1. Purpose and Philosophy
PAX Academy is a learner-centered private school serving homeschoolers, unschoolers, and worldschoolers. Our policies and procedures exist to ensure a safe, equitable, respectful, and academically honest environment while honoring diverse learning pathways, family autonomy, and individualized education.
These policies apply to all students, families, staff, contractors, volunteers, and community partners participating in PAX Academy programs and services.
2. Code of Conduct
PAX Academy is committed to cultivating a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning community. All participants—students, parents/guardians, staff, and volunteers—are expected to uphold the following standards.
Expected Conduct
All participants are expected to:
Treat all people and places with kindness, respect, and dignity.
Respect personal space, belongings, and boundaries.
Use respectful language (no name-calling, yelling, profanity, or demeaning remarks).
Dress appropriately for educational activities and events.
Follow all Academy, event, and site-specific rules.
Submit required forms and documentation on time (enrollment, annual reviews, re-enrollment, etc.).
Communicate promptly regarding absences, schedule changes, or concerns.
Cooperate with Academy leadership, coordinators, and instructors.
Address conflicts peacefully and seek support when needed.
Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their children during in-person activities unless otherwise stated.
Unacceptable Conduct
Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
Disrupting educational activities or events
Refusal to follow reasonable instructions from Academy representatives
Damage, destruction, or misuse of property
Physical aggression or unsafe behavior
Verbal aggression, threats, or intimidation
Bullying, harassment, or discrimination (including online)
Use of offensive, discriminatory, or threatening language or gestures
Repeated disregard for policies, deadlines, or community agreements
3. Disciplinary Process
PAX Academy uses restorative, educationally appropriate practices whenever possible, while prioritizing community safety.
Progressive Discipline
Step 1: Verbal Warning
A reminder of expectations and discussion of the concern.
Step 2: Written Warning
Formal documentation provided to the student and parent/guardian outlining the issue and expectations for improvement.
Step 3: Removal for the Remainder of the School Year
Loss of access to PAX Academy programs and services for the remainder of the academic year.
Immediate Removal
Severe misconduct (including violence, threats, harassment, or serious property damage) may result in immediate removal without prior warnings.
4. Probation Policy
Families or individuals removed due to conduct violations may be eligible to return the following school year under probation.
Terms of Probation
Duration: Entire academic year (August 1–July 31)
Zero Tolerance: Any violation during probation results in immediate removal
Supervised Participation: Parent/guardian presence or additional check-ins may be required
Reinstatement
At the end of the probationary year, leadership will review conduct. Successful completion results in reinstatement to full standing.
5. Academic Integrity Policy
PAX Academy values honesty, authenticity, and ethical learning.
Expectations
Students are expected to:
Submit original work that reflects their own learning
Properly credit sources when using external materials
Accurately represent learning activities, hours, and achievements
Engage authentically in assessments, portfolios, and reviews
Expectations for Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are expected to:
Submit grades, evaluations, progress reports, and learning records that are accurate, honest, and reflective of the student’s actual work and performance
Represent learning hours, course titles, credits, and descriptions truthfully
Avoid inflating grades, misrepresenting mastery, or reporting work that was not completed
Maintain documentation (samples, logs, portfolios, or records) that reasonably supports reported learning
Communicate openly with Academy leadership if unsure how to report learning or assign grades
Violations of Academic Integrity
Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to:
Plagiarism or misrepresentation of student work
Falsifying learning records, hours, attendance, grades, or transcripts
Submitting inaccurate or misleading parent-generated reports
Knowingly reporting coursework or credits not completed
Unauthorized or undisclosed use of AI or external assistance when originality or independent work is required
Consequences
Violations of academic integrity may result in one or more of the following, depending on severity:
Required corrections or resubmission of records
Adjustment or removal of credit or grades
Probationary status
Revocation of transcripts or official records
Removal from PAX Academy
PAX Academy reserves the right to request clarification, additional documentation, or supporting evidence when needed to ensure academic honesty and institutional integrity.
6. Non-Discrimination Policy
PAX Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, religion, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This policy applies to admissions, educational programs, employment, volunteer participation, and access to services.
7. Accessibility and Accommodations
PAX Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Requests should be submitted to Academy leadership for review.
8. Reporting Concerns and Complaints
Concerns regarding conduct, discrimination, academic integrity, or policy violations should be submitted to Academy leadership in writing or verbally. Reports will be handled promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.
9. Appeals Process
Families may appeal disciplinary or administrative decisions.
Appeal Procedure
Submit a written request to info@paxacademy.org within 7 days
Include a description of the concern, relevant context, and requested resolution
Leadership will review and respond within 10 business days. Decisions after appeal are final.
10. Policy Review and Updates
PAX Academy reserves the right to revise these policies as needed to remain compliant with legal requirements and accreditation standards. Families will be notified of significant updates.
11. Acknowledgement
Enrollment or participation in PAX Academy programs constitutes acknowledgement and agreement to abide by these policies and procedures.