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Parent & Family Resource Center

All 108 family answers, on one page

The complete Family FAQ in plain text — easy to read straight through, print, or search with your browser. Prefer to search and filter? Use the searchable FAQ center.

Welcome

Welcome

What JRX Academy is, why it was created, and what flourishing means here.

What is JRX Academy?

JRX Academy is a year-round, K–12 learning community built around a simple idea: education should help every student flourish, not just pass tests. It blends academics, arts and culture, movement, and leadership into one connected daily experience rather than treating them as separate subjects.

Students are supported academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and as developing leaders. The goal is to know each child well and help them discover their gifts, build real skills, and contribute to the people around them.

What makes JRX Academy different from a traditional school?

JRX Academy is intentionally not a traditional school model. Academics, culture, movement, and leadership are woven into every day rather than kept in separate lanes, and learning is active and connected to real life instead of just textbooks and tests.

Students investigate real challenges, create original work, collaborate with others, reflect on their experiences, and apply what they learn in ways that benefit the world around them.

The school also runs year-round with a seasonal quarter system, uses daily rituals like assembly, companioning, and cypher to build culture, and measures success through more than grades — including character, relationships, and purpose.

Not a typical school day: A JRX day mixes core academics with assembly, cypher, companioning, and movement, all in the same schedule.

Why was JRX Academy created?

JRX Academy began with a question the founder kept returning to: what would a school look like if every decision were designed around helping human beings flourish? That question shaped the entire school.

Every child enters the world with worth, gifts, and potential, and education reaches its highest purpose when it helps young people discover who they are, develop their abilities, and use their knowledge and character to improve the lives of others.

What are JRX Academy's mission, vision, and philosophy?

The vision is that conscious and virtuous young people use their gifts to build harmonious, vibrant, and solution-oriented families, communities, and societies.

The mission is that JRX Academy guides each student's development through personalized education, meaningful relationships, and real-world learning, so students discover their gifts, build academic and practical competence, become self-directed, and contribute to their families, communities, and humanity.

The underlying philosophy holds that students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and challenged; that youth voice matters; that culture and academics shouldn't be separated; and that movement, creativity, and reflection are essential parts of learning, not extras.

How does JRX Academy define student success?

Success is measured by more than grades or test scores. Academic excellence expands opportunity, character shapes how those opportunities are used, relationships provide the foundation for flourishing, purpose gives learning direction, and contribution gives education its greatest meaning.

The hope is that when students eventually leave JRX Academy, they carry wisdom to make thoughtful decisions, character to do what is right, confidence to pursue meaningful goals, compassion, resilience, curiosity, purpose, and a lasting commitment to contribute to something greater than themselves.

Beyond report cards: Ask your child not just what grade they got, but what they created, presented, or contributed that week.

What does JRX Academy believe education is for?

JRX Academy believes education should prepare students for life, not only for tests. Students need strong academic skills, but they also need voice, confidence, discipline, character, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, practical life skills, and real opportunities to lead.

Education strengthens the whole person — intellectually, socially, emotionally, creatively, physically, ethically, and practically — because human flourishing requires continual growth in every dimension of life. Knowledge reaches its greatest value when it's guided by wisdom and expressed through character.

What does it mean for a student to 'flourish' at JRX?

Flourishing means developing the knowledge, character, capabilities, relationships, and sense of purpose that let a student navigate life's challenges, embrace its opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to their family, community, and future generations.

JRX Academy sees every student as more than a learner — as a future leader, parent, neighbor, artist, entrepreneur, teacher, innovator, and citizen. The habits developed today become the character that shapes tomorrow.

What role do families play in this vision?

Families are treated as essential partners, not bystanders. Parents and guardians remain a child's first and most influential teachers, and JRX Academy exists to strengthen that foundation through mutual respect, shared responsibility, open communication, and a common commitment to every student's growth.

Together, families and staff work to build a community where every child is known, challenged, supported, and celebrated.

How do JRX Academy's values show up day to day?

The school is built on the belief that students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and challenged, that youth voice should be developed and respected, and that culture and academics shouldn't be separated.

In practice, this means movement, play, creativity, and reflection are treated as essential parts of the day; leadership is developed through daily responsibility; and character is formed through practice, correction, reflection, and community — not a single lesson, but a daily rhythm.

Admissions & Enrollment

Admissions & Enrollment

How to apply, what we ask for, family conversations, and affordability.

How does the admissions process at JRX Academy work?

Because JRX Academy is a personalized, relationship-based school, admissions is designed to make sure the school is a strong fit for each family before enrollment begins. This includes understanding a student's needs and goals so that staff can plan appropriate support from day one.

Families interested in JRX Academy should reach out to the school directly for current steps, timelines, and any forms needed, since the specific admissions process can vary by grade level and enrollment pathway (including the Personalized Education Program).

Who is eligible to attend JRX Academy?

JRX Academy serves students in grades K–12 and is designed to support the whole student academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and as a developing leader. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin — every child and family is welcomed and valued as part of the community.

Some students enroll through the Personalized Education Program (PEP), a blended model combining on-campus teacher instruction with computer-based learning at home. Families should confirm current eligibility details with the school directly.

What documents are typically required for enrollment?

The handbook notes that a health examination record is required upon enrollment, along with immunization records or a valid exemption. Enrollment and attendance records are also maintained as part of a student's official file, along with academic progress and transcripts.

Families should check with the school for the complete, current list of enrollment paperwork, as requirements can be shaped by state guidelines and the specific enrollment pathway a family is using.

Health records matter: A health exam and immunization record (or exemption) are required before a student starts.

What is the Personalized Education Program (PEP)?

The PEP is a blended learning model at JRX Academy that combines direct instruction from teachers, computer-based learning, and enrichment opportunities. Students in PEP have regular, direct contact with teachers on campus at least two days each week for core subject instruction and progress checks.

On the remaining instructional days, students continue their studies on an approved online learning platform, working independently while a supportive guide provides daily encouragement and accountability. Teachers review assignments, provide feedback, and reteach concepts as needed.

Parents have ongoing access to progress reports and digital updates, so learning stays transparent and aligned with the student's personalized plan. Students also enjoy enrichment in the arts and leadership development alongside their academics.

How is PEP different from full-time attendance?: PEP students are on campus at least two days a week and learn independently online the rest of the week, with a guide checking in daily.

Does JRX Academy participate in scholarship programs?

Yes. JRX Academy is a participating school in Florida's state scholarship programs and follows all required state guidelines to protect the well-being and success of every student and family it serves.

As a scholarship-participating school, JRX Academy requires families to approve scholarship payments before funds are received, and the school maintains required financial safeguards so that funds are used transparently and responsibly.

How does JRX Academy think about affordability for families?

JRX Academy participates in Florida's state scholarship programs, which is one of the primary ways the school supports affordability for families. Financial processes are handled with transparency, including requiring family approval before scholarship funds are received.

For specific questions about costs, scholarship eligibility, or payment options, families should speak directly with the school, since the handbook focuses on compliance and safeguards rather than a detailed fee schedule.

What kinds of conversations happen with families before or during enrollment?

JRX Academy treats families as essential partners, so open communication is part of the culture from the start. Families can expect clear information about programs, services, and teacher qualifications, as well as regular updates on student progress once enrolled.

Because every student is placed on a Student Support Team and, where applicable, an Individual Action Plan, understanding a family's goals and a student's needs early on helps staff plan the right level of support from the beginning.

Can a student try out JRX Academy before fully enrolling?

The handbook does not lay out a specific trial-day or shadow-visit process, so families interested in a preview experience should ask the school directly about current options for visiting or observing before enrollment.

What the handbook does emphasize is that JRX Academy wants families to understand its model — the daily anchors, the quarter system, and the Specials Quests — clearly before committing, since fit and shared understanding matter a great deal in this kind of personalized environment.

What happens once a student is enrolled?

Once enrolled, each student is assigned to a Student Support Team made up of an Academic Specialist and Success Specialist, and additional staff such as a Student Support Specialist, counselor, or peer mentor as needed. This team ensures consistent guidance across academics, social-emotional needs, and future pathways.

Students also begin building a portfolio, follow a personalized daily schedule, and join the school's daily and weekly rhythms — including assembly, companioning, cypher, and the Friday Showcase — right away.

Learning Experience

Learning Experience

The daily rhythm, the year-round calendar, instruction, and how progress is measured.

What does a typical day at JRX Academy look like?

Every day is built around a consistent set of anchors: a Daily Youth Assembly, a daily check-in, core academic instruction, Specials (Art, Leadership, Law, Athletics, Hospitality, Technology), daily play and movement, daily companioning, and daily cypher.

The assembly sets the tone and reinforces expectations and virtues; the check-in helps staff catch needs early; and academic blocks mix computer-based learning, instructor-led instruction, and small group tutoring. Each week wraps up with the Friday Assembly and Showcase, where students present and reflect on their growth.

Same rhythm, every day: Assembly, check-in, academics, movement, companioning, and cypher happen daily, giving students a predictable structure.

Why does JRX Academy run year-round instead of a traditional school calendar?

JRX Academy operates year-round to provide consistent academic support, enrichment, and development throughout the entire year rather than treating learning as seasonal. The core academic calendar still aligns with the local school district for start/end dates, holidays, and reporting periods.

The year-round model helps students maintain academic progress and avoid learning loss, gives extra time for intervention and mastery, keeps structure and support consistent, and helps relationships between students, staff, and families stay strong.

How does the quarter (seasonal) system work?

The academic year is organized into four quarters aligned with the seasons, each with its own focus. Quarter 1 (Fall) centers on foundations, orientation, goal setting, identity, and community building. Quarter 2 (Winter) focuses on deep learning, reflection, discipline, and mastery.

Quarter 3 (Spring) emphasizes growth, creation, innovation, leadership, and service, while Quarter 4 (Summer) is about application, exploration, expeditions, internships, and capstone projects. This seasonal structure keeps learning, reflection, and growth continuous across the full year, including summer.

What happens during the summer quarter?

During the summer months (Quarter 4), JRX Academy shifts to a modified summer schedule that keeps structure in place while adding enrichment, project-based learning, and experiential activities. This can include continued academic support in core subjects, project-based learning connected to AmeriXa and Permaculture, STEAM and arts programming, athletics, field trips, and leadership development.

Even with an adjusted schedule, core JRX principles stay in place: daily routines, student engagement, culture-building practices, and opportunities for leadership and expression.

What is JRX Academy's overall academic model?

The JRX model is organized around four core components — Academics, Arts & Culture, Movement, and Leadership — combined with daily anchors, weekly rhythms, and long-term developmental design. Core academics focus on Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and English Language Arts, with an emphasis on reading, writing, arithmetic, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Instruction blends computer-based learning, instructor-led lessons, and small group instruction and tutoring, so students get both independent practice and direct support depending on what they need.

What is MAP testing and how often does it happen?

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is administered three times a year — at the beginning, middle, and end of the year — to track student growth and inform instruction. MAP data helps identify strengths and skill gaps, guide small group support, set individual learning goals, and monitor progress over time.

Even though MAP happens three times a year, student progress is monitored continuously through daily assignments, IXL practice, small group instruction, portfolios, and Friday Showcases, so no single test defines a student's picture of progress.

MAP is one data point: MAP results are used alongside daily work, IXL, and portfolios — not as a stand-alone measure of your child's progress.

How is IXL used at JRX Academy?

IXL is one of the computer-based learning tools students use for individualized skill practice and progress tracking, alongside MAP practice, digital reading tools, and other math skill-building platforms.

Staff are expected to use IXL and MAP data intentionally — not as isolated screen time — to identify strengths, spot skill gaps, plan small group instruction, monitor growth, and communicate progress to students and families.

What role does computer-based learning play in a student's day?

Computer-based learning lets students work at their own pace while building skills through digital platforms such as IXL, MAP practice, digital reading tools, math skill-building tools, and online lessons and assessments. It's one part of a student's schedule, not the whole day.

It's paired with instructor-led academics (direct instruction, modeling, guided practice, and discussion) and small group instruction and tutoring for students who need extra intervention or enrichment, so independent digital work is balanced with real teacher contact.

Does JRX Academy teach students about artificial intelligence?

Yes. Artificial intelligence literacy is part of the Academics Quest, alongside financial literacy, media literacy, college readiness, and career exploration, so students learn to understand and use AI thoughtfully rather than avoid it.

AI also shows up in the Technology Quest, where students build digital literacy, computational thinking, and responsible technology practices, and even within House of Hip Hop's technology connections around digital media and production.

What is small group instruction and tutoring?

Small group instruction and tutoring provide targeted support for students who need intervention, enrichment, or extra practice. These sessions let staff respond to specific needs with more individualized attention than a whole-class setting allows.

Small groups may focus on reading fluency or comprehension, writing development, math intervention, test-taking strategies, learning strategies, or project and portfolio completion, depending on what a student needs most.

What is a student portfolio and what goes in it?

A student portfolio documents learning, growth, projects, reflections, and accomplishments over time, making progress visible in a way that goes beyond a report card. Portfolios can include academic work samples, writing pieces, reading logs, math progress, project artifacts, documentary reports, Showcase reflections, student goals, and leadership evidence.

Portfolios also play a role at graduation, where a Graduation Portfolio becomes part of the evidence a student presents during their Life Atlas Graduation Defense.

What is the Friday Showcase?

Each week concludes with the Friday Assembly and Showcase, held from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, where students present, perform, reflect, and demonstrate growth. It's designed to make learning visible, build student confidence, reinforce accountability, and connect academics, arts, leadership, and reflection in one event.

Students may present science projects, math demonstrations, Social Studies work, ELA readings, AmeriXa or Permaculture updates, visual or performing arts, cypher selections, documentary reports, leadership reflections, or portfolio highlights. Students also take on roles like hosts, presenters, performers, and media or setup crew.

A weekly stage for every student: Every Friday, students present or perform something — academic, artistic, or reflective — in front of the community.

How does project-based, real-world learning fit into academics?

JRX Academy's Signature Projects — AmeriXa, Permaculture, and House of Hip Hop — are cornerstone interdisciplinary experiences that connect academic learning with real-world application, leadership, creativity, and service. Every Signature Project follows the same cycle: explore, investigate, create, collaborate, contribute, and reflect.

Rather than learning subjects in isolation, students experience education as an interconnected journey, applying academic skills to real history, real ecosystems, and real cultural expression, and presenting their work publicly.

What are 'Specials' at JRX Academy?

Specials are dedicated blocks in the daily schedule for Art, Leadership, Law, Athletics, Hospitality, and Technology — connecting directly to the Specials Quests. They give students hands-on time in areas beyond the four core academic subjects.

Specials are one of the daily anchors listed in every student's schedule, alongside academic blocks, computer-based learning, small group support, and movement, so creative and practical skill-building happens every day, not occasionally.

Does JRX Academy offer a hybrid or blended learning option?

Yes, through the Personalized Education Program (PEP). PEP students combine direct instruction with teachers, computer-based learning, and enrichment opportunities, meeting with teachers on campus at least two days a week while completing lessons independently on an approved online platform on other days.

A supportive guide checks in daily to encourage focus and communicate any challenges to the teacher, and parents can view progress reports and digital updates at any time, keeping the hybrid model transparent for families.

The Specials Quests

The Specials Quests

Academics, Arts, Athletics, Leadership, Law, Hospitality, and Technology.

What is the Academics Quest?

The Academics Quest builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and the humanities while developing curiosity, critical thinking, research skills, and lifelong learning habits, so students gain the knowledge needed to thrive in higher education, careers, entrepreneurship, and informed citizenship.

Students explore reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, research, critical thinking, financial literacy, media literacy, artificial intelligence literacy, college readiness, and career exploration.

Sample experiences connect to the school's Signature Projects, such as researching civic issues through AmeriXa or applying science and systems thinking through Permaculture, giving academic skills a real audience and purpose.

Looking ahead, the Academics Quest builds directly toward postsecondary pathways — college and university enrollment, dual enrollment, trade certification, or entrepreneurship — since students are expected to develop and present a postsecondary plan as they mature.

What is the Arts Quest?

The Arts Quest develops creativity, communication, craftsmanship, and cultural appreciation through visual arts, performing arts, storytelling, design, music, dance, theater, film, and digital media. It teaches students to communicate ideas, preserve culture, inspire others, and create meaningful work.

Students explore drawing and painting, murals and public art, music and vocal performance, theater, dance, film and digital media, photography, creative writing, spoken word, and graphic design.

Sample experiences include public exhibitions and performances, plus contributions to Friday Showcases and the House of Hip Hop signature project, where visual art, music, and performance are central.

Future pathways connected to the Arts Quest include creative careers in performing and visual arts, design, filmmaking, and media production, as well as entrepreneurship built around creative work.

What is the Athletics Quest?

The Athletics Quest develops physical fitness, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong wellness, helping students strengthen both body and mind while learning discipline, perseverance, healthy competition, emotional regulation, and respect for others.

Students explore team sports, individual sports, physical conditioning, strength and endurance, outdoor education, adventure activities, dance and movement, sports strategy, nutrition and wellness, and team leadership.

Sample experiences include daily play and movement periods, structured athletics, and character-building through competition, all reinforced by the school's daily movement anchor.

Future pathways include continued athletic participation, coaching and team leadership roles, and careers connected to fitness, wellness, and sports management.

What is the Leadership Quest?

The Leadership Quest prepares students to lead themselves, serve others, and strengthen their communities. Students develop responsibility, communication, collaboration, project management, and the confidence to organize initiatives that create positive change.

Students explore personal leadership, character development, public speaking, team building, community service, entrepreneurship, project management, event planning, civic engagement, mentoring, and organizational leadership.

Sample experiences include student roles at the Friday Showcase (hosts, reflection leaders, peer encouragers), participation in the Conscious Crusader ecosystem, and leadership within Signature Projects like AmeriXa's Intergenerational Councils.

Future pathways include community organizing, nonprofit or civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and management roles, since leadership and community engagement are also required for graduation.

What is the Law Quest?

The Law Quest develops thoughtful citizens who understand justice, responsibility, ethics, and civic participation. Students examine how societies organize themselves, resolve conflict, protect rights, and promote the common good.

Students explore civics, government, constitutional principles, ethics, philosophy, debate, negotiation, conflict resolution, criminal justice, public policy, community advocacy, and restorative practices.

Sample experiences connect closely to AmeriXa, where students study constitutional principles and civic responsibility, and to the school's restorative practices, which give students real experience resolving conflict fairly.

Future pathways include careers in law, public policy, advocacy, and civic leadership, along with the ethical reasoning and negotiation skills that support many other professional paths.

What is the Hospitality Quest?

The Hospitality Quest teaches students how to care for people, create welcoming environments, and strengthen communities through thoughtful service. It frames hospitality as more than customer service — as a skill for building healthy families, organizations, and communities.

Students explore culinary arts, nutrition, meal planning, food systems, gardening and permaculture, home economics, event planning, customer service, tourism and hospitality, wellness, and household management.

Sample experiences link to the Permaculture project through gardening and food systems, and to school events and showcases through event planning and community care.

Future pathways include careers in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, event planning, and wellness, as well as the everyday life skills of running a household and caring for others.

What is the Technology Quest?

The Technology Quest prepares students to design, build, create, and lead in an increasingly technological world. Students develop digital literacy, computational thinking, engineering skills, artificial intelligence literacy, and responsible technology practices.

Students explore computer science, programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, digital design, cybersecurity, virtual reality, e-sports and game strategy, data and analytics, and technology entrepreneurship.

Sample experiences include digital media and music production connected to House of Hip Hop, and use of the school's computer-based learning platforms and AI tools as part of everyday academics.

Future pathways include careers in software, engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, and technology entrepreneurship, building on the AI and digital literacy students develop from an early age.

Signature Projects

Signature Projects

AmeriXa, Permaculture, and the House of Hip Hop.

What is AmeriXa?

AmeriXa is JRX Academy's signature civic learning project. It was created in recognition of America's 250th anniversary, and it invites students to study history, understand the present, and help build stronger communities for the future.

Instead of just studying democracy from a textbook, students get real opportunities to practice citizenship: they research issues, collaborate with adults and peers, serve their community, and take on leadership roles.

AmeriXa connects to academics, arts, leadership, law, hospitality, and technology, so the civic learning shows up across a student's whole school experience.

Why 250 years?: AmeriXa was launched around America's 250th anniversary to connect students to a living tradition of civic responsibility.

What is the Declaration of Interdependence?

The Declaration of Interdependence, developed by Julian Cruz, is the organizing framework behind the AmeriXa Project.

It teaches that lasting progress comes from shared responsibility, collaboration, and purposeful action, not from any one person acting alone. Students learn that thriving communities are built when people organize around common values and priorities.

Rather than asking what one individual can do, the Declaration pushes students to ask what a whole community can accomplish together.

What are Conscious Communities?

As part of AmeriXa, students work with families, educators, mentors, organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to build Conscious Communities founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

These communities give people of every generation a chance to contribute their knowledge, experience, creativity, and leadership toward a common purpose.

What are Intergenerational Councils?

Each Conscious Community forms an Intergenerational Council made up of students, parents, educators, mentors, older adults, professionals, community partners, and local leaders.

Together, council members build relationships across generations, listen to different perspectives, identify shared priorities, develop solutions, coordinate projects, measure progress, and celebrate what's been achieved.

Through this work, students see firsthand how real communities organize themselves to create lasting change — and they help lead that process, not just observe it.

What are Generational Priorities?

Each Intergenerational Council sets Generational Priorities that guide its work for the year, based on local needs, student research, community input, and group discussion.

Examples include education, health and wellness, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, community safety, youth leadership, family well-being, technology, and civic participation.

Students help research these issues, gather community feedback, organize projects, evaluate results, and share recommendations — real civic work with real outcomes.

What is the Permaculture Project?

Permaculture teaches students how healthy systems are designed, sustained, and improved. Students study the relationships between people, food, water, soil, ecosystems, organizations, and communities, while building practical skills that strengthen both the environment and society.

Rather than looking at isolated facts, students learn to think in systems — recognizing that healthy communities, organizations, families, and ecosystems all depend on thoughtful design, responsible stewardship, and long-term thinking.

The JRX Academy Garden is one of the living laboratories where students observe, experiment, grow, and apply what they're learning firsthand.

Real garden, real learning: The school garden gives students hands-on experience with food systems and environmental stewardship, not just theory.

What topics do students explore in Permaculture?

Students explore food systems, soil science, water conservation, ecosystems, gardening, composting, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, renewable resources, nutrition, design thinking, systems thinking, community resilience, and stewardship.

This project connects most naturally to science, but it also weaves into athletics, hospitality, leadership, and technology, so students see how sustainable design touches nearly every part of life.

What is the House of Hip Hop Project?

House of Hip Hop explores Hip Hop as a global cultural movement that builds creativity, communication, discipline, entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-expression.

Students study Hip Hop's history, artistic traditions, cultural influence, and social impact, while developing their own voice. A core idea of the project is that students should master themselves before seeking to influence others.

The project integrates learning across arts, athletics, leadership, law, academics, hospitality, and technology — from music production and filmmaking to entrepreneurship and civic responsibility.

What are the Nine Elements of Hip Hop that students learn?

Students explore nine interconnected elements: Breaking (movement, discipline, teamwork), MCing (communication, storytelling, spoken word), Graffiti Art (visual arts, design), DJing (rhythm, sound design, technology), Beatboxing (musical creativity and performance), Street Fashion (identity, branding, design), Street Language (poetry, storytelling, literacy), Street Knowledge (history, philosophy, leadership), and Street Entrepreneurship (branding, financial literacy, business development).

Each element is treated as a genuine academic and personal-development pathway, not just an art form — building skills in communication, creativity, business, and identity along the way.

Why does JRX Academy have three Signature Projects instead of one?

Each Signature Project helps students understand and improve a different dimension of the world. AmeriXa explores how communities organize, govern, and flourish. Permaculture explores how living systems grow, adapt, and sustain life. House of Hip Hop explores how culture, creativity, and identity shape individuals and communities.

Together, they help students connect knowledge with action, creativity with responsibility, and leadership with service — so students graduate with academic knowledge plus the real experience and confidence to strengthen their families and communities.

How do Signature Projects show up in a student's portfolio?

Work from AmeriXa, Permaculture, and House of Hip Hop regularly becomes part of a student's portfolio — project artifacts, documentary reports, showcase reflections, and leadership evidence all connect back to these projects.

This means the portfolio isn't just a collection of worksheets; it's a record of real civic, environmental, and creative work a student has done over time.

Ask about their portfolio: Ask your child to walk you through a Signature Project piece in their portfolio — it's a great conversation starter.

Student Support

Student Support

Specialists, support teams, action plans, portfolios, and the Life Atlas.

What does an Academic Specialist do?

Academic Specialists are responsible for direct instruction and learning support. On a Student Support Team, they focus on academic growth and future readiness.

Their work includes monitoring academic progress, supporting core subject development, guiding academic goal-setting, supporting career exploration, connecting learning to real-world pathways, and helping students build their portfolios.

What does a Success Specialist do?

Success Specialists provide behavioral support, mentorship, and overall student supervision throughout the building, and they serve as the primary coordinator of each Student Support Team.

They focus on a student's social, emotional, and behavioral development: leading regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings, supporting social-emotional growth, addressing behavior patterns, leading Individual Action Plans, and building relationships with students and families.

A designated Success Specialist also serves as the lead administrator during the school day, keeping programming, supervision, and daily transitions running smoothly.

What is a Student Support Team?

Every student at JRX Academy is assigned to a Student Support Team, made up of an Academic Specialist, Success Specialist, Student Support Specialist (as needed), Counselor (when necessary), and a Peer Mentor (as needed).

This team works together to ensure consistent guidance, accountability, and development across academics, social-emotional growth, and future pathways. The Success Specialist coordinates the team so communication and follow-up stay aligned.

Teams meet regularly to review student progress, identify concerns early, align support strategies, and adjust as needed — and students are expected to know who's on their team and how to reach them.

Know your child's team: Ask your child who is on their Student Support Team — they should be able to tell you.

Is counseling available for students?

Yes. A Counselor is part of the Student Support Team "when necessary," providing additional support for students with deeper social, emotional, or mental health needs, including referrals and specialized interventions.

JRX Academy also connects students and families to outside support services when needed, such as counseling referrals, community resources, or family services.

How does JRX Academy support students who need accommodations?

Students who need accommodations receive support that allows them to access learning successfully. This can include adjustments to instruction, environment, pacing, assignments, or level of support.

Accommodations Plans work alongside other tools like Individual Action Plans to make sure each student's specific needs are being met.

What is an Individual Action Plan?

Individual Action Plans provide a structured approach to goal-setting and support based on each student's needs, and they can address academic, behavioral, social, or leadership development.

A plan may include a student's strengths, areas for growth, short- and long-term goals, support strategies, staff responsibilities, family involvement, and set review dates — so progress is tracked and adjusted over time.

What goes into a student's portfolio?

Student portfolios document learning, growth, projects, reflections, and accomplishments over time, making progress visible and supporting both academic and leadership development.

Portfolios may include academic work samples, writing pieces, reading logs, math progress, project artifacts, documentary reports, showcase reflections, student goals, and evidence of leadership.

What is the Life Atlas?

The Life Atlas guides student development through seven connected areas: Crown (know yourself), Code (live your values), Quest (choose purpose), Field (read the world), Moves (build strategy), Circle (build community), and Future (advance humanity).

Students use the Life Atlas to set direction, select their Quests, document evidence of growth, reflect on their development, and prepare for advancement through the Crusader Levels.

It's a thread that connects academic support, portfolios, and leadership development into one ongoing record of a student's growth.

Connected to Crusader Levels: Life Atlas evidence is one of the key things reviewed when a student advances through the Crusader Levels.

Do students meet individually with staff?

Yes. Students meet regularly with a staff member for Weekly Student 1-on-1 Meetings, which support relationship-building, goal-setting, reflection, and early intervention.

Topics can include academic progress, behavior patterns, attendance, personal goals, family needs, leadership growth, emotional well-being, and portfolio progress.

Are outside partners involved in student support?

Yes. JRX Academy brings in nonprofit organizations, community partners, professionals, artists, and service providers to expand student exposure, support, and real-world learning through the Student Support component.

Partners may provide workshops, mentorship, career exposure, wellness education, cultural enrichment, leadership development, or family support resources. All of this is age-appropriate, mission-aligned, and coordinated with school staff.

Leadership

Leadership

Conscious Crusaders, Crusader Levels, councils, and Good Souls mentorship.

What does it mean that every student is a "Conscious Crusader"?

The Conscious Crusaders Leadership System is JRX Academy's structure for developing student identity, character, leadership, service, civic awareness, and positive influence — and every single student is considered a Conscious Crusader.

Leadership isn't about popularity, age, title, or position; it's demonstrated through character, contribution, accountability, service, and the ability to strengthen others.

Leadership development shows up everywhere: daily responsibilities, academic and applied projects, teamwork, service, reflection, Student Showcases, Life Atlas work, and school or community initiatives.

What are the Crusader Levels?

The Crusader Levels System tracks student development across identity, knowledge, skill, leadership, relationships, service, systems, and legacy. All students remain equal in dignity — levels reflect readiness for greater trust and responsibility, not a student's worth.

The ten levels move from Seeker (discover yourself) and Explorer (explore possibilities), through Learner, Builder, Organizer, Leader, and Companion, to Keeper, Architect, and finally Legacy (create the new and inspire the next generation).

Advancement is determined through Life Atlas evidence, student reflection, mentor review, and demonstrated readiness for more responsibility. It can lead to opportunities like Council participation, mentoring younger students, or leading projects. Students can also step back temporarily when they need more support, with a clear path back.

Ten levels, one journey: Crusader Levels run from Seeker all the way to Legacy, marking growth rather than ranking students against each other.

What is the Conscious Crusader Council?

The Conscious Crusader Council is JRX Academy's student representative and shared-leadership body. Members represent student perspectives, identify student and community needs, strengthen school culture, support assemblies and Student Showcases, and propose student-led initiatives.

Council members can also organize service and community projects and give input on decisions that affect student life. Participation is based on demonstrated readiness, service, responsibility, preparation, and the ability to represent others fairly.

What are Social Crusaders?

Social Crusaders are civically aware, media-prepared student leaders who use communication, storytelling, creative expression, and digital platforms to create positive influence.

They may contribute to youth-led media, school campaigns, documentary storytelling, civic and community education, social causes, and public-awareness initiatives.

The guiding idea is that influence carries responsibility — their communication should reflect truth, purpose, accuracy, respect, and care.

What is the Young Crusaders pathway?

Young Crusaders is the developmental pathway through which younger students begin the early Crusader Levels. Through age-appropriate responsibilities and experiences, they build self-awareness, confidence, communication, responsibility, teamwork, participation, and service.

The core lesson is that leadership begins with learning to guide yourself, work with others, and contribute wherever you stand.

What is Good Souls Mentorship?

Good Souls Mentorship is JRX Academy's structure for student support, accountability, restoration, and successful re-engagement. It offers guidance from trusted adults and peers when a student needs extra support with academics, relationships, emotional regulation, behavior, conflict, or personal responsibility.

Through this process, students are guided to pause and reset, understand what happened, consider the impact of their choices, accept responsibility, repair harm when possible, strengthen needed skills, and reconnect with the community.

It is explicitly not a label, punishment, or disciplinary placement — it's a relational process grounded in reflection, accountability, care, and restoration.

Not a punishment: Good Souls Mentorship is designed as a supportive, relational process — not a disciplinary label.

How does the Life Atlas connect to leadership development?

Students use the Life Atlas — Crown, Code, Quest, Field, Moves, Circle, and Future — to establish direction, choose their Quests, document evidence, reflect on growth, and prepare for advancement through the Crusader Levels.

Leadership growth, service, and Life Atlas development are named together as part of how leadership is integrated throughout daily school life, not treated as a separate program.

What values guide the Conscious Crusader system?

Conscious Crusaders are guided by ten virtues that shape every decision: Hope, Purpose, Joy, Respect, Justice, Truth, Peace, Love, Unity, and Compassion.

Students also learn to "Read the Field" — understanding major environments that shape society, such as economics, education, entertainment, labor, law, politics, religion, and war — so they can recognize systems, opportunities, and the consequences of their choices.

What is "the Hive" at JRX Academy?

The Hive is the interdependent JRX Academy community, where each person contributes their gifts, effort, and responsibility to the growth of the whole.

Students learn that their own development and the community's well-being are connected — as Conscious Crusaders grow, they're expected to strengthen the Hive through service, leadership, collaboration, and care.

Families & Partnership

Families & Partnership

Communication, conferences, volunteering, and what we ask of each other.

How does JRX Academy communicate with families?

JRX Academy is committed to clear, timely, and respectful communication with families. You'll receive information about academic year schedules, quarterly timelines, MAP testing windows, summer schedule and expectations, and program hour adjustments so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Staff are expected to communicate both concerns and positive progress, not just problems. Updates come through conferences, direct communication, and ongoing progress reports so you always know how your child is doing.

Because JRX operates on a year-round calendar with quarters aligned to the seasons, staying in the communication loop helps you understand what's coming next, from testing windows to summer programming.

Year-round updates: Because JRX runs year-round, expect ongoing communication about quarterly and summer schedule changes, not just a single back-to-school update.

Are parents required to volunteer at JRX Academy?

Yes. Parents and guardians are asked to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per month, either personally or through a designated representative approved by the school.

Volunteering can look like many things: supporting school events, assisting in classrooms or activities, contributing to programs, or taking part in other approved opportunities that strengthen the JRX community.

If four hours a month feels like a lot given your schedule, talk with the school about an approved representative or alternative ways to contribute — the goal is genuine partnership, not a rigid requirement.

Delegate if needed: A designated representative approved by the school can fulfill volunteer hours on your behalf.

What happens at Parent/Specialist Conferences?

Parent and specialist conferences give families and staff a dedicated time to review student progress, discuss any concerns, and build support strategies together.

Conferences may cover academic growth, behavior, attendance, accommodations, Individual Action Plans, family support needs, and student goals — essentially a full picture of how your child is doing.

These conversations are meant to be collaborative. Staff come prepared to share both progress and challenges, and to work with you on next steps.

What is the Parent Committee and how can I get involved?

The Parent Committee gives parents a structured voice in shaping the JRX Academy experience. It's built on the belief that families are essential partners, not just recipients of information.

The committee may support staff hiring input, school events, family communication, volunteer coordination, academic support initiatives, culture-building activities, and fundraising and resource development.

If you want a more active role in shaping school life beyond your own child's classroom, this is the place to plug in.

What is expected of parents and guardians at JRX Academy?

Parent and family engagement at JRX is meant to be structured, consistent, and collaborative. Families are expected to support attendance and punctuality, communicate important student needs, participate in conferences, and support academic expectations at home.

You're also asked to respond to school communication, encourage positive behavior and responsibility, participate in school events when possible, and volunteer at least 4 hours per month.

These expectations reflect JRX's belief that parents remain a child's first and most influential teachers, and that the school's model works best when home and school reinforce each other.

How does JRX Academy view the relationship between families and the school?

JRX Academy sees families as essential partners in student success, not just an audience for school updates. The handbook's founding letter describes the relationship as one of mutual respect, shared responsibility, open communication, and a common commitment to every student's growth.

This partnership shows up in practical ways: connecting students and families to support services when needed, informing families of progress through conferences and regular communication, and inviting parent voice through the Parent Committee.

Ultimately, JRX exists to strengthen the foundation parents have already built at home, not replace it.

Shared responsibility: JRX describes parents as a child's first and most influential teachers — the school aims to build on that, not take it over.

Can my family get connected to outside support services?

Yes. JRX Academy connects students and families to support services when needed, which may include academic support, counseling referrals, community resources, or other assistance.

This connection often comes up during conferences or through your child's Student Support Team, which includes staff focused on academic and social-emotional development.

If your family is facing a challenge that's affecting your child's learning or wellbeing, don't hesitate to raise it — staff are expected to build trust with families and treat these conversations as a partnership.

School Culture & Daily Life

School Culture & Daily Life

Assembly, cypher, companioning, showcases, play, and restorative practice.

What happens during the Daily Youth Assembly?

Every day at JRX Academy starts with a Daily Youth Assembly, the cultural and organizational anchor of the school day. It brings students and staff together to set the tone, review expectations, and build a sense of collective purpose before instruction begins.

A typical assembly may include an opening greeting, announcements, a virtue of the day or week, a review of daily expectations, recognition of positive behavior, student voice or reflection, and music or call-and-response traditions.

The idea is to align everyone as a community before the academic day starts, reminding students they're part of something larger than their individual assignments.

What is the daily cypher?

The daily cypher is a structured space for student voice, expression, dialogue, and community-building. It may include spoken word, reflection, discussion, music, storytelling, debate, or student-led sharing.

Through the cypher, students build voice, confidence, listening skills, respectful dialogue, public speaking ability, emotional expression, cultural identity, and community connection.

Students are expected to practice HEART — Humility, Excellence, Assertiveness, Respect, and Trust — during the cypher: listening when others speak, speaking with respect, and using the space for growth rather than disruption.

HEART framework: Cypher participation is guided by HEART: Humility, Excellence, Assertiveness, Respect, and Trust.

What is companioning?

Daily companioning is a practice that supports reflection, discussion, character development, and social-emotional learning through guided content and conversation. It often involves watching and discussing shows that explore real-life scenarios like decision-making, conflict, fairness, and consequences.

Discussions are guided by questions such as: What happened? What choices were made? What were the consequences? What virtue was missing or demonstrated? What could have been done differently? How does this apply to our lives?

Students also take part in a weekly Documentary Companioning session, using longer-form content for deeper analysis, and complete a Student Documentary Report reflecting on what they learned and how it connects to JRX themes.

What is the Friday Showcase?

Each week concludes with the Friday Assembly / Showcase, running from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. It's a core component of the JRX model where learning becomes visible: students present, perform, reflect, and demonstrate growth in front of the community.

Students may present science projects, math demonstrations, ELA readings, art pieces, performing arts, cypher selections, documentary reports, leadership reflections, and portfolio highlights. Students also take on roles like host, presenter, performer, greeter, or media team member.

Beyond being a fun weekly tradition, the Showcase also functions as a form of performance-based assessment — a chance for staff and families to see real evidence of what students have learned.

Showcase and grading: The Friday Showcase doubles as a form of assessment — see how it connects to grading and progress monitoring.

What are restorative practices at JRX Academy?

JRX Academy uses a virtues-based and restorative approach to behavior. Discipline isn't just about consequences — it's about accountability, repair, growth, and character development, with students staying connected to the learning community whenever it's safe to do so.

When conflict or harm occurs, students may participate in mediation or a restorative conversation to understand the impact of their choices and work toward repair. This is a deliberate step in the school's incident management process, used before or alongside any consequence.

Out-of-school suspension is not used as a standard response and is reserved for exceptional situations where safety can't otherwise be maintained.

How does play fit into the school day?

Play is treated as part of learning, not separate from it. JRX Academy builds in daily structured opportunities for physical activity and social development because play supports health, teamwork, emotional regulation, peer relationships, and joy.

Students play in designated spaces such as the Blacktop, Clemente Park, the Annex, and the Dance Area, always under active staff supervision.

During play, students are expected to follow safety guidelines, respect staff direction, use equipment properly, include others, practice good sportsmanship, and resolve conflict peacefully.

How does JRX Academy build movement into learning, and what leadership opportunities exist?

Movement is one of JRX's four core components alongside Academics, Arts & Culture, and Leadership. It supports physical health, energy regulation, teamwork, discipline, confidence, and joy through daily play, athletics, dance, outdoor activity, and structured movement time.

Leadership, meanwhile, is developed through daily responsibility rather than titles. Every student is part of the Conscious Crusaders Leadership System, and students can also participate in the Conscious Crusader Council, Social Crusaders (media and civic storytelling), and various Friday Showcase roles like host or media team.

Leadership is demonstrated through character, contribution, accountability, and service — not popularity or age — so opportunities are genuinely open to students who show up consistently.

How is character and virtue woven into daily culture?

Character development happens throughout the day at JRX Academy — from the Daily Youth Assembly's virtue of the day, to companioning discussions about choices and consequences, to the cypher's HEART practice of Humility, Excellence, Assertiveness, Respect, and Trust.

Students are expected to practice virtues daily in their behavior and interactions, take responsibility for their actions, and repair harm through restorative practices when needed.

This isn't treated as a separate subject — it's built into the daily rhythm alongside academics, so character growth happens through lived practice rather than a single lesson.

Technology & AI

Technology & AI

How students use AI and devices, and how we keep that use safe and responsible.

What are the rules around technology use at JRX Academy?

Technology at JRX Academy is used for learning, skill development, digital literacy, assessment, and creativity — including computer-based learning, VR, e-gaming, digital assignments, and academic platforms.

Students are expected to use devices only for assigned learning, follow staff directions, respect equipment, avoid inappropriate websites or content, protect their login information, and use technology responsibly overall.

Technology misuse is treated as a real incident category, similar to other behavior concerns, and is addressed through the school's standard incident process.

How does JRX Academy teach students about artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence literacy is built into the Technology Quest, one of the Specials Quests every student experiences. Students explore AI alongside computer science, programming, robotics, engineering, and digital design.

AI literacy also shows up in the Academics Quest, where it's paired with financial literacy, media literacy, and college readiness — reflecting the school's view that AI understanding is now a core life skill, not just a technical elective.

The goal is for students to use innovation, including AI, responsibly and in ways that improve lives and strengthen communities, rather than treating it purely as a tool for shortcuts.

Part of a bigger picture: AI literacy is taught alongside financial and media literacy, not as a stand-alone tech subject.

What is computer-based learning at JRX Academy?

Computer-based learning lets students work at an individualized pace on digital platforms, supporting practice, progress tracking, and targeted academic growth. It's built into the daily schedule alongside instructor-led instruction and small group tutoring.

Progress through computer-based learning feeds into the broader assessment picture, along with MAP testing, IXL, portfolios, and Friday Showcases.

In certain approved cases, students may complete computer-based learning or other assigned work from home, as part of a hybrid arrangement coordinated with staff to maintain accountability.

Does JRX Academy use virtual reality in the classroom?

Yes. Virtual reality is one of the technologies explored through the Technology Quest, alongside robotics, engineering, digital design, and e-sports, and it's also named specifically as a technology students use as part of their coursework.

VR is treated the same as other school technology: students are expected to use it for assigned learning purposes, follow staff direction, and use it responsibly.

This reflects JRX's broader approach of exposing students to emerging technologies as part of preparing them for an increasingly technological world.

Does JRX Academy teach cybersecurity and digital safety?

Cybersecurity is part of the Technology Quest curriculum, taught alongside computer science, programming, AI, robotics, and data analytics, so students build an understanding of how to protect systems and information as they grow their technical skills.

On the practical side, students are also expected to protect their own login information and use technology responsibly as part of everyday digital citizenship — not just as a topic they study.

Together, these give students both the conceptual understanding of cybersecurity and daily habits that reinforce it.

How does JRX Academy approach digital citizenship and responsible use?

Responsible technology use is treated as a core expectation, not an afterthought. Students are expected to use devices for assigned learning, avoid inappropriate content, protect login credentials, and use technology thoughtfully overall.

This extends into student leadership too — Social Crusaders, JRX's media-focused student leaders, are taught that influence carries responsibility, and that their communication on digital platforms should reflect truth, purpose, accuracy, respect, and care.

Technology misuse is documented as a specific incident category, so there is a clear, consistent process if a student's use of technology causes a concern.

Graduation & Beyond

Graduation & Beyond

Requirements, the portfolio, the Life Atlas Defense, and life after JRX.

What are JRX Academy's graduation requirements?

As a non-accredited private school, JRX Academy does not rely solely on traditional credit accumulation. Instead, graduation is based on demonstrated readiness across several areas: academic readiness, a Graduation Portfolio, leadership and community engagement, a postsecondary plan, college and career readiness preparation, and successfully completing the Life Atlas Graduation Defense.

Academic readiness means showing competency in English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies through coursework, assessments, projects, computer-based learning, and real-world application — not just seat time or credit hours.

Students who aren't yet ready to graduate receive clear feedback, an improvement plan, additional support, and another opportunity to complete what's required. The guiding idea is that graduation reflects genuine, demonstrated readiness for life after JRX.

Not just credits: JRX graduation is based on demonstrated readiness — portfolio evidence and a formal Defense matter as much as coursework.

What is the Graduation Portfolio and how is it different from regular portfolios?

The Graduation Portfolio is a body of evidence showing a student's growth across academics, writing, projects, performances, showcases, reflection, leadership, and applied learning — essentially the capstone version of the ongoing student portfolio kept throughout their time at JRX.

Throughout their years at JRX, students build regular portfolios that include work samples, reading logs, math progress, project artifacts, documentary reports, and leadership evidence. The Graduation Portfolio pulls the strongest and most representative evidence from this ongoing record.

This portfolio is presented as part of the Life Atlas Graduation Defense, so students need to actively curate and reflect on their portfolio well before their final year.

What is the Life Atlas Graduation Defense?

The Life Atlas Graduation Defense is a formal presentation where each student defends their Life Atlas — JRX's whole-person development framework — before an approved panel that typically includes an educator, a family member or guardian, and a mentor.

During the Defense, students present their Graduation Portfolio, reflect on personal and academic growth, share evidence of competence and contribution, explain their Crown (identity), Quest (purpose), Code (values), Moves (habits), Field (environment), Circle (relationships), and Future (legacy), present their postsecondary plan, and respond to panel questions.

Students must demonstrate five core outcomes: Identity, Purpose, Competence, Contribution, and Accountability. A student who isn't yet ready doesn't fail outright — they receive clear feedback, a structured improvement plan, additional mentoring, and another opportunity to complete the Defense.

Families are part of the panel: A family member or guardian typically sits on the Defense panel alongside an educator and a mentor.

What is the postsecondary plan requirement?

Every graduating student must present a clear, written postsecondary plan covering what comes next — whether that's college or university, trade training, certification, employment, entrepreneurship, or another approved pathway.

This plan is developed well before senior year: starting around age 14, students begin working on postsecondary pathways in parallel with their coursework, including exploring dual enrollment, trade certifications, workforce entry, or entrepreneurship.

The postsecondary plan is formally presented as part of the Life Atlas Graduation Defense, alongside the student's portfolio and reflection on their growth.

What does a JRX Academy diploma represent?

Students who complete all graduation requirements receive a JRX Academy Diploma. It's meant to represent demonstrated academic readiness, character and responsibility, leadership development, real-world application, and postsecondary preparation — not just a checklist of completed classes.

Because JRX is a non-accredited private school, the diploma is grounded in this readiness-based model rather than traditional credit accumulation alone.

The school also provides transcripts, portfolio evidence, progress reports, and Defense results to support students as they move into college applications or other next steps.

How does JRX Academy prepare students for college and beyond?

College and career readiness is one of the formal graduation criteria. Students complete a readiness pathway suited to their goals, which may include SAT or ACT preparation, dual enrollment, industry certification, or other career exploration and preparation.

JRX also provides transcripts, portfolio evidence, progress reports, and Defense results to support college applications. College-bound students are encouraged to strengthen applications further with SAT/ACT scores, dual enrollment, accredited external coursework, certifications, and documented achievements.

This preparation isn't limited to college-bound students — the same readiness pathway concept applies whether a student is headed to a four-year school, a trade program, or straight into the workforce.

How does the Life Atlas connect to graduation throughout a student's time at JRX?

The Life Atlas isn't a senior-year project — it's a living record that develops with a student from early on, tracking their identity (Crown), purpose (Quest), values (Code), habits (Moves), environment (Field), relationships (Circle), and legacy (Future) over time.

Students receive regular reviews of their Life Atlas progress across Growth, Execution, Contribution, and Alignment, with scores discussed directly with the student and supported by evidence, not treated as a measure of their worth as a person.

Because the Life Atlas builds continuously, the final Graduation Defense is really a culmination of years of ongoing reflection, evidence-gathering, and feedback rather than a one-time event a student prepares for at the last minute.

Policies & Expectations

Policies & Expectations

Attendance, discipline, safety, health, privacy, and ethics.

What is JRX Academy's attendance policy?

Consistent attendance and participation are considered essential to student progress. Students are expected to attend daily and participate fully in academics, specials, movement, companioning, cypher, and showcase preparation.

In certain cases, students may get prior approval to complete computer-based learning or other assigned work from home, and some students participate in an approved hybrid structure combining in-person and at-home learning. These students are still expected to meet all academic requirements and stay engaged with showcases and required activities.

Families are expected to notify the school of absences, late arrivals, early dismissals, or any change to a student's learning schedule according to school procedures.

How does JRX Academy handle behavior and discipline?

JRX uses a virtues-based, restorative approach. Discipline is meant to build accountability, repair, growth, and character — not simply hand out punishments — and students stay engaged in the learning community whenever it's safe to do so.

When an incident occurs, staff follow a clear process: ensure immediate safety, document facts, investigate, hold mediation or a restorative conversation when appropriate, decide on consequences and supports, and follow up. For repeated or serious concerns, a student may receive a structured Behavior Improvement or Character Development Plan.

Out-of-school suspension is not a standard response and is used only in exceptional situations where safety can't be maintained through in-school support. Families are contacted and treated as partners throughout the process, and positive behavior is also formally documented and celebrated through positive incident reports.

Suspension is rare: Out-of-school suspension is only used in exceptional circumstances where safety can't otherwise be maintained.

What safety and supervision practices are in place?

Student safety is treated as a shared responsibility. Staff are expected to actively supervise students at all times, know where students are, respond quickly to concerns, document incidents, and follow emergency procedures.

JRX maintains emergency procedures for medical incidents, severe weather, fire drills, lockdowns, missing student concerns, and transportation issues. During movement and outdoor activities specifically, staff ensure clear boundaries, active supervision, hydration, and safe transitions.

All staff and volunteers must complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and clearance procedures before working with students, and staff receive ongoing training in safety and supervision, incident reporting, and youth development practices.

What is JRX Academy's approach to nutrition and student wellness?

Nutrition, movement, and daily habits are treated as essential parts of whole-child development. As part of this, JRX Academy does not use high-sugar items as incentives, rewards, or behavior management tools.

Staff are asked to be mindful of how sugar intake affects focus, behavior, energy, and long-term health, and to use recognition that builds intrinsic motivation instead — things like verbal recognition, leadership opportunities, privileges, positive incident reports, and Showcase recognition.

Wellness is reinforced daily through movement and athletics, Home Economics and nutrition education, structured routines, and hands-on food systems learning connected to the Permaculture project and school garden.

No sugar rewards: JRX intentionally avoids using candy or sugary treats as behavior incentives, favoring recognition tied to leadership and responsibility instead.

How does JRX Academy grade and report on student progress?

Grades are only one part of a broader picture at JRX. Students receive grades or progress indicators in Science, Math, Social Studies, and ELA, based on daily assignment completion, assessment performance (MAP, IXL, teacher-created), participation, and project-based outcomes.

Portfolios and Friday Showcases add a second layer of assessment, showing growth over time and requiring students to demonstrate what they've learned through presentations, performances, and reflections rather than relying only on test scores.

Families are kept informed of progress through conferences, ongoing communication, and updates as needed, so grading is never a once-a-quarter surprise.

How does JRX Academy protect student privacy, especially around the Life Atlas?

The Life Atlas — JRX's whole-person development record — belongs to the student. The school supports, stores, verifies, and administers the system, but students have appropriate control over their personal reflections, evidence, access permissions, and sharing.

Some reflections can be marked private: these are not automatically scored, not silently analyzed, and not shared with mentors unless the student chooses to share them, though access can still be limited by age, parent or guardian rights, legal obligations, and safeguarding responsibilities.

Access to Life Atlas records is role-based and logged — available to the student, parents or guardians when applicable, approved mentors, and authorized staff, with restricted information tracked and mentor access ending when a mentoring relationship ends unless specific exceptions apply.

What is the school-wide technology use policy?

Technology use is governed by clear expectations: students use devices for assigned learning, follow staff direction, respect equipment, avoid inappropriate websites or content, protect login information, and use technology responsibly overall. This applies to computer-based learning, VR, e-gaming, digital assignments, and academic platforms.

Technology misuse is one of the specific categories tracked in the school's incident reporting system, meaning it's addressed through the same structured, restorative discipline process used for other behavior concerns.

This policy connects directly to the broader Technology Quest curriculum, where students also learn cybersecurity, AI literacy, and digital citizenship as academic content, not just rules to follow.

What ethical standards and reporting obligations does JRX Academy follow?

JRX Academy has adopted formal Standards of Ethical Conduct (adapted from Florida's Code of Ethics for the Education Profession). These require staff to protect students from harm, avoid discrimination or harassment, maintain confidentiality of student information, and act with honesty and integrity in all professional dealings.

All staff have an affirmative legal duty to report suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, with a dedicated hotline provided for this purpose. Reports of staff misconduct affecting a student's health, safety, or welfare go to designated school leaders, and legally sufficient allegations involving certified educators are escalated to the appropriate state office.

Anyone reporting in good faith is protected from civil or criminal liability under Florida law, so families and staff can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Mandatory reporting: All JRX staff are legally required to report suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

What qualifications do JRX Academy teachers have?

JRX Academy requires instructional staff to meet one of the state-approved qualification pathways under Florida law. Teachers must document either a bachelor's degree or higher, three or more years of K–12 teaching experience, or specialized skills, knowledge, or expertise relevant to K–12 instruction.

Acceptable documentation for the specialized-expertise pathway includes professional certifications, professional development training, curriculum or instructional training certificates, or evidence of relevant specialized experience.

All staff and volunteers also complete background checks, fingerprinting, and clearance procedures, plus onboarding covering the school's mission, safety procedures, and behavior system before working with students.

How does the Personalized Education Program (PEP) work, and what should families expect?

Students enrolled through the Personalized Education Program (PEP) learn through a blended model combining direct teacher instruction, computer-based learning, and enrichment opportunities. Every PEP student has regular, direct contact with teachers on campus at least two days each week.

On the remaining days, students work independently on an approved online learning platform while a Guide provides daily encouragement, accountability, and emotional support. Teachers monitor assignments, review work, provide feedback, and reteach concepts as needed.

Parents in the PEP model have ongoing access to progress reports and digital updates, keeping learning transparent and aligned with each student's individualized education plan.

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