Believe Preparatory Dance Academy
This model aligns core academic instructional minutes with a full-day private school schedule while preserving a Pre-IB, arts-integrated identity.
Daily Schedule (8:30 AM–3:00 PM)
Student Day: 390 minutes (6.5 hours)
A/B Rotation
A Days
ELA
Math
Science
Dance
World Language
Inquiry Lab
Intervention/Enrichment
B Days
ELA Workshop
Math Workshop
Social Studies
Dance Composition
World Language
STEM Lab
Intervention/Enrichment
Grade Band Modifications
K–2
90-minute literacy block (can merge ELA + Inquiry)
60-minute math block
Daily movement break
Dance integration into thematic units
Grades 3–5
Departmentalized or semi-departmentalized
Begin research journals
Foreign language foundations
Grades 6–8 (Pre-IB/MYP Style)
Use subject groups modeled after Middle Years philosophy:
Language & Literature (ELA)
Mathematics
Sciences
Individuals & Societies (Social Studies)
Language Acquisition (World Language)
Arts (Dance)
Interdisciplinary Inquiry
Weekly Dance Conservatory Extension
After-School Conservatory (Once a week)
3:15–5:15
Ballet Technique
Contemporary
Conditioning
Competition Rehearsal
Choreography Lab
This keeps the academic day compliant while housing elite training after school.
Instructional Framework (Pre-IB)
Each unit includes:
Central Idea / Essential Question
Lines of Inquiry
Performance Task
Reflection Journal
Exhibition or Showcase
School Calendar Structure
180 instructional days
4 quarters
2 student exhibitions per year
Winter Arts Showcase
Spring IB-style Capstone Showcase
3-Lead Homeroom Teacher
1- Lead World Language Teacher
1- Lead Dance Conservatory Faculty
1- Lead Intervention/Exceptional Student Support
Believe Preparatory Dance Academy
Parent & Student Handbook
School Year: 2026–2027
Grades: K–8
Model: Pre-IB Inspired Academic Program with Conservatory Dance Training
Welcome Letter
Dear Families,
Welcome to Believe Preparatory Dance Academy (BPDA). We are honored to partner with you in cultivating scholars, artists, and leaders. Our school combines rigorous academics, character development, global-minded inquiry, and elite dance training in a nurturing and disciplined environment.
Our mission is to prepare students to excel academically, grow artistically, and lead with confidence, creativity, and integrity.
Welcome to the BPDA family.
With gratitude,
Dr. Donnilah McClendon, Founder/Director
Mission Statement
Believe Preparatory Dance Academy empowers students through academic excellence, artistic discipline, and inquiry-driven learning within a culturally responsive and globally minded educational environment.
Vision Statement
To develop confident scholars and exceptional artists prepared to thrive in secondary education, performance spaces, and leadership roles.
Core Values
Excellence
Discipline
Integrity
Creativity
Cultural Awareness
Leadership
School Philosophy
Our Pre-IB-inspired framework promotes:
Inquiry-based learning
Critical thinking
Global perspectives
Character development
Arts integration
Student agency and reflection
Admissions & Enrollment
Enrollment is based upon:
Completed application
Required registration documents
Tuition or scholarship verification (including SUFS where applicable)
Academic records, if applicable
Family orientation meeting
Seats are limited and enrollment may be capped by grade level.
School Hours
Regular Academic Day
Arrival: 8:15–8:30 AM
Instruction Begins: 8:30 AM
Dismissal: 3:00 PM
After-School Conservatory
3:15–5:15 PM
Students should arrive on time and prepared to learn.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential.
Students are expected to:
Attend daily unless ill or excused
Arrive on time
Submit excuse notes for absences
Excessive tardiness or absences may result in intervention conferences.
Academic Program
Students receive instruction in:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
World Language
Inquiry Lab
Dance Technique and Performance Studies
Instruction emphasizes:
Project-based learning
Research
Performance tasks
Portfolio development
Exhibition-style presentations
Grading and Progress Reports
Families receive:
Quarterly report cards
Mid-quarter progress reports
Conferences
Portfolio/exhibition feedback
Grading may include:
Classwork
Assessments
Projects
Participation
Performance evaluations
Homework Expectations
Homework reinforces learning and develops independence.
Suggested nightly ranges:
K–2: 15–20 minutes
3–5: 30–45 minutes
6–8: 45–60 minutes
Dance rehearsal assignments may also be assigned.
Student Conduct Expectations
Students are expected to:
Show respect
Follow directions
Protect learning environments
Demonstrate integrity
Use appropriate language
Resolve conflict peacefully
We promote restorative discipline practices when appropriate.
Code of Conduct
Behavior that may result in disciplinary action includes:
Disruption of instruction
Bullying or harassment
Fighting or threats
Academic dishonesty
Damage to property
Repeated defiance
Consequences may include:
Parent conference
Reflection assignment
Behavior contract
Suspension when warranted
Uniform & Dress Code
Academic Uniform
Approved school warm-ups and dance attire
Hair pulled back in a bun or a ponytail
Closed-toe shoes
No hanging Jewelry
Dance Attire
Students may be required to maintain:
Leotards
Tights
Ballet shoes/jazz shoes (as assigned)
Hair secured according to dance standards
Detailed conservatory dress expectations may be provided separately.
Dance Conservatory Expectations
Students in competitive or conservatory tracks are expected to demonstrate:
Commitment
Professional rehearsal etiquette
Teamwork
Performance readiness
Respect for coaches and peers
Competition travel expectations, fees, and commitments will be communicated separately.
Technology Use
Students must use technology responsibly.
Acceptable use includes:
Academic research
Approved instructional platforms
School-authorized communication tools
Misuse may result in restricted access.
Cell Phone Policy
Student phones should remain off and stored during instructional time unless authorized.
School is not responsible for lost or damaged personal devices.
Health and Medication
Parents must provide:
Emergency contacts
Health information forms
Authorized medication documentation, when applicable
Students who are ill should remain home.
Lunch and Wellness
Students will have a scheduled lunch period.
Families should follow school guidance regarding:
Lunch procedures
Food allergies
Wellness expectations
Parent Partnership Expectations
Families are expected to support:
Student attendance
Homework completion
Respectful communication
School policies
Conferences and events
Education is a partnership.
Family Communication
Communication may include:
Email
Parent portal
Newsletters
Text alerts
Conferences
Please keep contact information current.
Volunteer Opportunities
Families may have opportunities to support:
School events
Performances
Fundraising
Field experiences
Classroom support
Volunteer screening may be required.
Safety Procedures
BPDA practices procedures for:
Fire drills
Emergency response
Severe weather protocols
Secure campus procedures
Safety remains a priority.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Families will receive information regarding:
Tuition obligations, if applicable
Payment schedules
Scholarship program procedures
Conservatory-related fees (if applicable)
Complaint Resolution Process
If concerns arise:
Contact the teacher/staff member
Request conference with administration
Submit written concern when necessary
We value respectful problem-solving.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Believe Preparatory Dance Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected status in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, or school-administered programs.
