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General School Policies

Custodial Rights

To help ensure student safety, all families must provide information about who is authorized to pick up their child.

This information is included in the “Authorized Pick-Up Release” section of the Emergency Care Form, in accordance with Virginia law.

A Differentiated Learning Environment

Nysmith’s low student-to-teacher ratios allow us to tailor instruction to meet the needs of each learner.

We use a variety of engaging, hands-on methods to encourage curiosity and independence.

Students who benefit from accommodations are supported with compassion and understanding. If your child requires accommodations, we kindly ask for documentation from a healthcare provider to help us provide the best possible support.

Communication

We believe clear, timely communication is key to a strong school-family partnership.

Our primary communication channel is email via news@nysmith.com, where you’ll receive:

  • A weekly newsletter (“The NysNews”)

  • Field trip details

  • Health alerts

  • Schoolwide updates

Our Community Portal at nysmith.com/community-portal also provides helpful resources.

Transportation Policy

To maintain consistency and safety, teachers and staff may not transport students to or from school or school-related activities, including after-school clubs, tutoring, or events.

Field Trips

Forms granting permission for local field trips are signed at the time of enrollment.

Local field trips include any trip within a 15-mile radius of the school.

Additional permission slips will be sent home as field trips are scheduled.

Written permission must be submitted before the departure time. No oral permission will be accepted for long-distance field trips.

If a fee is required for a field trip, we ask that the money be sent in with the permission slip in advance.

Suggestions for field trips are always welcome.

Report Cards, Conferences, and Communication

Students are evaluated formally four times per year.

Parents will:

  • Have a scheduled conference in early November

  • Receive four written reports (one at the end of each quarter)

Written report cards include:

  • Grades

  • A checklist of social skills

  • Written evaluations with brief comments from each teacher

Additional conferences may be requested by either the teacher or parent(s).

Contacting a Teacher

Teachers are generally unavailable during school hours unless an appointment has been made.

Appointments can be arranged by contacting the teacher directly.

Messages can also be left through:

  • Phone: 703-713-3332

  • Email system

Please include:

  • Your phone number

  • Hours you are available

  • A brief description of the issue

Please note: not all teachers have access to email during the school day.

Meet the Teachers Open House

An Open House to meet the teachers is held the day before school begins each year.

For returning students, this event may be held virtually.

Back to School Night

Back to School Nights are scheduled early in the school year.

Teachers will:

  • Introduce themselves

  • Present an overview of the course

  • Share expectations and goals

If families cannot attend in person, teachers will record and distribute a video covering the same information.

Note: Back to School Night is not the time for questions concerning individual students.

November Conference Days

The instructional program is closed for two days when conferences are held.

  • Preschool: conferences with the lead teacher

  • K–8: conferences with a core-subject teacher

  • Extended Care remains open for enrolled aftercare students

Parents may meet in person or via Zoom. Watch for an email with a sign-up link.

Toys

To help students stay focused during the school day, toys should be left at home.

If a special circumstance requires your child to bring a toy, please speak with your Director or one of our school counselors.

Gum

No gum is allowed on school property.

Lost and Found

Please label all personal belongings (coats, boots, mittens, lunchboxes, etc.) with your child’s full name.

Lost items are stored in the Blue Pod.

More valuable items (such as glasses or electronics) are held in the main office.

Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each month.

Hiring Nysmith Teachers

Nysmith teachers are sometimes hired privately by families for additional educational support.

Please note:

  • These arrangements are made independently

  • The School is not responsible for supervision or performance outside of school hours

Families are encouraged to take appropriate steps to ensure child safety outside of school.

Nysmith maintains a safe environment on campus through safeguards such as classroom windows and team-teaching models, as part of our commitment to student safety during school hours.