or by using existing programs to do so.
5. View the computer screen of another student.
6. Borrow another student’s computer.
7. Eat or drink around another student’s computer.

Damage of Public Property

Students shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to the property, equipment, materials or facilities at our center, such as: fire alarm and fire extinguishers, mural decorations, furniture…. If any property is damaged, students and parents will assume full responsibility for the damages. Students may also be subjected to additional disciplinary action. Parents will be notified immediately.

Visitors

Anyone who is not an enrolled student or a parents/guardian of an enrolled student are not allowed in the centers unless otherwise invited.

 Code of Conduct

All students are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct while at our academy:

1. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be respectful to both peers and staff. Disrespectful comments and/or behaviors are not tolerated.
2. Study sessions, classes, and clubs are constantly in session, keep your voice at a respectful volume.
3. Please be especially mindful and courteous to surrounding businesses during drop-off/pick-up time. Please be prompt for drop-off and pick-up. We are fortunate to be in such nice business complexes.  We must be courteous neighbors.  No shouting, screaming or running in or around the building or in the parking lot. Students may not wait for parents in the parking lot or at surrounding businesses.  Parents may not wait for students in our parking lots.
4. In order to maintain a clean facility, students are responsible for cleaning up their own messes.

Discipline and Guidance

We do not foresee any issues with any students. We work to prevent behavior problems by establishing consistent, understandable limits and by providing an environment with minimal frustrations. If inappropriate behavior does occur, our teachers respond with sensitivity and skill to help the child understand why the behavior is unacceptable and how to modify it. We do not administer physical punishment or public shaming at any time.

Our Staff works closely with parents to understand each child and to determine which methods work best for him or her. If the student repeats a challenging behavior, we provide resources to parents and collaborate with their child in an effort to help work towards a positive outcome. When necessary, we will develop a Behavior Management Plan with Teachers and Parents to help guide a positive outcome. If necessary, we will provide a brief, supervised, separation from the group. Repeated discipline problems may subject the child to dismissal from Center.

We focus on discipline that is:

(1) Individualized and consistent for each child;

(2) Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and

(3) Directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control.

Staff may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include at least the following:

(1) Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;

(2) Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements;

(3) Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and

(4) Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

The instructor and staff have the discretion to determine disciplinary actions for students who violate American Academy policies, misconduct, disrespecting instructors or staff. Serious misconduct could lead to serious consequences, including but not limited to expulsion. Each incident of misconduct will be noted in the student records. Three (3) incidents of misconduct will result in expulsion without refund or credit.

Dress Code

1. Comfortable, non-distracting attire should be worn at all times. Please no cut-off tops, low-cut tops or dresses, halter or backless tops or dresses, and strapless tops or dresses, or exposed under clothing in any form.
2. Please refrain from wearing clothes, badges, buttons, or other insignia which are obscene, gang-related, depict violence and/or cruelty, advertise alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs, and advocate or express racial, ethnic, and/or sexual prejudice.
3. Appearance that may be distracting in the classroom should be avoided such as: extreme piercings, extreme hair color or styles, extreme make-up, excessive accessories, excessive tattoos, exposed under clothing.
4. Appropriate footwear is required at all times.

Photography Acknowledgement

My initial grants permission to American Academy of Strategic Education (American Academy) the right to use and copyright photographs and video footage of my child without restriction for any purpose such as (but not limited to) promotion, advertising, and public relations. I hereby release and discharge American Academy and all affiliates from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of the photographs, including any and all claims for libel.

Damage / Loss of Personal Property

American Academy is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property. Please label everything that comes to the center.

Theft

Students shall respect the personal ownership rights of others. Students shall not touch or handle another person’s property without his or her authorization. Students shall not take ownership of items of others. Any person who defaces, steals, damages, and/or destroys property that is not his/her own will be charged the monetary value of the item. Parents will be notified immediately. Law enforcement may be called as needed.

Banned Items

The following items are banned from our academies:

1. Chewing gum
2. Tobacco in any form
3. Inappropriate reading material, such as obscene books or magazines
4. Any weapon, or any item that could be used as a weapon
5. Candy, sweet snacks, and sugary drinks
6. The use of cellular internet. The academy provides Wi-Fi that has safety firewalls. This is the only allowable internet access while at the center.

Health

Only child(ren) who are in good health and free from all communicable diseases are allowed in the academy.

If your child becomes ill while attending the Center, we will provide a quiet, calm place for your child to rest. You will be called to come pick up your child as soon as possible.

If your child has been sick with a fever, please do not bring him/her to the center until he/she has been free from all contagious conditions including fever of 100.4 or higher (without the use of medication), or an episode of diarrhea, or vomiting for 24 hours before being returning.

Medical Emergencies

Parents will be notified immediately if a child requires professional medical attention or becomes ill requiring exclusion from the center. Parents will be notified via email for less serious injuries such as minor cuts, scratches, or bites resulting in first aid treatment. For the contraction of any communicable disease that is reportable to the California Department of Health, or for outbreaks of head lice or other infestation, a notice will be emailed to parents immediately.

In the event of a medical emergency, the appropriate First Aid will be administered. In the event of a life-threatening medical emergency, 911 will always be called first, followed by the parent and the child’s physician of record.

Medications

The academy can only administer medication to your child when the original, unexpired medicine bottle contains a prescription label bearing your child’s full name and prescribed dosage or when the academy has received written instructions from your child’s doctor stating dosage times and amounts. By licensing requirements, the initial dose of the medication must be administered by someone other than our center’s staff, such as the physician or the parent. Instructions must be consistent with labeling on the medication or doctor’s note. All medicines are stored in a locked container and are inaccessible to students. In every instance, a parent’s signature on the medication log will be required for us to administer medication. Medications are administered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. Medication is administered only by designated staff trained in administration of medication. The medication log is located at the Front Desk.

Medications delivered by a device may be given only by staff trained in use of the device. Written instructions must be provided on indications for use that include signs and symptoms that the medication is needed. Parents must demonstrate use of the device and any special care after use to all staff who will be administering the medication. Documentation of the demonstration must be made including the date and staff in attendance. Training on use and care of the device must be provided annually or as needed with staffing or device changes.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

In the event of an emergency, the children’s safety is our first priority. Each academy has a Designated Safe Area depending on the situation.

Fire drills are conducted regularly to ensure a calm, timely evacuation of the building. A diagram is posted in each center for fire emergencies, displaying a pre-planned evacuation route in red.

Lockdown Drills are conducted at least two times in a calendar year for a volatile or endangering person on the premises or in the area. This drill, much like fire drills, is designed to protect the safety of our children and staff by preparing them to respond calmly and effectively in the case of a real emergency.

In the event an emergency requires the relocation of all children to an Alternate Shelter (off-site location), American Academy will notify local media of the event. The pre-determined designated relocation address is posted in each academy, and may also be obtained by contacting our academy. Parents who have supplied a valid email address will also receive an email as soon as possible regarding the situation, including the relocation address.

When an emergency occurs, Teachers are instructed to do a Name-to-Face Roll Call as well as count the children prior to leaving their current location, and again do a Name-to-Face Roll Call and re-count the children once they have reached their Designated Safe Area.

In the event emergency services are required, including the fire department, the Director (or designated Director) will call 911. Families of students will be notified by phone (and local media, if applicable) under the Director’s supervision. 

AMERICAN ACADEMY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK AND RELEASE AND

WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM

As parent or legal guardian of the child whose name appears below, I acknowledge that there are certain risks inherent in my child’s participation in the American Academy These risks include, without limitation, risks associated with travel to, from, and in and around our centers, and my child’s participation in supervised and unsupervised activities while at American Academy . I also acknowledge that any questions I, or my child, have about activities related to American Academy can be addressed to representatives of American Academy, the “Academy.” I agree that I will inform an appropriate representative of the Academy of any special information regarding the health, or physical or mental condition of my child that may be relevant to my child’s participation at the Academy. In consideration for permitting my child to participate at the Academy, I hereby agree:

(a) to release and discharge the Academy from any liability or responsibility for any personal or bodily injury (including death), and for any damage to or loss of property, however caused, that my child or I suffer as a result of or in connection with my child’s participation at the Academy, including, without being limited to, any injury, loss, or damage resulting from, arising out of, or occurring in connection with the negligent acts or omissions of members of the faculty or staff or other employees, agents or servants of the Academy;and

(b) not to raise any claim or institute any legal action or proceeding, on my behalf or on behalf of my child, against the Academy for any cause of action that may result from or arise out of or in connection with my child’s participation at the Academy, for any personal or bodily injury (including death) to my child, including, without being limited to, injury, loss, or damage that may result from or arise out of or in connection with the negligent acts or omissions of members of the faculty or staff or other employees, agents or servants of the Academy.

All references to the Academy in this form will include, and all provisions of this form will inure to the benefit of, the Academy’s officers, employees, agents, servants, and representatives.

This acknowledgment of risk and release and waiver of liability are governed by and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to principles of conflicts of law. I agree that I will submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in Orange County, California, for the resolution of all disputes arising hereunder or relating hereto, regardless of the place of execution of this form.

Parent and Student Signatures

Our signatures below indicate that we have received and read the Guidelines and Policies in its entirety and agree to all of its terms.

Thank you for choosing American Academy. We hope you will feel secure knowing that your child is safe and actively participating in the most positive educational environment available! Rest assured, we strive for continued excellence in all that we provide for our students, your children. We look forward to working with you and serving your child(ren).

Download American Academy Guidelines & Policies (*.PDF)