This document outlines the shared expectations, responsibilities, and policies for families enrolled in Journey Microschool. Our goal is to create a learning environment that is supportive, respectful, legally compliant, and centered on each student’s growth.

Attendance Policy (Kansas Compliance)

School attendance is required in the state of Kansas for all children over the age of 7. Journey Microschool operates in compliance with Kansas compulsory attendance laws.

Attendance Tracking by Enrollment Tier

Tier 1 – Full Education (Non-Accredited Private School Registration)
Families enrolled in Tier 1 register their child as a Non-Accredited Private School student with the state of Kansas. While families are ultimately responsible for maintaining their own official attendance records, Journey Microschool will:

• Take daily attendance at the start of each school day
  
  
• Track instructional hours to ensure compliance
  
  
• Share attendance records with parents during quarterly meetings
  
  

Tier 2 – Online Public School Enrollment
Students enrolled through an online public school will have their official attendance recorded by their enrolling school. Journey Microschool will:

• Take daily attendance for internal records
  
  
• Provide learning supervision, accountability, and academic support
  
  
• Share attendance and engagement observations with parents during quarterly meetings
  
  

State Attendance Requirements

Kansas requires 1,116 instructional hours per school year. Journey Microschool’s academic calendar is intentionally designed to meet or exceed this requirement.

Absence Reporting

If your student will be absent due to illness or any other excused reason, parents must:

• Send a formal email notice no later than the morning of the school day the student will be absent
  
  

This documentation is required for accurate record keeping.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

• Kansas allows 7 excused absences per school year
  
  
• After 7 excused absences, any additional absences are considered unexcused, even if a parent emails with a valid reason
  
  
• If a student accrues 7 or more unexcused absences, Journey Microschool is legally required to report this to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a potential truancy case
  
  

These requirements are mandated by the state and are not discretionary.

Behavior Philosophy & Expectations

Journey Microschool operates from a supportive, restorative, and non-punitive behavior philosophy while maintaining clear boundaries that protect the learning environment for all students.

Classroom management is a strength of Ms. Jess, and ongoing professional development in behavior support and classroom leadership is completed annually.

Our Approach to Behavior

• Behavior is viewed as communication
  
  
• The goal is growth, skill-building, and long-term success
  
  
• Discipline is collaborative, not punitive
  
  
• We seek to understand the root cause of challenges, not simply control behavior
  
  

Behavior Support Process

1. In-Class Support & Redirection
   Most behavioral challenges are addressed through classroom strategies, relationship-building, and clear expectations.
   
   
2. Parent Collaboration
   If behavior extends beyond what can be effectively managed within the classroom, parents will be contacted and asked to support behavior correction at home.
   
   
3. Temporary At-Home Learning (If Needed)
   If behavior does not improve or significantly disrupt the learning environment, the student may be required to:
   
   
   • Remain home for up to 5 school days
     
     
   • Complete all assigned work independently
     
     
4. Re-Entry Plan
   Before returning to the classroom, the student must:
   
   
   • Have all assignments completed
     
     
   • Submit a written reflection, letter, or behavior plan outlining how they will better manage classroom expectations
     
     

This process is a collaborative effort between the student, parents, and Ms. Jess.

The ultimate goal is not compliance, but the development of self-awareness, regulation skills, responsibility, and mutual respect.

Academic Expectations

Journey Microschool values individualized growth over comparison.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Actively participate in learning activities
  
  
• Complete individual and collaborative assignments as required
  
  
• Engage respectfully with peers and instructors
  
  
• Take ownership of their learning process
  
  

Students are not competing with peers and are not expected to progress at the same pace as others. Learning is personalized and developmentally appropriate.

Academic Progress Monitoring

• Academic progress is tracked weekly by Ms. Jess
  
  
• Progress is reviewed and shared with parents during quarterly meetings
  
  
• Adjustments to learning plans are made collaboratively as needed
  
  

Communication Policy

Strong communication is essential to student success. Journey Microschool values open, respectful, and proactive communication with families.

How Journey Microschool Communicates

• Private Family Facebook Group
  
  
• Monthly Newsletter
  
  
• Quarterly Parent-Teacher Meetings
  
  
• Individual emails as needed (positive or challenging)
  
  
• Text messages for quick questions, updates, or time-sensitive matters
  
  

Parent Communication Expectations

Parents are encouraged to:

• Email or text questions, concerns, updates, or important information
  
  
• Avoid lengthy conversations during drop-off or pick-up times, as instructional responsibilities limit availability
  
  

Families and Journey Microschool operate as a team, and communication is always welcomed and encouraged.

Financial Structure

Monthly Tuition Rates

• Tier 1 – Full Education: $350 per month
  (Includes full curriculum instruction and history co-op classes)
  
  
• Tier 2 – Academic Support Program: $200 per month
  (Students are enrolled in an online public school and attend Journey Microschool for academic support, accountability, social interaction, and hands-on group projects)
  
  

Payment Schedule

• Tuition is due monthly or twice monthly, as agreed upon in the enrollment contract
  
  
• A written contract will outline payment terms, responsibilities, and legal protections
  
  

Trial Period

• The first month of enrollment is a trial period
  
  
• Either party may terminate the agreement during this first month without penalty
  
  

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

After the trial month:

• The contract is binding for the remainder of the school year
  
  
• No refunds will be issued if a student is withdrawn at any time
  
  
• Parents must provide one full month of written notice to withdraw
  
  
• Tuition for the final month is still required
  
  

Contract Termination by Journey Microschool

Journey Microschool reserves the right to terminate the contract at any time if:

• The student or family is not a good fit
  
  
• Reasonable efforts have been made to support the student
  
  
• Tuition payments are missed without communication or effort to resolve the issue
  
  

Additional financial and legal details will be outlined in the final enrollment contract.