Basic School Information

Please see our Handbooks for more complete information.

School Day Schedule

Kindergarten — Early:
7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Kindergarten — Late:
11:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Grades K (all day) through 6:
7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Grades 7-12:
7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The school is open from 7:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m., for drop-off and pick-up of students. Please arrange to drop off your child at school from 7:30 to 7:45 a.m., and please arrange for prompt pickup at 2:00 p.m (grammar) and 2:45 p.m. in grades 7-12.

Class Schedules

See class schedules.

Uniforms

K-8 uniforms are purchased from Nelson Supply, 11th and State (344-1122), in Boise.  Grades 9-12 uniforms are purchased through Flynn and O’hare.   They are rugged, high-quality uniforms that can take abuse. Parents can typically purchase two to three sets of uniforms to last throughout the school year.  These can often be handed down to other children.  We have some used uniforms available at the school for your convenience. 

• Young boys – tan pants, white oxford shirts, navy blue sweater
• Older boys – tan pants, white polo or oxford shirts, navy blue sweater or sweater vest
• High school boys – informal, formal, and outerwear options
• Young girls – Campbell plaid jumpers, collared white shirts, navy sweater
• Older girls – Black Watch plaid skirts, collared white shirts, navy sweater
• High school girls – informal, formal, and outerwear options
• Specified shoe style.

See complete uniform description.

Since its inception, The Ambrose School has been committed to the use of uniforms for its students. This policy has four fundamental benefits.

First, uniforms prevent the application of subjective standards of dress in the classroom. Parents, students, and teachers know that the uniform meets the School’s standards of modesty. Uniforms allow our board and staff to focus on academic concerns.

Second, uniforms are a positive influence in the school.  The Ambrose School places particular value on a structured learning environment. A child learns that when he is wearing The Ambrose School uniform, he will be engaging in studious activity. Teachers have noted the advantage of uniforms in the instructional setting. This academic environment makes it easier for the School to complete its primary task – the education of children.

Third, uniforms encourage esprit de corp, where individuality is sacrificed for the good of the group. This removes the potential distraction of what clothing other students are wearing. This also sets our group of students apart from other schools, encouraging each student to operate as a part of a unified body.

Finally, uniforms usually decrease the cost of clothing.

School Year Calendar

See school year calendar for the appropriate year.

Homework

Homework is a part of a well-rounded education. Homework equips students in the necessary tools for learning, provides them with practice outside of the classroom, encourages them to work independently, and reinforces the concepts presented in class. As The Ambrose School day is shorter than other schools, students do have additional time every afternoon for the completion of routine homework.

Guidelines for Assigning Daily Homework

As a rule, homework is assigned when a teacher determines that home is the best place for that specific assignment. Occasionally, a student may bring work home that was not finished in class, because the student did not use his time wisely or did not keep pace with the majority of the class. Teachers do not send work home because the lesson plan could not be accomplished during the time allotted.

The amount of time required to complete a homework assignment varies with the student’s abilities. Evaluations will be made throughout the year to ensure that the level of homework is reasonable.

The following guide should be regarded as approximate maximum times for the diligent student.

• Kindergarten: 30 minutes
• 1st Grade: 1 hour
• 2nd Grade: 1 hour
• 3rd Grade: 1-1/2 hours
• 4th Grade: 2 hours
• 5th Grade: 2 hours
• 6th Grade: 2-1/2 hours
• 7th-8th Grades: 3 hours
• 9th-12th Grades: 3 hours

Weekend/Vacation Homework Policy

Generally, homework is not assigned over the weekend or over holidays/vacation periods. However, older Grammar School and Upper School students may be assigned homework for Friday afternoon.

Basic School Rules

We require our students and parents to be aware of and adhere to the following school rules enforced by the teachers and administration.

Conflicts should be resolved at the earliest opportunity and at the lowest level, in accordance with Matthew 18. If you have a problem with another family, a teacher, the Administration, or the Board, you must first meet with the person involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, both parties should then approach the next level of authority. You may not gossip with other parents about a problem.

Students shall wear the approved uniform of The Ambrose School.  Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean and modest in appearance.  Modifications to the uniform or accessories that draw attention to one student over and above others will not be allowed.

Certain guidelines are upheld for grooming practices at The Ambrose School. We are well aware that these precepts do not cover every contingency; therefore, the following principles apply at all times:

• Nothing which draws undue attention to oneself
• No priority on self expression
• Submission to the community of The Ambrose School and its values
• Dress and grooming that are conducive to order and learning
• No tatoos may be visible during school or at any school event or gathering
• Both boys and girls are expected to keep their hair well groomed and clean.  All students must keep hair out of their faces.

For boys, the following are unacceptable grooming practices:

• Shaved heads, ornamental cuts, or shaved designs in their hair
• Ponytails, top knots, and hair that is bleached or dyed
• Hair length over the ears or beyond the shirt collar
• Visible body piercing, including earrings

For girls, the following are unacceptable grooming practices:

• Shaved heads, ornamental cuts, or shaved designs in their hair
• Bleached or dyed hair
• Visible body piercing (one pair of traditional earrings may be worn in the lobe only)
• Dramatic make-up or nail polish

Conduct

Students are expected to cooperate with basic Christian standards of behavior and conversation.

Additionally, the following rules will be observed at all times:

• No talking back or arguing with teachers, staff, or adult volunteers will be tolerated.
• Prompt and cheerful obedience is expected. Teachers should not have to repeat requests.
• No chewing gum, electrical music or game devices, guns, or knives are allowed on the school grounds or at any school activity.
• Avoid the off-limits areas of the building or grounds.
• Treat all of the school’s materials and facilities with respect and care.
• Respect other persons and personal property.