ATTENDANCE POLICIES

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK

ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH

DISCIPLINE POLICY AND BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT FRAMEWORK

DRESS CODE POLICY

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

IMMUNIZATION POLICY

SCHOOL HOURS

Starwood Academy of Frisco is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., 12 months a year. School is closed during certain holidays. These dates are listed on the school year calendar. During poor weather conditions, both an email and a text message will be sent if there are changes to the school schedule. 

Campus Address:

3443 Lebanon Road 

Frisco, Texas 75034

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone Number

(972) 885-8585

Fax Number 

(972) 703-4585

School Website

starwoodacademyoffrisco.com

LICENSES AND AFFILIATIONS

Starwood Academy of Frisco is state-licensed through Texas Health and Human Services and is regularly inspected to ensure everything meets or exceeds standards.

Texas Health and Human Services

North Austin Complex

4601 W. Guadalupe St.

Austin, TX 78751-3146

P.O. Box 13247

The school is subject to inspection by state and local health, fire, licensing, and building agencies. Regulations and inspections pertain to team member qualifications, the facility and playground, nutrition, health and safety matters, record-keeping and child-to-staff ratios.

Starwood Academy of Frisco is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, and has earned the distinction of being a Full Member School. An AMS membership represents our dedication to the Montessori philosophy, maintaining a credentialed teaching team, a fully equipped classroom environment and to meeting all operational standards as established by the organization.

American Montessori Society        

116 East 16th Street

New York, NY 10003

(212) 358-1250

amshq.org 

MISSION

Inspiring curiosity, guiding transformation, and empowering students to lead lives of purpose and impact.

CORE VALUES

A Vibrant Community

All are welcomed and celebrated at Starwood Academy, where diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives build our vibrant community, and open communication and intercultural awareness create global citizens.

Respectful Relationships

We see value in ourselves and those around us and operate with integrity by being true to our word. Living by the Golden Rule – treating others as we would like others to treat us – helps us become respectful collaborators.

Lifelong Learning 

By inviting students to question the status quo and providing an environment that encourages curiosity, freedom, and independence, we instill a love of learning that transforms students into inspired innovators.

Excellence in Education

Our commitment to delivering the highest quality Montessori education to our students, creating meaningful partnerships and authentic connections with our families, and providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development to our talented team ensure Starwood students graduate as prepared achievers.

A Love of Life

We appreciate life and the time we have together, and we approach our world with awe and wonder – because we know that learning, being with friends, and living with purpose creates joyful learners.

ADMINISTRATION AND TEAM MEMBERS

Administration | administration@starwoodacademy.com

Head of School — Anita Hanks | anitahanks@starwoodacademy.com 

Assistant Head of School — Amber Walker | walker@starwoodacademy.com

Admissions | admissions@starwoodacademy.com

Director of Admissions — Niki Gleiser | gleiser@starwoodacademy.com

Education

Director of Curriculum & Instruction — Aparna Rao | rao@starwoodacademy.com 

Marketing & Communications | communications@starwoodacademy.com

Director of Marketing & Communications — Michelle Amaya | amaya@starwoodacademy.com 

Marketing & Communications Coordinator — Nicolle St.John | stjohn@starwoodacademy.com 

Operations

Operations Manager — Kevin Schram | schram@starwoodacademy.com 

Office | frontoffice@starwoodacademy.com

Registrar & Administrative Support — Sharon Haldeman | haldeman@starwoodacademy.com 

Administrative Assistant — Theresa Navarro | navarro@starwoodacademy.com 

Administrative Assistant — Kavita Ganness | ganness@starwoodacademy.com 

Administrative Assistant — Jenn Kaufmann | kaufmann@starwoodacademy.com 

CLASSROOM GUIDES

Starwood Academy of Frisco adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence for our lead guides. All lead guides are Montessori credentialed at their respective levels. As a team they strive to uphold Starwood's core values and live out the Starwood mission. Guides seek to direct the interests and tendencies of the child, serving as facilitators to the child’s development. Each guide is responsible for leading their class in accordance with Montessori philosophy, the guidelines of the American Montessori Society and the general policies of Starwood Academy of Frisco. They establish daily plans and long‐term goals for each child and the class and work to develop good communication with the families of their students. 

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS

Starwood Academy of Frisco endeavors to provide the most caring and committed individuals to assist in the classroom environment. The assistant nurtures independence for each child by modeling Montessori principles through classroom interactions and personal behavior. Assistants receive ongoing training in Montessori philosophy and child development. This ensures quality care is consistent through the school day and extended hours program.

Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator and innovator, Montessori is a child-centered educational approach based on nurturing and cultivating a child’s natural desire to learn.

With a focus on individual development, all aspects of the child are taken into consideration – academically, emotionally, socially and physically – allowing the whole personality to take shape, not just the intellect.

Montessori education encourages the joy of learning at an early age and provides a framework in which intellectual and social maturity work together to provide the development of a true community.

Some unique aspects of a Montessori education include: multi-age classrooms; a diverse multicultural community; a prepared classroom environment that fosters independence; and freedom within limits allowing student choice under teacher guidance.

THE FIVE CORE COMPONENTS

Credentialed Montessori Guides

Guides at Starwood Academy of Frisco must be credentialed at the age level they teach. This credential must be issued by AMS, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), or programs accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

The Multiage Classroom

Multi-age classrooms are a defining feature of Montessori education and Starwood's classrooms. In these environments, younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge and develop leadership skills by mentoring younger students. Starwood Academy's multiage classrooms are as follows:

• Toddler: 18 months – 3 years

• Early Childhood: Ages 3 – 6

• Lower Elementary: Ages 6 – 9

• Upper Elementary: Ages 9 – 12

• Middle School: Ages 12 – 14

Using Montessori Materials

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, every classroom is equipped with authentic Montessori materials, thoughtfully designed to guide students through a structured progression, where lessons build upon the previous one to deepen understanding and mastery. These materials serve as tools for learning, providing children with concrete experiences that facilitate the development of abstract understanding. Teachers play a crucial role in promoting the use of these materials, guiding children in their exploration while allowing for independence and self-direction.

Teachers actively observe and track how children interact with the materials. By fostering a supportive environment, teachers encourage students to select materials that align with their learning goals, offering guidance when necessary. This process empowers children to take ownership of their learning, as they learn to choose materials that will help them master concepts at their own pace.

The materials encourage active engagement and self-correction, allowing children to independently assess their progress and refine their understanding. Teachers track this process through observation, noting how children manipulate the materials and offering feedback to help deepen their exploration. As children move through the progression of materials, they develop both confidence and independence.

Child-Directed Work

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we believe that freedom and independence are foundational to a child’s growth, fostering confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning. At every level—Toddler, Primary, Elementary, and beyond—our classrooms are carefully designed to balance freedom with responsibility, empowering children to make meaningful choices while respecting the needs of their community.

Freedom and Independence by Level

Toddler (18 months-3 years)

Even our youngest learners are provided opportunities to practice independence through activities like self-care, choosing developmentally appropriate work, and participating in the care of their environment. Furniture, materials, and routines are tailored to their size and needs, supporting freedom of movement and choice while ensuring they can take responsibility for their actions.

Primary (3-6 years)

Children in the primary program enjoy the freedom to select materials and work at their own pace within a prepared environment. This environment is designed to encourage both independent work and collaboration, allowing children to explore subjects that interest them while developing focus and self-discipline. Teachers provide lessons based on individual readiness, allowing each child to progress naturally while learning how to manage their own learning and responsibility.

Elementary (6-12 years)

At the Elementary level, freedom expands to include collaborative work and larger projects, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking. The prepared environment at this level supports more complex activities and group work, providing the tools and resources necessary for deeper learning. Students take increasing responsibility for their learning, guided by teachers who mentor them in balancing autonomy with accountability. This environment fosters self-direction, where students learn not only from their own choices but also from the collaborative process, reinforcing the connection between freedom and responsibility.

Middle School (12-14 years)

In the Middle School years, freedom and responsibility are amplified as students begin to explore more complex academic concepts, real-world challenges, and collaborative projects. The prepared environment in the Middle School is designed to promote independent thought, critical thinking, and active participation in the learning process. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education through project-based learning, research, and problem-solving activities that reflect real-life scenarios. The environment supports both individual work and group collaboration, providing resources for students to work autonomously while being accountable to their peers and teachers. Teachers serve as mentors, guiding students to develop leadership skills, self-discipline, and an understanding of their role within a larger community, balancing their growing autonomy with responsibility toward their academic and social environments.

Uninterrupted Work Periods

Starwood's classrooms feature extended periods of uninterrupted work periods. These periods allow children to engage deeply in tasks without unnecessary interruptions, recognizing the varied nature of individual learning processes.

During these work periods, students follow a cycle of selecting, engaging in, and concluding activities at their own pace. Teachers observe, support, and provide small-group or individual lessons as needed. This approach builds independence, coordination, and sustained concentration.

Starwood Academy of Frisco's uninterrupted work periods are:

• Toddler: A 2-hour work cycle daily, with time allocated for meals, snacks, hygiene, and rest.

• Early Childhood: A 2-hour work cycle daily, 4 days per week.

• Elementary: A 3-hour work cycle daily.

• Middle School: A 3-hour work cycle daily.

THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENT

Thoughtfully Prepared 

The Prepared Environment is one of the most important parts of a Montessori classroom. Environments are thoughtfully designed to best support the child's success and allow for freedom of movement and choice. The beautiful, child-centered classrooms invite students in and encourage them to work. In many ways, the development of the child is dependent on their environment. 

School Pets

As part of the Practical Life curriculum in the Montessori environment, students engage in caring for living things, which may include the presence of a classroom pet. The presence of a pet provides meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities related to responsibility, empathy, and respect for life. When a classroom pet is introduced, students receive lessons in appropriate handling and care. A key component of this instruction includes proper hygiene practices. Students are required to wash their hands thoroughly after handling the pet or coming into contact with any of the pet’s supplies, including food, water bowls, or bedding. These practices are in place to support both the health and safety of the students and the wellbeing of the animal. Please notify the front office if your child has any animal-related allergies.

Classroom Visitor Guidelines

We welcome parents and guardians to participate in scheduled visits and classroom events. To ensure the safety and integrity of our learning environment, all visitors must check in at the front office with a valid photo ID and obtain a visitor’s badge before entering the school.

When visiting a classroom, the following expectations must be observed:

• Maintain a quiet, respectful presence. Visitors may not disrupt instruction, interact with students during work time, or engage the guide during the visit. Any questions or concerns should be addressed by scheduling a separate meeting.

• No recordings or photography are permitted. For the privacy and protection of all students, video, photo, and audio recordings are strictly prohibited.

• Cell phones must remain silenced and out of sight for the duration of the visit.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the visitor being asked to leave the classroom.

Enrollment at Starwood Academy of Frisco is contingent upon completion of the following:

• Admissions Process: Parents/guardians must fulfill all requests from the admissions team, which may include viewing a virtual information session, attending a campus tour, and completing the application along with a checklist.

• Tuition & Fees: Full payment of the enrollment fee, along with the first and last month’s tuition, must be submitted through FACTS Tuition Management.

• Enrollment Forms: All required documents must be submitted prior to the first day of school. This includes student health records, emergency permission forms, food allergy/intolerance information for community dining, and the family acknowledgment of the Parent Handbook.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Starwood Academy of Frisco admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Additionally, Starwood Academy of Frisco does not discriminate based on any of the characteristics above in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

The school reserves the right to withdraw any student who does not meet its academic requirements or fails to conform to its rules and regulations. Dismissal, suspension, probation or withdrawal may occur without the making of specific warnings.

TUITION & PAYMENT POLICY

Tuition is collected via automatic draft through FACTS Tuition Management on the 1st of each month. FACTS will send email reminders prior to each draft.

Annual FACTS Enrollment Fee:

• $55 per family for monthly payments

• $25 per family for semester or annual payments

Payment Failures and Late Fees:

• $30 fee per returned or failed payment attempt

• $30 late fee for payments not received by the 1st of the month

After two or more failed payments, the family’s FACTS account will be disabled, and an alternative payment method must be arranged with the Head of School. Students may not attend school until all outstanding balances are paid in full.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT COMMITMENT

Enrollment is a commitment for the full academic year. All tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of withdrawal date or changes in attendance. Families must provide a minimum of 45 days’ written notice for program changes or withdrawal. Notice must include the effective date of change.

(Refer to the Enrollment Contract for full terms.)

FIELD TRIP FEE

Field trip fees are billed annually on August 1 and apply to all students in the designated program, regardless of individual participation. Field trip fees are not prorated or refundable due to absence. Field trips are considered an essential extension of the Montessori curriculum.

Kindergarten (PLC) $100

Lower Elementary $200 | $300 (Third-Year Students)

Upper Elementary $600 | $700 (Sixth-Year Students)

Middle School         $3,000 

CHANGE IN ENROLLMENT STATUS

Program Changes

Requests to modify a student’s original enrollment program must be submitted with a minimum of 45 days’ notice. The request must be made through the Enrollment Program Change Form and include a clearly defined effective date.  Any change is subject to administrative approval based on space and availability. The school does not permit consecutive monthly program changes, and no program modifications will be accepted during the months of December or May.

Withdraw From School

Requests to modify a student’s original enrollment program must be submitted with a minimum of 45 days’ notice. The request must be made through the Enrollment Program Change Form and include a clearly defined last day of attendance. All tuition and fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of withdrawal date. If written notice is submitted before April 1, 2026, the prepaid May tuition will be applied to the student’s final 30 days of attendance.

RE-ENROLLMENT/SUMMER ENROLLMENT

Re-enrollment decisions are made by the administration and faculty based on an annual review of each student’s academic progress, social and emotional development, and any special needs (if applicable). Attitudes and values expressed by the child and parents/guardians are also taken into consideration. Invitations to continue at Starwood Academy of Frisco are normally automatic yet are not guaranteed. 

Re-enrollment and summer enrollment information is emailed to current families in early January-March. Submitting the completed contract online and creating a new payment plan within FACTS by the due date ensures a reserved space for the following school year. 

Families with concerns about re-enrollment should communicate with their guide or the administration as soon as possible. Every reasonable effort will be made to work with families as they consider re-enrollment.

NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Immunization Requirements

In alignment with updated health protocols and Starwood Academy’s commitment to student and community well-being, all students are required to submit validated immunization records prior to enrollment. Immunization documentation must be completed by a licensed physician or public health clinic and submitted as part of the enrollment process. Click to see Recommended Immunization Schedule.

Enrollment Requirement

Enrollment will not be finalized—and students will not be permitted to attend—until either immunization records or appropriate exemption documentation is submitted and verified.

Class Assignment

As partners in education, parents/guardians are welcome to make written class assignment requests. However, these requests are not guaranteed. The school strongly discourages class changes in the middle of the school year unless a student is promoted to the next level.

ASSESSMENTS

In Montessori, we use multiple forms of assessment to determine social, personal and academic progress for each individual child. This includes daily and weekly observation and tracking of engagement in the prepared environment for individual children as well as the entire class. Additional forms of assessment include oral and written demonstrations of knowledge through presentations and lessons to peers. 

Learning Outcomes

Each program, primary through middle school, has written learning outcomes that describe the knowledge or skills students should acquire by the end of each level. Learning outcomes provide a platform for classroom guides to discuss student readiness for the next level. 

During the elementary and middle school capstone years of each developmental level, specific learning outcomes are formatted as “I can” statements. These statements are utilized by students in regular meetings with their guide for goal setting and in preparation for their student-led conferences. This approach promotes a student’s autonomy in the learning process. 

Assessment of Growth

Students in Grades 3–8 take the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test three times a year. As an adaptive assessment, MAP provides a snapshot of academic growth in reading and math, helping to guide instruction and support individual learning paths.

This is just one of many tools we use. Guides rely primarily on daily observation, informal assessments, and student work to gain a well-rounded understanding of each child’s progress.

REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

Conference reports are emailed to families twice per school year—once each semester—for all toddlers and students in their first or second year of primary. Families of students in their final year of primary through middle school receive conference reports three times per year: once each semester and again at the end of the school year in May. These reports provide parents and guardians with detailed information about main lessons and key concepts covered within each program. Lessons are noted as being presented, repeated and practiced, demonstrating continuous improvement, or demonstrating proficiency.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS POLICY

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we believe that consistent attendance and punctuality are foundational to a child’s academic success and social development. In a Montessori environment, each school day builds upon the last. A child who regularly attends school experiences the full benefit of uninterrupted learning, consistent routines, and meaningful community engagement.

ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

All students are expected to attend school each day, arriving on time and ready to learn. Every absence is recorded in the student's permanent record.

If a child must miss school, parents are required to notify the front office and email the student’s guide by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence.

A student who has been absent for the full day may not participate in any school-related activities that day, including extracurricular events or after-school programs.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Instructional time is lost when a student misses any portion of the academic day. Students are expected to remain in school until dismissal begins. Early dismissal should be limited to medical appointments or family emergencies. Abuse of early release may result in consequences consistent with those for unexcused absences.

STATE REQUIREMENT FOR ATTENDANCE

Per the Texas Compulsory Attendance Law, students must attend at least 90% of the days school is in session to be eligible for credit or promotion. This applies to all students enrolled in kindergarten through middle school.

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, our academic calendar includes 172 instructional days. Therefore, a student may not miss more than 17 total days—excused or unexcused—without risking consequences.

ATTENDANCE CLASSIFICATION

To support a respectful and consistent school environment, all absences fall into one of the following categories:

Excused Absences

• Illness

• Family emergencies

• Religious observances

• Bereavement

An absence is considered excused when it is due to illness, an emergency, or when the school determines it is in the best interest of the student to miss school.

Required Action: For an absence due to illness to be excused, a doctor's note is required. An email alone will not excuse the absence. If a student is absent for illness without a doctor’s note, the absence will be considered unexcused unless otherwise approved by administration.

Unexcused Absences

• Family vacations or travel.

• Absences without timely communication or proper documentation.

If a parent does not provide documentation for an excused absence, it will be recorded as unexcused. Unexcused absences may result in the implementation of an attendance recovery plan.

TARDINESS

Late arrivals significantly disrupt a child’s ability to transition smoothly into the school day, interrupt the classroom environment, and reduce opportunities for meaningful engagement and connection.

• Elementary and Middle School: Attendance is recorded at 8:15 a.m.; arrival after this time is considered tardy.

• Toddler & Primary: Attendance is recorded at 8:45 a.m.; arrival after this time is considered tardy.

All late arrivals must be escorted to the front office to minimize classroom disruption. A written or verbal explanation does not automatically excuse the tardiness. Tardiness is closely monitored by both the classroom guide and the school administration.

Late Arrival Cut-Off Policy

Students arriving after 9:30 a.m. will not be admitted to class unless prior approval has been obtained from the administration. Exceptions may include documented medical appointments or emergencies. If your child will arrive late, please notify the front office.

Excessive Absences or Tardies

Repeated absences or chronic tardiness may result in:

• Mandatory summer attendance

• Academic retention

• Required parent-administrator conference

• Implementation of a personalized attendance plan

Tracking Note: For accountability and early intervention, every five tardies—excused or unexcused—will be counted as the equivalent of one absence. We ask for your partnership in upholding these expectations, knowing that your child’s consistency at school directly influences their academic growth and social development.

ATTENDANCE RECOVERY PLAN

If a student’s attendance falls below the 90% threshold or becomes excessive, consequences may include non-renewal of enrollment or dismissal. The following interventions may be implemented:

• Head of School's Plan: Families will be asked to engage in a formal recovery plan that may include make-up work, academic support, or modified attendance expectations.

• Academic Consequences: Chronic absenteeism may impact academic progress and eligibility for promotion to the next grade level.

• Administrative Review: In persistent or unresolved cases, the school may place a student on conditional enrollment or, in rare cases, recommend withdrawal.

We understand that certain absences are unavoidable. We encourage families to communicate proactively with school leadership when extenuating circumstances arise. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to support your child’s success.

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL DEVICE USE POLICY

To protect the integrity of the academic environment and support a healthy and respectful community life, student use of personal technology devices is intentionally restricted during the school day. These expectations apply to all students unless otherwise specified for instructional purposes.

Mobile Phones and Smartwatches

Mobile phones and smartwatches must remain powered off and stored away during the school day. Students may only use these devices with explicit permission from a faculty or team member and only for brief, necessary communication with family. Devices may not be used in classrooms, hallways, student centers, or other academic settings unless otherwise approved. Smartwatches with cellular capability are considered mobile phones and must also remain off and stored.

Laptops and Tablets

Students may use laptops for academic purposes only. Device use is permitted during the school day in designated locations such as school offices or student centers, or with faculty or team members permission. Recreational use of laptops, including gaming, streaming, or social media access, is not permitted on campus at any time. Laptops may not be used before or after school unless for brief academic or family communication.

TECHNOLOGY PURPOSE AND EXPECTATIONS

All personal and school-provided technology must support the educational mission of the school. Internet access, applications, and digital communication must align with academic objectives. Students are not permitted to access or engage with gaming sites, social media platforms, messaging services, or other non-academic content while on campus.

TECHNOLOGY MISUSE AND DISRUPTION POLICY

Students may not use any device—whether on or off campus—in a way that causes disruption to the educational environment or negatively impacts others. This includes any form of digital communication or content that is:

• Inappropriate

• Harassing

• Intimidating

• Threatening

• Defamatory or disrespectful in digital formats (e.g., social media, texts, images, blogs)

Such behavior is not only contrary to the values of the school but may also result in disciplinary action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

AI Usage Policy for Students

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools must support learning, not replace it. Students are expected to complete their own work with integrity. Use of AI-generated content (such as text, images, or code) is not permitted for assignments, assessments, or projects unless explicitly approved by the teacher as part of the learning process.

Students who misuse AI tools to plagiarize, bypass original thinking, or interfere with academic expectations will be subject to review and consequences aligned with the school’s academic integrity standards. Discussions about appropriate use of AI will be ongoing and developmentally appropriate to help students become responsible digital citizens.

CONSEQUENCES FOR TECHNOLOGY MISUSE

• First Offense: Device is confiscated and held in the front office. The student may retrieve it at the end of the school day.

• Second Offense: Device is confiscated. Parents or guardians are notified and must retrieve the device in person.

• Third Offense: Device is confiscated. The student will no longer be allowed to bring the device to school for the remainder of the academic year.

Additional consequences, including disciplinary action or behavioral support planning, may be implemented depending on the severity or nature of the misuse.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Uniform Purchase Requirement

All uniforms must be purchased exclusively from Risse Brothers Uniforms. No exceptions will be made for uniforms obtained elsewhere. For orders or inquiries, please visit their website at www.rissebrothers.com, their store located at 4452 Beltway Drive, Addison, Texas 75001, or contact them directly at (972) 231-2903.

Uniform Wear Policy

Wearing the designated school uniform is mandatory Monday through Friday. The only exception is on Fridays, when students may wear a Starwood Spirit Wear t-shirt paired with uniform bottoms. Uniform requirements for each program are outlined below and must be followed without deviation.

Uniform Modifications

No alterations, customizations, or modifications to any uniform items are permitted. All uniforms must be worn as originally designed and purchased.

Uniform Requirements by Level

Toddler

• White, navy or black tech mesh polo

• Any solid color elastic-waist bottoms that can easily be taken on/off to aid in independent toileting.

• Solid-colored shoes (no lights or wheels)

Primary

• White, navy or black tech mesh polo

• Khaki shorts or pants

• Solid-colored shoes (no lights or wheels)

*Optional: Plaid button jumper with a short-sleeve or long-sleeve peter pan blouse.

Elementary and Middle School

• White, navy or black tech mesh polo

• Khaki shorts or pants (shorts must be fingertip length)

• Solid-colored shoes (no lights or wheels)

*Optional: Plaid or gray skort and skirt (skirts and skorts must be fingertip length)

Outerwear

• Zip Up Fleece Jacket

• V-Neck Cardigan Sweater

• Starwood Crewnecks from the Spirit Wear Store

Athletic Wear

Middle school students are required to wear Athletic Wear during Athletic Development; this is optional for Upper Elementary. All students who change for athletic development must meet the athletic wear requirements below.

• Starwood Spirit Wear Shirt (from the Spirit Wear Store or Risse Brothers Uniforms)

• Starwood Spirit Wear Shorts (purchased from Risse Brothers Uniforms)

*Black modesty shorts or black leggings purchased from Risse Brothers Uniforms (or a previous uniform provider) must be worn with skirts and jumpers.

Spirit Wear

The Starwood Spirit Wear Store offers spirit wear t-shirts and merchandise. These shirts can only be worn on Fridays or field trips and must be worn with uniform bottoms.

REPEATED UNIFORM INFRACTIONS

Maintaining uniform compliance is essential for fostering a focused, respectful school environment. When uniform infractions occur repeatedly, the following steps will be taken to address the issue effectively:

1. First Infraction:

A written notice will be sent to the parents or guardians outlining the specific infraction and requesting their support in ensuring compliance.

2. Second Infraction:

A follow-up written notice will be sent to parents, reiterating the concern and emphasizing the importance of adherence to the uniform policy.

3. Third Infraction:

A formal meeting with the parents or guardians and school administration will be scheduled to discuss the recurring issue, clarify expectations, and collaborate on a plan for correction.

4. Fourth Infraction:

If uniform infractions continue despite these measures, the student may be sent home to change or a parent may be required to bring the appropriate uniform to school for the student to change into.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS

To maintain a clean, distraction-free, and professional school environment, students are expected to present themselves in a manner consistent with the values of Starwood Academy. The following appearance standards apply:

• Hats, caps, or other head coverings are not allowed indoors during the school day unless for approved religious, medical, or cultural reasons.

• Students should avoid excessive or attention-distracting accessories, including makeup or jewelry, that detract from the uniform's intent.

CONCERNS AND EXPECTATIONS

Questions or concerns regarding the uniform policy or specific uniform requirements should be directed to the Head of School or Assistant Head of School. Exceptions will only be granted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of administration.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Starwood Academy of Frisco is committed to upholding high behavioral standards that promote a safe, respectful, and thriving school environment. Behavior that disrupts or interferes with the rights of others within our learning community will be addressed promptly.

To ensure shared accountability and mutual understanding, all elementary and middle school students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to review and sign the Code of Conduct as part of the annual Handbook Acknowledgement.

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY STANDARDS

The success of our Code of Conduct relies on the shared commitment of families, students, and school personnel. Starwood Academy of Frisco prioritizes open, fair, and ongoing communication between the school and families to support student development.

Parent/Guardian Commitment

A parent/guardian, agrees to:

• To uphold high expectations for both my student and the school.

• To remain engaged in my student’s academic and personal growth.

• To support my student’s effort and responsibility.

• To collaborate respectfully with  the school as a partner in my student’s learning journey.

Student Commitment

• To be safe

• To be truthful

• To be accountable

• To be respectful

HOMEWORK POLICY

As a student progresses through the elementary and middle school programs, the amount of responsibility increases, which is partially displayed through the assignment of homework. The purpose of homework is to foster each student’s independence, self-discipline and confidence while helping students learn good study habits and that learning takes place in and out of school. Homework provides parents/guardians the opportunity to observe and assess their student’s progress and their ability to complete tasks independently.

Guide Expectations

As educators, it is important to assign meaningful homework that (1) reinforces learning through familiar work and encourages repetition that will build fluency or (2) assigns work that cannot be completed within the school setting. Homework must be developmentally appropriate for each student and must focus on:

• Providing a strong academic foundation.

• Developing a love of learning and an understanding that learning is for life.

• Encouraging students in their passion for growth and challenging them to do and be their best.

• Acknowledging assignments with feedback to students and/or parents/guardians.

Parent/Guardian Expectations

The best way to help each student with their homework is by guiding them through the process, not doing it for them. This can be done by:

• Helping the student find a suitable time and place to work on their homework. 

• Establishing ground rules that are appropriate for the homework routine and consistent with the routine.

• Ask guiding questions about deadlines, your student’s progress, what items are needed, etc. 

• If you recognize that the student is having difficulty or is frustrated, contact the student’s guide in order to speak with them about the assignment.

Student Expectations

Put forth your best effort and take pride in the assignments that you are given.  This can be done by:

• Talking with your guide if there is a misunderstanding regarding the homework prior to the deadline of the project.

• Set time aside each day to work through your assignments. 

• Bringing the homework back to school on or before the deadline.

Homework Guidelines

Homework Assignments: 

• Lower Elementary students have a weekly Show and Tell research project each week. These, as well as additional assignments and resources, are in the Lower Elementary Resources folder on Google Drive (a link can be found in each Weekly Update email).

• Upper elementary classrooms use Google Classroom to keep families updated with class announcements and homework assignments. Parents/guardians can access this site by using their student’s username and password, which are issued the first week of the school year.

• Middle school students are assigned a significant amount of daily work through their study guides which are kept in their school binder. The expectation is that any work not completed during work periods during the day will be completed as homework. A cycle graph is maintained in a student’s binder to track which assignments have been completed and which assignments are pending.

• Families will hear further details regarding homework and how to support their child during the school year during the mandatory orientations held in August.

Non-Completion of Homework: 

• • When homework has not been completed, a guide will meet with the student to discuss why and establish an expectation for the completion. If a student continues to miss deadlines with homework expectations, the parent/guardian will be contacted by the classroom guide. Repeated occurrence of missed assignments will be brought to the attention of an administrator and a conference will be required to address further support needed.

Feedback on Assignments: 

• Homework will be assessed by using rubrics or through written notes on the homework assignment. The follow-up will be sent home in the student’s folder the Thursday following the due date.

CLASSROOM HARMONY AND MAKING TOUGH DECISIONS PROGRAMS

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we believe in preparing students to navigate complex social and emotional topics with confidence and integrity. Rooted in the Montessori approach of guided discovery, these programs—led by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Aurolina Valdes—create a safe and respectful environment for open dialogue.

Program Philosophy 

Students are encouraged to engage in thoughtful conversations, grounded in factual information and guided by personal and family values. While sensitive topics may arise, lessons are designed to foster respect, trust, and reflection—never judgment or promotion of risky behavior. Families are encouraged to continue these discussions at home, reinforcing their own moral, ethical, and/or religious beliefs.

Program Expectations

• All questions and opinions will be treated with respect.

• Nervous laughter is natural, but laughing at others is not permitted.

• All topics are addressed factually and respectfully.

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to be the primary source of values-based guidance.

Upper Elementary: Classroom Harmony

This program fosters a sense of community and empathy, encouraging students to express their views while respecting those of others. It prepares students for more complex discussions in middle school.

Topics may include:

• 1. • Building a Positive Environment & Listening Skills

     • Respecting Differences and Finding Common Ground

     • Understanding Assumptions & Stereotypes

     • Recognizing the Line Between Joking, Teasing, and Bullying

Middle School: Making Tough Decisions

This program supports students in understanding adolescent development and decision-making through age-appropriate, fact-based lessons.

Topics may include:

• The Teen Brain & Decision-Making

• Media Influence

• Personal Values & Boundaries

• Substance Use Awareness

• Cyber Safety

• Basics of Human Reproduction

Human Sexuality Component

As part of both programs, students are introduced to human development and reproduction. Lessons cover the physical and emotional changes of adolescence in a factual, respectful manner. All conversations direct students back to their parents for guidance rooted in family values.

Parent Participation & Opt-Out Policy:

• Parents/guardians must attend a preview meeting with Aurolina Valdes.

• Families may choose to opt their child out of the Human Sexuality course.

We believe children thrive when given thoughtful structure, developmentally aligned support, and opportunities for growth. To ensure clarity and consistency, a three-tiered support model across key areas of student development—behavior, academic progress, and school community participation.

This tiered approach allows us to respond to students’ needs with early intervention, clear communication, and a path toward lasting success. Whether addressing behavioral challenges or academic concerns, each level builds upon the last: from in-the-moment guidance (Tier 1), to collaborative support planning (Tier 2), to administrative review and formalized intervention (Tier 3).

This structure is referenced in the discipline policy, academic support framework, and community expectations sections. Our goal is to maintain a supportive, respectful learning environment rooted in Montessori principles and strong home-school partnership.

DISCIPLINE POLICY AND BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT FRAMEWORK

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, discipline refers to the process of guiding children toward self-regulation, responsibility, and community contribution—not punishment or control imposed from outside, but the development of inner direction and purpose. Rooted in Montessori philosophy, we believe that children thrive when offered clear boundaries, meaningful work, and a prepared environment that nurtures their autonomy and respect for others.

Our goal is to help each child develop inner discipline—a sense of self-control, accountability, and care for the community.

Our Approach to Discipline

Discipline at Starwood is proactive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate. It includes:

• Modeling of desired behaviors by adults

• Clear and consistent expectations

• Positive reinforcement of prosocial behavior

• Thoughtful redirection when needed

• Logical consequences connected to actions

• Peaceful conflict resolution strategies

We prohibit any form of harsh, humiliating, or punitive treatment. All forms of discipline are aligned with Montessori best practices and the ethical standards of respect for the child.

TIERED SYSTEM OF BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT

To support clarity and consistency, Starwood follows a tiered discipline model that outlines the levels of intervention when behavioral concerns arise.

Tier 1: In-the-Movement Guidance

Handled by the classroom guide using Montessori strategies such as redirection, offering choices, removing the child from a disruptive situation, or guiding the child toward a more constructive activity.  While not comprehensive, some examples may include minor disruptions, difficulty following instructions, and isolated incidents of off-task behavior.

Family notifications are not always required unless behavior becomes frequent.

Tier 2: Documented Intervention

When a behavior becomes persistent, more disruptive, or impacts others in the community, the guide documents the concern and begins a structured support process. While not comprehensive, some examples may include repeated disruptions, ongoing defiance, mild physical aggression, and exclusionary behavior.

Next Steps Include:

• A conference with the family is scheduled to discuss patterns and create a behavioral support plan.

• Strategies include observation, intervention plans, or temporary removal from the classroom.

• A formal discipline report is issued and shared with parents.

Tier 3: Administrative Review

For serious behavior that poses a risk to self or others, or for patterns that have not improved through Tier 2 interventions, administration becomes directly involved. While not comprehensive, some examples may include severe aggression, unsafe actions, defiance of adult direction, and significant disruption to learning.

Next Steps Include:

• The child is removed from the classroom or school setting temporarily.

• A behavioral improvement plan may be implemented with defined benchmarks.

• A formal meeting with the administration and parents is scheduled.

• In some cases, probation, suspension, or dismissal may be considered (see below).

PROBATION, SUSPENSION, AND DISMISSAL

While most behavioral challenges are resolved with support and partnership, there are times when further action is needed to protect the integrity of the learning environment.

Behavioral Probation

A child may be placed on probation when improvement is needed over time. During this phase:

• Clear expectations are communicated

• Regular progress check-ins are held

• A formal timeline is established

Suspension

Suspension may be used when behavior is dangerous, significantly disruptive, or when prior support plans have not been successful. The student may be temporarily removed from school. A reentry meeting will be required before the student may return.

Dismissal

A student may be dismissed from the school if their behavior continues to jeopardize the safety or learning of others despite prior interventions or in response to a severe incident. This decision is made at the discretion of the Head of School in consultation with the leadership team.

Suspension, probation, or other interventions are not necessarily prerequisites for dismissal. The Head of School and leadership team reserve the right to determine the appropriate course of action based on the nature and severity of the situation. All decisions are final.

INITIAL TRIAL & OUTGOING EVALUATION

All new students are on a 30-day trial period to allow for orientation and transition into the community. This is a time for both the family and the school to assess the student’s readiness and fit. A trial period may also be implemented at any point if new concerns arise.

PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES FOR BEHAVIORAL SUCCESS

We believe the most effective discipline is built on strong school-family collaboration.

We ask families to:

• Engage in open dialogue with the lead guide and administrators.

• Reinforce school expectations at home.

• Approach concerns with a spirit of partnership.

• Speak on behalf of your child and family, not as a representative of other families

BULLYING DEFINITION AND CONSEQUENCES

Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance. All incidents will be addressed in accordance with the school’s code of conduct and discipline policy. Parents/guardians will be notified of any concerning behavior.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK

Academic Excellence Through Support and Structure

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, academic progress is not measured by pressure or comparison, but by individual growth, deep engagement, and the pursuit of curiosity. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, we believe every student deserves access to a rigorous yet developmentally appropriate learning experience that honors their pace, potential, and path.

Our aim is to foster intrinsic motivation, independent thinking, and academic integrity through supportive scaffolding, proactive observation, and purposeful collaboration between students, educators, and families.

Academic Support Approach

Academic challenges are not met with punitive measures but with responsive strategies to understand and meet the student where they are. These include:

• Ongoing academic observation and record-keeping

• Early identification of academic struggles

• Personalized learning strategies and differentiated instruction

• Clear communication with families

• Formalized interventions when needed

TIERED SYSTEM OF ACADEMIC INTERVENTION

To ensure consistent, transparent, and supportive practices, Starwood uses a three-tier academic support model.

Tier 1: Classroom-Based Intervention

Support and scaffolding are provided within the classroom environment by the guide.

Examples of Tier 1 Needs:

• Occasional lack of focus

• Difficulty mastering a particular concept or skill

• Inconsistent work habits

Teacher Actions:

• Observe and document trends

• Offer differentiated instruction or alternate materials

• Adjust lesson delivery or pacing

• Communicate early with families if concern grows

Family Communication:

Not always required unless a pattern emerges.

Tier 2: Targeted Academic Support Plan

When concerns persist or progress stalls, a structured support plan is initiated

Examples of Tier 2 Needs:

• Ongoing struggle in core subjects

• Work avoidance or anxiety around specific content

• Gaps in foundational knowledge

Next Steps:

• Develop an academic support plan with clear goals

• Hold a conference with the family to review concerns and collaborate

• Assign checkpoints for progress monitoring

• May include tutoring or adjusted expectations

Documentation:

• Academic Support Plan on file

• Progress monitoring every 2–3 weeks

Tier 3: Administrative Academic Review

For sustained academic concerns despite Tier 2 interventions, or significant underperformance.

Examples of Tier 3 Needs:

• Lack of academic progress over multiple cycles

• Difficulty functioning independently despite accommodations

• Disengagement or emotional resistance to academic work

Next Steps:

• Formal meeting with family, teacher(s), and administration

• Develop or revise an academic improvement plan with benchmarks

• May recommend academic probation or external evaluations

Probation or Retention:

Students may be placed on academic probation with clear terms and timelines. In rare cases, retention or a transition to another program may be discussed.

ACADEMIC STANDING, REVIEW, AND TRANSITION

Academic Standing Plan

Initiated when a student’s academic progress remains significantly below expectations for an extended period. This plan outlines targeted supports and a defined timeline for improvement.

• Clear academic and developmental goals are identified

• Regular review meetings are held with the family and may include administration

• Continued enrollment is contingent upon meaningful progress

Retention or Transition Discussion

If a student is significantly behind developmentally or academically:

• A comprehensive academic review is conducted

• A collaborative meeting is scheduled with the guide and administration

• A recommendation for grade-level retention or a placement transition may be made, always with the child’s long-term success in mind

PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

True academic success stems from home-school alignment. We ask parents to:

• Stay informed of classroom observations

• Reinforce consistent routines and responsibilities at home

• Partner with guides in supporting areas of struggle

ON-SITE SERVICES

Starwood Academy of Frisco supports families in accessing outside therapy services (e.g., speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy) when such support is developmentally appropriate and coordinated in the best interest of the child. While the school is not required to provide a designated therapy space, we do allow therapy sessions to be conducted on campus during the school day, as permitted by state minimum standards.

Therapists may use an available office or empty classroom for sessions, depending on space availability and scheduling. All sessions must be pre-approved 48 hours in advance by administration, and the therapy provider must coordinate directly with the school regarding scheduling and logistical needs.

Please note:

• Starwood Academy does not employ or supervise outside therapists, nor do we employ individuals to provide on-site special education or therapeutic services.

• As such, we do not maintain personnel files, background checks, or certifications for these individuals. All required documentation must be maintained by the therapist’s employer or practice, as mandated by licensing regulations.

• Parents are responsible for initiating and maintaining communication with the therapy provider, and for ensuring that all necessary permissions and consents are submitted to the school in advance.

Families who require services for students with special needs are encouraged to work directly with outside professionals and ensure services are coordinated in a way that supports both the child and the classroom environment.

Students With Additional Needs

Starwood Academy of Frisco does not have additional services to support students with special care needs. 

SUPPLEMENTALS

As an enhancement to our standard curriculum, we offer our students weekly sessions in the following areas:

• Movement - Toddler and Primary

• Athletic Development - Elementary and Middle School

• Music - All programs

• Spanish - Primary through Middle School

• Fine Arts - Elementary through Middle School

All students are required to participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity. The physical activity may occur in movement, athletic development, music, structured recess or breaks for physical activity within the regular classroom.

Athletic Development Exemption

Requests for students to be temporarily excused from participation in athletic development require written instructions from a medical professional. The athletic development instructor/teacher may develop physical activities for students who may have physical disabilities (a broken limb, sprains, etc.) in accordance with medical instructions.

EXTRACURRICULAR CLASSES

An array of challenging and fun extracurricular classes are available to enrolled children on campus in the afternoons. These programs are optional and there is a fee in addition to the school tuition. All classes are run by experienced instructors from the community. Examples of activities include basketball, soccer, STEAM, piano, gymnastics, dance and chess.

Registration

Registration and payment for extra-curricular classes are handled directly with the vendor. Registration opens at the start of the school year and again in January, with enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a class is full, a waitlist may be created. Classes may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient.

Extra-curricular classes do not meet when school is not in session. Students must be picked up on time; those not picked up will be taken to Extended Hours for parent pick-up. All school-day rules and expectations remain in effect

Dismissal Information

Start times for extra-curricular activities are aligned as closely as possible with regular dismissal, but may vary.

Students not enrolled in Extended Hours must be picked up at regular dismissal and returned for their activity.

If space permits, a student may wait in an Extended Hours classroom until their activity begins. Families must call the front office each week on the day of the activity to confirm availability.

A fee of $15 per hour (or portion thereof) will be billed to your FACTS account. No prorating available.

FIELD TRIPS

As part of our rich, experiential learning environment, Primary Leaders Club, Elementary, and Middle School students participate in off-campus field trips that support their growing interest in society and the wider world. These enriching experiences take place during the school day.

Families will receive detailed information and permission forms several weeks in advance. Fees for field trips are collected annually. Students may not attend if all requirements, including permission forms and payments, are not completed prior to the event. Transportation is provided by a third-party service.

Personal electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and gaming devices are strictly prohibited on field trips. These items are not to be brought, carried, or used at any time during off-campus activities. Any exceptions must be approved in advance by school administration.

Participation in field trips is voluntary; however, when a trip involves an entire class or level, no alternative instruction will be provided. Students who opt out will not attend school that day and will receive an unexcused absence.

In the event a student needs to leave a field trip early due to illness, emergency, or behavior-related concerns, the parent or guardian will be notified and is responsible for making timely arrangements to pick up the students from the off-campus location.  Any fees incurred for the early pick up are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

COMMUNICATION

Communication between families and team members is a key component of student success. Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school of any change of address, telephone number or e-mail address.

Parent/Guardian Communication with Starwood

• Phone - Call the front office with any needs, leave a message if necessary. Guides will return calls after school day hours.

• Email - Email is the best way to reach all team members. Guides are generally available to respond to email before and after school hours.

School Communication with Parents/Guardians

• Weekly Update Email 

• Emails

• Phone Calls or Text Message

• Digital photos and/or media

• Meetings

• Website

• Facebook or Instagram 

School Emergency

In the event of a school emergency, Starwood Academy of Frisco will contact families by deploying a text message. If you choose to opt out of non-emergency text messages, you must notify the school in writing.

Inclement Weather Closings

In case the school needs to close due to inclement weather, both an email and a text message will be sent to families if there are changes to the school schedule.

PROCEDURES FOR QUESTIONS

For answers to your questions and solutions for your concerns, please refer to the following for direction:

Front Office

• Help with a change of address, change in pick up person/schedule, change in medical info, etc.

• Schedule Observations

• Volunteer Opportunities

• General questions

Registrar and Administrative Support

• Help with tuition, billing, or questions about FACTS

• Changes of enrollment status

• Changes of family or medical information

• Food allergies, intolerances

• Questions about attendance

Your Child's Guide

• Specific questions about your child’s work, progress, or interests

• How or when to celebrate a birthday

• Pick-up/drop-off messages (contact the front office first)

• Behavior issues in class or at school

• Questions about curriculum

Director of Curriculum and Instruction 

• Support with student academic needs and assessments

• Family Education

• Questions about curriculum (contact your child's guide first)

• Capstone Years / Learning Outcomes

Assistant Head of School

• School Policies

• General Procedures

• Questions or Concerns

• Unresolved Issues

At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we ask that you contact the guides directly. Because we expect the guides to be working with the children, they will return calls or emails as planning schedules allow.

Unresolved questions or concerns:

We recognize that, at times, questions or concerns may remain unresolved. Starwood Academy of Frisco values open communication and encourages families to engage in respectful dialogue when seeking clarity or resolution. To support effective collaboration, please refer to the resolution plan below for guidance on how to appropriately escalate concerns. 

1. Always start with the guide

2. Then go to the Assistant Head of School

3. Then go to the Head of School if you haven't received a reply or feel the issue is unresolved

PARENT/GUARDIAN CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS

• The school welcomes visits and observations from parents/guardians of our students.

• To schedule an observation, please contact the front office.

• We will schedule all observations at least one day in advance, with one family at a time observing.

• A 30-minute observation period will be during your student's Montessori work time to provide the most effective experience.

CONFERENCES

Parents/guardians are encouraged to engage in ongoing dialogue about their child’s development, progress, and experience at school. While two formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each year, one in October and one in February.  Families are welcome to request additional conferences as needed by contacting the school. Both parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend all conferences. Please note that only one conference time slot is allotted per student unless otherwise approved by school administration.

Students in the third year of Lower Elementary, as well as all Upper Elementary and Middle School students, participate in student-led conferences. These meetings provide students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning by presenting their work and reflecting on their progress with their guide and parents/guardians.

To preserve the integrity of the learning environment, we ask that classroom concerns not be addressed during instructional time. Suggestions, feedback, or grievances should be directed to the Head of School or Assistant Head of School for thoughtful resolution.

VOLUNTEERS

One of the best ways to feel connected to the Starwood Academy of Frisco community is through volunteering. We value the vital role that parents and guardians play in the success of our school. Parents who volunteer are required to annually participate in a parent volunteer orientation. Volunteering includes classroom activities such as reading to the class, assisting with crafts and projects or listening to student readers.

FAMILY EDUCATION

Families are encouraged and expected to actively engage in their child’s Montessori journey in partnership with the school. A strong family-school relationship plays a vital role in supporting each student’s development and success.

To foster this collaboration, the school regularly hosts family education events. These events are designed to help parents and guardians grow as full partners in their children’s education. Throughout the year, faculty members and guest speakers offer workshops and learning opportunities that align with Montessori principles and child development.

Event details and invitations are communicated through weekly email updates. Participation is strongly encouraged, and we ask that families make these events a priority. By attending and engaging in these offerings, families contribute to a shared culture of learning and alignment between home and school.

Our goal is to build a connected, informed community that supports the success and well-being of each child.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information contained in your child’s records, including your personal information, is confidential. Anyone who is not directly involved in the care of your child or affiliated with Texas Health and Human Services, protective services, or other government agencies will not have access to your child’s records without your written authorization or court order. 

PARENT RIGHTS

You may refer to the full list of your parent/guardian rights as outlined by Texas Health and Human Services, available through official agency resources or upon request from the school office.

EXTENDED SCHOOL CLOSURE

In event of the occurrence of a force majeure event that causes Starwood Academy of Frisco to reduce its staffing or services, or to otherwise temporarily cease operations, the school will endeavor to resume operations as soon as practicable (as determined by the school at its sole discretion). As used herein, a “force majeure” event shall include acts of God, war, terrorism, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, acts of government, explosions, fire, floods, lack of utilities, property damage, plagues, pandemics, epidemics and such other acts or events that are beyond the control of parties.

In the event that the school is closed by government order and/or by the decision of the school administration for the safety, health and well-being of its students, then the school will provide distance learning as a substitute for onsite classes.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS

Students will follow all playground rules and procedures established by the individual teacher(s) and/or the administration. Children should be dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities such as recess will take place unless there is inclement weather; wind chill of 32 degrees or less, or heat index of 100 degrees or more.

In the case of extreme weather prohibiting outdoor play, students will have their outdoor play time in the gym or classroom. 

Outdoor play provides for greater freedom and flexibility, fuller expression through loud talk and a greater range of active movement. Outdoor play also extends opportunities for large muscle development, social-emotional development and small muscle development by offering variety, challenge and complexity in ways that are not attainable in a confined indoor space.

The Montessori approach supports movement in the classroom and child-initiated activities. Classrooms are set up with a wide range of gross motor and fine motor activities for children to select during the work cycle. Physical activity is further supported through scheduled indoor and outdoor play time on the playground, soccer field, gym and music room.

Toddler students utilize the playground and courtyard for their scheduled 60 minutes of daily outdoor play, and the gym for their scheduled 30 minutes of indoor play. Primary, Elementary and Middle School students have 90 minutes of play scheduled daily, 60 minutes outdoors on the playground/soccer field, and 30 minutes indoors in the gym. The school uniform with closed toed shoes are recommended for outdoor and indoor play. 

Elementary and Middle School students: see the uniform requirements for more information on the Athletic Development class. 

During scheduled indoor and outdoor play, students can play individually or in groups and participate in moderate to vigorous active play. 

CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

Treats/Candy

Outside treats, candy, or celebratory food items are not permitted at school. Any such items brought from home will be returned to the parent or guardian.

Birthdays Gifts

Flowers, balloons, and gifts are not allowed on campus for student birthdays or other special occasions.

Invitations

If you wish to distribute birthday invitations, you may request a class list of student names from the front office. The school will not release personal contact information (such as phone numbers, addresses, or emails) without prior parental consent. Invitations must be given to the classroom guide or front office for distribution and may not be handed out by students.

Birthday Celebrations

Birthdays are honored through age-appropriate Montessori celebrations. Toddler students enjoy an in-class tea party led by the birthday child. Primary and Elementary students participate in a “Celebration of Life” ceremony. To coordinate your child’s celebration, please contact the classroom guide in advance.

LACTATION AREA 

Parents/guardians have the right to breastfeed or provide breast milk for their child during the school day. Starwood Academy of Frisco will provide a comfortable place with an adult sized seat for a mother to breastfeed her child.

PHOTO RELEASE

By assigning Starwood Academy of Frisco the right to take photographs, video, record voice, distance learning sessions, and likeness of their child(ren) for use in school brochures, website, social media pages, and/or marketing/advertising; parents/guardians agree that Starwood Academy of Frisco will not be held responsible for all claims, injuries, liabilities, losses or damages that may arise from the use of their child’s voice or image. 

It is understood and agreed that neither their child nor the parent or guardian will receive any remuneration or compensation in exchange for the use of their voice, physical likeness, still photographs or other depictions in any way.

EXTENDED HOURS 

Starwood Academy of Frisco offers an affordable enrichment care program before and after normal school hours. Our Extended Hours program gives students the ability to arrive as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m. Your child's time during extended hours include outdoor playground time, indoor play and snacks.

Enrollment

Families may opt into the Extended Hours program during initial enrollment or request to add or remove it during the school year by submitting an Enrollment Contract Change Form. All changes are subject to administrative approval and program availability.

(See “Change in Enrollment Status” for additional guidelines.)

Fee

Extended Hours are billed monthly through FACTS Tuition Management along with regular tuition.

Extended Hours Policies

• If your child will not attend Extended Hours on a scheduled day or will be picked up at regular dismissal, please notify the front office or your child’s guide in advance.

• If you anticipate arriving after the school’s 6:00 p.m. closing time, you must notify the front office before 6:00 p.m.

• Students picked up after 6:00 p.m. will incur a late fee of $15/hour plus $5 per minute.

• After three late pickups in a semester, the school reserves the right to revoke Extended Hours privileges.

All families must utilize the carline for both arrival and dismissal during regular school hours. 

MORNING ARRIVAL

Arrival Windows

• Students enrolled in Extended Hours may utilize the carline as early as 7 a.m. 

• Elementary and middle school students – 8-8:15 a.m.

• Toddler/Primary students – 8:15-8:45 a.m.

Morning Carline Procedures

• When you enter the carline line, please pull up as far as possible, put your car in park and do not exit your vehicle.

• A team member will walk to your car to greet your child and assist them out if needed.

• Each child’s belongings (bag, nap mat, water bottle, etc.) go on the floorboard of the car below their seat for easier access by the child.

LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DEPARTURE

For late arrival or early dismissal, families enter the campus into the front office, and students will be escorted to and from class by a team member. Parents/guardians are not permitted to walk into classrooms at drop-off or pick-up. Early departure is highly discouraged. 

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL

Dismissal Windows

• Half-day toddler/primary students – 12:15-12:30 p.m.

• Full-day toddler students – 2:40-2:55 p.m.

• Full-day primary students – 3-3:15 p.m.

• Elementary/Middle School students – 3:30-3:45 p.m.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

• For afternoon dismissal, parents/guardians of primary students may utilize the left traffic lane around the back of the campus to enter stacking Lane B beginning at 2:45 p.m.

• Elementary and middle school parents must not enter the carline until 3:30 p.m. If you arrive early, you must wait in parking lot C.

• When you enter the dismissal lane, please pull up as far as possible.

• Display your child’s identification sign in the window. This will enable team members to quickly retrieve your child(ren).

• A team member will walk each student to their vehicle. 

CARLINE TRAFFIC FLOW

The entrance to the campus is on Lebanon Road and you circle the back of the building to the carline. 

CARLINE SAFETY

To ensure a smooth and safe carline experience, please observe the following:

• Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while in the carline.

• Follow all traffic signs and directions from team members.

• No passing, U-turns or driving in the wrong direction.

• Remain in your vehicle and place it in park during loading and unloading.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY COMPLIANCE

Team members cannot place a child in a car that does not adhere to the following Texas child passenger safety laws.

• Ages 0-2: Children must be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they are two years old or have exceeded the seat's height and weight allowance.

• Ages 2-4: Children who have outgrown the rear-facing car seat must be placed in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they exceed the seat's height and weight allowance.

• Ages 4-8: Children whose weight or height exceeds the limit for a forward-facing car seat should sit on a belt-positioning booster seat until the seat belt fits properly.

WALKING/IN-PERSON CHECK OUT

Families who live nearby and choose to walk to campus may use the designated walker pick-up area. Please wait in this area for your student(s) to be dismissed.

If you must park and walk up for dismissal, the following procedures must be followed:

• Use Parking Lot A only. Parking Lot B is closed during dismissal due to traffic and safety concerns.

• Proceed to the gym exit sidewalk and form a line behind the “Walking Student” sign.

• Bring your student’s name sign and use it to notify a team member. This helps expedite the dismissal process.

• Use marked crosswalks at all times. Walking through the carline is strictly prohibited for safety.

• Please allow for a brief wait as a team member retrieves your student.

In-person pick-up is discouraged when the carline is available, but it may be used when necessary. Adherence to these procedures helps ensure a safe and efficient dismissal for all families.

LATE DISMISSAL

Students not picked up within 5 minutes of their dismissal time, will be taken to an Extended care classroom. A fee of $15 per hour (or portion thereof) will be billed to your FACTS account. There is no prorating for partial hours.

To protect the integrity of the learning environment and minimize unnecessary distractions, personal items from home should remain at home or in the car unless explicitly requested by a teacher for classroom purposes (e.g., show and tell or a special project).

Students are not permitted to bring personal items such as toys, stuffed animals, jewelry, money, trading cards, or fidget toys to school. This policy applies at all times, including during Extended Hours. These items frequently disrupt focus, detract from purposeful work, and are at risk of being lost or damaged. Any unauthorized items will be collected and held at the front office for parent pick-up. Repeated infractions may result in further disciplinary action.

All items brought to school must be clearly labeled with the child’s full name. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misplaced personal belongings.

CHANGE OF CLOTHING

For the health and comfort of your child in the toddler or primary program, every child is required to have at school a complete change of clothing including shirt, pants, underwear, shoes, and socks. The clothing should be in a clear Ziplock bag with the child’s name on it. Please bring it on the first day of attendance. 

NAP MAT

All Toddler and Primary students have a scheduled rest time each afternoon. As a general guideline, students under the age of four will nap, while older students engage in an extended work period. If your child has specific rest needs, please contact the classroom guide to discuss alternative arrangements. Requests will be considered in alignment with classroom routines and developmental readiness.  

All students are required to bring a rolled nap mat measuring approximately 50" x 20" x 1" each Monday. Mats remain at school during the week and are sent home every Friday for laundering.  Pillows, sleeping bags, extra blankets, and stuffed animals are not permitted. These items may interfere with the consistency and order of the classroom rest environment.

ILLNESS

To comply with state law and to safeguard the health of all children, please keep your child at home if your they display any of the following symptoms within 24 hours of the school day: 

• Fever (100.4 degrees F or higher) 

• Cough (unless related to another diagnosis) 

• Sore throat 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Nasal congestion/nasal discharge 

• Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain

• Muscle or body aches 

• New onset of headache 

• New loss of taste or smell

• Fatigue 

Symptoms at School

In the event a student displays symptoms while at school, the school will do a visual or physical assessment of a child to identify potential health concerns. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea or any other contagious condition, will be required to be picked up by a parent or other authorized individual within 30 minutes of the notification. The student must be free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours without medication.

Communicable Illnesses

Any student with suspected pink eye, unexplained rash or any other type of communicable illness, must have a doctor’s note before being readmitted to school. The school reserves the right to send any student home who is believed to be contagious. 

Contagious Illness Notification

Please notify the school when your child contracts a contagious disease (influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, hand foot and mouth, fifths disease, etc.), so that other families can be notified if needed. Since school children are easily susceptible to communicable diseases, the school reserves the right to make judgments concerning the child’s ability to participate in daily school activities.

Head Lice Policy

If a student has head lice, the following protocols are followed:

• The student will be sent home if nits and/or lice are found at school.

• The student must receive treatment to get rid of the head lice (specific hair shampoo treatment is available at your local pharmacy and/or outside agencies may be contacted for assistance with this).

• The student must be nit-free for 48 hours before returning to school.

All school bedding should be washed at home, using bleach along with your regular detergent. If you do find anything resembling lice in your child’s hair, please call the front office to report it so that the school can follow proper procedures.

Facemasks

For our students and team members, whether they wear a mask is an individual decision. Some may choose to continue to wear their face coverings, others may choose not to. We will respect everyone’s discretion and individual choice.

REPORTING ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

If your child should have an incident at the school, the front office team will notify parents/guardians via phone during the day or speak to them personally at the time of pick-up. Parents/guardians will be asked to sign an Incident Report at pick-up.

In the event of a medical emergency, a school administrator/front office team member will notify the parent or legal guardian. If the parent or legal guardian is unavailable, the school maintains written permission to treat the child at the hospital as well as call 911 for emergency medical attention.

If a child has an injury that requires them to not participate in a school activity, a doctor’s note is required.

DISPENSING MEDICATION

All medications (prescription and non-prescription) and sunscreen/insect repellent brought into the school must be labeled with the child’s name and in the original bottle/box that it was purchased in. The school cannot administer eye, ear, nose drops or sprays.

The school asks that sunscreen/insect repellent be applied at home in the morning. For those students enrolled in the extended hours program, sunscreen can be sent to school and will be treated like a medication. 

Authorization Form

Written authorization must be given to the school to administer medicine. The child’s name, type of medication, amount and time of dosage must be included. A new authorization form must be filled out every week. Each medication must be filled out on a separate form. If a child has an EpiPen at the school, an additional authorization form that is signed by the child’s parent and physician must be given to the school. These forms are available in the front office. Please do not send any medication, vitamins or medication forms with your child.

Unassigned Epinephrine Auto-Injector (Epi-Pen)

Starwood Academy of Frisco does not maintain or administer unassigned epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pen) in the event of an emergency anaphylaxis reaction.

IMMUNIZATION POLICY

Immunization Exemptions

As of August 1, 2025, Starwood Academy will only accept medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements. Appropriate exemption documentation must be submitted annually and kept on file with the school nurse or designated health coordinator. Medical exemptions must be signed by a licensed physician, and religious exemptions must include a signed statement from the parent or guardian affirming the exemption. No other types of exemptions will be accepted.

Team Member Immunization Policy

All Starwood Academy team members are required to be current on vaccinations in accordance with the school’s health and safety protocols. Medical and religious exemptions will also be honored for team members, provided that proper documentation is submitted and approved. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment. Click to see Recommended Immunization Schedule.

Student Health Testing Requirement

A written or signed health statement from a healthcare professional is required annually for all students. Annual vision and hearing records are required for children ages four and older. Spinal screening is required for female students who are 10 and 12 years old and male students who are 13 or 14 years old. Vision, hearing and spinal records must be obtained from your child’s physician and be provided to the front office.

COMMUNITY DINING

The community dining program, which is included in the tuition, entitles students to full participation in school dining. The program includes daily snacks and lunch. Since all students participate in the community dining program, students may not bring food from home to school (ex: breakfast in the morning, snacks packed in backpacks or treats for a celebration or special event).  

Toddler and primary classrooms will participate in family-style dining. Elementary and middle school students will eat from the hot lunch line in community dining. You can click here to view the lunch menu. 

Water

Students may bring a reusable water bottle to school. Students will be able to refill these containers as needed.

FOOD ALLERGIES

The school will work to meet the needs of a child(ren) when there are special dietary needs. Each student must complete a food allergies and intolerance form before the first day of school.  We provide substitutes for meat, gluten, and some dairy products. The school does not provide substitutions to replace all dietary restrictions or meet full dietary needs.  We recommend families balance a student's diet by supplementing at home.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

The safety of our students, team members, and families is our highest priority. All parents, guardians, and visitors are expected to follow traffic laws, observe school zone regulations, and comply fully with school procedures for drop-off, pick-up, and parking. 

The use of cell phones or hands-free devices while operating a vehicle on school grounds is strictly prohibited. Drivers must remain fully attentive at all times. Any distraction behind the wheel can place students and team members at serious risk. We ask all members of our community to model responsible behavior and prioritize safety in every moment on campus.

VISITORS

All visitors are required to check in at the front office upon arrival. To access any area beyond the front office, individuals must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a state-issued driver’s license). This ID will be scanned through our visitor management system, which screens for potential safety concerns and notifies the school if a visitor poses a risk.

This process is in place to ensure the safety and security of all students, team members, and guests on campus.

CAMERA POLICY

For the safety and security of our students and team members, Starwood Academy utilizes cameras in select indoor and outdoor areas, including classrooms and playgrounds. These cameras are used strictly for internal monitoring and auditing purposes by school administration.

Please note that camera footage is not accessible to parents and is not intended for external viewing. The purpose of this system is to support oversight of classroom environments and shared spaces. While the cameras provide a broad view, there may be areas that are not fully visible due to camera placement and angles.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership in maintaining a safe and respectful school environment.

CUSTODIAL ORDERS

If there are custody or protection orders related to your child, a current copy must be provided to Starwood Academy of Frisco. This documentation is confidential and ensures your child’s safety. The school will follow the most recent order on file; if changes occur, families must notify the Head of School or Assistant Head of School immediately.

School team members cannot supervise parenting time. Therefore, visitation by non-custodial parents is not permitted on campus.

In the event of a custody-related dispute on campus, the school reserves the right to require all involved parties to leave the premises before the student is released.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

Students will only be released to individuals listed on the school’s authorized pick-up form and who present valid photo identification. If changes need to be made during the school year, the new individual(s) must be added to the authorization form before a student will be released to them.

If an unforeseen situation arises during the school day and someone not listed on the form needs to pick up your child, please contact the front office. You will be asked to provide the individual’s name, driver’s license number, and, if possible, a copy of their photo ID.

For the safety of all students, no child will be released to leave campus with another student unless prior parent authorization has been provided.

SAFTEY DRILLS

Starwood Academy of Frisco practices, evaluates and makes adjustments to safety drills throughout the school year. The school practices a minimum of 18 safety drills per year in compliance with state requirements. These drills will include one fire drill every month, four severe weather drills, and four security drills. If you would like to see a copy of the school’s emergency preparedness plan, please see the registrar and administrative support team member.

GANG-FREE ZONE

All child care centers must inform parents or guardians of the gang-free zone designation. Certain gang-related criminal activity or engaging in organized criminal activity within 1000 feet of a child care center is a violation of the law and therefore subject to increased penalty under state law.

PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN

to help increase employee awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect.

For further information on preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including warning signs that a child may be the victim of abuse or neglect, please go to www.preventchildabuse.org or call 1-800-CHILDREN.

Starwood Academy of Frisco uses the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center at 2205 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074 for consultation in preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children. For more information, please call (972) 633-6600 or visit caccollincounty.org.

In the case of abuse or neglect, the school will provide any necessary details regarding the child and their school day to the appropriate community organization. 

To report child abuse or neglect, parents may contact the Child Abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400. 

CHILDCARE LICENSING

To view Starwood Academy of Frisco’s most recent licensing inspection report, please visit the front office to view the most recent posted copy of the school’s annual licensing inspection. 

To view Minimum Standards for Childcare Centers, please visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website.

Starwood Academy of Frisco is open year-round and offers an Expanded Learning program for students during June and July. Learning is a continuation of the high-fidelity Montessori curriculum students receive during the traditional academic year. A Summer Enrollment Contract, supply fee and monthly tuition are required for attendance. 

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

All guides/team members do not work during the summer and some of the classrooms will be closed. Students may have different guides in June and July than they have during the school year.

COMMUNICATION

During the summer, we do not send weekly emails. Families will receive an email prior to the June and July sessions with important summer program information. Contact information for team members working over the summer will be provided.

DRESS CODE

Uniforms are not required during the summer sessions. Students may wear appropriate summer clothing with closed-toed shoes.