Mission Statement

Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy believes in a rich and generous education, seated deeply in truth, beauty, and goodness, that nourishes the whole child - mind, body, and soul - and gently trains him up, ordering his affections to Our Lord. We seek to rebuild a thriving Catholic culture, in our community and within our Domestic Monasteries, by creating a gathering place for families to join in the Great Conversation, a warm and inviting environment that ignites the flames of wonder and fires the moral imagination. We engage in Sacred Traditions and Liturgies through an abundant and cohesive curriculum, embodying a strong Catholic identity, and immersing ourselves the Monastic Liberal Arts.

Statement of Faith

“The performance of an action is worthless in itself, if it is not done out of charity. Charity must be our motive; then everything we do, however little and insignificant, bears a rich harvest.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Book I, Chapter 15.

As a member of the Queen of Angels Cooperative Academy, I acknowledge the authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, in accordance with Holy Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Nicene Creed.

Expectations of parents

“It must be borne in mind also that the obligation of the family to bring up children, includes not only religious and moral education, but physical and civic education as well, principally in so far as it touches upon religion and morality.” ~ “On Christian Education,” Pius X

Parents remain the primary educators of their children. It is tempting to parents to let their part slide because of the role of the classroom tutors (i.e. “guides”). However, if this happens, classroom dynamics quickly suffer because students tend to not be prepared for class. This also defeats the intention of the QUACA curriculum which is to allow the entire family to learn together. When families learn together, they notice other available opportunities to explore topics more in-depth, they have a lot to talk about, and they will find joy in all they learn. Specific expectations of parents are:

• Use the materials to keep informed of what your students are studying

• Ensure students are prepared for class by asking questions about their reading; making sure the proper amount of time is spent investigating and completing notebook activities, papers, etc.; holding students to due dates; and listening to students rehearse presentations

• Be aware of your student’s ability and adjust assignments as needed to meet the student at their learning level and help them progress appropriately

• Communicate with class tutors any changes you’ve made to the student’s assignments

• Arrive early to allow time to settle in and prepare for class

• Pay all fees on time

• Remain aware of and take responsibility for your student’s behaviors, upholding the rules of the group - remember, building virtue in our young people is as important as supporting their education

• Commit to having your student in class on a regular basis

• One parent from each family is required to serve in some capacity, either as a board member or volunteer tutor (at least 1 class), for two (2) class periods on Academy days. First year members may serve as a co-tutors for both class periods.

• All participating adults must complete Virtus training through the Diocese of Gary and submit proof to the QUACA secretary prior to the start of classes in the fall.

• All participating adults must complete a background check.

• Remain at classes throughout the day - no drop offs allowed! Participation in your student’s class is highly recommended during your free periods.

• Only the primary homeschooling parent is allowed to bring students to class - no friends or relatives may substitute.

• Grade your students work in the manner you prefer

• Maintain records/transcripts according to your state’s laws

Expectations of students

“It is by way of obedience that we go to God” ~ St. Benedict

• Come to class on time and prepared with work completed to the best of your ability

• Be positive and encouraging to your classmates - destructive criticism, name-calling, pushing, hitting, jumping on others, etc. will be not tolerated.

• Show respect to tutors and classmates; for example, raise your hand to speak, take turns, use good manners, don’t leave the room without permission, address others with their proper name (For example, class guides can be addressed as “Mrs., Mr., Miss _____”)

• Be attentive to those teaching

• Respect others’ property by asking permission to use and/or touch something that does not belong you

• Allow other students to concentrate on their work by not distracting or disrupting the class

• Clean up after yourself

• Show cheerful obedience by obeying the first time you are asked.

Expectations of class tutors (i.e. “guides”)

“Try to be dependable even in little things. Dependability is one of the most enviable characteristics you can possess, for it includes unselfishness, punctuality, thoughtfulness, loyalty, and charity.” ~ The Hidden Power of Kindness, pg. 18 Fr. Lovasik

• Cooperate and communicate regularly with co-tutors who share responsibilities in the classroom

• Be ready to start class on time with all materials prepared

• Teach children in a manner that is open, attractive, and gracious

• Model proper behavior by not talking to other parents during class, not checking cell phones, etc.

• Adhere to disciplinary procedures

• Only use materials in the QUACA lesson plans; any alterations to activities or materials must not conflict with the Catholic faith and must be approved by the group leader

• It is your responsibility to find a substitute tutor and provide them with materials and lesson plans needed to complete the day’s work, in the case of your absence. Board members are not able to fill in every absence.
  

Dress Code

“How beautiful then is modesty and what a gem among virtues it is.” ~ St. Bernard, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

• Clothing must be clean, neat, and modest.

• No derogatory words or pictures allowed on clothing; clothing should not dishonor God or disrespect others. No skin-tight clothing.

• Dresses, skirts or shorts should be longer than your fingertips. Leggings are allowed ONLY under a skirt, dress, or long tunic. Tops must cover shoulders and waistline (NO belly-buttons or spaghetti straps). We highly recommend that girls wear shorts underneath their dresses and skirts, since the children will be engaged in active play at times.

• Comfortable, clean, closed-toed shoes are highly recommended

• “Natural look” makeup should only be worn to enhance the beauty of God’s children and not be worn heavily or to attract attention.

• Bring appropriate outerwear for the weather and a change of dry shoes in wet conditions

Sick Policy

“Always entrust your cause to me, my son; when the proper time comes, I will see that things turn out for the best.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Book III, Chapter 39

• If you or a child has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours before the scheduled co-op meeting or event, please stay at home.

• If your child has a croupy cough or a colored nasal discharge, please consider keeping that child at home, especially if he/she is very young and not able to wipe his/her own nose or able to cover his/her mouth.

• This is to be taken into careful consideration due to pregnant mothers at the co-op. You know your child best. If you believe your child is sick, please err on the side of caution.
  

Attendance Policy

“He who is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little is unjust also in that which is greater.” ~ Luke 16:10

• As a cooperative, everyone needs to be present in order to function properly. Participation is a commitment. Absences put more work on others.

• Three (3) absences will be allowed for the whole year for the family, not including extended illness, births, deaths, or other extenuating circumstances. Please communicate ongoing circumstances to leadership. Planned absences must be communicated to leadership at least two (2) weeks prior.

• It is your responsibility to find and prepare a substitute teacher in your absence.

• If a family accrues more than three (3) absences in one school year, they will be removed from QUACA and forfeit all fees and tuition paid.

Additional Rules

“Crux Sacra sit mihi lux” (May the Holy Cross be my light) ~ St. Benedict Medal

• Clean up after yourself; leave the building cleaner than you found it.

• Please see that all your family’s belongings are gathered before leaving the building. QUACA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Be respectful of the facility’s property. You will be held accountable for any damages caused by your actions.

• No yelling. Be respectful of others working in the building by keeping your voice at an appropriate volume.

• No running or climbing indoors

• All participants (parents included) must remain in the designated area

• Every family is responsible for facility cleaning at the end of the day.

• After their classes have ended, we are not responsible for supervising students remaining on the premises.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, a post in the Mighty Networks group will be made alerting all members to any cancellations or delays. Due to advances in e-learning technologies, we can no longer rely on the local school's procedures for these events. Decisions will be made in coordination with traffic reports and the most rural and furthest outlying members. Further instructions for make up days and assignments will be communicated as soon as these decisions are made.

Disciplinary Procedures

“A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons.” ~ The Imitation of Christ, Ch. 2

The following procedures will be used for classroom disturbances:

1. Student receives one verbal warning (two for 2nd grade and under)

2. Student is removed from class and escorted to his/her parent; student can return to class after that class period is finished IF escorted by a parent
   

If you encounter a student who is consistently unprepared for class or is causing regular classroom disturbances, it should be handled accordingly:

1. Talk to the parent(s) to make sure they are aware of the problem

2. Discuss with the student (outside of class) the impact being unprepared has on the class and give a verbal warning; make sure parents and leaders are alerted of the conversation

3. Have student sit off to the side or leave the room while the others do the class activity the student was not prepared for

If problem persists, a parent must attend class with the student until class and group leaders determine situation is resolved.

Matters of grave infractions (as determined by the leaders) may result in immediate expulsion.

Conflict Resolution

“Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” ~ St. Dominic de Guzman

When conflict arises amongst or between students or adults within QUACA, parents are encouraged to follow Biblical principles: be slow to anger and quick to forgive, overlook much, and pray before you speak or act. Concerns or complaints should first be addressed directly with the person, or the parent of the child, with whom there is an issue. We strongly encourage parents to utilize mediation to help students grow in wisdom and virtue. If the adults cannot reach a mutually agreeable and friendly resolution, we ask that they seek the help of the leadership team to mediate the dispute. If the issue still cannot be resolved, all involved parties may be asked to remove themselves from QUACA for the remainder of the year.

Refund Policy

Family registration fee and a la carte class deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE. Withdrawals prior to the first day of class are eligible for a full TUITION refund (less deposit for a la carte classes). Withdrawals after the first day of class but prior to Christmas break are eligible for a 50% TUITION refund (less deposit for a la carte classes). No refunds will be issued for withdrawals after the Christmas break. Refunds are not automatic and must be requested within 30 days of withdrawal.