Code of Conduct
Lake Forest Academy students are expected to behave in a socially mature and responsible manner, to respect the rights and property of others, and to obey school regulations. Regardless of whether this handbook specifically defines a certain action as right or wrong, an Academy student, having in mind the school’s tradition and his/her own character, is expected to distinguish between what is right and in keeping with school policy, and what is wrong. The same applies to actions which are detrimental to the good name of the Academy, whether on or off campus, during school sessions, or on vacations.
Discipline is handled in a manner appropriate to the individual and the institution. Disciplinary action is not tailored to meet the personal schedules of students or their families. LFA reserves the right to remove from the community, with no further reason given, any student who, in its opinion, is unable or unwilling to cooperate with the regulations as they are described herein, or whose influence in the school does not promote the general welfare.
In Loco Parentis
The school takes its in loco parentis role very seriously. Accountability procedures for students are for their safety and protection, and therefore, are thoroughly enforced. It is very important that the school know the whereabouts of students whenever they are under school jurisdiction. All students and parents should note that the school reserves the right to deny a request to leave campus that is deemed not in the interest of that student’s safety or well-being.
School Jurisdiction
Moreover, in an effort to be as explicit as possible on the issue of school jurisdiction, the school takes the following position:
- All students (day or boarding) are subject to school jurisdiction at all times while on campus or at an off-campus school-sponsored function.
- Day students, when in the company of any boarding student who is under the school’s jurisdiction, are also regarded as being subject to school jurisdiction and school rules.
- Boarding students who leave the campus without proper permission, or without the transfer of jurisdiction to a parent or responsible adult under conditions agreed upon by the school and the parent/guardian via school permission forms, continue to be subject to school jurisdiction and school rules.
It is essential for all students and parents to reflect on and to understand fully the implications of this definition of jurisdiction as it relates to important school rules.
This definition notwithstanding, any conduct by a student (boarding or day) that the school finds to be prejudicial to its best interests or which has an adverse effect on the reputation of the school or its standing in the community, regardless of whether the conduct occurs at school or elsewhere, or whether the school is in session or on vacation, will be treated as grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal. When appearing before the Discipline Committee, a student will be charged both with misconduct prejudicial to the school as well as with the underlying act of misconduct. Examples of conduct prejudicial to the school, or which will have an adverse effect on its standing in the community or its reputation may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, including medically prescribed marijuana, performance-enhancing drugs, or other controlled substances, which are also subject to the Academy’s policy on the storing of prescribed medications contained herein
- presence at or hosting an off-campus party or event where illegal activity takes place
- acts of violence or threatened violence
- possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials, such as weapons of any kind
- acts of vandalism
- any other conduct in violation of criminal law
- dishonesty, including lying, stealing, cheating, and plagiarism
- intimidating, threatening, aggressive, reckless, or violent behavior directed at a member of the school community, or any action that threatens the health, safety, or well-being of a member of the school community or the community as a whole, including practical jokes or pranks
- harassment of others (physical, verbal, online, etc)
- unauthorized visitation in the dorm or room of a student
- possession or unauthorized use of a school master key or any unauthorized use of another community member’s LFA ID.
- failure to follow our sign-out procedure
The above list does not include all types of conduct for which discipline may be expected. However, this list and the exercise of common sense and good judgment should be used as a guide in determining appropriate conduct.
For a first occurrence of one of the above rules, disciplinary action up to and including dismissal may result. A second offense will most likely result in dismissal.
Proximity Rule
Lake Forest Academy adheres to a Proximity Rule: When students are in the presence of a school rule violation, all students present should expect to suffer consequences. Therefore, those not participating in such activities should use common sense and remove themselves from these situations. Roommates and others who find themselves in dangerous or compromising positions should challenge the problem behavior directly, and/or speak to a student leader or faculty member about the situation. Students should also be aware that behavior on their part, either on or off campus, that brings discredit to them and thereby to the school, may subject them to disciplinary action.
Technology Use Policy
21st Century Education
Technology is essential to the LFA experience and factors heavily in both academic and non-academic realms of student life. Each student is given a school-owned iPad as a tool for active learning and as a “life device”. Dedicated localized resources such as desktop computers and multi-media production/consumption tools supplement the iPad and serve to give students a superior experience with all levels and manner of ubiquitous technologies. The technology program at LFA ultimately aims to facilitate the development of essential skills relating to collaboration, creative problem solving, and content creation and distribution while preparing students to be effective and engaged global citizens.
Discipline Committee
The primary purpose of the Discipline Committee is to uphold the school’s rules. The Committee comprises both faculty and students, with students holding the majority. Students breaking major school rules during their careers (or when an offense involves multiple infractions) will be called before the Discipline Committee, bringing into question their continuation as members of the Lake Forest Academy community. The Committee meets at the discretion of the Dean of Students and Chair(s) of the Discipline Committee to determine whether a particular offense warrants a Committee hearing. The Committee meetings are not open to parents or attorneys and are not conducted like a trial. The Dean of Students has the sole discretion to accept or reject the Committee’s recommendation and to impose disciplinary action as the matter warrants. Students may appeal decisions to the Head of School. The ultimate decision of the Head of School is final and binding on all parties. (Refer to Discipline Committee Process on this page for a full description.)
Disciplinary Responses
The circumstances of each disciplinary matter are different, and Lake Forest Academy reserves the right to impose disciplinary action appropriate to the situation. The following serves as a general guide of disciplinary responses. Responses to minor disciplinary concerns, especially those related to timeliness, attendance, driving, and dress code, can be administered by faculty at any time and are sent to the Dean’s Office and recorded under a point system. The point system is a method of assigning points for infractions of Academy rules by faculty and/or the Dean’s Office so that students are clearly held accountable for their actions. Missing a required appointment with a teacher, being late to a school meeting, or not being in school dress code are but a few examples. It is only when an unacceptable number of points accumulates that a student is subject to a graduated series of penalties. These measures may include, but are not limited to, loss of free periods, restriction of privileges, being sent home to change, and detention. Repeated violations of these rules can result in more serious disciplinary consequences. Dorm faculty, in consultation with the head of dorm, may also require that a student be restricted to campus or to his/her dorm room for a limited time in response to the breaking of a dorm rule. Whenever discipline is administered, a report about the incident becomes a part of the student’s file. (Refer to Points on this page regarding the point system.)
Responses to major disciplinary concerns or repeated violations of behavioral guidelines may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Detention – Held D-Days before the start of class, Friday evenings, Saturday morning, or Saturday evenings. Students are expected to use that time to complete homework or complete other activities assigned by the Dean of Students Office. A student can only attend two detentions during an academic semester. Failure to attend a detention may result in a Discipline Committee hearing.
- Reprimand – A formal letter of reprimand, in which the school’s dissatisfaction is expressed, is placed in the student’s file.
- Censure – When the school invokes censure on a student, a letter is placed in the student’s file, and the student may be listed for term review.
- Warning – A warning signals a serious misbehavior. When a student is given a warning, a second offense warranting warning usually results in dismissal. Additionally, a student placed on warning undergoes a review period during which time the student’s relationship with the school is under a formal review. The student must, during this time, demonstrate his/her positive contributions to the school through a respectful attitude, concentrated academic effort and a clear commitment to our community, and desire to live within the school rules. At the end of the review period, the Dean of Students will review the student’s citizenship and either recommend to the faculty that the student come off review or that the student leave the Academy for failure to meet the terms of the review. A majority vote by the faculty is needed to uphold the recommendation.
- Seniors placed on warning after May 1 may forgo commencement exercises and/or other end of year activities.
- Probation – A student may be placed on probation only ONCE during his/her time at the Academy. A second probationary offense usually results in dismissal. A probationary period of a minimum of 6-10 weeks may be established during which time the student’s relationship with the school is under a formal review. The student must, during this time, demonstrate his/her positive contributions to the school through a respectful attitude, concentrated academic effort, a clear commitment to our community, and a desire to live within the school rules. The student will also be asked to meet with a faculty member who will be designated as a probation counselor. Oftentimes the student’s advisor plays this role. In their meetings, they will discuss the student’s progress and share any concerns. At the end of the probation period, the Dean of Students will review the student’s citizenship and either recommend to the faculty that the student come off probation or that the student leave the Academy for failure to meet the terms of probation. A majority vote by the faculty is needed to uphold the recommendation. A student who commits a second probationary offense is usually dismissed.
Students placed on probation will likely have to report this to colleges during the application process (please see the Student Records section for more information regarding reporting procedures).
- Dress Code
- Academic Decorum
- Student Records
- Academy Standards
- Attendance
- Non-School Athletic Activities/Teams
- Inclement Weather/Class Cancellations
- Food Delivery