Our Mission

The mission of Mighty Roots Academy is to provide active, multiage learning in a nature-rich environment.

Our Philosophy

At Mighty Roots Academy, we believe it is most important to develop the skills of independent learning that equip students for a lifetime of inquiry and growth. A true education builds the skills needed for becoming a lifelong learner. We believe that students benefit most when skill building is the focus, no matter the subject.

To accomplish this, Mighty Roots Academy focuses on nature-based learning, mixed age groups, and cross-curricular courses that use active learning.

Nature Based Learning: Nature is at the core of our program at Mighty Roots Academy. We take learning outdoors as much as possible: exploring, playing and growing strong bodies and minds on our beautiful 5-acre campus.

Mixed Age Groups: Traditional schooling is one of the only environments in our culture where individuals only interact with others of the same age. By using mixed age courses, students always have someone who knows more than they do from whom they can learn, yet at the same time have someone they can help teach. This creates an environment where our staff become guides. Students learn they are valuable and have something to contribute to the lives of others. They also learn how to seek guidance as they become life-long learners.

Cross Curricular: Our classes bring together learning from core subject areas, practical arts, and performing arts for an education that focuses on the whole self not just the mind. When students deeply explore their interests, the learning follows naturally with the guidance of our specialized staff.

Active Learning: At Mighty Roots Academy we do in order to learn. Our goal is that learning feellike play as students move, create, discover, imagine, and explore. Active learning helps foster a desire to always be learning as opposed to only learning while doing academic tasks.

Our Goals

The primary goal of Mighty Roots Academy's approach is to train students to be curious about the world around them which leads to a constant and lifelong learning mindset as students learn how to learn.

Academic success is a natural by-product of this approach.

Mighty Roots Academy aims to:

-Emphasize that "less is better," meaning that the student is better off listening to and reading books, exploring nature, and learning about the world around them rather than grinding through workbooks that really don't teach as much as they might seem.

-Emphasize depth over scope of content so that courses really aim for mastery of key skills, which takes time and focused attention. In developing these skills, students willlearn how to learn, and thereby will be motivated, competent, independent, lifelong learners.

-Challenge students by making the courses lively, inspiring, and centered around students' individual interest and learning needs.

-Allow families with multiple children the opportunity to provide quality, age appropriate instruction for both older and younger children at the same time.

-Support families in their desire to homeschool by providing a variety of courses, programs, and services to meet their family's unique needs.

-Encourage parents to learn alongside their children through extension activities at home which are provided by our staff with select courses.

-Support parents by sharing in the education of their children, so that through time apart parents can be refreshed and therefore better educators of their children when together.

-Model and, when necessary, guide students in principles such as humility, graciousness, and concern for others.

PARTICIPATION CONTRACT

Mighty Roots Academy's Policies and Procedures 2021-2022

Homeschooling requires parents to assume sole responsibility for the education of their children. While Mighty Roots Academy provides a framework for education and provides the opportunity to work with qualified staff, it is expected that parents will provide the structure and reinforcement to enable their students to learn. As a supplemental educational environment with programs that does not meet daily, it is especially important that parents are fully responsible for their child's education at home, while supporting their student's participation in courses at Mighty Roots. This Participation Contract is an essential means of maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect and support critical to learning. The rules are intended to promote a culture of safety and courtesy among staff, parents, and students. By agreeing to abide by the Participation Contract, parents are supporting their own child's education and supporting the education of all students in the program.

Mandatory Meetings

New to the program families must attend a Family Interview. Homeschool Academy and Creative Options families are requested to participate in the Orientation meeting of programs in which they are enrolled in order to attend classes (see calendar for dates).

Attendance and Supervision

Mighty Roots Academy programs are drop-off programs.

-On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays parents should drop students off between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. as per the program schedule. Parents must pick students up between 3:00 p.m and 3:05 p.m.

-On Mondays, parents should drop students 10 minutes before class starts and pick students up within 5 minutes of class time ending.

-If students are being dropped off or picked up outside the regular pick up and drop off time, the student must be signed in/out and taken to or picked up from their learning guide for that class period. An additional childcare fee may be assessed to families if students are not picked up within 10 minutes of the program end time. A maximum $10 fee per child for the first 10 minutes, and accruing in increments of $10 per 10 minutes.

-Parents are not allowed to remain on campus during the program day unless they have received prior permission from one of the directors to complete a pre-scheduled volunteer service.

Communication

Managing a program requires good communication. For that reason, every family is responsible for checking and reading email each week, as well as communications sent through our text messaging service. Families are encouraged to directly communicate via our communication app with learning guides if there are questions or concerns. Learning guides will also communicate directly with the student and families as needed for courses. Clear communication strengthens and helps everyone in the program!

Lunch and Discovery Play

Lunch for students is outside or in a designated classroom space with a supervising adult. Children of all ages must be outside with designated adult supervision.

There is no eating or drinking in any area of the building by students except at designated times unless special arrangements have been made. A list of student allergies will be provided before the start of the semester. Please pack snacks and lunches that do not include foods on our allergy list.

The goal of Lunch and Discovery Play is for students to spend as much time outside in free play as possible. Most days students will eat lunch outside at our designated area. This will be moved indoors when needed due to weather conditions. The remainder of the time is to be spent in free play with adult supervision.

Safety

-Only those associated with Mighty Roots Academy may be in the classrooms or on the grounds during program hours. All non-staff will need to check in with a director for approval. All staff and students should remain alert and be prepared to report anyone in the building or on the grounds who appears not to belong.

-Students and parents should follow the drop-off and pick-up procedures and any instructions given by the drop-off/pick-up monitors to cross the driveway. The driveway is never a play area. Please help your children establish the habit of using the procedures demonstrated during the program orientation and the instructions given by any staff.

Students may not congregate in the parking lot. Games may be played in the back parking lot section when cones are marking the area and only during Lunch and Discovery Play times. This is never allowed during a drop-off or pick-up time.

-Students must stay within the property limits of the grounds.

-All visitors must make every effort to avoid disrupting regular class routines.

Service Program Discount

Mighty Roots Academy has an optional service program. Having families serve is necessary to keep the school running safely and efficiently and to keep it as affordable as possible for everyone. Atenrollment families may choose to complete service hours for a tuition discount. A list of volunteer opportunities will be provided on the Discount Application Form. Those who do not fill out a Discount Application Form during the enrollment period or meet with the service coordinator to approve a volunteer plan will be removed from the volunteer list and not receive the discount. Examples of service areas include cleaning days, weekly general cleaning, snow removal, fundraiser helper, building projects, grounds maintenance/projects, gardening help, grant writing, and substitute teacher. Creative Options families may volunteer 10 hours per student to receive a $150 discount per student. Homeschool Academy families may volunteer 20 hours per student to receive a $300 discount per student. Discovery Day families may volunteer but no additional discount is provided. If a family chooses the volunteer option and is unable to complete volunteer tasks to fulfill their hours, they will not receive the discount.

Families who pay tuition in a lump sum will receive a refund once hours are completed or they may apply it to the following program year's enrollment. For families participating in our payment program, the discount will be applied to the last payments of the year if service hours have been completed.

Our Facility Policies

-All non-emergency communications and concerns regarding our facility should go through our director through our messaging app, by phone at (816) 873-2022 or via email at tracy@mightyrootsacademy.comorrenee@mightyrootsacademy.com. Should the director be unavailable, please contact a board member.

-The owner's home is on the property. Please note that the owners will be in their home while we are using the facility. In order to give the owner the privacy that is needed, never enter their home, the garden with the fountain at the front of their home, or the front porch at any time.

-Absolutely no smoking, vaping, or any recreational drug use on the facility grounds.

-In any emergency situation, call 911 immediately.

Inclement Weather Policy & Extended Class Day Schedule

We will make an in-house determination by a.m. as to whether or not to hold classes. Most of the time we will follow the cancellation schedule for the Grandview PublicSchools. This applies to classes being canceled due to road conditions. We may choose to differ from their cancellation schedule when cancellations are due to temperatures or other issues that would not affect Mighty Roots Academy's programming or when they choose remote learning. Families are always able to make the decision for themselves if they feel uncomfortable driving under various road conditions. Students are never penalized for missing classes. Families and learning guides will receive a text when programs are canceled.

Cancellations will also be sent via our messaging service. Classes will not be cancelled as a result of low attendance. Every effort will be made to make up days missed according to our schedule due to inclement weather or other factors.

Cold and Hot Weather Guidelines

Because there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, Mighty Roots Academy will oftentake learning outside unless there is a severe weather alert. The amount of time outside may be adjusted depending on weather conditions such as extreme cold/wind chill, extreme heat, thunderstorms, and tornado watches. Students must come with appropriate winter weather gear, and are strongly encouraged to wear layers or have several layers available: coat, hat, gloves, snow boots, snow suit/pants extra socks, scarf, etc.

Disciplinary Action at Former Education Institutions

It is the responsibility of the parents to notify Mighty Roots Academy in writing at the time of registration of a student's suspension or expulsion from any other educational institution. These matters will remain confidential. In some instances, this may warrant further inquiry from the Board.

Attendance Policy

Due to the nature of once and twice weekly courses, it is important for students to be in class so that they do not have gaps in the learning that takes place. It takes from the time of all students when a staff member has to help a student pick up on missed class experiences. At the same time, please keep sick children at home in accordance with our sick policy.

Sick Policy

Students may not attend classes at Mighty Roots Academy if they are running a fever. They should remain at home for a full 24 hours af ter a fever has broken. Please remember that coming to Mighty Roots Academy sick spreads that sickness to other families and does not look out for the program as a whole. Some illnesses require those recovering to stay home longer than 24 hours. Please kee pthis in mind when deciding whether your student is healthy enough to come to Mighty Roots Academy. Please consult with your doctor if you are unsure if they are still contagious.

Behavior Policy

The Mighty Roots Academy setting is an exciting, new social environment for many of our students. It is for the benefit of all that we establish an atmosphere that supports learning. Such an atmosphere is based on respect for one another and the tasks we come together to undertake. Any behaviors which undermine or distract from the learning atmosphere are not allowed at Mighty Roots Academy. If deemed necessary, we may schedule additional mandatory program-wide meetings for all parents and/or students, or for individual families. These meetings will remind students about program policies needing attention including, but not limited to, policies regarding dress, manners, and/or behavior.

Other offenses that may lead to dismissal include, but are not limited to: theft, dishonesty, slander, profanity, vulgarity, smoking, recreational drug use, public displays of affection (PDA), sexual contact, and use of pornography.

Attire Policy

Modesty is our policy. Shorts should be longer than a child's fingertips when arms are resting at the sides. Skirts or dresses should have shorts or pants underneath due to the active nature of our program. Students should not wear overly tight clothes, or clothing with rude or inappropriate sayings or images. Shirts must cover the entire midriff. Please be aware of undergarments not showing when bending over or through loose shorts legs when sitting down.

Dating and Public Display of Affection Policy

Mighty Roots Academy is a small community with students interacting together in multiple courses over an extended period of time and even many years. For this reason, friendship is encouraged over dating. Many of the same qualities that create a healthy dating relationship are also qualities of a strong friendship. Friendship is a great way to explore these characteristics in a safe way that does not lead to regret or awkwardness, for the student and those who have to be in courses with them. Mighty Roots Academy does not support or forbid dating relationships between students. Public displays of affection (PDA), however, between students on campus ARE strictly forbidden (SEE BEHAVIOR POLICY). This includes holding hands and kissing (of any kind).

Electronics Policy

Students are allowed to bring electronic devices at their own risk. We see some electronic devices as tools for learning and it is acceptable for them to be used as such. It will not be permitted as entertainment or as distractions in class time. Learning Guides can further define device policy for their own courses. The use of electronic devices is not allowed at all during Discovery Play.

Solicitation of Goods and Services

The selling of any goods or services (i.e., Girl Scout cookies, tutoring, raffle tickets, MLMs, etc is not permitted on school premises or via school communications unless associated with a Mighty Roots Academy sponsored function. Exceptions may be given if pre-approved by the Board of Directors. Reproduction and use of Mighty Roots Academy class materials are for Mighty Roots Academy courses only and are not to be used for outside courses. The reproduction, adaptation, distribution, or use of any part or parts of course materials for commercial purposes (ex., for a similar course) without prior written permission from the director or board of Mighty Roots Academy is forbidden.

Attitude of Respect

A vital component of a learning atmosphere is respect. This includes respect for the tasks that we at Mighty Roots Academy are doing, respect for the adults who are there to guide us, and respect for those

with whom we share this academy. A respectful attitude is the key to building both good character and true program spirit.

Respect for class times includes:

-Bringing all the supplies with you to class. Any notebooks, folders, texts, and pencil boxes with supplies and writing utensils, as well as ongoing projects like journals that are used throughout the year.

-Not conversing socially in class. The appropriate time for that is outside of class or during Lunch and Discovery Play.

-Being ready to start as class begins. If for some important reason a student needs to enter or leave while a class is in session, they must do that with utmost quiet so as not to disrupt the class.

Respect for adults includes:

-Helping learning guides with supplies, tasks, cleaning, and errands.

-Helping to set up or break down, set out and clean up classroom and supplies, etc. as needed. Everyone can contribute in some way.

Respect for others includes:

-Being considerate. For example, don't discuss social arrangements or exchange gifts in front of those who are not included.

-Not bullying fellow students. A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and they have difficulty defending themselves.

-Refraining from all gossip. Gossip has no place in our program and is an offense of program policy. Parents will be notified if their children are engaging in this destructive behavior. One easy way to check if what is being said is gossiping is to ask yourself, "Is this something l'd be comfortable sharing in front of the person about whom l' m speaking?" If not, don'tsay it. This goes for adults as well.

-Being open to new friendships. It's easy to fall into comfortable patterns with our friendships, but cliques are destructive and rob students of meaningful relationships with those outside their "group". We encourage all students to enjoy the blessings of new friendships.

-Conflict can happen anywhere. Even a small miscommunication can be hurtful. Learning Guides may arbitrate to help students reconcile conflicts with others by following the pattern of (1) Take responsibility for your own actions, (2) Say I'm sorry or dialog about the issue, (3) Make a plan for doing something different moving forward, and (4) Ask for help from another staff member if necessary.

Respect for our facility includes:

-Remembering that the facilities are someone else's home and property and should be treated with respect.

-Cleaning up after ourselves throughout the day and especially at lunchtime. This goes for both outside the building as well as inside.

-Using tables, chairs, and equipment as intended or instructed in ways that prevent damage. Taking care to not wear muddy shoes into the building.

-Caring for the wooded areas and outbuildings in ways that make them be etter, not causing damage.

Protocol for Addressing Concerns

In the event parents are dissatisfied with any aspect of the program, or have a disagreement with anyone associated with the program, they are encouraged to seek resolution by beginning with privately addressing the matter only with the person(s) directly involved with the problem and to make a good faith attempt to resolve the issue. In general, parents have a responsibility to realize the negative effect gossip can have on others and on the program. For this reason, parents shall not discuss the matter with anyone else. Should parents be dissatisfied with the result of this approach, they should bring the matter to a director or the Board of Directors and all parties will promptly be given an opportunity to be heard and present their concerns. The Board of Directors and the parents will agree to cooperate in making arrangements to meet in person in a timely fashion and at a time mutually agreeable to all parties.

Any such meeting is to take place no later than 8 days after the initial notice of the parent's requestand shall be attended by the individuals (including parent, Learning Guides or board member) involved. Should parents have concerns about the curriculum or the learning guide of a course, they should first speak with a director or a board member to discuss the matter. In some cases, parents may be advised to address the situation with the Learning Guide directly. In other cases, a director may find it necessary to intervene. The respective director may bring the matter to the Board of Directors for further intervention if necessary. With regard to all of the above situations, the Mighty Roots Board of Directors will make findings with respect to the matter and determine what, if any, decision is appropriate, including a possible determination of suspension or termination of the academy's relationship with parent(s), student(s), learning guide(s), or other person associated with Mighty Roots Academy.

In the event of a decision of suspension or termination, there will be no refund of tuition or fees. In the case of a staff dismissal, the staff will only receive pay for the class sessions taught. The decisions of the Academy's Board of Directors are binding and final.

Failure to Abide by the Participation Contract or Egregious Conduct

In the event that the Board of Directors believes that any terms of the Participation Contract have been breached by any person associated with the Mighty Roots Academy, the Board of Directors have the right to require a meeting in person to discuss its concerns. Additionally, should any conduct not mentioned in this contract be considered by the Board of Directors to be intolerable and a threat to the wellbeing of the academy, the board reserves the right to require a meeting in person to discuss its concerns. For either circumstance, any such meeting is to take place no later than 8 days after the initial notice, and at a time mutually agreeable to all parties.

Failure to cooperate in scheduling and attending said in-person meeting will be grounds for the Board of Directors to suspend or terminate the family's involvement with and attendance at Mighty Roots Academy. The program's Board of Directors will make findings with respect to the matter and determine what, if any, decision is appropriate, including a possible determination of suspension or termination of the academy's relationship with parent(s), their child or children, a staff, or other person associated with the academy. In the event of a decision of suspension or termination, there will be no refund of tuition or fees. In the case of a staff dismissal, the staff will only receive payment for class days taught. The decisions of the program's Board of Directors are binding and final. 

Classroom Disciplinary Issues

Discipline by the staff during class will follow this procedue: 

The student will be given one warning concerning inappropriate behavior. If the student continues to misbehave, he/she will be removed from that day's class and parents will be notified. If an issue persists after sincere attempts to address it with the parent and child, the learning guide will bring it to the attention of the director, who will confer with the family to reach a resolution. Repeated misbehavior will result in further disciplinary actions determined by the director in consultation with the Board of Directors to be appropriate for the situation. In extreme cases, a student may be asked to withdraw from the course for the remainder of the year with no refund of fees or tuition.

Special Needs Policy

Mighty Roots Academy accepts enrollment of Special Needs students on a case-by-case basis. We are happy to serve families with special needs. We must make sure that what we as a program and staff are able to provide will meet the students' and family's needs. Currently our staff do not have specific training in working with special needs. As long as the Board of Directors, Program Director, and family accepts the accommodation plan of action that is created, the student may enroll.

Financial Matters

Enrollment/Tuition Payment Obligation

Mighty Roots Academy reserves the right to refuse registration to any family. New families are required to submit an application and complete an interview before permission to attend will be granted. The Homeschool Academy and Creative Options courses are for students ages 5 through 15 while our Discovery Days caters to students ages 4 through 15. This applies to all students with birthdays before August 20th of that school year. Any student who will turn 16 or still be 3 years old before August 1st of the designated academic year may not register without prior permission from the Board of Directors.

-The Enrollment Fee must be paid before enrolling in courses for the academic year. 

-The Enrollment Fee applies to all students registered in a program.

-For Homeschool Academy and Creative Options courses enrollment is considered a full year obligation and tuition can be paid yearly or divided into 10 monthly payments. Any family who defaults on payment will not be eligible for future registration. In addition, families who enroll after courses/programs have begun are still expected to pay for the entire year. We do not prorate classes should a student enter once courses are in session, as the learning guide might need to spend extra time helping those students catch up.

-For Discovery Days courses enrollment is for the full 10-week session, or 20-weeks in the case of signing up for both sessions. Tuition can be paid in full before the program begins or divided into 4 monthly payments per session. Any family who defaults on payment will not be eligible for future registration. In addition, families who enroll after the program year has begun are still expected to pay for the entire session. We do not prorate classes should a student enter once courses are in session, as the learning guide might need to spend extra time helping those students catch up.

-We understand that circumstances change, and other opportunities arise, and we want to reasonably accommodate those changes.

Course Payments

Please read our payment policycarefully! Enrollment in Mighty Roots Academy programs is a yearlong commitment.

Enrollment Fee

An enrollment fee applies to all students registered in a class. Payments start on July 10th for full year tuition or payments may be divided into 10 convenient monthly payments. There is a monthly convenience fee charged per family for the monthly payment option. Payments may be made via cash, check, automatic bank pay or Venmo (@Renee-Bichel) When writing a check, please make checks payable to Mighty Roots Academy and mail to Mighty Roots Academy to 3600 Blue Ridge Blvd, Grandview, MO 64030.

 

Late Fees

Homeschool Academy and Creative Options

-Tuition payments are due on July 10th 

-If making monthly payments, payment is due the 10th of each month with a monthly convenience charge of $10 applied per family

Discovery Day

-Tuition payments are due on July 10th for fall semester and Jan. 10th for spring semester. 

-If making monthly payments, payment is due the 10th of each month with a monthly convenience charge of $10 applied per family

-Both sessions: July through October and January through April

-Fall Session only: August through November

-Spring Session: February through May

NOTICE OF LATE FEES: Payments made by the 16th of each month will fall under a grace period. On the 17th of each month, a $15 late fee will be assessed.

Please note that chronic tardiness of payments may result in immediate loss of a student's place in the course/program or the termination of a family's participation at Mighty Roots Academy by the Board of Directors, and no refunds will be provided.

Discounts

Mighty Roots Academy wants to make its program as accessible as possible while covering the needs of each course. For this reason, we do not charge extra fees except what is clearly stated on our Course Descriptions page. We offer both discounts and fundraising.

 

 

Refunds

Enrollment fees and tuition fees are nonrefundable. The only circumstances in which tuition may be refunded is if a course is cancelled or if it does not reach a required minimum number of students. In the case of a course that does not reach the minimum number of students required, a director will notify families. Families will not be reimbursed for missed classes due to student illness, vacation, inclement weather, or other program closings. In the event of a staff member's absence, the course will be covered by a qualified substitute. In the rare event when a qualified substitute cannot be found, (as in the case of an emergency) the class will join another class that meets during the same time period.

Fundraising

Mighty Roots Academy will hold at least one fundraiser a year. The funds that a family raise will go into a fund to benefit the Mighty Roots Academy program as a whole.

12 Basic Rules of Mighty Roots Academy

Each student and parent must be aware of these rules and agree to abide by them before they may attend Mighty Roots Academy.

1. Students must be with their designated class and under the supervision of a Learning Guide.

2. Students are expected to show respect for classes by being on time and bringing all necessary supplies.

3. When a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to contact the Learning Guide for missed activities and work so they will be on track when returning to class.

4. Students must save all social conversation for lunchtime or Discovery Play, not during class.

5. Attire needs to be modest and not distracting.

6. Electronic devices are allowed as learning tools and can be used as such in classes with the permission of the Learning Guide. Mighty Roots Academy and staff are not responsible for students' electronics. All electronics are brought at the owner's risk.

7. Lunch for all students is outside within designated areas under adult supervision. When moved inside, students must stay in the designated area.

8. No play of any kind is allowed in the drive way or main parking lot unless under the supervision of a learning guide.

9. Students must show respect for students and adults alike, as well as respond appropriately.

10. Enrollment is a full school year commitment paid once a year or over a 10-month period. 

11. Friendship is encouraged over dating relationships. Mighty Roots Academy does not support or forbid dating relationships between students. Public displays of affection (PDA), however, between students on campus ARE strictly forbidden. This includes but is not limited to kissing and holding hands.

Please sign and date here to affirm that you have read and will adhere to Mighty Roots Academy's policy and procedures: