23Philosophy and PracticeContact Information and Administration5Calendar7Athletics23Student Life 24Safety29Discipline Expectations4352Financial ObligationsOther Rules and Expectations65Discrimination Clause

3Our Mission StatementCATS Academy offers an American co-educational college preparatory boarding and day program (grades 8-Academy Boston helps students realize by a personalized learning plan, CATS learning community Boston helps students to develop by nurturing strong English language skills along with creative and critical thinking skills, which they often have not experienced in their previous educational systems. The school’s strong academic, social development, and extracurricular programs –delivered by highly talented and committed staff –provide for This holistic approach enables our student body to not only gain entry into, but also wellinformed, ethical global citizens and leaders.

4Philosophy and PracticeAcademyAt CATS Boston, the small class size enables teachers to engage with all students, tailoring their teaching to meet individual needs. Courses are taught at various levels including College Preparatory, Honors and Advanced Placement.critical thinking skills and creativity for problem-

5AdministrationAddress:,Telephone SchoolEmergency (off+1.617.610.5635Head of SchoolKathleen Sheridancwhalen@catsboston.comDirector of Residential LifeSiya Phillips Jonathan Johnson jojohnson@catsboston.comDean of AcademicsChristina Torns ctorns@catsboston.com

6CalendarFALL SEMESTER 2024September 9, 2024December 9 Dorms closeDecember 14, 2024 at 5:00 pmSEMESTER 2024Dorms OpenSpring Semester beginsJanuary 7, 2025-March 16Dorms CloseDorms reopenMarch 17, 2025May 16, 2025 May 17, 2025 at 12:00 pmSpring eG11)Dorms closeStudents, who leave before their last published end of semester exam date, risk academic and disciplinary

7Orientation WeekCATS AcademyBoston, we arethe benefit of a full orientation program in which you will:Meet the teachers and residential staffCheck your visa documentation and medical formsTour the schoolOpen a U.S. bank accountRegister for Fall sportsGain exposure to study skillsIn the first week of school the faculty of CATS at CATS Bostonteachers.

academic program offers a wide range of courses in subjects suitable to Its primary goals are to ensure that you meet the requirements for admission to the most selective colleges and universities in the U.S. We accomplish this by giving you the opportunity to develop your ability to think creatively and critically. You will also be given

9PROMOTION STANDARD FOR GRADES 9Students must have no more than two Fs in a core subject. Students will need retake the credit.World Language (if native English speaker)-native English speaker)GRADUATION STANDARDS FOR GRADE 12BostonGraduation Requirements:Mathematics: 4.0 creditsSciences: 3.0 credits (2 must be in a lab science)Social Sciences & Technology: 3.0 credits (1 credit must be US History)World Language 3.0 credits (required for all native English speakers)English as a Second Language: successfully earned credit for CATS Academy Level 5: Academic Writing (required for all non-native English speakers). A student may be exempt from ESL if the test results on a CATS Academy Boston test qualifies.Fine Arts & Business: 1.0 credit (depending on grade entered

You are expected to abide by graduation/promotion standards included, but are not Being prepared, attentive, and positive in all lessonsHOMEWORKhomework. You will have time outside of class during the school day to work on

11.Students who earn an A+, A, A-, B+, BLETTER/EFFORT GRADE SCALECALCULATE G.P.A. FOR STUDENT TRANSCRIPTSA+ 4.002.67C2.00C-1.67A+97-100C+77-7993-96C762Meets expectations92-3-89D+67-69D-80GPAs will not be calculated using

12All A.ESL Level AssignmentCATStestadministeredCATSBostonBy the end of the first month of studies, should a new student demonstrate a teacher and English Literature Department teacher, the student can request to be moved up an ESL level. Such move requires the approval of the ESL Department Chair.B.Criteria for an exemption from taking ESL classesB+ in the ESL class, provide official results of a TOEFL examination with a Writing) or a 7.5 on the IELTS test, and be in good standing (B+ and above) in •GPA; such students may drop the class during the semester.*ESLReturning students (Academic ESL levels 3, 4) who arrive at CATS at the start of -must take an official placement test at CATS and attain the •ofthe academicforanychange oftheirlevel that

13Students of ESL level 5 who C/73% and above for the end of the year grade will have completed their ESL study at CATS.•Students who successfully complete the ESL course and get a C/73% and •following academic year.--CATS’ official placement test in September when they arrive at CATS

14curriculum. Honors classes offer more depth in each subject than CP classes and may move through course material more quickly. Students may only be admitted to Honors level classes by approval from the Department Chair, and in most casadditional pre-With a few exceptions, only Grade 11 and Grade 12 students are qualified for admission injunior year, and 4 APin PREnote that many elective classes have academic and ESL pre-TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIESnotebooks, translators, calculatorsetc are your responsibility. Necessary supplies will vary

15LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONSinformational and recreational purposes. Additionally, students may access further explore the vast resources the main branch of the Boston Public Library system offers.CATS Bostonare committed to helping every student attain their goals expect you may ask time and place to meet with sponsors a Peer Tutoring Program in which students who aENGLISH LANGUAGE POLICYThe policy for international students whose first language is not English is to help develop achieve this fluency, it is essential that you use and practice English throughout each day. The more you hear and speak English, the more proficient you will become as an English language throughout the day, but we firmly believe, and studies have shown, that immersing yourselves fully in a new language is the quickest path to acquiring a new during sports, afterschool clubs and activities, field trips and during study hours. lusive

16community and encourage cross cultural friendships. In addition, your teachers may allow understand some concepts being taught.usewhen a student requests a pass to the bathroom during class time.Cell phones will also be left in the classroom when a student requests a pass to the nurse.further disciplinary action.

17–quizzes, copying homework or allowing your work to be copied, and plagiarism* is CATS Academy Boston expects its students to adhere fully to our Code of Conduct. Any cheating or plagiarizing is not tolerated and is subject to disciplinary sanctions.and do•Use quotation marks around the words cite the source, orIf you use charts, graphs, data sets, or numerical information obtained from another Reported cases will be first reviewed by the teacher to determine if a student has will meet with and further educate the student about plagiarism, issue a warning, and give the student an a late assignment. Any subsequent plagiarism will be addressed as stated below:*Minor infractions include: Homework or first draft of a paper

18instance), cheating on a quiz; helping••Meeting with the student’s advisor, representative of the •Stage 1Zero credit for assignmentPlagiarizing a paper or final project •the Academic and Discipline Offices•Zero credit for assignmentunauthorized access to exam or answers; helping others to alter toexams and•appropriate school officialsStage 5/Possible expulsion

and articles. While it may be tempting to use AI in this way, please be aware that this is also considered a form of plagiarism.written by AI is not considered your own original work.Students will submit major projects/papers on TurnItIn.com students an opportunity to learn and receive “penaltyflagged plagiarism will not be plagiarism” will be graded on case-bycase basis.“AI Generated” content will not Student work with 0-must Consequences for plagiarized/AI papers:-•plagiarism).

20ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT PLANStudents who earn a D+ or below in any core academic class at mid--will be placed on an individualized improvement plan. An

AthleticsCATS Academy Boston provides you with a variety of after school activities and athletics allowing you the opportunity to pursue your interests. make full use of these opportunities throughout the course of the school year.AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIESactivities take place both on and off campus.Boys’ and girls’ soccer,Boys’ and girls’ basketball,Co-Ed ultimate frisbeeHockey (American Hockey Academy)GolfAthletic teams typically meet for practice or competition five to six days a week when in season. Attendance is mandatory for all members of the school’s competitive teams.

22Any student wishing to compete on one of the school’s competitive athletics teams must have a valid physical form, signed by their doctor and clearing them to play.Student-improvement plan at mid-semester may be restricted from traveling with remainder of the semester.

experience in admissions, college advising, and student life to consult with you and your parents is to With over 4,000 accredited institutions in the United States to navigate, ourcomplex college admission landscape, we help present you and your parents with and expert guidance to support you throughout the entire college admission process.Assist with your academic course selectionsour studentsStrategize applications for best chance admits for Early Decision (ED) and Early Decision II (ED2), Early Action (EA), Restricted Early Action (REA), and Regular Applications

24standardsBuild a positive, cohesive and healthy school culturegrow and develop individually into global citizens and leaders. We achieve these goals by fostering a community built on civility, honest communication, academic integrirespect for self and others. We expect that you will embrace and act in accordance with STUDENT LEADERSHIPwithin the community.

Students selected as prefects serve the school in a variety of ways such as:Work with dorm staff to establish dorm cultureschool•Serve as a role model and an advocate for studentsHouse Captains:Enact house programming and spirit activities.•Develop and promote on campus activitiesfundraising opportunitiesADVISINGand guidance to each student on a weekly basis. similar age. The advisory group is important topics relating to school life culture. Should the need arise, advisors also meet individually with students.Some advisory topics include:Goal setting•Cultural norms (American and International•Exam preparation•OrganizationHomesickness•••Safety

26You should feel comfortable approaching your advisor advisors will act as your advocate throughout your experience at CATS.Parents and agents are encouraged to contact advisors (or the Student Support office) with teachers, dorm parents, and program supervisors, which enables them to prclarification and support to families and students. Each semester, families should expect COMMUNICATIONmembers of the school community. Administrators and faculty frequently use email to communicate through the email provided by the school with their email address andto check daily for notifications and updates.PHONEYou are required to have a domestic mobile phone number or WhatsApp number to be e Boston PERSONAL COMPUTERSMAIL AND PACKAGES

27–Friday 8:00 a.m. –address to receive packages to school:-Room Number Braintree, MA 02184 United States of AmericaEXAMPLE ADDRESS2001 Washington StreetBraintree, MA 02184Amazon, Fed Ex, UPS and the U.S. postal service deliver throughout the day..Students receive their mail at their dorms after school hours.•Students are time during the school day.Mail service is provided for CATS Boston’s residential students ONLY.•Mail that is addressed to individuals who do not reside in our dorms will not be processed or delivered.

•Please be aware that there is no refrigeration in the mailroom.Please consider that perishable goods sent to students will not be refrigerated.Students who are establishing bank accounts are encouraged to sign up for eStatements instead of paper statements.Additionally, when students leave our campus, their statements will follow them digitally For your safety, CATS Academy Boston supervise the opening INTERNATIONAL CALLINGThese services will be made available for an additional fee. Please note that in addition to a fee associated with your home country and its requirements.

29is achieved through compliance with school policy and various safety regulations and precautions. CATS Bostonworks with local authorities and service providers to create a safe campus for all community members. Local police are involved in our community providing relevant presentations, while familiarizing themselves with our campus and students. Should a law Bostonuses advanced locks, video surveillance, and security guards to ensure safety for all members of our community.

Discipline ExpectationsThe discipline system at CATS is designed to hold students accountable for their actions and decisions, while providing feedback and helping them understand the impact of their choices and behavior. Discipline responses are not meant to punish for the sake of ngs andis most important –when determining the appropriate discipline of a new infraction. Discipline infractions meeting with the school counselor, and a letter and/or telephone call toparent(s)/guardian(s).CATSeducational institutions of a student’s disciplinary history when a situation warrants such of the misconduct is addressed appropriately and in the best interest of the student and Boston subject to dismissal from CATS

31The following discipline ladder sets forth a standard measure by which disciplinary incidents shall be addressed. However, the school reserves the right to make the final decision which may diverge from the listed infractions and sanctions.STAGE 1•Meeting with advisor & Dean of DisciplineProctored Study HallExamples of Stage 1 infractions •Two or more instances of tardiness (academic or extracurricular, curfew)•Violation of dress code policy•:Repeated offense of a Stage 1 infraction

•••••Violation of vehicle policyDress Code ViolationTAGE 3•Detention•Revoked from school events and weekend sign outs (boarders)•students)•Repeated incidents of any of the above listed offences regardless of degreeConsiderable damage to campus and/or personal propertySTAGE 4Suspension and removal from campus within 24 hours of decision•

•Meeting with Head of School•School issued drug testingAfter completing suspension student will be on a probation planincluding but not limited tolistedoffences•thepresenceofonorcampusand/oroforoff•Actionsthe health,safetypersoninairb&bresidencewithoutadultsupervision(age•FalsifyingleaveFacilitatinganytheseeventsImmediate suspension•••Selling and/or distributing of drugs or alcohol••Theft from student, staff member or unauthorized area

SANCTUARY POLICYCATS Academy Boston recognize that students sometimes make unhealthy decisions that developing positive decision-being is at risk without life may be at risk due to alcohol or drug overdose, physical or emotional distreBostonstaff member. Students should identify their name, where they are, and all the details of the situation. Help will be provided as soon as possible. If help is not immediately available, a student should call 911 for professional help (police, doctor, and to situations on and off campus. Due to the sensitive nature of these circumstances, the Although no disciplinary action will result when students are granted Sanctuary, the administration will meet with all students e students’ degree of medical needs and/or is significantly concerned about their health and safety

incident and the cooperation of the student(s) involved.PROTECTION UNDER SANCTUARYThe sanctuary policy is designed to encourage students to be proactive immediately in seeking help.major school rule has been violated, she/he/they will not be protected under sanctuary.may result in disciplinary action.they reserve the right to administer a home screening test or bring the student to a medical facility for a test, at the expense of the family.CATS Academy’s dress code represents a standard of appearance while providing room

safe, healthy, and inclusive community. Our dress code promotes a positive and focused CATS Academy is supportive of those students whose cultural, religious, and gender main school building and dining hall along with athletic fields and facilitiesDress Code Expectations:•shorts length should be no higher than at midcan be seen through the garment. Bike shorts count as underwear.•Shirts must be always worn and must be long enough to cover the midsection (front and back). Tops must cover underwear and private parts and may not show Hooded sweatshirts are accepted however hoods should remain down.Headphones/ear buds and accompanying electronics remain out of sight and not DISPLAYS OF AFFECTIONexpects students to abstain from intimate actions on school on when respect for the boundaries of this policy is compromised.

When the School learns of an instance of sexual misconduct, the School will contact the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (“DCF”) as required under its responsibility as a mandated reporter. Such reports are also made, where appropriate, to tPolice Department (“BPD”), including in all instances involving a minor under School is required to notify DCF. The School will notify the BPD. Actions by DCFin criminal consequences beyond the School’s disciplinary process, as set out in the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE LAWSgenitals of an individual under the age of fourteen can never be considered consensual prosecutionproperty of others. Upon request CATS Academylocker to store their belongings during the school day. For protection of high valued

ATTENDANCEexpected to be punctual and arrive on time. including (but not limited to) orientation, academic commitments, clubs, athletics, exams, aduation. Failure to participate fully in these activities will result in disciplinary action.LATENESSbehavior is not conducive to a successful disciplinary sanctions.REPORTING AN ABSENCE-9700 or email Boarding students must report to Adams Hall and be excused by the medical team. For the safety of boarding students, their families cannot excuse students remotely from class.

privilege to deny requests inconsistent with the school mission or expectations.An excused absence is defined as an absence from a class, sport, club, or school activity only when the school sees just cause for the absence.Justified reasons for an absence may include medical, religious, and family emergencies Students who are sick during the day may also be excused by the medical team.In order to receive permission to miss a class, sport, club, or school activity, you must Missing Class Formand PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING AN EXCUSED account and request a leave request. You will complete the online You are required to submit leave requests supports student experiences and to ensure •

events on school nights.requirements or those which administration deems unsafe or suspicious. Leave privileges behavior inconsistent with CATS Academy Boston HRELIGIOUS OR CULTURAL OBSERVANCESRequests to observe a religious or cultural ceremony must be made through REACH one for more than two hours, excused absence rules willbe applied for the full day.Any campus

7:45 am. REACH 4:00pm 7:30pm to destinations under 15 min of transportation.The card can be used for MBTA transportation and will provide you with a student discount. Students are responsible for CARS ON CAMPUSDAY STUDENTSA day student, defined as a local student living with their parents or guardians, may use with Dean of Discipline.For reasons of safety, liability, and facility limitations, boarding students are not permitted to keep vehicles on or in the vicinity of CATS Academy grounds.permission of the administration and written consent of students’ parents or guardians. ction

students are required to vacate and return to the campus by posted calendar times and dates.Students and academic during the academic calendar academic •Travel to their approved destinationLodging with an adult over 25 years old•provides extensive programming for you. You can expect to enjoy organized trips/activities on and off campus.expected to follow the guidelines set forth in the handbook.

43CATS Academy Boston is dedicated to providing you with the opportunity to receive a college student promise both challenges and rewards. You will learn to balance your own personal wishes and rights with those of others, discovering how to get along with a f people to create a united and enthusiastic school community.arise about school rules and policies.be removed or exchanged from rooms. Pictures, posters, and other appropriate deco-command hanging stripsproducts (no fabric or electrical items). Only batteryup bar equipment or apparatus is permitted in your rooms.materials in your rooms. You may use an electric blanket, hair dryer, curling iron, clock, Only school authorized refrigerators will be allowed in your rooms. Refrigerators may be sunlamps, soldering irons, blenders, microwaves, electric ice chests. If you are not sure if an item is allowed, please check with your house parents. You should never attach multiple plugs to outlets or adapt the room’s circuitry or electronic

connections in any way. Do not hang anything from sprinkler heads or pipes. Health laws You are to take fire and evacuation drills seriously as this is a health and safety issue for all cigarettes, hookahs, matches or lighters in the houses is forbidden. CATS be used during the academic day or during study hours. You may use televisions for video but must be 32 inches or smaller and not mounted on walls.school rules and policies are explained and followed by all members of the house. Prefects, our student leaders, arereturning students who have shown the desire to “lead by example” and serve as mentors to all students. House parents and prefects are always ANDThe goal for our students is to be self-in the houses are from 7:30 –

45tudents are issued an ID card, which is used to open exterior school doors and . Students must always have ID cards and room key with them at all times. Students should not leave keys in keylock.house. Students are expected to purchase laundry detergent and dryer sheets. House ects will provide laundry lessons to help students learn to use the washers and dryers. remove other students’ belongings from the washer or dryer machines.COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITYstudents are expected to keep other areas of the campus clean including picnic tables

provides healthy and nutritious food options. The Dining Hall will alert the medical team, who will inform the necessary dining and residential staff. Students should pick up and clear table after eating their meal. Food, but deliveries may not take place before 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday nor after t behind the gym. Any deliveries after hours or in other locations other the designated area will be grocery stores or on-line services (Amazon Fresh) are allowed however the school does CATS protects each student's sense of safety and security; actions that other students should not enter any student’s room in his or her absence. “Borrowing” from another student without permission is prohibited. Students should always respect the privacy of each other’s room. All students must keep their rooms locked when

47CATS Academycannot be held responsible for the loss of personal items and money. Students are h other with respect, including the property of others. Day students are issued a locker found is in the Student Services office in Adams Hall and in each dormitory.ROOM INSPECTIONS AND SEARCHESSchoolPRESENCE ON CAMPUSSchoolcommunity, we must account for our students daily. Therefore, policies and procedures ent protection.Day Student are expected to leave campus by 5:30pm unless attending a school must have permission from the Director or Coordinator of Residential Life.out with house parents in person. Upon returning to campus, students must sign in with house parents in person.

radius of the academy starting at 4:00pm and must return and sign in by 7:15pm. Curfew MondayThursday is 7:15 pm.7:15pm.1.Check out using the REACH softwareCheck out face--to--in/ check-out or leave policies will be subject to disciplinary action and loss of privileges.

49regulated hours are subject to significant disciplinary action. Dorms are closed from 8:00am 3:00pm.WEEKENDS IN THE DORMSexpected to follow the checkout procedures listed above; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.take part in dorm programs and trips organized by CATS Academyboundaries of the campus and should never be in any of these other areas. local community and expect our students to honor the policy and stay within our campus.CONTACTING BOARDING STUDENTSinformation should be provided for use in the REACH system for safety purposes. number at . In cases of emergency between 4:00pm and 8:00am,

Guests are welcome at games and other special events and activities but should be parent each time the guest visits, and guests may not spend the night. This policy applies DAY STUDENTS REQUEST FOR OVERNIGHT –submit an overnight request on REACH by 12:00 noon on the preceding Thursday. sent via REACH. Students must use REACH to request an overnight, which will be reviewed for approval by the Residential Life Office. Students are responsible for cheStudent has submitted and has an approved leave•The student must be accompanied by an adult over 25 years of age for an overnight stay