Welcome to Salt & Light!

Dear Families,

Welcome to Salt & Light Arts Academy! I'm so glad your family has chosen to be part of our program.

Salt & Light was born from a love of teaching, the arts, the humanities, and the amazing educational opportunities that homeschooling makes possible. My hope is to create a place where children can encounter beautiful ideas, develop their God-given gifts, grow in faith and character, and experience the joy of learning and creating alongside friends. As we begin our very first semester, we'll be exploring Fables, Friendship & Storytelling through Scripture, literature, creative writing, visual arts, and theater. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the friendships that develop, the stories your children create, and the confidence they gain as they discover new skills.

This handbook provides important information about our classes, expectations, and procedures. Please read it before our first day and keep it available for reference throughout the term. Thank you for being part of the beginning of Salt & Light Arts Academy. I'm looking forward to a wonderful semester together!

Blessings,

Ashley Hartford
Founder, Salt & Light Arts Academy

1. Our Mission & Educational Philosophy

At Salt & Light Arts Academy, we believe education should do more than fill children's minds with knowledge. It should nurture their love of what is true, good, and beautiful, cultivate their God-given gifts, and inspire them to use those gifts for God's glory. Our educational philosophy draws inspiration from classical Christian and Charlotte Mason educational traditions, emphasizing rich ideas, excellent literature, meaningful artistic experiences, and the development of wisdom and character.

We believe the arts and humanities naturally complement one another. History becomes more memorable through art and music. Literature takes on new life through theater. Writing becomes more meaningful when children have wonderful stories and ideas to inspire them. Above all, we hope to cultivate a Christian community characterized by kindness, curiosity, creativity, friendship, and a genuine love of learning.

Our Christian Foundation

Salt & Light Arts Academy is an independent Christian educational program, not affiliated with a particular church or denomination. Our beliefs are rooted in Holy Scripture and the historic Christian faith, as expressed in the Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed. Christian faith is an integral part of our program. Students will participate in Scripture readings, prayer, and educational activities reflecting our Christian worldview. We welcome families from a variety of Christian traditions and seek to approach differences with humility, kindness, and respect. Parents are encouraged to review our complete Statement of Faith at:

https://saltandlightartsacademy.com/statement-of-faith

Our Relationship to Homeschooling

Salt & Light Arts Academy provides supplemental arts and humanities enrichment for homeschool students. Parents remain responsible for their children's overall homeschool education, including any applicable state homeschool requirements. Our classes are designed to complement and enrich the education children receive at home.

2. Winter/Spring 2027 Program Information

Semester Theme: Fables, Friendship & Storytelling

Dates: January 15 to April 30, 2027

Day: Fridays

Instruction: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Optional Community Lunch: 12:00 to 12:30 PM

Location: Castle Rock, Colorado. The exact address will be provided to enrolled families once confirmed.

Ages: Primarily ages 8-13, approximately grades 3-6. Siblings in second or seventh grade may also enroll.

Our term includes 15 scheduled Fridays, including a special optional-attendance Holy Week enrichment morning.

Important Semester Dates

January 15: First day of classes

March 19: No classes (Douglas County School District spring break)

March 26: Special Holy Week enrichment morning (attendance optional)

April 30: Final scheduled Friday

End-of-Term Showcase: Date, time, and location to be announced

3. What Students Will Learn

Scripture & Prayer

We'll begin each Friday morning by gathering together in Scripture and prayer, setting our hearts and minds on God before beginning our studies. Throughout the semester, we'll explore selected passages from Proverbs, considering themes such as wisdom, friendship, kindness, honesty, humility, and Christian character.

Visual Arts

Our visual arts class will explore the beautiful world of storybook illustration. Students will develop foundational artistic skills through watercolor painting, pen-and-ink drawing, character illustration, and other techniques. They'll learn to observe carefully, experiment creatively, and develop craftsmanship as they create original artwork and illustrations inspired by their own stories.

Literature & Creative Writing

Students will explore classic animal stories and fables, including works by Arnold Lobel, Beatrix Potter, and Aesop. They will also read excerpts from more classic literature such as The Jungle Book and The Wind in the Willows. Through reading, oral narration, discussion, and writing activities, we'll study characterization, dialogue, narrative structure, and the timeless lessons found in fables. Students will create their own original stories and fables, with writing expectations adapted to their ages and abilities.

Theater

Students will develop foundational performance skills through acting exercises, improvisation, vocal expression, movement, and dramatic storytelling. We'll explore character development, stage directions, projection, diction, costumes, props, and other elements of theatrical production. Our theater class will work toward a performance at the end of the semester. No previous theater experience is required. Students will have a choice between roles with lines, roles without lines, and participating in a capacity other than onstage acting if they are not comfortable doing so.

4. Attendance & Participation

Consistent attendance helps children gain the most from their educational experience and strengthens our classroom community. We encourage families to prioritize regular attendance throughout the semester.

Absences

If your child will be absent, please notify Salt & Light as soon as reasonably possible by texting 720-425-4601 or emailing saltandlightartsacademy@gmail.com. This is especially important during theater rehearsals, when students often depend on one another to practice scenes and ensemble activities. Individual student absences do not qualify for prorated tuition or makeup classes.

Theater Rehearsal Commitments

Theater is a collaborative experience. Students learn to rely on one another, practice together, and contribute to a shared production. We ask families to make reasonable efforts to ensure consistent attendance. Students with featured roles may be asked to practice lines, songs, or other material at home. Some lead roles may require additional rehearsals outside our regular Friday schedule. These expectations will be communicated to families as casting is decided and performance plans develop.

Good Friday

On March 26, we'll gather for a special Holy Week enrichment morning exploring Christ's Passion through Scripture, sacred art, literature, and music. We recognize that families observe Good Friday in different ways. Attendance that morning is optional, and students will not be penalized for missing the special gathering.

5. Drop-Off, Pickup & Community Lunch

Salt & Light Arts Academy is designed as a drop-off enrichment program. However, the community lunch is not a supervised part of the program. One parent should attend the lunch if their child or children are staying for this portion. Siblings are welcome too!

Arrival & Drop-Off

Students should arrive between 8:50 and 9:00 AM so we can begin Scripture and prayer promptly. Parents or authorized adults must follow the Academy's designated check-in procedure. Please do not leave children before the established drop-off time or before an authorized adult is present to receive them.

Pickup

Children may be released only to their parents, legal guardians, or individuals authorized in their enrollment information. If someone other than an authorized person will be picking up your child, please notify the Academy in advance. We may request identification before releasing a child to an unfamiliar adult. Please communicate any custody-related pickup restrictions privately before the semester begins.

Community Lunch

Each Friday, our students will conclude their morning with an optional community lunch from 12:00-12:30 PM. Parents and non-enrolled siblings are invited to join us! Families should bring their own lunches. We hope this will become a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to build friendships and enjoy time together. Parents or accompanying caregivers are responsible for supervising non-enrolled siblings.

Enrolled children who will not be staying for the community lunch should be picked up promptly at 12:00 PM.

6. Student Conduct & Classroom Expectations

We want Salt & Light to be a place where every child feels welcomed, respected, and encouraged to grow. Our expectations are rooted in Christian love, kindness, personal responsibility, and respect for others.

We ask students to:

1. Treat teachers, classmates, and other adults with kindness and respect.

2. Listen when others are speaking and follow classroom instructions.

3. Participate with a willing attitude and make a sincere effort to learn.

4. Respect the personal space, belongings, and abilities of others.

5. Handle art supplies, classroom materials, costumes, props, and equipment responsibly.

6. Encourage classmates and demonstrate good sportsmanship during rehearsals and performances.

7. Help care for our shared classroom and leave it ready for the next group.

We understand that children are still learning how to manage emotions, develop self-control, navigate friendships, and work collaboratively. When challenges arise, we will respond with patience, clear expectations, and age-appropriate redirection.

Addressing Behavioral Concerns

Minor disruptions will generally be addressed through reminders, redirection, and opportunities to practice appropriate behavior. If a pattern of disruptive behavior develops, we will communicate with parents and work together to identify appropriate strategies. For serious safety concerns or behavior that substantially interferes with the learning environment, a parent may be contacted for early pickup. If concerns cannot be resolved, the Academy may determine that continued enrollment is not appropriate for the student at that time. Our goal is always to approach students with dignity, compassion, and a commitment to their growth.

7. Learning Differences & Individual Needs

We recognize that children have different personalities, learning styles, strengths, and needs. Some children thrive through discussion and reading, while others learn best through movement, visual demonstrations, or hands-on activities. We seek to provide a supportive learning environment where students can participate meaningfully and develop confidence in their abilities. Writing assignments and other academic expectations will be adapted according to students' ages and abilities.

If your child has learning differences, sensory needs, attention challenges, or other considerations that may affect their classroom experience, we encourage you to share helpful information during enrollment. We welcome conversations about reasonable accommodations and teaching strategies that may help your child succeed. Because Salt & Light is a small enrichment program, some specialized services or accommodations may not be available. We will communicate honestly with families about our ability to meet individual needs while maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.

8. Health, Allergies & Student Safety

The health and safety of our students are important priorities. Parents are responsible for providing accurate emergency contact information and informing us of relevant allergies, medical needs, and other concerns that may affect their child's participation. Health-related information should be submitted through the Academy's designated confidential process rather than ordinary email whenever possible.

Illness

Please keep your child home when they are ill, contagious, or unable to comfortably participate in classroom activities.

Students should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and free from vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours before returning to class.

If a student becomes ill during the morning, we will contact a parent or guardian to arrange pickup.

Allergies

Please notify the Academy of any significant food, environmental, or art-material allergies. Students may encounter materials such as paints, adhesives, paper products, fabric, and other common classroom supplies. We will take reasonable precautions based on the information families provide. Salt & Light cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.

Medications

Parents should communicate any medication-related needs before the semester begins. Any necessary medication arrangements must be discussed and approved in advance, with appropriate written authorization and instructions. The Academy will not routinely administer medication without an established authorization and safety procedure.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, our first priority will be the immediate safety and well-being of the students. We will contact emergency services when appropriate and notify parents or emergency contacts as soon as reasonably possible. Families must keep their contact information current throughout the semester. A separate emergency care authorization may be required as part of enrollment.

9. Dress Code, Supplies & Personal Belongings

We encourage students to dress comfortably and appropriately for a morning that includes art activities and theatrical movement.

Dress Code

At Salt & Light Arts Academy, we ask students to follow a simple dress code that encourages a sense of community while allowing them to move comfortably throughout our morning of art, literature, and theater. Every student will receive a Salt & Light Arts Academy T-shirt on the first day of the term, included in their tuition. Students should wear their Academy T-shirt to class each Friday.

Students should pair their Academy T-shirt with any of the following:

• Jeans

• Black or gray athletic pants

• Black leggings (girls)

Shoes: Students should wear comfortable, closed-toe tennis shoes or athletic shoes. For theater, students may wear black jazz shoes. These are optional for all students who will be performing onstage until April 2, 2027. (See below.)

For Art Class: Students should bring an old T-shirt that they may wear over their Salt & Light Academy T-shirt on messy art days. Our art classes sometimes involve paints, inks, and other materials that could stain clothing.

Performance Shoes & Costumes

For our end-of-term showcase, students performing onstage will need black jazz shoes.

Because children's feet grow quickly, jazz shoes will not be required until our class meeting on April 2, 2027. Families are welcome to purchase them earlier, and students may wear black jazz shoes during our regular theater classes at any time.

Additional information about jazz shoes and sizing will be provided as we approach the performance.

All performance costumes will be provided by Salt & Light Arts Academy. Families will not be responsible for purchasing or creating costumes for the end-of-term performance. Any additional instructions regarding performance attire, hair, or accessories will be communicated before the performance.

Classroom Supplies

The Academy will provide the instructional materials and supplies ordinarily needed for scheduled classroom projects. Occasionally, families may be invited to contribute recyclable materials, household items, or other optional supplies for a project or theatrical production. However, these will not be required. Any such requests will be communicated in advance.

Personal Belongings

Students should bring a labeled water bottle and any personal items communicated before the semester begins.

Please leave valuable toys, electronics, and unnecessary personal belongings at home. Students should not use personal electronic devices during class unless authorized for an educational or necessary personal purpose.

Salt & Light is not responsible for ordinary loss of personal items except where responsibility is established under applicable law.

Cell Phones & Personal Devices

Students are encouraged to leave cell phones and other personal electronic devices at home. If a student must bring a cell phone, it must be turned off and checked in with the director upon arrival. Phones will be returned at dismissal.

If a parent needs to reach their child during class, they may call or text 720-425-4601. Messages will be monitored throughout the morning and responded to promptly, with emergency communications given immediate priority.

If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian for any reason, the director will provide access to a phone for a call or text message.

10. End-of-Term Showcase

One of the things we're most excited about at Salt & Light is giving students the opportunity to share what they've learned through the performing arts! Each term, we hope to conclude our studies with a musical theater performance and showcase of work completed throughout the term.

For Winter/Spring 2027, we're planning a celebrating the stories, characters, artistic projects, and performance skills students have explored throughout the semester. Student artwork and writing will also be displayed.

Casting & Performance Roles

We recognize that every child enters theater with different experience, confidence, and interests. Some children are eager for speaking roles, while others may prefer smaller roles or less time onstage. We will consider students' abilities, interests, readiness, and the needs of the production when assigning roles. While we welcome student preferences, enrollment does not guarantee a particular role, speaking part, solo, or amount of stage time. Our goal is to provide a meaningful learning experience for every student.

Additional Rehearsals

Students with substantial speaking or singing roles may need additional practice outside regular class hours. Families will receive advance notice of any required rehearsals.

Costumes & Props

The Academy will coordinate the overall creative direction of the production. Families may be invited to help with simple costumes, props, scenery, or other production needs. We will communicate expectations and seek to keep projects affordable and manageable for families.

Performance Details

The date, time, location, and format of the end-of-term performance will be announced after enrollment and production plans are finalized. There is no additional fee for enrolled students to participate in the performance. Photography, filming, and recording of performances may be subject to venue rules, student privacy permissions, and theatrical licensing requirements.

11. Tuition & Payment Policies

Winter/Spring 2027 Tuition

Early Bird Tuition: $375 per student for registrations completed by December 15, 2026.

Regular Tuition: $415 per student for registrations completed after December 15, 2026.

Sibling Discount: Additional siblings from the same family receive a 10% discount on their individual tuition.

Tuition includes the complete Friday morning enrichment program and participation in our end-of-term showcase.

Payment Options

Families may choose between two payment arrangements:

Pay in Full: Pay the full semester tuition at registration.

Payment Plan: Pay 20% of tuition at registration, with the remaining balance divided into three monthly installments.

Specific payment dates and amounts will be presented during checkout. Selecting a payment plan establishes a commitment to the full tuition amount, subject to the Academy's published cancellation and refund policy.

12. Cancellations, Withdrawals & Refunds

Tuition Commitment & Student Withdrawals

Enrollment at Salt & Light Arts Academy is a commitment for the full academic term. Because class sizes are limited and our instructional activities, art supplies, costumes, props, scenery, and other program expenses are planned and purchased based on enrollment, tuition is nonrefundable once registration is confirmed, except as outlined below.

Families who voluntarily withdraw due to scheduling conflicts, changes in extracurricular activities, loss of interest, or other personal preferences remain responsible for the full semester tuition, including any remaining payment-plan installments.

Withdrawal Due to Relocation

If a family permanently relocates their primary residence more than 30 miles from the Academy's regular class location during the term, they may request withdrawal with a prorated tuition refund. Families must provide written notice of withdrawal at least 30 days in advance. The 30-day notice period begins on the date Salt & Light Arts Academy receives the written request. Students may continue attending classes during the notice period. Tuition remains due for all scheduled classes through the end of that period.

Any refund will be prorated based on the number of scheduled instructional Fridays remaining after the 30-day notice period, using the student's actual semester tuition after applicable discounts. Payments already made will be reconciled against the tuition owed through the effective withdrawal date, and any remaining installment obligations will be adjusted accordingly.

Refunds are not available for classes occurring during the 30-day notice period.

Extenuating Circumstances

We understand that unexpected circumstances, such as serious illness or significant family emergencies, can sometimes arise. Salt & Light Arts Academy may consider requests for exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Such exceptions are not guaranteed and will be determined according to the circumstances of each request. Families should contact the Academy in writing as soon as possible if an extraordinary situation affects their child's ability to continue attending.

Cancellation of a Term by Salt & Light Arts Academy

Salt & Light Arts Academy reserves the right to cancel a term if minimum enrollment requirements are not met or if circumstances prevent the program from operating safely or as planned. If the Academy cancels an entire term before classes begin, all tuition payments will be refunded in full. If the Academy must permanently discontinue a term after classes have begun, families will receive a prorated refund for the scheduled instructional classes that will not be provided. Any remaining payment-plan installments for canceled instruction will also be adjusted or canceled as appropriate.

Inclement Weather & Instructor Illness

The safety of our students and families is a priority. Salt & Light Arts Academy generally follows Douglas County School District closures due to inclement weather. Classes may also occasionally need to be canceled due to instructor illness or other unforeseen circumstances. We will communicate cancellations or changes through email and text.

Because our term includes a limited number of scheduled Fridays, our makeup policy is as follows:

One canceled Friday: If one class day is canceled during the term due to inclement weather or instructor illness, that class will not be made up, and no tuition refund or credit will be issued.

Two or more canceled Fridays: If additional class days are canceled for these reasons during the same term, we will schedule makeup classes on Fridays in May for the second and each subsequent canceled class day.

Families will be notified of makeup dates as soon as arrangements are confirmed. If an announced makeup class cannot be provided, the Academy will offer an appropriate prorated credit or refund for that class.

Individual student absences, including inability to attend an offered makeup class, do not qualify for tuition refunds or credits.

Questions About This Policy

We want families to feel informed and confident when enrolling at Salt & Light Arts Academy. If you have questions about our tuition commitment, withdrawal procedures, or cancellation policies, please contact us before completing registration.

13. Parent Communication

We believe strong communication between parents and teachers is an important part of a successful educational experience. Important announcements, reminders, schedule changes, and other information will generally be communicated by email. Please ensure the email addresses provided during enrollment remain current and check your inbox regularly.

We welcome questions, concerns, and constructive feedback.

If you would like to discuss a particular concern about your child, please contact us privately rather than raising the matter during class or in front of other students. We will make reasonable efforts to respond to parent communications promptly.

If you need to contact us, please use email for non-emergency communications. Text messages are preferred for more time-sensitive messages like an absence or tardy notification on the day of class, or in the case of an emergency.

Academy Contact Emails: saltandlightartsacademy@gmail.com

Academy Contact Texts: 720-425-4601

14. Parent Involvement & Volunteer Opportunities

Although Salt & Light is a drop-off program rather than a parent-run co-op, we love having parents involved in our community!

Depending on enrollment and program needs, we may offer volunteer opportunities such as classroom assistance, art preparation, costume sewing, scenery construction, theatrical production support, or help with special events.

Volunteering is not required for student enrollment.

Parents interested in volunteering may indicate their availability and skills in the Family Enrollment Information form.

Adults assisting with students must follow the Academy's supervision and child-safety procedures, including any applicable screening requirements.

We are grateful for the many talents and gifts that homeschool families bring to our community!

15. Photography, Video & Student Privacy

Throughout the semester, we may photograph or record classroom activities, artwork, rehearsals, and performances to celebrate student accomplishments and share the life of our academy.

We respect each family's preferences regarding their children's privacy.

Parents will be asked to complete a separate Photography & Media Release indicating whether identifiable images or recordings of their children may be used publicly.

Media permission is optional and does not affect enrollment.

We will make reasonable efforts to honor each family's stated preferences.

Families should also respect the privacy of other students when taking or sharing photographs from Academy events.

Parents should not publicly identify or post images of other children without appropriate permission.

Any recording of licensed theatrical material must also comply with applicable performance and recording rights.

16. Parent Agreements & Required Forms

Before the first day of classes, families must complete the Academy's required enrollment information and agreements.

These may include:

• Family Enrollment Information

• Student Health & Emergency Information

• Parent Handbook Acknowledgment

• Statement of Faith Acknowledgment

• Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement & Liability Release

• Photography & Media Release

By enrolling, parents acknowledge that they are responsible for reviewing the Academy's published policies and providing accurate information necessary for their children's participation.

The Academy may request updated information during the semester when needed for student safety or program administration.

17. Growing Together in Faith & Friendship

At Salt & Light Arts Academy, we believe the relationships formed through learning and creating together are just as meaningful as the knowledge and skills students develop.

We hope our Friday mornings become a time when children look forward to seeing their friends, discovering new ideas, sharing their talents, and encouraging one another.

Our optional community lunch is an important part of that vision. We invite families to participate whenever they're able and hope these gatherings become a source of lasting friendship and connection.

As we begin our first semester, we're grateful for the trust families place in Salt & Light and look forward to growing together.

Thank you for being part of our beginning!

Salt & Light Arts Academy
Christian Homeschool Arts & Humanities
Castle Rock, Colorado

saltandlightartsacademy.com

"You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." — Matthew 5:13–14

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