Learning works best when each scholar attends every day. Although occasional absences are unavoidable, long-term absences pose a special challenge to learning. Class participation and group projects are vital components of the educational program, and a scholar's long-term absence will seriously impact his/her mastery of important course concepts and skills. Parents/guardians of a scholar who is absent for an extended period due to illness, injury, or family emergency should contact the Main Office with an estimate of how long the scholar will be absent. Periodic updates would be appreciated. Faculty and staff will work on a case-by-case basis with parents/guardians to help keep an extended-absent scholar from falling behind. A scholar must obtain a long-term absence study contract from their teachers if leaving the school for an extended period. A scholar returning from an extended absence may require supplemental tutoring and/or remediation beyond the school to attain proficiency.