Academic and Behavioral Policies

Although HCMS has a desire to minister to all students who apply for admittance or who are enrolled, the school is limited in both space and resources. Therefore, in order for children who have fairly severe learning or behavioral difficulties to remain as students at HCMS, parents of these students are required to provide the school with their full cooperation and support. This cooperation and support may include but is not limited to:

  • Prompt follow through with any recommended testing or evaluation
  • The provision of consistent reinforcement and assistance for the child in completing work assignments, preparing for tests, staying organized, studying...
  • Regularly communicating with the school (teacher and/or administrator) in regard to how the child is doing at home.
  • Prompt follow through with recommended tutoring or support programs (the responsibility of covering the cost of providing a student with additional academic or behavioral support rests with the parent, not the school).
  • Supporting the school's recommendation for work modifications, grade level assignments, or behavior modification plans
  • Being positive, supportive and helpful to the teacher as adjustments and modifications are made.

Academic Policies

Students who are working below grade level in any area may be put on an individual learning plan and be expected to work independent of his/her class. Over the years we have found that when the requirements listed above are met and supported by the parents, the child usually experiences success. On the other hand, we have found that when these expectations are not adhered to, the child's best interest may be better served in a school where academic and/or behavioral support programs are more readily available.

Behavioral Policies

Horizon Christian Middle School takes joy in providing a quality, Christ-centered educational program for students. Discipline is an important part of this program, for it is often through wise and sensitive correction that our students' hearts are changed for the good. HCMS staff seeks to establish order and respect by acknowledging and rewarding positive behavior and correcting that which is inappropriate or disruptive.

We strive to be fair and consistent in our discipline, attempting always to make corrective steps meaningful and relevant. Discipline will be carried out in a spirit of love and support for the child. Teachers and administrators will strive to always use wisdom when carrying out discipline procedures based upon their recognition of the individual differences and needs of each student.

A complete description of our Effective Behavioral Support program can be found in our Handbook.