Summit College Preparatory School Student Handbook Academic Year 2025–2026

Welcome Message

Welcome to Summit College Preparatory School. We are excited to have you join our community of learners. Summit College Preparatory School is an independent nonprofit online institution dedicated to providing a challenging, flexible, and individualized academic experience that prepares students for academic success and lifelong achievement. This handbook is designed to guide you through our academic expectations, behavioral standards, available resources, and support services. We encourage you to read this document carefully and reach out with any questions or concerns. Our goal is to create a learning environment that is supportive, respectful, and conducive to both academic growth and personal development. Together, we can make this a successful and enriching academic year for all our students.

Mission, Vision & Core Values

At Summit College Preparatory School, our mission is to offer a high-quality, college-preparatory education that is accessible, flexible, and personalized. We are committed to preparing each student for success in college, careers, and life by providing a rigorous curriculum and cultivating a growth mindset. Our vision is to empower students to become leaders who exhibit integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Academic Excellence: We strive for academic rigor, preparing students to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Integrity & Accountability: We emphasize the importance of honesty, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior in all areas of life.

Respect & Inclusion: We create an inclusive environment where all students are valued and supported, and diversity is celebrated.

Curiosity & Lifelong Learning: We foster intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning, encouraging students to become lifelong learners.

Service & Leadership: We encourage students to take an active role in their communities and develop leadership skills that will help them make a positive impact.

Academic Calendar and Structure

The academic year at Summit College Preparatory School begins on August 4, 2025, and ends on May 30, 2026. The year is structured to include two terms, allowing for regular breaks throughout the year to ensure students can maintain a balanced academic workload. Summit operates on a six-day school week (Monday to Saturday), providing students with flexibility while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule. The school year is divided into two terms:

Fall Term: August 4 – December 20, 2025

Spring Term: January 5 – May 30, 2026

This schedule allows for regular breaks throughout the year, ensuring that students have time to recharge and reflect on their academic progress. Students and families can refer to the official Summit Academic Calendar for specific holiday dates, term breaks, and other important events.

Academic Program Overview

Summit College Preparatory School offers a comprehensive academic program designed to build a strong academic foundation and prepare students for college and professional success. The program includes core subjects, advanced courses, and specialized language preparation.

Core Subjects: Summit’s core curriculum includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, and Physical Education. Our English program focuses on developing critical thinking, reading, writing, and communication skills. The mathematics program provides foundational courses like Algebra 1 and Geometry, progressing to higher levels such as Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Science includes biological, physical, and earth sciences with a focus on inquiry-based learning. Social Studies covers history, politics, and economics, offering students a global perspective. World Languages ensures that students develop proficiency in at least three languages by the end of their high school years, with the expectation to achieve B1 to C1 proficiency in languages such as Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin. Physical Education emphasizes physical fitness and lifelong health practices.

Advanced Courses: Summit offers advanced coursework including Honors and College Prep courses. These courses provide an enriched academic experience and prepare students for the demands of university-level studies.

Language Preparation: As part of our commitment to global readiness, Summit places significant emphasis on language proficiency. By the end of 9th grade, students are required to be proficient in three languages, ensuring they reach B1 to C1 proficiency levels.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from Summit College Preparatory School, students must complete a minimum of 22 credits in the following subjects:

• English: 4 credits
• Mathematics: 4 credits (including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and a higher-level math course)
• Science: 3 credits (including at least one lab science)
• Social Studies: 3 credits (including World History, U.S. History, and Government/Economics)
• World Languages: 2 credits (must include proficiency in three languages)
• Fine Arts: 1 credit
• Physical Education: 1 credit
• Electives: 4 credits (including Honors and Dual Enrollment courses)

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete all required coursework and assessments. Graduation is contingent on fulfilling all requirements and demonstrating mastery of academic skills.

Code of Conduct

Summit College Preparatory School values a culture of respect, responsibility, and integrity. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and academic performance. Our Code of Conduct includes the following expectations:

Academic Integrity: Students must complete their own work and adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, and any form of dishonesty are prohibited.

Respectful Communication: All members of the Summit community are expected to communicate in a respectful, professional manner.

Active Participation: Students are required to actively engage in their learning by attending live sessions, completing assignments on time, and participating in class discussions.

Online Etiquette: Students should maintain appropriate online conduct, ensuring that all interactions are respectful and conducive to a positive learning environment.

Attendance Policy

Summit College Preparatory School offers a flexible online learning environment, but attendance in live sessions is required for all students unless excused. Students are expected to:

Excused Absences: Parents or guardians must notify the school via email if a student is unable to attend a live session.

Unexcused Absences: More than 5 unexcused absences per term may result in disciplinary action, including an academic review.

Make-Up Work: Students are responsible for completing any missed work or assignments promptly after an absence to stay on track with the curriculum.

Technology & Equipment

To participate fully in the online learning experience, students must have:

Reliable Internet: A stable connection is essential for live class participation and accessing learning materials.

Webcam & Microphone: Required for all live sessions.

Access to School Platforms: Summit uses platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom for class meetings, assignments, and communication.

Students are expected to use their school-provided accounts for academic purposes only and adhere to Summit’s Online Safety & Privacy Policy, ensuring that all interactions within digital platforms are conducted in a professional and respectful manner.

Parent-Student-School Agreement

The success of our students is dependent on collaboration between the school, students, and parents. Each party commits to:

Student: Following rules, meeting expectations.

Parent: Providing support, monitoring progress, and fostering communication.

School: Delivering high-quality, inclusive education.

Parent Engagement & Support

At Summit College Preparatory School, parents and guardians are valued as essential partners in each student’s academic and personal journey. In our fully virtual environment, your involvement helps create a structured, encouraging, and successful learning space at home.

Parent Roles: Families are expected to provide a distraction-free workspace, ensure consistent attendance, monitor academic progress, and communicate promptly with teachers and staff. Your daily support strengthens student responsibility and achievement.

Communication: Summit maintains proactive, respectful communication with families. Weekly progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and real-time updates through the parent portal ensure transparency. Parents are encouraged to stay engaged and respond to communications in a timely and constructive manner.

Support for Gifted Learners: Many Summit students are profoundly gifted and may face asynchronous development. We encourage parents to balance high expectations with compassion, recognizing signs of anxiety or perfectionism. Personalized guidance and SEL counseling are available to support both students and families.

Participation Opportunities: Parents may contribute through advisory committees, parent forums, and volunteer roles. We also highlight family stories through our Summit Spotlight Series. To participate, email admin@summithighschool.org.

Parent Code of Conduct: Respectful engagement is required at all times. Communications with faculty, staff, and other parents must remain professional, solution-focused, and appropriate. Behavior that undermines staff or student safety may result in restricted access or administrative action.

Parent Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Parent Engagement & Support section of the 2025–2026 Student Handbook.

Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________

Date: _______________

Signature: _______________________________