Welcome to Agape at Tower Hill

Welcome, Parent Educators!

AGAPE at Tower Hill welcomes you and your family to another year with our organization. AGAPE is a ministry of Tower Hill Church and has grown from three families in the summer of 1997 to more than 100 families today. While we have grown, the principles and goals that guide our co-op have remained unchanged for almost 30 years.

Our Values: We believe children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), and we are accountable to Him in their upbringing. We feel privileged to follow God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 6:5–7 through home education. As parents and educators, we seek to honor God in all that we do—especially in preparing our children to accomplish all that He has planned for their lives.

While academic responsibilities matter, our greater calling is to surround our children with what is noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), and to nurture their faith, virtue, and knowledge (2 Peter 1:5).

Our Mission: As part of Tower Hill Church’s mission to equip believers to impact the world for Christ, AGAPE exists to come alongside homeschool families by providing spiritual and educational support through fellowship, prayer, and classroom experiences.

AGAPE is directly accountable to Pastor Matt Ellis, Pastor Justin Lemire and the Board of Elders of Tower Hill Church. Day-to-day operations are guided by a leadership team, who implement the policies outlined in this handbook. Please take time to carefully review these guidelines, which exist to help our co-op function smoothly and effectively.

Resources

Homeschool Legal Support (HSLDA)

Families are strongly encouraged to join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). 

HSLDA provides: Legal representation related to home education, including representation up to the Supreme Court at no additional cost.

Cost: $150 per year or $125 with Agape group code

Requirements and Guidelines

Enrollment & Age Requirements

• Classes are available for students who are 6 years old by September 30 through 18 years old by graduation day.

• Parents should select the most appropriate grade level for their student in all classes. After placement, students must advance each year incrementally. (Please discuss with the leadership team if this is not feasible)

• Parents must attend co-op with their children 12 years old and under or designate an Agape adult to supervise them.

• Parents must attend co-op with children under the age of 6. 

Mandatory Parent and Teen Meeting

Required Attendance: 

A parent of all enrolled students

Teens who will turn 13 years old during the calendar year

If Missed:  Student admission will be delayed until a $75 fine is paid and required materials are reviewed with a Leadership Team member.

Parent Involvement: Clean-Up & Hall Monitoring

Requirement: Serve one day per semester - Fall sign-up deadline: September 22; Spring sign-up deadline: February 2

Serving Expectations: - Arrive by 8:00 a.m. - Remain on duty until approximately 3:00 p.m. Follow all hall monitor guidelines. Arrange childcare for toddlers or infants. You will receive a reminder text on the Monday of your assigned week.

Illness or Emergencies: Contact Nicole Henry as soon as possible. You may reschedule up to two times. A third cancellation results in a $75 fine and removal from classes until service is completed.

Failure to meet deadlines or being unresponsive to communication will result in your child(ren) being removed from classes until obligations are fulfilled.

General Code of Conduct

Purpose

To raise godly men and women by establishing and enforcing consistent, biblical standards. (Phil. 4:8)

Expectations

All students, parents, instructors, and visitors are expected to maintain appropriate dress, language, and behavior and clean up after themselves.

Repeated disregard for guidelines may result in suspension or expulsion.

Three Strikes Policy

• Strike One: Verbal or written warning

• Strike Two: Community service or one-day suspension

• Strike Three: Community service, two-day suspension, or removal from classes. If inadequate remorse for one's actions, this could result in expulsion from Agape.

Electronics Policy

• Gym: Phones, computers, and tablets allowed if screens are visible. Only family-friendly video games are permitted.

• Study Rooms: Computers for school use only; screens must face the door; no cell phones

• Classrooms: At instructor discretion

Cameras are prohibited, except for approved yearbook or photography students wearing proper identification.

Parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s online activity. Only the official AGAPE Facebook group is monitored by the leadership team.

Dress Code

Applies to all AGAPE-sponsored activities. Parents are responsible for students’ attire.

Acceptable Attire

• Shorts may not be any shorter than 2” above the knee

• Skirts/dresses at knee length or with leggings

• Opaque Leggings permitted; no sheer panels, no cutouts, and no scrunch bum styles

• Tops with straps at least one inch wide; midriff fully covered; no cleavage

• Ripped jeans permitted if no skin shows above fingertip length

• Modest swimwear for field trips

Unacceptable Attire

• Clothing that is too tight, short, or revealing

• Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, cropped tops

• Visible underwear

• Clothing with graphics contrary to AGAPE’s mission

Consequence: Individuals may be asked to change or leave. Dress code violations are subject to the three strikes policy.

Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18 Model)

• Address concerns directly with the involved individual

• Avoid gossip or involving others unnecessarily

• Seek restoration, not punishment

• Escalation may involve a leadership team member and, if needed, a pastor

Behaviors That May Result in Suspension or Expulsion

Any inappropriate behavior, verbal, physical, cyber, or gestural, will not be tolerated and may result in suspension. Any behavior deemed by the Agape Board in which a person or group uses power to hurt, intimidate, or control another person.

It can take different forms, including:

• Physical (hitting, pushing)

• Verbal (name-calling, threats)

• Social/relational (slander, spreading rumors)

• Online (harmful messages, posts, or sharing images)

• Racial stereotypes/slurs (Language that targets individuals because of race or color)

• Sexually Explicit Language

• Safety Issues (behavior that poses a threat to others’ safety)

Language Standards

Language must be uplifting (Ephesians 4:29). Crude language, taking the Lord’s name in vain, gestures, and gossip are prohibited for both students and parents.

Consequence: Memorization and recitation of Ephesians 4:29 is required before returning to classes.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

PDA is not permitted on church property or at AGAPE events. This includes hand-holding, kissing, sitting on laps, or similar behavior.

Violations may result in immediate dismissal and disciplinary action.

Teens may not remain in cars alone or without an adult present.

Property Damage

• Accidental: Minimum $25 repair fee

• Deliberate: Minimum $25 fee plus at least four hours of community service

Drop-Off & Dismissal

• All vehicles must use the front parking lot

• Please drive slowly into the carport area. 

Students 13 and Older

• May arrive up to 15 minutes before his/her first class

• No parental supervision required

• Must leave immediately after his/her final class

Students 12 and Under

• Require a parent or designated Agape adult on-site at all times

• If a parent is not on site, parents must list a designated Agape adult in the hall monitor log at the safety desk in the foyer. This is for the safety and well-being of your children.

Parent & Student Responsibilities

Parents

• Keep sick children home

• Communicate with instructors

• Ensure punctuality, preparedness, and completed assignments

• Respect tutors as volunteers

• Assist with gym cleanup at 1:00 p.m.

• Hall monitor once per semester

Parents are Responsible for Children Under 6

• Younger siblings are welcome at co-op but are the sole responsibility of their parent. 

• Children under age 6 must stay with their parents. Other parents, leadership, or hall monitors are not responsible for the safety and care of these young children.

• Instructors can leave their children under 6 with other parents during their assigned class time.

Students

• Ensure punctuality, preparedness, and completed assignments

• Behave respectfully

• Complete assigned work

• Follow classroom rules

Instructor Rights

Instructors may set prerequisites and expectations, deny late entry, dismiss disruptive students, and permanently remove a student from class if necessary (decision is final).

Campus Use Guidelines

Study Rooms

• Quiet study only

• School-related computer use only

• Water permitted; no other drinks, food, or electronics

Gym

• Food and drinks permitted (nuts allowed only here)

• Board and card games allowed

• No balls 

• No running outside designated play area

Outdoor Areas

• Stay within coned parking lot areas

• Stay away from building windows

• No woods, trees, or restricted zones

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Nursery (Rooms 142/144)

• Parents must remain with children

• No food or glass containers

• Clean up toys after each use

• Follow all posted nursery rules

Graduation

• Graduation: Friday, May 14, 2027

• Required graduation meeting: September 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

• Participation requires:

  • Junior year, serve during graduation

• One class during the current year, or

• Three approved activities/field trips

Inclement Weather

Closures will be announced by 6:00 a.m. via WMUR, Facebook, text message, and newsletter. Be sure to opt in for texts in your site account.

Website & Communication

Visit www.agapeth.church for: calendar and events, class schedules, guidelines, and forms. Parent and student dashboards must be checked regularly.

Visitors

• Student visitors require pre-approval, a liability waiver, and adult supervision

• Adult visitors must sign in at the front door and wear a co-op lanyard

• Open house dates are November 3rd, 2026, and March 30th, 2027. Please encourage friends to RSVP through the website in the Agape calendar.

Permission to Leave Campus

Parents assume all responsibility for students who leave the building with or without permission.

CSF / EFA Grants & Class Wallet

AGAPE is a non-direct-pay vendor. Families may request a receipt after filling out an Agape EFA form and payment is made. Payment must be made by check (no cash) or Venmo if instructors allow. 1st Semester Deadline for receipt requests is Oct. 15th for full semester and first semester classes and Jan. 28th is the deadline for second-semester classes.  Families are responsible for submitting receipts to Class Wallet for reimbursement. 

Other Information

Free Pile is an opportunity to share small household items, books, and clothing. Occurring the first Tuesday of each month starting in October. 

Email: You are responsible for keeping up to date and informed through email. 

Field Trips are announced via email and are listed on the Agape website calendar page. 

Flag Football and Dodgeball are offered for an activity throughout the co-op school year. 

Clothing is available for purchase in the event of mishaps or dress code violations.

Identification Lanyards: Every adult entering the building must have a personalized lanyard. Replacement lanyards are $5.00 each.