School Policies
Expectations
School Policies
Attendance, tardiness, and dress code — clear policies for a safe, respectful learning environment.
Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is critical to every student’s academic progress. NHA maintains high standards for attendance and tardiness, in alignment with our mission, vision, and R.O.A.R. values.
Excused Absences
The State of Arizona only counts the following as excused: illness, doctor/dentist appointments, mental or behavioral health, bereavement, family emergencies, religious holiday observance, homelessness, time necessary to process for the armed forces, and out-of-school suspensions (A.R.S. §15-901(A)(1)). An excused absence means the parent/guardian knew and notified the school — all absences, including excused ones, count against the total allowed.
Unexcused Absences
Out-of-town travel or vacation days during scheduled instructional time, and any reason not on the excused list, are unexcused. Students who accrue 10 consecutive unexcused absences will be withdrawn from school (A.R.S. §15-901(A)(2)); re-enrollment is possible unless applicants exceed capacity. Excessive absences are forwarded to the local truancy enforcement officer — truancy is a class 3 misdemeanor and can result in court appearances and fines for parents/guardians.
- How to excuse an absence: notify the front office by phone call or text to the school cell phone, with a reason, at (480) 830-3444
- Sign-in/out: students may be signed in or out at any point of the school day (8:30 AM – 2:30 PM) — only by an approved emergency contact registered with NHA; unconfirmed individuals must be verified with the parent/guardian first
- Extended absences: contact school administration to discuss circumstances and options (exceptions, e.g. extended hospital stays or contagious illness, are at the Principal’s discretion)
- Chronic absenteeism: administration may request a family meeting and, without progress, may refer the family to the Court Unified Truancy Suppression (C.U.T.S.) juvenile diversion program overseen by the Maricopa County Judicial Branch
- The final decision on categorizing an absence as excused or unexcused rests with school administration
Tardy Policy
A student is tardy if they arrive at any point after 8:00 AM, when the school day begins. Tardiness reporting combines excused and unexcused tardies. Chronic tardiness may lead to a family meeting with administration and, where needed, an attendance contract stipulating expectations for on-time arrival — an effort to clarify and resolve obstacles to consistent attendance.
Dress Code
The NHA uniform policy creates a sense of community, reduces distractions, and ensures a safe, respectful learning environment — on campus and at off-campus school activities.
Students May Wear
· NHA polo shirts or NHA t-shirts (long or short sleeve)
· pants in any color, jeans (no holes), or leggings
· shorts or skirts in any color (appropriate length)
· NHA sweatshirts, jackets, and winter wear OR solid-color outerwear in white, black, gray, green, blue, or gold.
Every student receives 2 FREE uniforms.
· additional uniforms $5 each
· sweatshirts $10 each.
Not Acceptable
· baseball caps, hats, beanies, or bonnets inside the building
· boots, Crocs, jelly shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or heels over one inch
· tattoos
· gauges or excessive earrings
· shorts/skirts shorter than 1 inch above the knee
· baggy pants or dragging hems
· pants with holes or overly tight pants
· pajamas.
Every Day, Every Lion
Students are expected to be in uniform every day outside of dress-down days. The dress code ensures an equitable learning environment for ALL students, free of disruption.