Welcome!
Welcome to Rooted Classical Homestead School! In classical education, we sow good, true and beautiful knowledge and wisdom into the minds of students to grow in them skills that will reap a fruitful harvest of abundance. The application of the classical tools of learning within a homesteading context empowers students to think critically, reason and communicate effectively, and develop a lifetime love of learning as they recover the lost skills of working with their hands.
We are excited to partner with you in creating a learning environment that blends classical academics with practical homesteading skills. This handbook outlines the expectations, policies, and values that guide our school community. Please read it carefully and keep it for reference throughout the year. If you have any questions, please contact us!
Our guiding principles are built on The Three R’s:
Respect – valuing people, property, and the learning process.
Restraint – practicing self-control in words, actions, and emotions.
Responsibility – owning our choices and contributing positively to the community.
1. Core Values
Respect
Speak courteously to peers, staff, and visitors.
Listen when others are speaking; avoid interrupting.
Care for school property, personal belongings, and the natural environment.
Value the work and time of others by arriving on time and being prepared.
Restraint
Think before acting or speaking; choose responses that build rather than harm.
Use materials, tools, and equipment appropriately and safely.
Avoid disruptive behavior that prevents others from learning or working.
Manage emotions constructively, seeking help when needed.
Responsibility
Complete assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
Follow safety guidelines for both classroom and homestead activities.
Clean up after yourself in learning spaces, kitchens, gardens, and animal areas.
Admit mistakes honestly, humbly and work to make things right.
2. Student Conduct Expectations
Respect
Stop means stop. When someone asks you to stop, stop immediately. When you ask someone to stop, ask them respectfully. If the problem continues, get help from an adult.
Intentional physical or verbal disruption that prevents someone from continuing an activity they are already doing is not allowed.
Respect the school program and schedule by following a teacher’s instructions to join an activity or to end it.
Student participation is required. A student may respectfully ask to be excused from an activity for an appropriate reason, as determined by the teacher.
Dress Code
Clothing must be modest in nature and style: no spaghetti straps, low cut or crop tops. Shorts must extend beyond the length of fingertips when standing. No leggings unless the rear is covered. Clothing must be free from inappropriate language or graphics.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for both classroom and outdoor work. The homestead doesn’t pause for inclement weather, so be ready for whatever the day may bring.
Closed-toe shoes are required for all homestead activities. Waterproof boots are required for winter use. Insulated rubber boots are preferred.
Language & Communication
Use language that is respectful and appropriate in all settings.
Avoid gossip, teasing, or name-calling.
Technology Use
Students are not allowed to bring technology devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) on the homestead. Parents may contact the teacher and students may contact their parents when necessary at any time during the school day.
Teachers may use technology for teaching purposes as required.
3. Safety Rules
The teacher’s request to cease an activity is non-negotiable.
For example, venturing away from the teacher, throwing sticks or rocks, using tools in an unsafe manner, not following animal safety protocols, etc. For this reason, a student should agree to follow teacher’s requests at once without delay, complaint or challenge in order to ensure safety of self and all.
Physical aggression is never tolerated.
This includes pushing, tripping, shoving, punching, scratching, spitting, throwing something at and any other form of physical assault on a person or animal. Any person attending the homestead is expected to exert self-control so as to not harm another person.
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE SAFETY RULES TWICE IN A SINGLE DAY REQUIRES A STUDENT BE SENT HOME FOR THE DAY. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE SAFETY RULES ON TWO CONSECUTIVE INSTRUCTION DAYS REQUIRES A STUDENT BE REMOVED FROM THE PROGRAM.
4. Homestead Rules
Follow staff instructions when using tools, equipment, or working with animals.
Never enter an animal pen, workshop, or garden area without permission.
Always close the door or gate behind you. No climbing or swinging on gates or fences.
Wash hands after handling animals, soil, or raw produce.
Use protective gear (gloves, goggles, aprons) when required.
Report all injuries or unsafe situations immediately to staff.
5. Family Partnership
Rooted Classical Homestead School believes education is a partnership between school and family. We ask families to:
Support the Three R’s in conversations and behavior at home.
Encourage students to take ownership of their learning and responsibilities. They are capable!
Communicate promptly about concerns, absences, or changes in student needs.
Participate in school activities, work days, and events when possible.
6. Discipline Approach
We use a restorative approach to discipline:
Reminder – Gentle redirection to help the student make a better choice.
Reflection – Opportunity to think through what happened and how to improve.
Resolution – Student works to repair harm done, whether to people, property, or the learning process.
Further Action – If behavior persists, parents will be contacted for student pick-up.
Final Action - If student pick-up is required over three consecutive days of instruction, the student will no longer be allowed to attend the homestead school.
7. Attendance & Absence Policy
Consistent attendance is essential for both academic and hands-on learning.
Students are expected to arrive on time and attend all scheduled classes and activities.
Parents/guardians should contact the school before the start of the day if a student will be absent.
Missed work must be completed within a timeframe set by the teacher.
90% attendance per student per semester is required. Excused absences include sickness, family emergencies and weather related absences.
One make up day per semester is scheduled per the school calendar.
8. Communication
Email is the primary communication tool for school updates and announcements.
For urgent matters, please call or text the school at 303.325.4689.
Parent-teacher phone conferences will be scheduled twice a year, with additional meetings as needed or requested.
9. Supplies & Personal Belongings
Students should bring required supplies each day.
Students should bring a large water bottle, healthy snack and healthy lunch each day. Candy and junk food are not allowed. The sharing of food between students is not allowed. Refrigerator and/or microwave use is not available. Please pack food accordingly.
Students should bring and apply personal sunscreen as needed.
Label all personal belongings.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
The school does not administer medication. If a medication is required during the school day, the student must be able to self-administer. However, notification of any medication possessed on school grounds must be reported to the teacher.
10. Weather & Outdoor Activities
We value outdoor learning in all seasons.
Classes will be held outside whenever possible.
Students must dress for the weather, including hats, coats, gloves, and boots as needed.
Severe weather plans will be communicated to families promptly. Parents always have the right to make decisions based on the needs of their family.