Arundel Christian School (ACS) is dedicated to supporting students with diagnosed learning or physical disabilities as part of our mission to foster leadership and academic growth in all learners. We may accept students with documented educational needs, as long as the school can reasonably implement the necessary accommodations.

Documentation Requirements for Enrollment: To evaluate our ability to support a student with disabilities, the following documentation must be submitted before enrollment or re-enrollment is finalized:

1. A current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, if applicable.

2. Any additional private testing or clinical evaluations relevant to the student's needs.

All documentation must clearly specify the accommodations required for the student to succeed in a classroom environment. Please ensure that all materials are submitted by August 20th to services@arundelchristianschool.org.

Review and Eligibility Process

The Bridge Committee will evaluate all submitted documentation to determine whether ACS can accommodate the requested needs within our academic and operational framework.

If Accommodations Can Be Supported:

1. A meeting will be scheduled with the parents or guardians to discuss how ACS will implement the approved accommodations.

2. Once there is mutual agreement between the parents and the Department Director, the enrollment or re-enrollment process will proceed.

If ACS Cannot Meet the Student’s Needs:

• The school will notify the family that the requested accommodations exceed ACS’s capacity.

•  In this case, enrollment or re-enrollment will not be finalized.

Please Note: Once enrollment is confirmed, families are financially responsible as outlined in the ACS Tuition Contract, even if services are later declined due to lack of disclosure.

Responsibility of Disclosure

• Parents are responsible for disclosing any existing educational, psychological, or physical diagnoses.

• Please submit complete and current documentation before the enrollment deadline.

• Parents should pursue testing and plan development through their home school district or authorized private providers, such as a developmental pediatrician or licensed psychologist.

• ACS does not initiate evaluations for 504 plans or IEPs; the testing process must be managed by the parent or guardian in collaboration with the appropriate state or private agencies.

Students who receive accommodations (via a Learning Assistance Plan, 504, or IEP) must undergo a mandatory annual review and re-evaluation.

This ensures that support services are:

• Developmentally appropriate

• Academically relevant

• Aligned with student growth and leadership development goals

Changes may include:

• Modifications to existing accommodations

• Addition of new support

• Discontinuation of the plan if accommodations are no longer necessary

Please note that failure to participate in the annual review may result in the temporary suspension of services until documentation and committee review are complete. Additionally, accommodation plans do not roll over automatically from year to year.

Internal Protocols for Suspected or Existing Disabilities

A. Protocol for Suspected (Undiagnosed) Disabilities

• A teacher or administrator observes ongoing academic struggles and initiates a review meeting.

• If concerns are validated, a formal recommendation for evaluation is made.

• Parents must contact their local school district’s Department of Special Education for testing.

• Internal accommodations will only be considered after official documentation is received.

• The Bridge Committee will evaluate and determine whether a provisional internal Learning Accommodation (LA) Plan can be created.

B. Protocol for Existing Diagnoses (Upon Enrollment)

• Submitted IEP/504 plans are reviewed and compared with ACS capabilities.

• If the parent chooses to enroll, they agree to accommodations as defined by ACS policy, rather than those of the originating district.

• Learning plans will be drafted and sent for signature; services will begin once all parties approve.

Learning Accommodation Council Process

• Parents submit official documentation via services@arundelchristianschool.org.

• The Committee Head conducts an initial evaluation and drafts the proposed plan.

• The full committee reviews the plan with core teaching staff to ensure feasibility.

• The finalized plan is sent to parents for review and signature.

• If parents decline the proposed plan, they may choose to disenroll but will remain financially obligated per the ACS Tuition Contract.

• The plan’s effectiveness is monitored and evaluated annually.

Academic Standards for Students with Accommodations

All students receiving accommodations must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 65% in all core subjects to remain in good academic standing.

ACS is committed to providing purposeful and effective accommodations that promote independence, personal growth, and leadership. While we strive for inclusivity, we must also ensure our services are delivered responsibly and within our capacity.