Student & Parent Handbook

I. Mission & Educational Philosophy

TopBridge Academy is committed to providing a rigorous, college-preparatory education that develops intellectual excellence, strong character, and leadership skills. Our small community of 100 founding students allows for personalized attention and high expectations for every learner.

We believe that academic success is built upon a foundation of discipline, respect, responsibility, and integrity. All students and families are expected to uphold these core values.

II. Student Behavioral Expectations

A. Academic Integrity

• Students must complete all assignments independently unless collaboration is explicitly permitted.
• Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate zero grade on the assignment, mandatory parent conference, and potential expulsion for repeated offenses.
• Students must properly cite all sources and give credit for others' work. Failure to do so will result in assignment failure and academic integrity violation on permanent record.
• Use of AI tools must be disclosed and approved by the instructor for each assignment. Unauthorized AI use will be treated as academic dishonesty with consequences including assignment failure and disciplinary probation.

B. Respect & Conduct

• Students must treat all faculty, staff, peers, and visitors with respect and courtesy at all times. Disrespectful behavior will result in detention, parent conference, and suspension for repeated violations.
• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in immediate out-of-school suspension (3-5 days) and potential expulsion.
• Physical violence, threats of violence, or possession of weapons are grounds for immediate expulsion with notification to law enforcement.
• Profanity, vulgar language, or disrespectful communication is prohibited and will result in detention for first offense, suspension for second offense, and expulsion hearing for third offense.
• Students must respect school property and the personal property of others. Vandalism or theft will result in restitution payment, suspension, and potential criminal charges.

C. Attendance & Punctuality

Attendance Requirements

• Students are expected to attend all classes and arrive on time daily. Regular attendance is essential for academic success and is required by Florida law.
• School hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Before-school care is available starting at 8:00 AM. Students arriving after 9:15 AM will be marked tardy.
• Absences must be reported to the school office by 9:15 AM on the day of absence by calling (904) 385-0834 or emailing topbridgeacademy@gmail.com.
• Parents/guardians must provide a written explanation for each absence within 48 hours of the student's return to school.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Excused absences include:

• Illness (doctor's note required for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days)
• Medical or dental appointments (documentation required)
• Death in the immediate family
• Religious holidays or observances
• Court appearances (documentation required)
• Pre-approved family emergencies (must be approved by administration in advance)

Unexcused absences include:

• Absences without proper notification or documentation
• Family vacations during school term (unless pre-approved by administration)
• Missing the bus or oversleeping
• Non-emergency personal appointments that could be scheduled outside school hours
• Any absence not meeting the criteria for excused absence

Tardiness Policy

• Students arriving after 9:00 AM must report to the office for a tardy slip before proceeding to class.
• Three unexcused tardies will result in one detention.
• Excessive tardiness (more than 10 occurrences per semester) will result in a mandatory parent conference and may affect academic standing.
• Students arriving more than 30 minutes late without valid excuse will be marked absent for half-day.

Making Up Work After Absences

• Students are responsible for obtaining and completing all missed assignments and coursework.
• For excused absences, students will be given one day for each day absent to make up work (e.g., 3 days absent = 3 days to complete makeup work).
• Students should contact teachers directly or check the online portal for missed assignments.
• Tests and quizzes missed due to excused absences must be made up within the timeframe specified by the teacher, typically within one week of return.
• For unexcused absences, makeup work may be accepted at the teacher's discretion, but credit may be reduced.
• Students who miss class due to school-sponsored activities must complete all work in advance or as arranged with teachers.

Excessive Absence Intervention

TopBridge Academy is committed to supporting student success through consistent attendance. The following interventions will be implemented for attendance concerns:

• 5 unexcused absences: Written notification to parents/guardians and mandatory parent-teacher conference to develop an attendance improvement plan.
• 10 unexcused absences: Formal meeting with administration, parents/guardians, and student to review attendance concerns and implement additional support measures. Academic probation may be imposed.
• 15 unexcused absences: In accordance with Florida Statute §1003.26, the school is required to refer the case to the school district's Child Study Team and may file a truancy petition with the court system. This may result in court-ordered interventions, fines, community service, or other legal consequences for the family.
• Excessive absences (excused or unexcused) totaling more than 18 days per semester may result in loss of course credit and potential retention, as students cannot master course content without regular attendance.

Documentation for Excused Absences

To ensure absences are properly excused and to help students avoid truancy concerns, please provide appropriate documentation:

• Medical absences: Doctor's note on official letterhead including date of visit, reason for absence, and dates student should be excused. Required for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days.
• Dental/medical appointments: Appointment card or note from provider's office.
• Court appearances: Court documentation or subpoena.
• Family emergencies: Written explanation from parent/guardian with advance approval from administration when possible.
• All documentation should be submitted to the school office within 48 hours of the student's return to school.
• Documentation received after 48 hours may not be accepted, and the absence may remain unexcused.

Pre-Planned Absences

• Families planning absences for family events, vacations, or other non-emergency reasons must submit a written request to administration at least two weeks in advance.
• Approval is not guaranteed and will be based on the student's current academic standing, attendance record, and timing of the absence.
• Students must complete all assignments before departure or as arranged with teachers.
• Pre-planned absences during state testing, final exams, or other critical academic periods will generally not be approved.

D. Dress Code

• Students must wear navy or white clothing that aligns with TopBridge Academy standards daily. Non-compliance will result in parent notification and student may be sent home to change.
• Clothing must be clean, properly fitted, and in good repair. Repeated violations will result in detention and mandatory parent conference.
• Inappropriate or distracting accessories, jewelry, or hairstyles are not permitted and will be confiscated until parent pickup.
• Violations will result in a warning; repeated violations (more than three) may lead to suspension and behavioral probation.

Dress Code Enforcement & Loaner Uniform Policy

TopBridge Academy maintains strict dress code standards to ensure a professional learning environment. Students arriving out of uniform will face the following consequences:

Loaner Uniform Return Policy & Additional Fees

All loaner uniforms remain the property of TopBridge Academy and must be returned in accordance with the following policies. Failure to comply will result in additional fees and consequences:

• Loaner uniform cleaning fee: All loaner uniforms must be professionally dry-cleaned before return. Parents will be charged an additional $20 cleaning fee if the loaner uniform is not returned cleaned within 3 school days.
• Lost or damaged loaner uniforms: Parents will be charged the full replacement cost of the uniform item (ranging from $35-$85 depending on the item) plus a $25 administrative processing fee if loaner uniforms are not returned, are returned damaged beyond normal wear, or are returned more than 5 school days after issuance.
• Daily rental fees: Loaner uniforms kept beyond 7 calendar days will incur a $5 per day rental fee for each additional day until returned, in addition to all other applicable fees.
• Inventory restocking fee: All unreturned or severely damaged loaner uniforms will incur a $50 inventory restocking fee to cover the administrative costs of ordering, receiving, and processing replacement inventory.
• Multiple item fees: If a student borrows multiple loaner items (shirt, pants, sweater), each item is subject to separate fees. Families may be charged up to $235 for a complete unreturned outfit plus additional late fees and administrative costs.
• Payment terms: All loaner uniform fees, cleaning fees, and replacement costs must be paid within 10 business days of invoice. Unpaid fees will result in withholding of report cards, transcripts, and participation in extracurricular activities until payment is received in full.
• Late payment penalties: Fees unpaid after 30 days will incur an additional $75 collections preparation fee and may be sent to a third-party collections agency. Collections agency fees (typically 33% of the outstanding balance) will be added to the family's debt. Unpaid balances may be reported to credit bureaus.
• Interest charges: All unpaid balances over 60 days will accrue interest at the maximum rate allowed by Florida law (currently 18% annually) until paid in full.
• Chronic non-compliance: Students with more than 5 dress code violations in a single semester will be placed on behavioral probation and may face enrollment review. Continued non-compliance after probation may result in dismissal from TopBridge Academy.
• Refusal to wear loaner uniform: Students who refuse to wear the provided loaner uniform will be sent home immediately and marked absent for the day. Parents must pick up the student within 1 hour of notification. This will be considered an unexcused absence and will count toward truancy thresholds.
• Repeat loaner uniform users: Students who require loaner uniforms more than 3 times in a semester will lose loaner privileges. Subsequent dress code violations will require immediate parent pickup and will be marked as unexcused absences.
• Financial hardship: Families experiencing genuine financial hardship that prevents purchase of required uniforms should contact administration immediately to discuss payment plans or uniform assistance programs. Failure to communicate financial difficulties will not excuse dress code violations or waive associated fees.
• Uniform assistance program: Limited financial assistance may be available for families demonstrating documented financial need. Applications must be submitted in writing with supporting financial documentation. Assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to available funding.

E. Technology & Device Usage

• Florida Cell Phone Law Compliance: In accordance with Florida law (HB 379), all student cell phones and personal electronic devices must be turned in to school staff immediately upon arrival each morning. Devices will be stored securely and returned at dismissal. This policy ensures a distraction-free learning environment and compliance with state regulations.
• Personal electronic devices may only be used with explicit teacher permission during instructional time. Unauthorized use will result in device confiscation until parent pickup and detention.
• Unauthorized recording, photographing, or filming of students or staff is prohibited and will result in immediate suspension and potential legal action for privacy violations.
• Cyberbullying, inappropriate online behavior, or misuse of school technology will result in immediate suspension, loss of technology privileges, and potential expulsion.
• Students must comply with the school's Acceptable Use Policy for all technology. Violations will result in loss of technology access, detention, and potential suspension.
• Refusal to turn in cell phones upon arrival will result in immediate parent contact, detention, and potential suspension for repeated violations.

F. Substance Abuse Policy

• Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, illegal drugs, or controlled substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion and notification to law enforcement.
• Students found in violation will face immediate suspension pending expulsion hearing, mandatory drug testing at parent expense, and potential criminal charges.
• The school reserves the right to conduct searches of lockers, bags, and personal items if there is reasonable suspicion. Refusal to comply with searches will result in immediate suspension and potential expulsion.

III. Parent & Guardian Expectations

A. Partnership & Communication

• Parents must maintain open and respectful communication with teachers and administration. Disrespectful, threatening, or abusive communication will result in immediate student dismissal from the school.
• Parents are expected to respond to school communications within 48 hours. Repeated failure to respond (more than three occurrences) may result in mandatory meeting and potential student dismissal for lack of parental engagement.
• Parents must attend all required conferences, meetings, and school events. Missing more than two required meetings without valid excuse may result in student dismissal.
• Concerns should be addressed first with the teacher, then with administration if unresolved. Bypassing proper channels or publicly disparaging staff will result in mandatory mediation and potential student dismissal.

B. Academic Support

• Parents must ensure students complete homework and study regularly. Consistent failure to complete homework (more than 5 missing assignments) will trigger mandatory parent meeting and academic probation.
• Parents should monitor student progress through the online portal weekly. Failure to monitor progress may result in loss of enrollment priority for following year.
• Parents must provide a quiet, organized space for studying at home. Consistent academic failure due to lack of home support may result in enrollment review.
• Parents are expected to support the school's academic standards and expectations. Undermining academic policies will result in mandatory meeting and potential student dismissal.

C. Financial Obligations

• Annual tuition is $9,000 per student for the 2026-2027 academic year. Tuition payments must be made according to the agreed-upon schedule. Late payments will incur $50 late fee per occurrence.
• Late payments may result in late fees and potential dismissal from the school. Tuition more than 30 days overdue will result in student suspension until payment is received.
• Parents are responsible for all fees, including textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Unpaid fees will result in withholding of report cards, transcripts, and diplomas until paid in full.
• Financial difficulties should be communicated to administration immediately. Failure to communicate financial issues will result in standard late payment penalties and potential collections action.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Eligible families may qualify for full tuition coverage through Step Up For Students scholarship program. Families with K-5 students may also qualify for assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. Contact our admissions office for guidance on scholarship applications.

D. Behavioral Support

• Parents must support the school's disciplinary decisions and consequences. Failure to support disciplinary actions will result in mandatory meeting and potential student dismissal.
• Parents are expected to reinforce school authority and expectations at home. Undermining school authority in front of students will result in immediate meeting and potential student dismissal.
• Parents must ensure students arrive on time and attend school regularly. Chronic tardiness or absences due to parental negligence may result in truancy referral to authorities.
• Parents will be notified immediately of serious behavioral incidents and must respond within 24 hours. Failure to respond will result in student suspension until parent contact is established.

IV. Disciplinary Procedures

A. Progressive Discipline

TopBridge Academy maintains the highest standards of conduct and discipline. Our approach is firm and swift:

1. First Offense: Written warning documented in permanent file, mandatory parent conference within 48 hours, and detention (1-3 days after school)
2. Second Offense: Out-of-school suspension (3-5 days) documented in permanent record, behavioral probation contract with specific terms, required counseling at parent expense, and loss of extracurricular privileges
3. Third Offense: Immediate expulsion hearing before administration and board, strong likelihood of permanent dismissal from TopBridge Academy with no tuition refund, and negative behavioral notation on all future transcript requests

B. Immediate Expulsion Offenses

The following offenses will result in immediate expulsion without progressive discipline, appeal, or tuition refund, with notification to law enforcement where applicable:

• Physical violence, assault, or fighting of any kind - immediate expulsion with police notification and potential criminal charges
• Possession of weapons, dangerous items, or anything that could be used as a weapon - immediate expulsion with law enforcement notification and criminal prosecution
• Drug or alcohol possession, use, distribution, or being under the influence - immediate expulsion with law enforcement notification and mandatory reporting to authorities
• Severe bullying, harassment, threats, or intimidation - immediate expulsion with documentation in permanent record and potential restraining order filing
• Theft, vandalism, or destruction of property - immediate expulsion with restitution requirement, police report filing, and potential criminal charges
• Sexual harassment, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior - immediate expulsion with mandatory reporting to authorities and permanent record notation
• Repeated academic dishonesty or cheating - immediate expulsion after second verified incident with permanent academic integrity violation on transcript
• Disrespect toward faculty, staff, or administration - immediate expulsion for severe incidents or after second documented occurrence
• Defiance of school authority or refusal to comply with directives - immediate expulsion for severe defiance or after second documented refusal
• Any behavior that disrupts the learning environment or compromises school safety - immediate suspension pending expulsion hearing with strong likelihood of permanent dismissal

C. Family Behavioral Expectations

Parents and guardians are held to the same high standards as students. Violations will result in immediate student dismissal:

• Disrespectful, threatening, or abusive behavior toward staff will result in immediate student dismissal, permanent ban from campus, and potential restraining order or criminal charges
• Failure to support school disciplinary decisions may result in student dismissal after one warning and mandatory mediation attempt
• Repeated failure to attend required meetings or respond to communications (more than three occurrences) may result in student dismissal for lack of parental partnership
• Undermining school authority or policies in front of students will not be tolerated and will result in mandatory meeting after first occurrence and student dismissal after second occurrence
• Parents must model the respect, discipline, and excellence we expect from students. Failure to do so will result in family dismissal from school community with no tuition refund

V. Legal Agreements & Liability

A. Enrollment Contract

By enrolling at TopBridge Academy, parents/guardians enter into a binding contract for the full academic year. Withdrawal before the end of the year does not release families from tuition obligations unless approved by administration in writing.

B. Liability Waiver

Parents/guardians acknowledge that participation in school activities carries inherent risks. TopBridge Academy, its staff, and board members are not liable for injuries or accidents that occur during normal school activities, field trips, or extracurricular events, except in cases of gross negligence.

C. Media Release

The school may photograph or video students for promotional, educational, or archival purposes. Parents who do not consent must submit a written opt-out request within 10 days of enrollment.

D. Medical Authorization

Parents authorize TopBridge Academy to seek emergency medical treatment for their child if they cannot be reached. Parents are responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

E. Right to Amend

TopBridge Academy reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time. Families will be notified of significant changes in writing. Continued enrollment constitutes acceptance of any amendments.

F. Non-Discrimination Policy

TopBridge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic in its admissions, programs, or activities.

G. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from enrollment or this handbook shall be resolved through mediation before pursuing legal action. Both parties agree to participate in good faith mediation if conflicts arise.