School Hours

School day 8:30-3:30

 

Doors open and office hours

7:45-4:30

Student drop off starts at 7:45 AM

Student pickup no later than 4:00 PM. After 4:00 pm, a $25 late fee will be applied for every 30 minutes you are late.  

 

Please call if your student will be absent or late.

 

The JoAnn Phoenix Academy curriculum is grounded in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards and is designed to be playful and highly individualized. It fosters each child’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through a hands-on, play-based approach that meets students where they are and supports their unique growth journey.

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JoAnn Phoenix Academy Mission

To create a safe learning environment that empowers each student to reach their full potential. We prioritize individualized education, fostering problem-solving to create critical thinking skills, creativity, and collaboration. By integrating hands-on experiences and real-world connections, we inspire a lifelong love of learning and equip our students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world."

Vision

“At JoAnn Phoenix Academy, we envision a nurturing community where every student thrives through personalized education tailored to their unique needs and strengths. We foster an environment that prioritizes social-emotional learning and collaboration, allowing students to build meaningful relationships and develop essential life skills. In this safe, inclusive space, we are committed to promoting kindness, respect, and resilience, ensuring that all students are free from bullying and negative emotional impacts. Together, we inspire a love for learning and empower each student to reach their full potential.”

 

Enrollment/Withdrawal Process

Parent/Guardian will submit an application for enrollment along with a $30 non-refundable application fee. At this time a family meet and greet will occur. This is required in order to be considered for enrollment. After family meet and greet, application form completed and returned and application fee is paid, the founder will review the application and notify families within 5 business days. Upon acceptance to JoAnn Phoenix Academy, an enrollment packet will be provided. The completed enrollment packet, all required documents listed in the enrollment packet and a non-refundable deposit of $300 must be submitted within 5 business days in order to hold a spot for the student for the 2025-2026 school year. If you need more time for any reason please contact Kali May at 214.601.4378. 

 

Should you choose to withdraw before school starts, please inform Kali May as soon as possible. No tuition will be due as long as withdrawal notice is given 1 month before the first day of school. If withdrawal becomes necessary after school has started, 1 month notice must be given. Tuition will be due for that month's notice even if the student is not in attendance during that time. At time of withdrawl, all tuition and fees must be paid. Failure to pay tuition and fees due will result in the parent/guardian being responsible for all legal fees, court fees, reimbursement for staff time taken off work and any other costs pertaining to the collection of tuition and fees owed. A place has been reserved for your child and cannot be filled on a short-term basis. 

 

At times, a child may face difficulty adjusting to the program environment, or behavioral challenges may arise, making dismissal necessary. Joann Phoenix Academy will make every reasonable effort to support the child and family in such cases. However, the Academy reserves the right to dismiss a student at its sole discretion.

Parents will be informed of handbook or policy updates via email and written notice, with a link to our website. The most up-to-date handbook and policies are always accessible under our webpage's “Handbook” section.

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Tuition and Fees

Registration and curriculum fees are paid at the time of enrollment and every year before the start of school. Upon initial enrollment, your spot will be held for 5 business days after the enrollment packet has been received and until the initial deposit of $300 is paid. If all fees are not paid within 5 business days, the student will be withdrawn. Once fees are paid, the student may re-enroll if space is available. Tuition is based on your child’s enrollment in the program and not on days in attendance. Tuition will remain the same each month for the entire school year. Tuition is paid in advance. All tuition is due by the 1st of each month. If tuition is not received by the 1st, an automatic $50 fee will apply in addition to $10 per day (including weekends). Once tuition is more than 5 days late your student will be automatically withdrawn. Tuition for the 1-month notice and the late fees will be due. Any costs incurred pertaining to the collection of tuition and fees owed will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian (please see the section “Enrollment/Withdrawal Process”, paragraph 2). Please contact Kali if for any reason you may make your tuition payment late. Students will not be able to attend classes until all tuition, late payments, and fees are paid in full. If the 1st falls on a holiday, the same tuition policy applies for the day before the holiday. Tuition is not reduced or pro-rated for absences due to travel or illness, school holiday closures or bad weather closures. 

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Staff Vacation/Sick Days/Personal Days

For our charter year, JoAnn Phoenix Academy is dedicated to being flexible for working parents. We will close on all federal holidays, November 24 - 28 for Thanksgiving break, December 19 - January 5 for Christmas break, and March xx - xx for Spring break. This is considerably fewer days off for JoAnn Phoenix Academy students than any public ISD. This is subject to change in future school calendars but will remain this way for the 2025-2026 school year. With this being said, please have a backup for unexpected school closings or teacher illness. Holiday closures are paid in full as a regular week. 

 

Early Drop-Off/Late Pick-Up Fees

The school day starts at 8:30 and ends at 3:30. As a courtesy to working parents, students may be dropped off by 7:45 and picked up no later than 4:00 PM. There will be no extra fee for this early drop-off or late pick-up. If you need to drop off earlier or pick up later, please contact Kali to discuss any arrangements and fees associated with said arrangements. If students are dropped off before or picked up after the courtesy times, an automatic $25 fee will be applied to your account. All fees must be paid in full before the student can return to class. Please contact Kali if for any reason you cannot follow the early drop-off or late pick-up times. 

 

Security

All doors and windows will be locked at all times. A security system and indoor and outdoor cameras are in use at all times. Parents/guardians, please have DL available at all times for pickup. If anyone besides the parent/guardian is picking up, please notify Kali and make sure they are on the approved pick-up list. No students will be released without a picture ID and notification from the parent.  

 

Breakfast/Lunch/Snack

No meals or snacks are provided. Students must bring their snacks and lunch every day. Please have breakfast eaten before arrival. 

 

Procedures for release of students

For the safety of your student, staff, and other JoAnn Phoenix Academy students, please be prepared to show a picture ID at pick-up every time.  Students will be signed in and out daily. Students will only be released to parents/guardians or designated pick-up persons unless otherwise stated by the parent. During enrollment, parents fill out an emergency information form that lists persons who are allowed to pick up their child. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep this form updated. Any time you want to make changes to this form, please notify Kali, and a new form will be provided and added to your child’s file. In the event of an emergency and your child will need to be picked up by someone who is not on the emergency info form, you must notify staff before dismissal and provide relevant info on the person who will be picking up. This person must show a photo ID. A copy of the ID will be made and kept in the student’s file. Your child will not be released without a proper ID. 

 

Change of Information

Please notify staff of any changes to information as soon as they occur. You may be asked to update your child’s record annually even if no changes have occurred. If your child does not reside with both parents evidence of custody may be required. A court decree is required to prevent either parent from having access to the child. Under state law, we cannot prevent a legal parent/guardian from having access to the child unless there is a court order in place. 

 

Immunization Requirement

JoAnn Phoenix Academy requires that all students are immunized with the standard childhood vaccines and that all immunizations remain current. Texas law requires validated records of completed immunization for all students. Anytime your student receives new immunizations or boosters please send updated records. At this time, JoAnn Phoenix Academy is not accepting any waivers for these vaccines. 

 

Potty Training

All students are required to be fully potty trained. We understand that potty accidents can happen. Please provide clean underpants, top and bottom in your student's backpack daily. There can also be an option to leave this at school. Please label all items with the student's name or initials. 

 

Curriculum

JoAnn Phoenix Academy follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each grade level. Students will be provided with an individualized plan to meet their individual needs and to challenge them academically. Students will offered a variety of activity types to meet different learning needs such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Types of activities will include music, hands-on, sensory, movement, creative/art, collaboration, games, and workbooks. Young children learn through play so we follow a play-based approach in addition to structured times. Our program offers a thoughtfully designed curriculum that is rigorous yet playful, supporting children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth. High-quality academics are seamlessly woven into activity-based, exploratory learning.

 

Smoking Policy

JoAnn Phoenix Academy and its property is a smoke-free and drug-free zone. Smoking and drug use are not permitted on the property at any time. 

 

Illness

If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them at home. Students who exhibit these symptoms should not return to school until they have been free of these symptoms for 24 hours or they have a doctor’s release form. 

1. Vomiting

2. 2 or more loose stools

3. A temperature of 100 degrees or higher

4. Discharge from the eyes, itchy or red eyes, crusted eyelids

5. Lethargic behavior

6. Lack of appetite or refusal to eat or drink

7. Extreme irritability

8. Any rash that could be something contagious such as scabies, staph, measles, etc (this excludes any known skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, allergy-related skin conditions, etc).

9. Sore throat and/or white spots in the back of the throat 

10. Head lice, body lice, or nits

11. Small crusty blisters or fine blisters on the face, scalp or        

              body that could indicate the presence of chickenpox

 

If your child starts to exhibit any of these symptoms while at school, parents will be called and the child will need to be picked up within a reasonable amount of time. Please have an emergency pick-up person available should you be unavailable. If your child is not well enough to participate in all school-related activities please keep them home. If your child is sent home with any of these symptoms they should not return to school until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours or have a doctor’s release form to return to school. 

 

Medication Guidelines

We will not administer any medication except in emergency situations. Students are not permitted to have medication of any kind in their backpacks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding medication please contact a staff member. 

 

Emergency Situations

JoAnn Phoenix Academy is committed to being prepared for any emergency. We are properly equipped with smoke, carbon monoxide and intruder alarms. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified. We have emergency plans in place for food emergencies,  bad weather, evacuation, intruder, and fire. These plans are on file and are available for review at your request.

 

JoAnn Phoenix Emergency Plan 

 

Evacuation/Relocation Emergency (such as fire)

Students and staff will move across the street on the sidewalk or grassy area. Our alternate location will be the sidewalk or grassy area by the culdesac. Should we need to move further away we will relocate to the stop sign at the end of Patton Ln towards Crockett St. Should an area-wide evacuation or relocation be required, we will relocate to the nearest police station which is located at 700 W US-67 Venus, TX. This is also Venus City Hall. 

 

HOW STUDENTS WILL BE MOVED TO THE DESIGNATED SAFE AREA:

Parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their child. If parents are unable to pick up their child before the required evacuation or within a reasonable time, students will be transported in personal vehicles to the evacuation location. 

 

Intruder Emergency

Students will remain in the classroom which is equipped with an internal lock on the large garage door as well as strong locks on the main classroom door that lock from inside the classroom. The home is also equipped with an alarm system that contacts authorities when the alarm goes off. The alarm will sound when any external door is opened or window breaks. 

 

Weather Emergency

Students will be relocated to the inner-most hallway near the bathroom. If all students and staff are able to fit in the bathroom we will shelter there. 

 

In the case of any emergency or relocation, parents will be contacted immediately.  

 

Animals

There are 2 dogs on the premises. They remain outside during the school day. When we go outside to play for recess there is a gate that separates the child play area from the dog area. The child play area is free from any waste. 

 

Inclement Weather

JoAnn Phoenix Academy will not close for bad weather barring any emergencies such as no power or water. Since JoAnn Phoenix Academy is located in my home I am accommodating working parents who do not have the luxury of missing work due to bad weather. You are welcome to keep your child home on bad weather at your discretion. New material will not be taught whole group on days when absences are high especially when mass absences are due to illness or bad weather. 

We will go outside every day so please send your child with appropriate attire for outside activities in any type of weather. On days that are too hot or cold or raining, large motor, indoor activities will take the place of outdoor play. 

 

Dress Code

JoAnn Phoenix Academy does not have a uniform or specific dress code. Please dress your child in age-appropriate attire that is fitting for a day of play. No attire should have any references to drugs, alcohol, or sex. Shorts should not expose the buttocks at any time. Shorts should be worn under dresses. Please no flip flops or sandals that expose the toes. This is more a safety concern. We will have group play and outside play where exposed toes could be injured. Students should be dressed appropriately for the weather. During colder months please send appropriate outside attire for outside play. During months when we experience colder mornings and warmer afternoons please consider layers so your child can adjust to the weather change. Keep in mind that we will have activities and outside play that could cause clothes to become soiled. Please send your child to school in attire that is fitting for these types of activities. Washable, child-friendly mediums, such as paint, glue, etc will be used as often as possible. Please also send an extra set of socks, underpants, top and bottom in case of accidents. These items can be left in the student’s backpack to travel back and forth between school and home or can be left at school in a designated area.  

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Joann Phoenix Academy Discipline Policy

At Joann Phoenix Academy, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all students. Our discipline policy emphasizes positive relationships, personal responsibility, and minimal disruptions to the classroom experience. The goal is to guide students in developing self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills while maintaining a supportive community.

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Core Principles

1. Safety First: Every student and staff member has the 

    right to feel safe, both physically and emotionally, at 

    school.

2. Restorative Practices: We prioritize maintaining 

    positive relationships between students and teachers 

    by addressing conflicts and misbehavior in a 

    constructive, respectful manner.

3. Minimizing Disruptions: Discipline should not 

    unnecessarily interrupt the learning process. Our 

    strategies are designed to keep students engaged and 

    help them reflect on their choices.

4. Individualized Approach: We recognize that every child 

    is unique. Disciplinary responses will consider the 

    student’s age, development, and the circumstances 

    surrounding the behavior.

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Behavioral Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Treat others with kindness and respect.

• Follow instructions from teachers and staff.

• Use words, actions, and choices that contribute to a 

   positive learning environment.

• Take responsibility for their actions.

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Steps for Addressing Misbehavior

1. Gentle Redirection:

    Teachers will address minor misbehavior with verbal 

    reminders and positive reinforcement to encourage 

    appropriate behavior.

2. One-on-One Conference:

    If misbehavior continues, the teacher will speak 

    privately with the student to discuss their choices, 

    identify underlying causes, and agree on better 

    strategies for the future.

3. Time Out in a Safe Space:

    When a student needs time to self-regulate, they may 

    be directed to a designated safe space to reflect and 

    regain composure.

4. Limitations to Privileges:

    If disruptive or unsafe behavior persists, the student 

    may lose specific privileges, such as participation in 

    classroom activities or outdoor play, for a set period of 

    time.

5. Parent Communication:

    For repeated or significant misbehavior, a phone call or 

    written note will be sent home to inform parents and 

    involve them in creating an improvement plan.

6. Temporary Removal:

     In extreme cases, such as aggressive or unsafe 

     behavior that endangers others, the student may be 

     sent home for the day. Parents will be contacted 

     immediately, and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled 

     to create a plan for the student’s successful return.

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Restorative Follow-Up

After any disciplinary action, the student will be supported in repairing relationships, reflecting on their actions, and reintegrating into the classroom community. This may include:

• Writing or drawing about the incident to process 

   feelings.

• Participating in restorative conversations with peers or 

   teachers.

• Practicing skills like calming strategies, 

   problem-solving, or conflict resolution.

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By using this approach, Joann Phoenix Academy ensures that discipline is fair, consistent, and centered on helping students grow into responsible, respectful members of their community.

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Celebrations

Please contact staff if you’d like to send goodies for your child’s birthday or other special event. We will discuss options that allow all students to participate. 

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Pictures/Videos

Throughout the year, pictures and videos will be taken of your child for a variety of uses that include: the JoAnn Phoenix Academy website or Facebook page, brochures/advertisements of our school, yearbook, keepsake crafts, DVD slideshow, etc. A release form will be signed during enrollment. On this form, you will also have the option to deny your child’s photo being used in any way. 

JoAnn Phoenix Academy is a secular school and does not focus on or give preference to any one religion or culture. JoAnn Phoenix Academy welcomes all and does not discriminate based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion. 

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“The more that you read, the more things you know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

~ Dr. Seuss