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Admissions
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| Houston Outdoor Learning Academy, Inc. (HOLA)
is a Non-Profit 501 (C)(3) Corporation. HOLA invites applications
for full and part-time enrollment. You may obtain an application for
admission by making written request to the address above or by calling
(713) 224-4652. Submission of an application does not constitute
enrollment. |
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Notice
of Non-Discriminatory policy |
| Houston Outdoor Learning Academy, HOLA,
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or
ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability in the
administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship
and financial aid programs, or any other school-administered rights,
privileges, programs, or activities generally accorded or made available
to students at the school. HOLA does have age restrictions on the
students we admit. HOLA admits students age 11 through 18 for the
academic program, typically grades six through twelve. Students
between the ages of 9 and 18 are eligible for the summer outdoor adventure
program. |
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Application |
| HOLA requires a written application and an
interview with both the student and the parent(s). Most importantly,
the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) must be in agreement that the
outdoor curriculum is something which they wish to pursue fully. Any
student lacking desire or with to attend HOLA will not be considered for
enrollment. HOLA is not a wilderness therapy program, rehabilitation
program, boot camp, or behavior modification program, and as such we do
not coerce, convince, or attempt to persuade students to come to our
school. Our students come to us because they want to be here.
We believe our unique outdoor program provides students with a lifelong
benefit, and it is our hope that our students share this passion. |
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Tuition |
| Tuition at HOLA is $800.00 per month, per
student. Payment is due on the first day of each month. After
10 calendar days, a late fee of $25.00 will be added. Enrollment may
be terminated after the 10 day period has expired. If tuition is
paid weekly rather than monthly, the cost is $200.00 per week. HOLA
accepts personal checks and cash. We do not accept credit
cards. For additional fee activities, HOLA may facilitate payment by
credit card by providing name and contact information of the business
where the activity is occurring. All deposits and tuition payments
are non-refundable. Tuition and fees are expected to be paid in full
in a timely manner, unless other financial arrangements have been made. |
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Schedule |
| School opens at 7:30 a.m.
Instruction is from 8:30
a.m. until to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Friday is reserved
as an academic workday for make-op. Adult supervision will be
provided no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and no later than 6 p.m. Any
parent picking up after 6.p.m. needs to pay an additional late pick up fee
of $10.00 for each 30 minute increment beyond 6:00 p.m. More than
five (5) late pick-ups per semester is considered excessive, and we will
ask that late pick-up fees be paid after that point. Please try to
schedule doctor and dentist appointments on Fridays. Due to the
substantial amount of field trips and time spent learning away from the
school's physical location, late arrivals, early departures, and mid-day
pick-ups are not easily accommodated without at least one week's advance
notice. Summer program hours may vary. Occasionally field
trips and travel will necessitate different time schedules. Parents
will be notified in advance of these instances. Thank you for your
full cooperation. |
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Absences and Emergencies |
| If a student must be absent from school or
if the student will be extremely tardy, it is the responsibility of the
parent to notify the school as son as possible by calling (713)
224-4652. If an employee does not answer, please leave a voice mail
message. HOLA carries a travel binder at all times with copies of
each student's pertinent consent forms and medical information, in the
event that we need to contact the parent. If a natural disaster or
inclement weather prevents HOLA from holding classes, parents will be
notified. |
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Enrollment |
| Upon acceptance into the program at
HOLA,
the following items must be submitted to complete the enrollment process:
first month's tuition payment, finalized application, release form and
trip permission form, health and medical form, immunization records, copy
of birth certificate, transcripts from previous schooling, signed
enrollment intent form, and signed behavior contract. Each student
will also need personal equipment necessary for participation in the
outdoor program, such as proper clothing and a sleeping bag. A gear
list will be provided. HOLA provides all technical gear, such as
tents, backpacks, snorkeling equipment, etc. Additional fees may be
required for rental of some gear and/or equipment. |
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Curriculum |
| HOLA offers a full academic
curriculum. Each student will have an academic curriculum that is
custom designed and individualized according to their needs and
goals. Outdoor education and activities are group focused and
provide a catalyst for academics. HOLA's curriculum allows for
student-designed learning and projects. Parental involvement in the
curriculum choices for each student is expected. School trips,
community service projects, and fundraising are an integral part of our
learning environment and curriculum. Student participation is a
requirement, not an option. |
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Student Behavior |
| All HOLA students are expected to maintain
high standards of honor and integrity. Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal
or harmful drugs are prohibited. Students are expected to be
respectful of one another and their teachers. HOLA reserves the
right to expel students whose behavior is harmful to the school and its
ability to function. In the event of removal from the school due to
any disciplinary-related matters, whether voluntary or by expulsion, no
refund of tuition will be given under any circumstances. |
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Additional
Fees And Costs |
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We realize that enrolling your child at
HOLA requires a substantial financial commitment, and we do our best to
include all tuition costs, curriculum, textbook and educational
resources. This includes outdoor activities, instruction, field
trips, short term camping and backpacking trips, rock climbing gym visits,
skateboarding membership fees, entry into state and national parks and
recreation areas, and use of outdoor equipment, such as canoes, kayaks,
ROPES Courses, GPS units, surfboards, and related items.
Occasionally, we participate in activities
which require fundraising, scholarships, community assistance, and/or
additional financial arrangements. Some of these activities are
optional . Others are trips which students are expected to
participate in as an enrolled student. Any trip which requires
student participation would include prior substantial fundraising
opportunities, so that a parent is not burdened, providing the student
takes his/her responsibilities and commitments seriously.
Typical additional fee activities and/or
costs which a parent may expect at HOLA include: SCUBA diving, deep
sea fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, or any activity requiring rental of
power watercraft, white water rafting, Thrill Ride or water amusement park
entry fees, paintball, or any activity which requires airfare and/or is
out of state or in a foreign country, including associated travel expenses
(passport, departure taxes, etc.)
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