Upper School 2023-2024

Weekends & Vacations

Absences resulting from student travel plans not coinciding with school vacation times, which include unauthorized early departure or late return for weekends or vacations, are considered unexcused, resulting in consequences from the Deans Office. These unexcused absences will count toward the attendance consequences previously outlined.

Students may not be excused from classes for travel prior to the end of the final class on departure days or for late returns at the end of vacations or long weekends without permission from the Deans Office.

Special Permission

Special permission for missing classes or other school obligations may be granted to allow a student to attend an especially significant family event or to pursue an area of “excellence” in one’s academic, athletic or activity experience. This type of permission will not be granted to attend such events as a prom or class reunion, to extend vacations or to accommodate travel plans - except in the most extreme situations.

In order to obtain special permission for a student to miss classes and other school obligations, a parent/guardian must contact the Deans Office at least one week prior to the expected time of departure. The student will meet with a member of the Deans Office to determine whether or not permission will be granted. Requests are reviewed on a case by-case basis, and we encourage families not to make travel plans/arrangements prior to either receiving or being denied special permission. Any time a student misses classes without receiving special permission or being excused by the Deans Office, the student should expect to receive the consequences as stated earlier in this section.

Day Student absences, late arrivals and daytime departures

The Deans Office requests parents/guardians encourage their children to meet all obligations on time and without excuse or exception. The only acceptable excuse for absence from school is illness. If a day student is unable to attend school, parents/ guardians must call by 9 a.m. Any other reason for a student’s absence must be cleared by their parents/guardians with the Dean of Students well in advance of the day. Please make every effort to arrange appointments with doctors, dentists, etc., so as not to conflict with classes, afternoon activities or other obligations. If an appointment does need to occur during a school obligation, then the student is required to bring a note from their appointment. When planning family activities for school vacations, please make sure to meet all school obligations on the last day before and the first day after vacations. Students who need to leave campus during the academic day may do so only after obtaining permission from the Deans Office. After receiving permission, students should sign out at the Deans Office. Leaving without permission may result in disciplinary action.

Deans Leave

A Deans Leave is a non-disciplinary, non-medical leave of absence initiated by the School. The School may place a student on a Deans Leave when the Head of School or Dean of Students determines a student needs to be off campus for a period of time, sometimes for health or behavioral reasons that don’t constitute medical leaves of absence or while a disciplinary investigation is pending. A Deans Leave is intended to be a short-term leave of absence for a specific amount of time determined by the Head of School and/or Dean of Students and is not reflected on a student’s transcript. During a student’s leave, they are expected to continue with their academics.

Teacher Absence

If a teacher does not appear for class or a school obligation, students should wait quietly for dismissal by an authorized person. If, after 10 minutes, the teacher is still missing, one or two students should report this to the Deans Office. Only then, after compiling a list of students present, will the appropriate adult dismiss the group. Students who leave before the adult dismisses them will receive an unexcused absence.

V. Summer Reading & Work

The Academy values engagement in summer reading. Not only does it allow students to maintain or further develop reading comprehension and vocabulary skills, but it also creates a common starting point for discussions in the classroom, all-school meetings and even advisor meetings. Each summer we require reading assignments and/or work for the different English classes and some AP classes. Summer work and reading can be found on WMA’s website.

II. Afternoon Program

A. Philosophy & Requirements

In conjunction with the philosophy of the Academy, our afternoon requirement places an emphasis on developing a healthy, active lifestyle and is consistent with our belief that students should interact with their peers both on and off campus. We believe the experiences gained from physical activity benefit our students and play a significant role in allowing them to develop the skills, attitudes and habits necessary to build a strong mind, body and spirit.

The Athletic Department has the discretion to alter or change the following policies and requirements during the course of the school year to ensure we follow the health and safety guidelines.