Little Rock Christian Academy

Graduation Requirements

Beginning with the class of 2012, a student must accumulate 26 units of credit in grades 9-12 for graduation. (See note below for students graduating in 2010 & 2011)

The following units are required:

Math	4 units (including Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II)
Science	3 units (Including a physical science, biology, and chemistry)
English	4 units
History	3 units (including ½ Civics, 1 World & 1 U.S.)
Foreign Language	2 units (2 consecutive in the same language taken in grades 9-12)
Biblical Worldview	1 unit for each year enrolled
Fine Arts	1 unit
Physical Education	½ unit
Health and Safety	½ unit
Oral Communication	½ unit
J-Term ½ unit for each year enrolled
15 hours in service learning project.

Note: Total credits required for graduation:
2010 = 25
2011 = 25 ½

Number of credits
Students must accumulate 26 credit hours (units) total.

Service Learning Project
Seniors are required to participate in the Service Learning Project.

Academic Information and Policies

Grading Scale	GPA Equivalent
A+ = 97 – 100	A+ = 4.3
A = 93 – 96	A = 4.15
A- = 90 – 92	A- = 4 .0
B+ = 87 – 89	B+ = 3.67
B = 83 – 86	B = 3.33
B- = 80 – 82	B- = 3.0
C+ = 77 – 79	C+ = 2.67
C = 73 – 76	C = 2.33
C- = 70 – 72	C- = 2.0
D+ = 67 – 69	D+ = 1.67
D = 63 – 66	D = 1.33
D- = 60 – 62	D- = 1.0
F = 59 and lower	F = 0

Percentage grades will be rounded up or down to determine letter grades. Grade point averages on high school transcripts (and determination of graduation honors) will be calculated using the4.0 scale. This grading scale is being phased in and will be complete with the class of 2010/2011.

Requesting a Transcript
All requests for transcripts must be made through the Office of Registrar. It is recommended that requests be made 2 weeks prior to the date the transcript is needed to allow for processing time. We cannot guarantee a transcript release with fewer than 5 days notice.

Transcript and Report Card Release
Report cards and transcripts will not be released unless satisfactory arrangements have been made with the business office concerning financial obligations.

Failures
In the event that a student fails a course, it is the responsibility of the family to contact Student Services to discuss what arrangements must be made in order to ensure enough credits for graduation. Courses taken off campus must be approved for make up credit. Any courses taken to make up credit for failures will be shown on the transcript. The failed course will not be removed from the transcript.

Repeating a Course on Campus
All courses taken will be reflected on student transcripts. Students are permitted to retake a course if the grade is below 70%. Earning a better grade does not eliminate the first grade. In the case a lower grade is earned when a course is repeated it will also be reflected on the transcript.

On-Line or Off-Campus Courses
Courses taken off campus or on-line will not be credited towards graduation unless prior approval has been given by the administration. Contact the Office of Student Services for information.

Transfer Credits
Administrative approval must be granted for all coursework from other schools counted towards graduation. The Office of Student Services reviews transcripts during the admissions process.

Enrolling as an Senior
Students desiring to attend Little Rock Christian for their senior year must meet all stated graduation requirements. To graduate, students must be enrolled at LRCA their entire senior year.

Exchange Students
All foreign exchange students must provide a complete transcript translated into English prior to enrollment. The transcript should be submitted as part of the initial admissions process. Prior to admission, it will be determined if a student will be attending for credit or not for credit. A writ-ten agreement will be established on the part of the student and the Office of Admissions regarding the status of each student admitted for an exchange.

Not for Credit Exchange
Exchange students not attending for the purpose of accumulating credits toward graduation will receive a pass/fail assessment for each course taken. More flexibility is granted in terms of English proficiency as well as fulfilling requirements for specific courses. However, we expect all exchange students to participate fully in the life of our school including participating in course-work.

Class Rank
We do not rank (except to determine graduation honors of valedictorian and salutatorian). Class rank does not accurately communicate a student’s ability in our selective, college preparatory program. Many quality colleges, universities, and scholarship programs understand this and are used to having “no ranking” for students from strong, college preparatory programs and home school students. If some communication of a student’s comparison to peers is absolutely necessary, the principal must give approval and the minimal amount of information possible will be communicated to the organization (for example, saying that the student falls in the top 20% is preferable if a comparison is essential.)

Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Little Rock Christian Academy does not report a class rank on transcripts. We do, however, determine a Valedictorian and Salutatorian for Graduation Honors. These designations are intended to connote clear academic leadership of the first and second rank among the graduating seniors. To calculate the rank of valedictorian and salutatorian, a numeric average will be used until the 4.0 scale is completely phased in (2010-2011). A student must be in good standing to receive the honor. Transfer students must attend LRCA junior and senior years; an equitable use of transfer grades will be used for consistency with LRCA program and grading.

Honor Roll
Students who qualify in grades 9-12 may be on the Honor Roll every nine weeks. Students in grades 9-12 must have at least a 93% in every subject or 95% average of all classes in order to qualify for Honor Roll.

Academic Probation
A student with two or more “Ds” (below 70%) at interim, quarter, or semester’s end will be placed on academic probation. Academic probation will include a closer scrutiny of and accountability toward student achievement. The Office of Student Services desires to partner with families of students struggling academically. If a student is placed on academic probation, it is expected that parental involvement along with Academic support and faculty resources will be jointly used to help the struggling student achieve to the best of his/her ability. The Office of Student Services reserves the right to place students on individualized plans of action (contract) if deemed necessary to help ensure progress. Progress will be monitored and if, at the conclusion of a semester, the student has not shown improvement, the administration will determine if dismissal will take place.

Extracurricular Eligibility
Our expectation is that students wishing to participate in the rich array of extracurricular opportunities will maintain a priority for academic success as well. The privilege of participating in extracurricular activities may be suspended or revoked if students are placed on academic probation. In such cases, sponsors and coaches will be in communication with the Office of Student Services to monitor student progress and determine what steps are to be taken with students individually to help them maintain eligibility for particular programs.

Learner Services

Referral/Admission Process | College Board and ACT's Eligibility and Documentation Guidelines for Testing Accommodations

Learner Services is a facet of our academic program intended to identify and assist students with specified learning differences. Recognizing that some students need an extra bit of assistance, our goal is to help each student reach full learning potential. Our Learner Services program in grades 9-12 has several components. One of the primary responsibilities of Learner Services is to coordinate efforts among parents, students, and teachers to provide the assistance needed for students with learning differences. As such Learner Services handles and interprets all documentation related to learning differences or other diagnosis and is a resource for parents and teachers who may need assistance working with identified students. Learner Services involves opportunities for students to receive one-on-one support on assignments and tests in a distraction-free environment.

Referral/Admission Process:

6th-12th grade teachers and families refer students using the Learner Services Referral Form (may be downloaded from our website). The completed form is given to the Director of Learner Services for use in determining Learner Services services. Students may self-refer by contacting Learner Services professionals or the Director of Learner Services.
If determined beneficial, learning goals will be identified, and decisions regarding steps to meet the needs of the learner will be made by teacher, family-student, Director of Learner Services, Learner Services professionals, and principal if necessary.
Teacher and family-student will be notified with Plan of Response by Director of Learner Services.
Learner Services professionals will document progress made in reaching learning goals and communicate these with teachers, family-student, and the Director of Learner Services.
Decisions regarding continuation of Learner Services services will be based on students’ progression toward goals in determined time allotments and willingness of the student-family to fully participate in services offered. Teachers, familystudent, Director of Learner Services, Learner Services professionals, and principal may have input regarding continuation of services.

College Board and ACT’s Eligibility and Documentation Guidelines for Testing Accommodations
Students who qualify for testing accommodations because of diagnosed learning disabilities may contact the High School Learner Services professional for specific information regarding PSAT, SAT, AP or ACT testing. High School Learner Services is the campus liaison with College Board and ACT in working with students who qualify for testing accommodations for PSAT, SAT, AP and ACT. Additional information regarding policies and procedures for testing accommodations may be found in the following guide, ACT and College Board’s Guidelines for Testing Accommodations.

College Guidancer

Our College Guidance Office is designed to help students launch into the next phase of life after high school. It oversees the varied components of college planning, admissions process, testing, and financial aid information. Please contact Carla Bollinger, College Guidance Counselor, if you have any questions or desire more information for any of the topics listed.

Four-Year Plan
Beginning freshman year, all students are encouraged to complete a Four-Year Plan. Although the plan may change, it is crucial for freshmen to begin thinking about all four high school years as integral to their future academic goals.

PSAT/NMSQT
This test is given each October to all 10th and 11th graders. It measures reading, math reasoning, and writing skills that are important for successful academic performance in college. The test is sponsored by the College Board and allows students access to free college planning materials upon receiving their scores in January. The assessment is a competitive tool for 11th grade participants as it is the gauge by which National Merit Scholarship status is determined. For more information or additional resources on the PSAT please contact Jill Kramer (Jill.Kramer@littlerockchristian.com or 975-3458).

ACT
The ACT test contains four curriculum-based, multiple choice tests that measure academic achievement in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science, as well as an optional writing test, for which students complete an essay. All students must take the ACT in order to prepare for college entrance. It is recommended that students take the test for the first time in the 11th grade year. For more information or additional resources on the ACT test or preparation contact our College Guidance Office.

SAT
The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems—skills learned in school that are needed in college. The SAT test consists of critical reading, mathematics, and writing components. The SAT is not a required entrance test for colleges and universities in the state of Arkansas.. As results on the two assessments may vary, it is beneficial to take both the ACT and SAT exams. It is not uncommon for selective schools to require the SAT as part of the admissions process.

College Process
Our College Guidance Office helps families navigate the college admissions process. We plan individual appointments with each junior in the fall to talk specifically about things to do before graduation such as appropriate testing and preparation, financial aid opportunities, coursework, campus visits, resume structuring, etc. Our desire is to connect you with the resources needed to make informed decisions.

Financial Aid
We are a resource for connecting families with financial aid and scholarship opportunities and to explain applying for financial aid. It is important for parents and students to speak with our counselor early in the senior year in order to benefit from the available resources as funds are often dispensed by chronological request.

College Fairs
Each fall, a number of college fairs are held in the Little Rock Metropolitan Area. We encourage families to take advantage of these fairs (since they can involve many universities). In addition, LRCA has the distinguished pleasure of hosting the regional NACCAP Fair. The National Association of Christian College and Professionals organizes college fairs around the country. Both in-state and out- of- state universities attend.

Scheduling

Balancing Coursework
LRCA offers a rich array of courses designed to prepare our students well for college and for life. We challenge students to be good stewards of the academic gifts they have been given and to try to achieve the best balance possible with regard to course load. Academically speaking, students are most successful and most content when their academic load is a good fit for their personality, ability, availability, and future goals. Selective colleges look carefully at whether students took advantage of the AP and honors courses offered by the student’s school. It is important to consider how much time a student is able to devote to coursework outside the classroom in choosing honors and AP courses. At the same time, it is important to consider prerequisites when choosing courses in order to maximize future course selection. Considering the counsel of teachers who know the students well can be helpful in choosing courses. Finally, choosing an appropriate overall load is also crucial when maximizing the stewardship of the academic opportunities offered at LRCA and considering future college and career options. Because colleges also look at extra-curricular activities, community service, leadership, and special abilities, these things should be considered alongside course selection in order to best steward the gifts, abilities, and opportunities afforded LRCA students. Refer to the back of this Handbook for a copy of the Course Selection Form to be used by students to request classes. Note that there is one for each grade level.

Number of Classes
Each student is required to enroll in 6 classes each semester. That allows for one period each semester to be used for a study hall. We have found that in most cases it is better to save study hall times for 11th and 12th grade years and to take 7 courses during 9th and 10th grade years.

Dropping or Adding a Course
Students and parents should carefully consider courses selected for the upcoming school year. We strongly encourage reading course information in its entirety as well as speaking with teachers regarding which classes would be best. After the drop/add date is announced at the beginning of each term (1½ weeks after classes begin), students will not be allowed to change classes unless new and unforeseen factors develop that merit such a change. In order to request a schedule change, students must complete a Schedule Change Request Form for consideration and administrative approval.

Pre-AP and Honors Courses
Prerequisites for students requesting entrance into Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Honors Courses are indicated in individual course descriptions. These courses are not weighted in GPA calculations. In many cases, Pre-AP or Honors courses are prerequisite to entrance into AP courses and will assist students desiring to enter AP courses 11th & 12th grade year.

Advanced Placement Courses
Prerequisites for students requesting entrance into Advanced Placement courses are indicated in individual course descriptions. AP courses are “weighted” for grade point average calculations; an additional one point is added when using the 4.0 Scale (a “B-” in an AP class would be raised from a 2.7 to a 3.7 for the purpose of determining grade point averages). It is important to note that many of the better colleges and universities do not use our grade point average; they often recalculate and do not weight grades, but do consider difficulty of course work in other ways. It is required that all students who enroll in an AP course will take the AP exam at the end of the year. The charge is approximately $86 per AP course and is collected in March by the Testing Coordinator.

Semester Exams
Final Exams are an important part of a student’s grade each semester. The schedule for HS Exams is posted about 2 weeks before the exams occur. However, the days devoted to exams are posted on the master calendar at the start of each school year. Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Health, and other elective courses give exams on the last 2 days of class prior to the core finals. We devote one day as a study day where students may attend teacher-led study sessions on campus or may prepare on their own at home. Core exams (Math, Science, English, & History) are given in 2 days at the end of the semester. We expect all students to sit for exams at the established times. Only in extenuating circumstances (illness, for example) do we allow students to take exams at times other than as stated on the exam schedule. Administrative approval must be granted in these cases. Learning to succeed on semester exams is an important skill for college preparation. In some courses, alternative assessments such as projects may replace a semester exam. Semester exams (or their equivalent) represent 20% of the semester grade.

Semester Exam Exemption for Seniors
Seniors at LRCA may earn exemption from semester exams. In order for students to be exempt from a semester exam in a particular course, they must meet the following criteria:

90% or better average for the two quarters
No more than 10 absences

Teachers have the discretion to require exams if needed educationally. Typically, alternative assessments like projects are not exempt.

January Term (J-Term)
J-Term is an interim “semester” between the first and second semesters and runs the first two weeks of January after returning from Christmas break. The J-Term school day is divided into two sessions, morning and afternoon. One course is taken per session. J-Term is modeled after the college January term idea and is designed to increase learning opportunities for students. It allows us to offer classes not normally provided in regular semesters and gives students opportunities to grow through a variety of experiences as they develop their giftedness and consider where God may be leading them. The “block” or trip nature of the two weeks also allows for deeper relationships with teachers and small groups of students as well as focused in-depth study. Most students will take a morning and an afternoon class. However, juniors and seniors may work in approved internships anywhere in the world. Other students may elect educational trips or mission trips.

Each morning and afternoon course receives a .25 credit, while trips and full day courses receive a .5 credit. Each student is required to earn the .5 J-Term credit for each year enrolled at LRCA. J-Term courses will not count toward fulfilling non-J-Term graduation requirements.

Some J-Term courses require a fee in order to provide needed materials or to pay for transportation and lodging costs. In addition, due to some courses being held off-campus, families may need to arrange for transportation to and from those courses.

High School Academic Policies 2009-2010

Graduation Requirements

Academic Information and Policies

Learner Services

College Guidancer