Academic Policy 

California State Curriculum 

Bright Horizon Academy (1st-8th) curriculum adheres to the California Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), subject specific content standards, and the school scopes and sequences for Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies. The curriculum taught at BHA includes: 

● Tarbiya Program: Character Education 

● Quran: Memorization, Reading, and Tafseer. 

● Islamic Studies: Seerah & Islamic History, Aqidah & Ibadat, and Islamic manners. 

● Arabic: Reading, Conversation, Writing, Vocabulary, and basic Grammar. 

● Language Arts: Literature, Reading, Language, Spelling, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. 

● Math: Concepts, Operational Skills, and Problem-solving. 

● Sciences: Life Science and Physical Science. 

● Social Studies: History, Geography, Cultures, Civilizations, and Government. 

● Physical Education: Motor Skill Development and Nutrition. 

● Art: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Media.

Academic Concerns  

When a student is below average and struggling with any area of the academic curriculum, the teacher shall apply the following list of interventions:   

• Extra homework 

• Re-teaching sheets 

• Tutoring 

• Peer tutoring 

• Modified assignments 

• Consultation with other teachers and academic director 

• Parent consultation and assistance 

• Reinforcement interventions 

When a struggling student demonstrates that they may have special needs, we can refer them to their neighborhood district for assessments. Should an IEP for services outside of our scope be suggested, we reserve the right to refuse re-admission based on our inability to provide the wrap-around services and support that are needed for their success. 

When a struggling student who already has an IEP demonstrates that we are not able to meet their needs, we also reserve the right to refuse re-admission which is in their best academic interests.

Academic Probation 

Any student who does not maintain a C- grade in a subject during the school year will be placed on probation. While on probation, the administration will closely monitor their work. If the low grade is due to poor effort on the part of the student and continues to the next quarter, continued placement in the school will be in jeopardy. 

Retention 

A student with a grade of D or F in any subject must work during the summer to improve his/her grade and will be re-tested in the fall to determine appropriate grade level. Students may be required to repeat one or more subjects or the entire grade depending on individual circumstances. Students who have not met the attendance requirement due to excused illness or injury will be promoted provided their grades are adequate. 

Early Promotion, K - 7th  

Families looking to promote their child to a grade above the grade they would normally enter, either within BHA or when coming in as a new student, the steps below will be followed: 

1. The child’s most recent report card will have to show that they are academically, emotionally, and socially advanced--this includes academic and citizenship grades.

2. The child’s MAP scores will also be reviewed to reflect the child’s readiness for a promotion. This means the MAP scores should show academic excellence in core subjects.  For students registering with BHA, their standardized tests such as the SBAC will be reviewed.

3. The steps above will include conversations with the teachers who taught the student in the prior year if they are asking to be promoted from within BHA.

4. If these standards are met and the team decides that the child may be ready for the next step, the child will have to take the diagnostic test from the district. If the district documents in writing that the student can be promoted ahead, they can be accepted in the accelerated grade.. 

5. Upon acceptance, there will be a probationary period of 2 months. During this time, the teacher & administration will be assessing the child’s maturity and academic success. 

This is not applicable to students who are advancing to high school because grade determination in high school is all about meeting high school graduation requirements. Students are able to take concurrent community college courses to graduate from high school early, following guidelines that are outlined in our high school policies. Students and their families who are interested in this track would weigh the pros and cons with the high school guidance counselor.

Homework 

The purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom activities and assist the student in understanding the day's lessons.  Homework will be assigned based on the individual needs of the child or the needs of the class. Homework shall not be assigned on a mass basis just to give the children something to do.

Parents are expected to provide the proper home environment conducive to learning. There are certain things that parents can do to help their child complete his/her homework successfully. These include: 

• Providing a spacious, quiet, well-lit place to study. 

• Making available references that will help in doing homework: dictionary, maps, etc. 

• Working with the child to set a regular homework time. 

• Encouraging the child to do his/her best in spelling, handwriting, neatness, and accuracy. 

• Remember that homework is assigned to the child, not the parent. The parent should be available as a guide and support. 

As a general rule for elementary and middle school students, no homework or tests are to be assigned over weekends or breaks.