Policies & Notices

South Carolina

Non-Discrimination

American Leadership Academy does not discriminate against employees, applicants, or students on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Federal and State Policies

Child Find

South Carolina Child Find

Child Find is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Child Find is an ongoing responsibility of American Leadership academy to locate, identify, and evaluate all students with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services within the enrolled population of the school.

In South Carolina, early intervention services for children from birth through age two (0–2) are provided through BabyNet, a division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. BabyNet offers supports and services to eligible children and their families to address developmental needs. For more information, visit https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/babynet.

Children ages three through five (3–5) who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten may be eligible for services through their local school district. Local education agencies (LEAs) coordinate efforts to identify and evaluate children with disabilities to ensure access to early childhood special education services.

Special education and related services are also available to eligible school-aged children (ages 3–21), including those in:

Public schools (including public charter schools)
Private schools and childcare centers
Home schools (treated as private schools in South Carolina)
Highly mobile situations (including children who are homeless or migrant, or wards of the state)
Correctional or juvenile justice facilities

Anyone (including parents, guardians, teachers, and community members) can make a referral if they suspect a child may have disability. While a referral does not guarantee an evaluation, it does require the school's campus team to review concerns and determine next steps.

If you have concerns about your child's development or suspect a disability, please contact your local school district or campus for more information. Additional information about Child Find in South Carolina is available through the Office of Special Education Services.

Referrals can be made to the student's teacher, or a school administrator, or sent to essrecordsse@charter.one. Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability.

Exceptional Children

American Leadership Academy strives to offer the best education to all our students, regardless of need or ability. Through our Exceptional Children (EC) program, we offer individualized support to meet the diverse needs of K-12 students with disabilities in accordance with South Carolina's Regulations, Policies, and Guidance. We treat our students as family. It is important to us that they are all given the opportunity to thrive.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

Visit https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa or download and view the document, A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, for more information.

Gifted & Talented

Gifted and Talented Education at ALA

At American Leadership Academy, we want to help each and every student reach her or his full potential. ALA follows South Carolina's Gifted & Talented Program Standards to allow students that are academically or intellectually gifted to thrive in an environment that is both challenging and appropriate for their unique needs and learning styles. This furthers our mission to provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.

Learn More About Our AIG Programs

McKinney-Vento Act

McKinney-Vento Act & Foster Care

Every student at American Leadership Academy is given the opportunity to receive the best educational experience possible in a moral and wholesome environment, no matter what personal or familial challenges they are facing. This includes students experiencing homelessness or transition.

What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act is a federal law that ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. It was enacted in 1987 and requires public schools to provide equal access to education, remove barriers to enrollment, and support academic success for homeless students.

What is American Leadership Academy Students in Transition?

American Leadership Academy Students in Transition is our program for students transitioning from homelessness. This program allows for a shortened enrollment process as well as special accommodations for the student.

Who is considered homeless?

Students with an irregular or inadequate nighttime residence can be considered homeless. This may include:

Students living in shared housing due to loss of housing or financial hardship
Students living in public spaces, cars, hotels, or campgrounds due to lack of adequate accommodations
Students living in shelters or transitional housing
Students who live unaccompanied, whether they have run away or have been denied housing by their families

What resources are available to help ALA students in transition?

American Leadership Academy staff works to provide resources and support to Students in Transition as soon as they are identified. This may include help providing uniforms, school supplies, and basic toiletries, as well as other forms of support. Needs will be identified on a case-by-case basis.

What should parents do during this transition?

Parents should contact their child’s current school and explain the situation. Obtain any records the school has (including immunization records) and provide the school with a new address, if possible. Also, enroll your child in school as soon as possible, to expedite the process and avoid problems.

Know Your Rights

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Free Public Education: Students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, just like their peers.
Immediate Enrollment: Schools must enroll students immediately, even if required documents are missing.
Document Grace Period: Students can attend and receive services while the school gathers missing records.
School Choice & Stability: Students may stay in their school of origin or enroll in a school near where they are living, depending on what’s in their best interest.
Dispute Resolution: If a placement decision is challenged, the district must provide a written explanation and allow an appeal.
Transportation Support: Transportation to the school of origin must be provided if requested.
Equal Access to Services: Students must receive the same educational services and support programs as all other students, based on their needs.

Multilingual Learner

Multilingual Learners

At American Leadership Academy, we are committed to welcoming and supporting all students—no matter what language they speak at home. Our goal is to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed, and that includes strong support and services for our Multilingual Learners.

Is My Student a Multilingual Learner?

Your child may be considered a Multilingual Learner (ML) if:

They speak a language other than English
A language other than English is regularly spoken in your home

How are Students Identified as Multilingual Learners?

During the enrollment process, all families complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). If the survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken, students will take the WIDA Screener (Grades 1-12) or WIDA Kindergarten Screen (incoming kindergarteners). These tests evaluate your child's skills in:

Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing

If your Child does not yet show English proficiency on the screener, they will be identified as a Mulitlingual Learner (ML) and become eligible for English language support services.

How Does ALA Help Multilingual Learners?

At American Leadership Academy, we align with South Carolina's Department of Education when it comes to identifying, testing, and supporting Multilingual Learners (MLs).

MLs bring diverse cultures and experiences that benefit the community. ALA works to provide an environment for MLs to become proficient in the English language while still fostering their native language and culture.

Annual English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment

Every year (typically in the spring), students identifed as MLs take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs or WIDA Alternate ACCESS test. This test helps us track their growth in English proficiency. Students continue testing annually until they meet South Carolina’s proficiency exit criteria.

English Language Testing Information

Privacy Policy

Our privacy policy explains how American Leadership Academy collects, uses, and protects your personal information. It covers the types of information collected, such as names, email addresses, and payment details, as well as how it is used to improve services and respond to customer needs. This policy also outlines the security measures in place to protect your data, the use of cookies, and third-party services like Google Ads. Additionally, it details your rights under laws like CalOPPA and COPPA, and how you can opt out of data collection or marketing communications.

For more details, please read the full privacy policy here:

Learn More

Section 504

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of students on the bases of a handicapping condition.

A 504 plan is specifically designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Separate from Special Education, 504 plans help students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. " U.S. Department of Education.

Section 504 Protections

504 plans at American Leadership Academy gives all students the chance at success. Being able to provide this is extremely important to our staff and teachers. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights statute designed to help prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to assure that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students In any program offered by ALA, a student is protected by Section 504 if:

he/she has or has had a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity,
has a record of such impairment or
is regarded as disabled by others

ALA will identify, evaluate, and provide a free appropriate public education to all qualifying students with disabilities under Section 504. ALA will ensure that no otherwise qualified individual with disabilities, shall solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any ALA program or activity.

Does my Student Need a 504 Plan?

If you feel that your student requires a 504 plan, contact your campus administration for next steps. We believe that every student has incredible potential.

Title IX

Sexual Harrassment Information

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Title IX regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender-based and sexual harrassment discrimination, in the School's education programs and activities, including employment. The School is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment free from sex discrimination and harrassment and encourages any student or employee who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of sex, whether by students or by School employees, to utilize this procedure

Title IX Policy & Procedures

Title IX policy available by request. For a copy of the policy, please reach out to:

Title IX Coordinator
Robert Nelsen
titleIXcoordinator@charter.one

ALA School Policies

Conduct & Consequences Matrix

Conduct Matrix

American Leadership Academy's Conduct Matrix is a full overview of our schools' policies and procedures. Students are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy, refinement, and professionalism - following teachings from our R.A.I.S.E values. Download the PDF below or preview the Conduct Matrix directly on our site. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact our district office.

Health & Wellness

Every department at American Leadership Academy plays an important role in a student’s educational experience, and contributes to our moral and wholesome environment. This extends outside the classroom, into our administration and student services. The health department is similarly committed to our mission and vision, contributing to our students’ success by keeping our campus healthy and thriving.

Learn More

Media Disclaimer

At American Leadership Academy, we value the importance of promoting our students, programs, and achievements through media channels. However, to ensure the privacy and rights of our students, district policy requires parental approval be obtained before the media may take close up pictures of students, or use a student's photo in non-school publications.

In addition, the district may use photographs and video footage of students to highlight school programs and activities. By completing the form provided below, parents grant permission for the use of their child's images in promotional materials, with all content remaining the property of American Leadership Academy.

Media Disclaimer

Web & Internet Publishing

The American Leadership Academy recognizes the limitless potential for research, information and communication provided by the Internet and World Wide Web. Therefore, American Leadership Academy encourages the creation of school and district Web pages for publication on the Internet. However, all Web publications are subject to the following terms:

Student work may be published only as it relates to a curricular-related or school activity.
All Web page documents may include only students' first names.
No confidential student information shall be published or linked to a Web page, unless authorized by the district.
No names may be associated with pictures.

Parent & Student Handbook

South Carolina School's Student Handbook

American Leadership Academy's Student Handbook outlines our district's mission, vision, and values, campus policies, and other pertinent information for teachers and families associated with our school.

Download Handbook

Public Records Request

School Security

Our Security

School security is a very important component to the American Leadership Academy community. Our campuses are committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all our students. To do this we incorporate two very important elements which are security cameras and badging systems.

Our Cameras

To ensure this component is being delivered we have security cameras on all of our campuses and take other measures to keep your children safe. The security camera systems we have in place are second to none and allow our staff to keep the schools monitored at all times.

Our top of the line security cameras are well known for their high quality, durability, and easy installation. But more importantly, they're also known for their cutting-edge security features.

For example, our cameras come with built-in facial recognition technology. This means that the cameras can automatically identify people by their face, making it easier to track down criminals after the fact. Additionally, our cameras come with tamper-proof security features. This means that the cameras cannot be disabled or removed without authorized access. This is an important security feature for schools, as it ensures that the security system cannot be easily defeated. Finally, our cameras offer cloud-based storage. This means that footage from the cameras can be accessed from anywhere from authorized staff in place to bring top notch security and surveillance at all times.

Badging Process

As our charter schools continue to grow in popularity, it's important to ensure that their security measures are up to par. One way to do this is by requiring all charter school employees, and visitors to wear a security badge. Security badges can help identify authorized personnel and help deter potential intruders. When a visitor does come in, they go through a security and screening process prior to getting a badge and getting granted access into the building. Those who have not been badged and checked in cannot be granted access as the doors will remain locked until this process is complete.

Transportation

Did you know your child is nearly eight times safer riding to and from school in a school bus than in a personal vehicle? Safety is our number one priority, and we take the responsibility for transporting students very seriously. With our trained and State Certified drivers, you can feel confident sending your child to school on the bus.

Transportation requests are submitted through the enrollment application.

*Note: Upon enrollment confirmation, the request for transportation will be reviewed by the transportation department.

Uniforms

We encourage parents and students to review the handbook for specific dress code requirements—however, we have summarized the general guidelines below. Purchase uniforms online by visiting our online shop.

Shop school uniforms

General Uniform Guidelines

Shirts must be solid in color—Red, White, Gray or Navy Blue.
They must have a collar and at least one button.
Cardigans may be worn but must be solid in color—Red, White, Blue, Black or Gray.
Both shirts and cardigans must bear either an ALA patch or an embroidered ALA logo on the left-hand side, over the heart.
Pants, capris, skirts, skorts, jumpers and shorts must be Khaki, Tan, Light Gray, Navy Blue, White, and Cream in color. They must have either front or back pockets.
Shoes must be closed-toed and heeled, and no more than 2” in height.
Jeans may be worn on Fridays but must be solid in color—blue or black.

Learn More about Uniform Guidelines

Visitor Policy

This policy explains the conditions in which visitors are welcome on the campus. In addition to the direction stated in this policy, compliance with state and federal law is required. Under no circumstances is any individual who does not possess a Fingerprint Clearance (IVP) card permitted to be alone with a student unless the visitor is the parent or legal guardian of the student. Campus check-in and check-out procedures must be followed in all cases.

View the full visitor policy below for complete details.

Visitor Policy

Parental Rights

Educational Choice & Participation: Parents have the right to choose their child's educational path (public, charter, private, or homeschool) and be involved in school decisions.
Access to Records & Information: Parents can review academic records, receive notifications about policies, and request corrections if needed.
Special Education & Opt-Out Rights: Parents can request special education services and opt their child out of certain instruction or activities.
Student Safety & Discipline Transparency: Parents have the right to a safe learning environment and clear school discipline policies.

ESSA - Parents Right to Know

Contact Us

We’re here to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re happy to provide answers and guidance. Schedule a tour and discover what makes American Leadership Academy a great place to learn and grow.

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