Houston South District
Harmony Public Schools has served the Houston South area since 2000. Our mission is to prepare students for higher learning in a safe, caring, and collaborative atmosphere through a quality, learner-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Message from the Superintendent
- District Information
- Campuses
- STAAR 2023 Timeline
- Enrollment FAQ
- Admission Policy
- Community Partners
- Request More Info
- Contact Us
Message from the Superintendent
Message from the Superintendent
"The Houston area is a great place to live and grow, and my dedicated staff of professionals and I are committed to helping our students attain their highest academic potential.
Here in South Houston, our 6 campuses serve over 3,600 students through providing rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that will successfully prepare them for the challenges of higher education and life. Through our engaging learner-centered curriculum, students will have every opportunity to master not only academic concepts, but lifelong skills needed for the professional world.
Please explore our website and see how we can provide you and your student excellence in education."
MR. RAMAZAN COSKUNER
Area Superintendent
District Information
Facts & Features
- 'A' Rated District by Texas Education Agency
- 6 Campuses
- 3,529 Students
- 434 Staff Members
Highlights
- All of our campuses achieved a perfect 100% passing grade on the 2016-17 Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam.
- Two of our campuses received distinctions in all 7 categories of the STAAR. Harmony Science Academy- Sugar Land received the highest Index 1 score in all of Harmony.
- We attend state and national competitions in debate, Shell Eco-car, Science Olympiad, volleyball, ISWEEEP (International Sustainable World Energy Engineering & Environment Project), and much more.
- Our middle school, Harmony School of Innovation, was recognized as a "Texas Reward School" by the Texas Education Agency.
- Our campuses have been ranked at the top of the list from Children At Risk & U.S. Weekly.
- We are partner with Region 4 in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention System).
- Our College Acceptance Rate is 100%.
Documents
Houston South Campuses Academic Calendar 2023-2024
Campuses
STAAR 2023 Timeline
Enrollment FAQ
- What is a charter public school?
- How is Harmony different than my assigned ISD campus?
- Do Harmony Public Schools charge tuition?
- Are Harmony Public Schools religious?
- Who operates Harmony Public Schools?
- Why should parents send their children to Harmony Public Schools?
- How do new/returning students apply to Harmony?
- Is there afterschool care available?
- What is STEM Education? Why do Harmony Public Schools focus on it so closely?
- What is Project Based Learning, and why do Harmony Public Schools use it?
- What other teaching methods do Harmony Public Schools use?
- What is ”Character Education“ at Harmony Public Schools?
- Does Harmony Public Schools offer additional academic support, such as after-school and Saturday tutorials?
- Do Harmony Public Schools Offer Gifted And Talented Programs?
- What courses are offered at Harmony Public Schools?
- Does Harmony Public Schools enroll students with Special Needs?
- Does Harmony Public Schools enroll students with Limited English Proficiency?
- How do Harmony Public Schools handle bullying and student discipline?
- Is there a School Uniform policy?
What is a charter public school?
Charter public schools are public schools of choice that provide parents an alternative to traditional public schools. The "charter" establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure student success.
A charter public school is independently operated and can design elements of its own educational program, hire its own teachers and staff, and manage its own budget. The basic concept of charter schools is that the school enjoys enhanced autonomy, in return for accountability to its founders, parents, the public, and its grantors.
How is Harmony different than my assigned ISD campus?
Do Harmony Public Schools charge tuition?
Are Harmony Public Schools religious?
Who operates Harmony Public Schools?
Like all Texas Open-enrollment charter schools, Harmony is operated by a nonprofit educational organization, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Harmony currently operates 57 separate schools throughout Texas serving families in traditionally underserved communities, including every major city in the state.
The Harmony Public Schools Board of Directors are dedicated unpaid volunteers who are required to go through rigorous and continuous training in finances, operations and law and who meet regularly to adopt policies and guide the direction of the Harmony organization.
The Harmony Public Schools Board of Directors Nominating Committee is interested in individuals with expertise, experience and leadership abilities who will dedicate the time and interest necessary to contribute to the maintenance of Harmony’s standard of excellence in education.
Why should parents send their children to Harmony Public Schools?
Excellence is the Harmony Public Schools standard and this is well demonstrated by Harmony students who are consistently exceeding state averages on Texas standardized tests.
In the 2022 School Year all Harmony campuses across Texas met or exceeded state standards on the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam.
Harmony Public Schools has the proud tradition of competing and winning state, national, and international STEM competitions, state and national academic commendations, and competitive internships at high-ranking universities.
How do new/returning students apply to Harmony?
In order for our school to know which students are interested in attending, it is necessary for prospective parents to submit an enrollment application if it is their child's first time enrolling at Harmony. This is only so we know you want to attend! There is not a qualification process, and ALL students are accepted when space is available.
Once enrolled students can attend Harmony through graduation. Students attending an elementary campus are automatically enrolled as they transition to the secondary level.
Is there afterschool care available?
What is STEM Education? Why do Harmony Public Schools focus on it so closely?
STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the fields of study that examine the natural world and how it operates. Harmony Public Schools focus on STEM because it is fundamental to every field of human endeavor, from academic and critical thinking skills to social skills to appreciation and understanding of Humanities, Social Sciences, problem solving and artistic creativity.
Through Harmony’s Project-Based Learning curriculum, students work on providing solutions to real-world problems. These individual and team laboratory projects and state-wide, national and international rocketry and robotics competitions bring Harmony students to a deeper and thrilling understanding of both traditional academic topics while teaching them skills beyond the classroom, such as public speaking, teamwork and time management.
Harmony graduates are designed to effectively navigate college-level coursework by mastering advanced concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Harmony graduates have earned seats in the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, gaining coveted STEM jobs and bridging the gap between students in traditionally underserved communities and lucrative satisfying STEM careers.
What is Project Based Learning, and why do Harmony Public Schools use it?
Project-Based Learning is a learning method where students master academic concepts through designing, building and experimenting with their own and team projects and problems that search for reality-based, scientific and social solutions. Harmony students will complete multiple projects every year, giving them ownership in their successes as they learn and internalize lifelong skills in perseverance and critical thinking. It is these strategies that have made Harmony’s curriculum one of the best in the nation.
What other teaching methods do Harmony Public Schools use?
In addition to Project Based Learning Harmony uses a wide variety of methods and techniques such as Students on Stage, Custom Day Personalized Learning Environments and Character Education.
Students on Stage or SOS —
Nothing reinforces understanding of a topic more than explaining it to others. Through “Students on Stage,” Harmony students share their learned knowledge with peers, younger students, and adults.. Projects may be presented in the classroom at a local expo or in larger exhibits and competitions. The progressive stages of SOS allows Harmony students to perfect their explanations of their concepts and projects.
Custom Day Personalized Learning Environments —
The Harmony school day is uniquely structured to allow for maximum learning style flexibility. A two-hour block is reserved daily so that students can work independent of their classmates, based on their personal academic needs. This block of time can be used by students to receive additional tutoring, pursue advanced coursework, engage in extra college-readiness and preparation or to work on personal educational projects. But this customized environment is structured and monitored. Within these two hour learning sessions, teachers and their students develop and modify individualized learning plans as needed, allowing Harmony students to take ownership of their own education.
What is ”Character Education“ at Harmony Public Schools?
Harmony's approach to learning does not stop with academics. Rather, beginning in elementary grades, Harmony's goal is to grow its students, into principled and effective adult leaders possessing key characteristics such as honesty, courage, persistence, integrity, and kindness through Character Education. Harmony treats Character Education as it does its STEM courses, teaching these vital character traits the same way it teaches academic subjects.
Harmony realizes that our children are our future. And so, Harmony uses “Second Step”, a research-based socio-emotional curriculum teaching respect, teamwork and work ethic that provides age-appropriate lessons using music, stories, and art. Second Step works. It is now used in 30 percent of all U.S. elementary schools and is produced by the nonprofit Committee for Children headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Did You Know? Harmony Public Schools is a multi-time winner of both the State School of Character award and National School of Character award!
Does Harmony Public Schools offer additional academic support, such as after-school and Saturday tutorials?
Yes. While each Harmony campus offers these additional educational services at various times, all Harmony campuses offer after-school and Saturday tutorials as needed where students can catch up or deepen their understanding and gain additional practice in challenging subjects.
Moreover, Harmony high school students receive college and career counseling and can participate in independent study and dual-enrollment college classes.
Do Harmony Public Schools Offer Gifted And Talented Programs?
Yes. Harmony Public Schools is committed to providing a rigorous, high-quality education to all its students. To meet the needs of those who show advancement in certain areas, Harmony provides Gifted and Talented Education, or GATE, beginning with students as young as kindergarten.
The GATE program provides accelerated learning through additional enrichment activities, pull-out sessions, and extended lab hours.
What courses are offered at Harmony Public Schools?
Harmony Public Schools offers a wide array of both core and elective academic coursework to provide every student with options that match their interests while satisfying state graduation requirements. Of course, Harmony's curriculum focuses on STEM and from kindergarten on provides a broad spectrum of classes that boost student interest in STEM fields. Many Harmony high schools employ an advanced curriculum program in a variety of fields such as engineering, and biomedical science known as Project Lead The Way.
Harmony students may also qualify for Advanced Placement courses as early as the 9th grade.
You can learn more about Harmony’s course offerings from Pre-K to 12th grade by clicking the “Academics” tab from this website's home page.
Does Harmony Public Schools enroll students with Special Needs?
Does Harmony Public Schools enroll students with Limited English Proficiency?
Yes. English Language Learners (ELL) at Harmony Public Schools receive additional instruction to help them develop their English language skills to help them fully participate in academic and social settings. Through the use of communicative and integrative methods of second language teaching the Harmony ELL program focuses on mastery of English language skills in listening, comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking.
How do Harmony Public Schools handle bullying and student discipline?
Students will not learn and succeed unless they feel safe and are in a safe environment. Student safety and well-being is the cornerstone of harmony policy that is tough on bullying and other negative behaviors. Additionally, Harmony's focus on family dynamics helps to identify and address situations that may lead to student bullying and potential disciplinary issues. Harmony Public Schools all have an expulsion prerogative and will use it when student safety or well-being is threatened and when otherwise appropriate.
Is there a School Uniform policy?
Yes. Harmony wants its students concentrating on learning and not on the latest fashion fads. Parents will purchase uniform shirts prior to the start of each school year. Information about accommodations and additional uniform and dress code requirements are found in the Harmony Parent/Student Handbook on this website.
Admission Policy
CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
Sec. 1. Non-discrimination Statement as Part of the School’s Admission Policy
It is the policy of Harmony Public Schools (School) to comply with all state and federal regulations regarding admission and not to discriminate during the admission and the lottery process on the basis of gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic, artistic, athletic ability, or the district the child would otherwise attend. Education Code 12.111(a)(5).
Sec. 2. General Eligibility for Admission
The School shall generally admit all persons who reside within the School’s geographic boundaries and for whom the School operates a grade level sought and who, as of September 1 of any school year, are at least five years of age and under 21 years of age, or are at least 21 years of age and under 26 years of age and admitted by the School to complete the requirements for a high school diploma, if the person meets any of the following conditions:
- The applicant and either parent reside in the School’s geographic boundaries. 2. The applicant does not reside in the School s geographic boundaries, but one of the parents resides within the School’s geographic boundaries and that parent is a joint managing conservator or the sole managing conservator or possessory conservator of the applicant.
- The applicant and his or her guardian or other person having lawful control under a court order reside within the School’s geographic boundaries.
- The applicant is under the age of 18 and has established a separate residence in the School s geographic boundaries separate and apart from his or her parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control under an order of a court and has established that the applicant’s presence in the School is not for the primary purpose of participation in extracurricular activities. However, the School is not required to admit an applicant under this provision if the applicant:
- Has engaged in conduct or misbehavior within the preceding year that has resulted in removal to a disciplinary alternative education program or expulsion; b. Has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision and is on probation or other conditional release for that conduct; or
- Has been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or other conditional release.
- The applicant is homeless, regardless of the residence of the applicant, of either parent of the applicant, or of the applicant’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the applicant.
- The applicant is a foreign exchange student placed with a host family that resides in the School’s geographic boundaries by a nationally recognized foreign exchange program, unless the School has applied for and been granted a waiver by the Commissioner because:
- Admission would impose a financial or staffing hardship on the School;
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
- Admission would diminish the School’s ability to provide high-quality education services for the School’s domestic students; or
- Admission would require domestic students to compete with foreign exchange students for educational resources.
- The applicant resides at a residential facility, as defined in Education Code 5.001, located within the School’s boundaries.
- The applicant resides in the School’s boundaries and is 18 or older or the applicant’s disabilities of minority have been removed.
- The applicant does not reside in the School’s boundaries, but a grandparent resides in the School’s boundaries and provides a substantial amount of after school care for the applicant as determined by the Board.
10.The applicant and either parent of the applicant reside in a residence homestead that is located on a parcel of property any part of which is located in the School’s geographic boundaries.
Education Code 25.001.
Sec. 3. Application Requirement
The School requires applicants to submit a complete application form in order to be considered for admission. The Superintendent or designee shall set a beginning and closing date for the application window for each school year.
In order to be eligible for admission, the applicant or qualifying occupant specified by Education Code 25.001(b) must generally reside in the geographic boundaries of the School before completing enrollment and satisfy any other admissions criteria specified in this policy. See Verification of Residency, Sec. 7 below. However, as allowed by Texas Education Code 12.117(d), the School may admit a child of a School employee regardless of whether the child resides in the geographic area served by the School.
Sec. 4. Lottery Provisions
A “lottery” for purposes of this policy is a non-weighted, random selection process that determines the order of enrollment of student applicants. A lottery is to be conducted if the number of applicants exceeds the maximum enrollment. The lottery shall take place by the end of February of that school year. The lottery will be conducted via lottery selection software. The principal or designee of each campus will conduct the computerized lottery, with supervision by at least one member of the sponsoring entity or his or her designee and a representative from the School’s Central Office. This ensures that the admissions list and the waiting list are selected randomly. Results of the lottery shall be certified by a notary public.
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
- a) Development of Waiting List
The lottery will be paused momentarily after the computerized lottery fills all available seats allowed by the enrollment cap. The drawing will then continue, and the randomly selected numbers will be used to create a waiting list. As space becomes available, applicants will be called from the waiting list beginning with applicants with the lowest number assignment. Applicants selected by lottery will be “deemed admitted” and may proceed from provisional admission (Texas Education Code Section 25.002) to enrollment.
- b) Enrollment and Waiting List Report
In accordance with timelines and regulations enacted by the Texas Education Agency, the Board shall report to the Texas Education Agency, in the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Education, the following information:
- The following information for each School campus:
- The number of students enrolled;
- The enrollment capacity; and
- If the campus uses a waiting list for admission, the total number of students on the waiting list and the number of students on the waiting list disaggregated by grade level;
- The information described in item 1 above aggregated for all School campuses; and
- Any information required by the Commissioner of Education as necessary to identify each student admitted to or on a waiting list for admission to a campus who is or was previously enrolled in a public school in Texas.
Education Code 12.1174.
- c) Admission Process of Returning Students
Returning students (students who currently attend the School and intend to return the next school year) are exempted from the lottery if they notify the School of their intent to return for the next school year by the deadline designated by the Superintendent or designee for the then-current school year. Returning students will be required to submit proof of residency for each year of continuing enrollment within a timeframe set by the Superintendent or designee.
- d) Children of the School’s Founders and Employees and Siblings Policy
Siblings of returning students currently enrolled in the School and who timely notify the School of intent to return for the next school year are exempt from the lottery and, space
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
permitting, are automatically enrolled. For this policy “sibling” shall mean a biological or legally adopted brother or sister residing in the same household as the applicant. Cousins, nieces, nephews and unrelated children sharing an address with the applicant are not siblings. Sibling enrollment is dependent on available space and does not guarantee enrollment of each listed sibling.
Children of the School’s founders, teachers, and staff (so long as the total number of students allowed constitutes only a small percentage of total enrollment) are exempt from lottery requirements, as permitted by federal guidance on the Charter Schools Program.
If there are more children of school founders, teachers and staff and sibling applicants than spaces available, they will be entered into a separate lottery and either admitted if space allows or placed on the waiting list in the order that they are drawn.
- e) Applications Submitted Outside the Designated Application Period
If a student applies to the School outside of the designated application period, the student will be placed on a waiting list in the order of the date in which the application is received.
Sec. 5. Students with Documented Histories of a Criminal Offense and/or Misconduct
As authorized by Education Code § 12.111(a)(5)(A), the School shall exclude from enrollment those students who have a documented history of a criminal offense, a juvenile court adjudication, or other discipline problems under Subchapter A, Chapter 37 of the Education Code.
Sec. 6. Documents and Information Applicants are Required to Provide
Applicants must complete and submit the common admission application form developed and made available by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under Education Code 12.1173, beginning with TEA’s publication of the common application form and in accordance with TEA regulations.
Applicants are not required to provide transcripts or other academic records until after they are offered admission.
Sec. 7. Verification of Residency And Immunization Records for Enrollment
Verification of residency and current immunization records are required for all students enrolling. Every student enrolling for the first time must present a signed statement from a physician or documentation of immunizations as required by the Texas Department of State Health Services, no later than 30 days after enrolling. Students who submit an affidavit from a physician stating immunizations should not be administered for medical
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
reasons, and students who submit an affidavit signed by the student’s parent or guardian declining immunizations for reasons of conscience, will be excepted from this requirement. The parent or guardian must furnish records that verify the identity of the student.
A person’s “residence,” for the purpose of this policy is the true, fixed and permanent place where the qualifying occupant ordinarily lives and sleeps, not less than four nights during the school week and to which, when temporarily absent from the residence, the occupant intends to return. The qualifying occupant specified by Education Code 25.001(b) must generally reside in the authorized geographic boundaries of the School, as described in the School’s charter. A person who is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 11302, need not reside within the geographic boundaries of the School. In order to verify residency for enrollment, acceptable evidence of residency includes:
- Current driver’s license or identification card issued by the State of Texas;
- Current property tax bill with parent/guardian's name and property address;
- Current rental or lease agreement with parent/guardian's name, student name, and address, as well as manager or owner's name and telephone number;
- Documents related to the purchase of the residence with the parent/guardian's name and property address;
- Mail dated within 60 days before the application date from the following sources:
o Social Security Administration;
o A Texas State government agency;
o Utility companies;
o Credit card bill;
o Financial institutions; including checking or savings;
o Insurance companies;
o State and Federal Revenue documents;
o Paycheck information.
o Other sources or documents demonstrating residency
If, at any time, a student's or qualifying occupant’s residence is in question, the School may ask for additional documents for verification. If the parent or legal guardian cannot provide evidence of residency because the parent or legal guardian is living with a relative or friend, a notarized statement by the relative or friend may be accepted by the School with the following stipulation:
- Notarized statement must state that the parent or legal guardian and child are living with the relative/friend;
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
- Notarized statement must state the name of relative or friend who is on the relative who is on the relative or friend’s proof of residence;
- Notarized statement must state the same address of relative or friend who is on the relative or friend’s proof of residence;
- A copy of the relative or friend’s proof of residence must be attached to the notarized statement (meeting the documentation criteria described above); and
- The notarized statement must be signed by same name of relative or friend who is on the relative or friend’s proof of residence.
Subsequently, within 60 days, at least two current documents, the School must be provided confirmation of residency from one or more of the following sources:
- Credit card companies;
- U. S. Treasury;
- Social Security Administration, including benefits letter;
- Texas State government agencies (including city and county agencies); • Utility companies;
- Financial institutions including checking, savings, or investment account statements;
- Insurance companies;
- State and Federal Revenue departments.
The School may conduct home-visits, at any time, to confirm residency of applicants and enrolled students. Falsification of residence on an enrollment form is a criminal offense.
Sec. 8. Adult Student Attendance Requirement For Continued Admission
A person who voluntarily attends school after his or her 19th birthday shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is offered. The School may revoke, for the remainder of the school year, the enrollment of a person who has more than five absences in a semester that are not excused under Education Code § 25.087, except that the School may not revoke the enrollment on a day on which the person is physically present at school. A person whose enrollment is revoked under this subsection may be considered an unauthorized person on School grounds and a criminal trespass warning may be issued. Prior to revoking the person’s enrollment, the School shall issue a warning letter to the person, after the third unexcused absence, stating that the person’s enrollment may be revoked for the remainder of the school year if the person has more than five unexcused absences in a semester. As an alternative to revoking enrollment, the School may impose a behavior improvement plan. Education Code 25.085(e).
Sec. 9. Student Residency Separate From Parent/Guardian
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
In order to protect the best interests of students enrolled, for purposes of students under the age of 18 who have established a residence apart from the person’s parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control, such persons must establish their separate residency and verify it with documentation acceptable to the School in the same manner as other students. However, a student under 18 and not living with parents or guardian, who has engaged in conduct in the preceding year that has resulted in a disciplinary removal, alternative placement or expulsion, or who has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision and is on probation or other conditional release for that conduct, or has been convicted of a criminal offense and is on probation or other conditional release, shall not be admitted to the School. The Superintendent shall follow Students with Documented Histories of a Criminal Offense and/or Misconduct, Section 5 above, in making such determination.
Sec. 10. Admission of Homeless Students
- a) Definitions
“Enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities.
“Homeless child” or “homeless children” means children or youths who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes:
- Children who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;
- Children who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Children who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
- Migratory children living in circumstances described above. “Migratory child” means a child who made a qualifying move in the preceding 36 months (a) as a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher; or (b) with, or to join, a parent or spouse who is a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher.
“School of origin” means the school that the child attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled, including a preschool. When a child completes the final grade level served by the school of origin, the term “school of origin” shall include the designated receiving school at the next grade level for all feeder schools, as applicable.
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
“Unaccompanied youth” includes a homeless child or youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
- b) General Requirements
As a condition of receiving federal funds under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the School shall, according to a homeless child’s best interest:
- Continue the child’s education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness;
- If the child’s family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year; and
- For the remainder of the academic year, if the child becomes permanently housed during an academic year; or
- Enroll the child in any charter school operated by the School that non-homeless students who live in the School’s geographic boundaries are eligible to attend.
42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(A).
In determining the best interest of a homeless child, the School shall:
- Presume that keeping the child in the school of origin is in the child’s best interest, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the child’s parent or guardian, or in the case of an unaccompanied youth the youth;
- Consider student-centered factors related to the child’s best interest, including factors related to the impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety of homeless children, giving priority to the request of the child’s parent or guardian or the unaccompanied youth;
- If, after conducting the best interest determination based on consideration of the presumption in item 1 above and the student-centered factors in item 2 above, the School determines that it is not in the child’s best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the parent or guardian or the unaccompanied youth, provide the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of the reasons for its determination, in a manner and form understandable to such parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth, including information regarding the right to appeal as set forth in Sec. 13-f below; and
- In the case of an unaccompanied youth, ensure that the homeless liaison assists in placement and enrollment decisions under these provisions, gives priority to the views of such unaccompanied youth, and provides the notice to such youth of the right to appeal as set forth in Sec. 13-f below.
42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(B).
The School shall not stigmatize or segregate a student who is homeless.
DATE ISSUED: 9/20/2012 LAST REVISED: 6/25/2022
CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
- c) Information from Parents
The School may require the parent or guardian of a homeless child to submit contact information. 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(H).
- d) Enrollment
The School shall immediately enroll a homeless child, depending on available seats, even if the child:
- Is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic record, records of immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other document; or
- Has missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.
42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(C).
- e) Enrollment in School of Origin
In determining the best interest of the student for the purpose of continuing the student’s education in the school of origin, the School shall presume that keeping the student in his or her school of origin is in the student’s best interest, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth. The School shall also consider the best interests of the student with regard to the impact of moving schools on the student’s achievement, education, health, and safety, including such relevant factors as:
- Continuity of instruction;
- Age and grade placement of the student;
- Distance of the commute and its impact on the student’s education or special needs;
- Personal safety of the student;
- The student’s eligibility and need for any specialized services and supports, such as Section 504, special education and related services, or bilingual or English as a second language services;
- Length of anticipated stay in a temporary shelter or other temporary location, if applicable;
- Likely area of the family’s or youth’s future housing;
- Time remaining in the school year; and
- School placement of siblings.
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CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
Services, including transportation, that the School is required to provide shall not be considered in determining the student’s school of attendance.
- f) Disputes Concerning Enrollment
If a dispute arises over eligibility, or school selection or enrollment in a school:
- The child shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals; 2. The parent or guardian of the child or an unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a written explanation of any decisions related to school selection or enrollment made by the School including the rights of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to appeal such decisions.
- The parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth shall be referred to the homeless liaison, who shall carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible after receiving notice of the dispute; and
- In the case of an unaccompanied youth, the liaison shall ensure that the youth is immediately enrolled in the school in which the youth seeks enrollment pending resolution of such dispute.
42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(E).
- g) Comparable Services
The School shall provide a homeless child with services comparable to those offered to other student in the school in which the child is enrolled. 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(4).
Sec. 11. Discrepancies in Student Name
The Superintendent or designee shall notify the Missing Children and Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse if a child is enrolled under a name other than the name that appears on the identifying documents. If a student’s records have not been received within 30 days of a request, the Superintendent or designee shall notify local law enforcement for a determination of whether the child has been reported as missing. Education Code 25.002(b).
Sec. 12. Food Allergy Information
The parent of each student enrolled at the School must complete a form provided by the School that discloses (1) whether the child has a food allergy or a severe food allergy that should be disclosed to the School to enable the School to take any necessary precautions regarding the child’s safety and (2) specifies the food(s) to which the child is allergic and the nature of the allergic reaction.
DATE ISSUED: 9/20/2012 LAST REVISED: 6/25/2022
CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MANUAL
POLICY GROUP 3 - STUDENTS
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT PG-3.3
For purposes of this requirement, the term “severe food allergy” means a dangerous or life-threatening reaction of the human body to a food-borne allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact that requires immediate medical attention.
The School may also require information from a child’s physician if the child has food allergies.
Food allergy information forms will be maintained in the child’s student records, and shall remain confidential. Information provided on food allergy information forms may be disclosed to teachers, school counselors, school nurses, and other appropriate school personnel only to the extent consistent with Board policy and as permissible under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”).
Education Code 25.0022(a)-(c).
DATE ISSUED: 9/20/2012 LAST REVISED: 6/25/2022
Sec. 13. Transfer Following Enrollment
The Superintendent shall adopt procedures for transfers and other enrollment matters not addressed by this policy.
Sec. 14. Admissions and Enrollment Requirements for Local Remote Learning Program – Harmony Virtual Academy
Harmony Public Schools has been authorized by the TEA to operate the Harmony Virtual Academy, a local remote learning program allowed by Education Code § 29.9091.
a) Admission Requirements
The Harmony Virtual Academy shall generally admit all persons who reside within the geographic boundaries approved by the TEA for the Harmony Public Schools – Houston South charter, and for whom the School operates a grade level sought and who, as of September 1 of any school year, are at least five years of age and under 21 years of age, or are at least 21 years of age and under 26 years of age and admitted by the School to complete the requirements for a high school diploma. Applicants must also satisfy the conditions outlined in Section 2, General Eligibility for Admission, above.
Applicants must submit an admissions application by July 10, 2022. If more applications are received than seats available in the Harmony Virtual Academy, the School will conduct a lottery by using the procedures outlined in Section 4, Lottery Provisions, above.
b) Enrollment Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy each of the following conditions prior to enrollment in the Harmony Virtual Academy:
- The applicant must have achieved satisfactory performance or higher on each STAAR assessment taken during the preceding school year. If the applicant did not take the STAAR assessment during the previous school year, the student bust be NWEA grade-level proficient. An applicant can be given an NWEA assessment at the time of applying for admission; enrollment is contingent upon assessment results showing the applicant is grade-level proficient.
- Applicants for high school grade levels must have taken enough credits and completed all classes required in the previous school year to be admitted to the grade level for which they are applying. For instance:
- 9th Grade – applicant must have been promoted from the 8th grade.
- 10th Grade – applicant must have satisfactorily completed five credits, including English I and Algebra I.
- 11th Grade – applicant must have satisfactorily completed 11 credits, including English II.
- 12th Grade – applicant must have satisfactorily completed 18 credits by the beginning of the fall semester of the school year in which the student expects to graduate, including English III, US History, and five EOC assessments required for graduation. Exceptions for these 12th Grade requirements may exist depending on a student’s ARD committee or IGC committee.
- Applicants for high school grade levels must have taken enough credits and completed all classes required in the previous school year to be admitted to the grade level for which they are applying. For instance:
- The applicant must have maintained a “C” grade or higher in each of the foundation curriculum courses under Texas Education Code § 28.002 (i.e., mathematics, science, English language arts and reading, and social studies) taken virtually or remotely during the preceding school year;
- The applicant must have a number of unexcused absences that is 10% or fewer of all instructional days during the previous school year for all instructional methods offered (i.e., on-campus, remote synchronous, or remote asynchronous instruction). If the applicant is applying for the current school year after the school year has started, the applicant should not have more than 10% unexcused absences for all days of the current school year.
c) Transfers to and from the Harmony Virtual Academy
Students currently enrolled in the Harmony Public Schools – Houston South charter may request a transfer to the Harmony Virtual Academy.
A student enrolled in the Harmony Virtual Academy may request a transfer to in-person attendance if space is available at the requested campus.
DATE ISSUED: 9/20/2012 LAST REVISED: 6/25/2022
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Let’s Talk! is an online communication tool that facilitates an ongoing dialogue between Harmony Public Schools employees, parents, students and community members. Here you can start a conversation by sharing your questions, comments, concerns, suggestions and compliments.
In order to better assist you, any campus-related questions or concerns should first be directed to the campus principal. You may contact your child's principal by visiting the school's website and clicking the “Let’s Talk!” button at the top of the page. Once you arrive at the “Let’s Talk!” entry form, you may utilize the search bar to type the individual's name or click on the department of your choice.
Let’s Talk! should not be used for emergency situations. If this is a campus emergency, please contact the campus directly. If it's an emergency affecting the whole system, please call 713-343-3333.
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I love that the curriculum is thorough and inclusive. They have allowed me to tailor my child's courses towards her interest. It was a fantastic move for our family!
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My kids are happy doing what they love. We love our Harmony family. The staff are amazing. Was the best decision!Yaritza G. | Harmony Parent
Our son is no longer just a number in a huge sea of high schoolers. His teachers have been much more communicative with us. The smaller classes give our son and his classmates an advantage. Also, the high expectations from the scholars keeps these kids accountable and performing at a high level. Kate A. | Harmony Parent