Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Policy
Official Notice of Non-Discrimination
Summit College Preparatory School admits and serves students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, language, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, pregnancy, religion, disability, medical condition, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to admissions, financial assistance, academic placement, instruction, counseling, discipline, and all programs and activities we operate.
Scope & Global Online Context
Summit is an online, U.S.-based private nonprofit high school that educates a global student body. Our standards protect students across live classes, academic forums, messaging tools, advising sessions, extracurricular groups, assessments, and school-sponsored events whether virtual or in person. We address conduct that occurs on our platforms and conduct off-platform when its effects create or contribute to a hostile environment within our educational program.
Governing Laws & Standards
We implement U.S. civil-rights and disability-rights requirements, including Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex-based discrimination), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination Act. We align privacy with FERPA and apply additional protections as required by applicable international frameworks. Where multiple laws apply, we follow the standard that provides the strongest appropriate protection for students within our program.
How to Report a Concern
Immediate safety. If you face imminent harm, contact local emergency services first. After you are safe, inform the Title IX Coordinator.
Report channels. You may report by email, phone, or in writing to the Coordinator. Reports may be submitted by a student, parent/guardian, employee, or any person who believes a violation has occurred. Anonymous reports are reviewed to the extent possible.
Initial response. We acknowledge receipt promptly, explain options, and offer supportive measures regardless of whether you pursue a formal complaint. Supportive measures may include academic flexibility, no-contact directives, and scheduling adjustments.
Resolution Process (High-Level Summary)
Assessment. The Coordinator reviews the report, jurisdiction, and policy definitions. If a formal complaint is filed, the Coordinator provides written notice of allegations and outlines the process.
Investigation. Trained personnel gather relevant information from involved parties and witnesses. Parties receive a reasonable opportunity to be heard and to present information.
Determination. A decision-maker evaluates the evidence and issues a written outcome using the applicable standard of evidence stated in our Handbook.
Appeal. Parties may appeal based on grounds defined in policy (for example, procedural irregularity or new evidence). Remedies are implemented promptly when responsibility is found.
Supportive measures. Available before, during, and after the process, designed to restore or preserve equal access without unreasonably burdening another party.
Anti-Retaliation & Privacy
Retaliation for reporting, participating, or refusing to participate in a process is prohibited. We protect privacy consistent with law and take reasonable steps to safeguard all participants from interference, intimidation, or harassment. We encourage good-faith reporting and will address knowingly false statements under applicable conduct standards.
Language Access for a Global Community
Our community communicates primarily in English; however, we can support reporting and outreach in Spanish, French, German, or Chinese upon request. Students and families may bring a trusted interpreter, and we will work in good faith to facilitate language access for key communications and notices.
Third-Party Platforms & Vendor Oversight
Summit operates live instruction on Zoom Pro and manages records within Microsoft 365. We require vendors to protect confidentiality, restrict use to educational purposes, and support accessibility. We review concerns about conduct on third-party platforms when the impact reaches our educational program.
Training, Publication & Annual Review
Personnel with responsibilities under this policy receive role-appropriate training. We post this policy, the Coordinator’s contact, and related procedures on our website and in the Student & Parent Handbook. We review and update materials at least annually to reflect current regulations and effective practices.
Related Policies & Contacts
Title IX & Civil Rights
Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance - reporting options, protections, and equal access.
Registrar & Records
Registrar - transcripts, enrollment verification, and official records.
Data Protection & Rights
Data Protection & Rights - privacy practices and student data requests.
Student & Parent Handbook
Student & Parent Handbook - conduct, academics, and community standards.
Academic Model
Academic Model & Instruction - approach, mentoring, and assessment.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property Policy - ownership, licensing, and DMCA procedures.