School Policies
Any child wishing to enroll in El Camino for the first time or to re-enroll after a period of non-enrollment lasting more than six weeks will need to be evaluated by the school. The cost of this evaluation is L. 1500 for Pre-K to 1st grade and L. 2000 for 2nd-10th grade.
During the first year, all new students will be on probation. The parent or guardian will be contacted if any issues arise. At the end of the first partial, the teacher and administration will determine if the new student can continue at El Camino at their grade level. Depending on their progress, they may need to move to a lower grade level to continue. If there are issues with maturity, behavior, or academic growth at any point during their first year, the school may decide that the student cannot continue. New students entering first grade or higher must pay double tuition during their first year at El Camino. Returning students who have not followed El Camino's grade levels every year because they attended other schools will also be required to pay double tuition upon returning to El Camino.
In the event that a student leaves El Camino for the United States or another country, there is no guarantee that the student will be allowed to re-enroll in El Camino. In the event that you are given the opportunity to reapply, entrance exams are required, but enrollment is not guaranteed and entry to the same grade level is not guaranteed.
El Camino also has conditional (probational) enrollment for some students. Students with conditional enrollment will be under warnings for areas they have to change. When a student enters a conditional enrollment, they have to pay a fine of L. 2,000. Parents will be informed of minor and major infractions. If the child continues to misbehave, and the parents are unable to intervene and help the child, the enrollment will be suspended.
When the child or relative has a problem and if the school cannot solve the problem and if the parents do not help the school to solve the problem, there will be a need for conditional enrollment. In some cases, enrollment may be suspended. If a student has three detentions or suspensions in one school, they must reapply the next year to see if they can return next year.
We do not have sufficient staff or conditions to enroll children with special needs. Our classes are full at 25 students in jardín and 22 students in 1st grade and beyond.
Students must receive an invitation from El Camino in order to enroll in classes. You will only be able to return to El Camino if you receive an invitation. It is not guaranteed that all students will be invited to re-enroll the following school year. Our 10th and 11th grade program is rigorous and requires students to work independently to prepare them for college. Therefore, students must demonstrate a sufficient amount of responsibility, motivation, integrity and work ethic during their middle school years to be invited into this program. Students graduating from 9th grade are not guaranteed to be invited to enroll in 10th grade.
If a student wants to enroll in classes, they have to pay all outstanding payments from the previous year and the minimum payment from the current school year. They cannot enroll until he has paid everything from the previous year. If there are pending financial issues, it is possible that there will be a need to condition or suspend enrollment.
We accept the form of payment of cash, bank deposit or credit card. It is required to pay on the agreed date, otherwise El Camino will proceed with the suspension of indefinite classes according to its rules or forms of law in force to collect the debt contracted in the payment agreement.Payments are required to be completed by the due date. Rather, your child cannot attend classes until payment is made. If your account is not current when the notes are delivered, the notes will be held until the financial issue is resolved. If payments are late, an interest rate of 5% will be added per month. If the payment has not been completed for the previous month, your child will not be able to attend classes until payment has been made.If your child's enrollment is suspended, the school will not refund your tuition, books, or tuition payments.
The price of school transportation is a fixed monthly fee even though the number of days varies from month to month. If you are going to ride the bus it has to be for the entire school year and not just a few months. Payments are required to be canceled by the due date. Payments must be made at the school, equal to the monthly payment.El Camino Bilingual School works hard to keep tuition prices to a minimum. The tuition and fees of a comparable private Bilingual School, in another part of Honduras, generally cost 10 times more than El Camino. El Camino prices are subsidized. Parents are required to pay the full amounts listed in the table on the payment agreement.
El Camino prices are as follows:
Pre-kinder: Registration- L. 2,500 Monthly payment- L. 1,500
Kinder: Registration- L. 4,000 Monthly payment- L. 2,000
Prepa: Registration- L. 5,500 Monthly payment- L. 2,500
1st-5th: Registration- L. 6,750 Monthly payment- L. 2,500
6th-9th: Registration- L. 7,550 Monthly payment- L. 2700
10th: Registration- L. 8,000 Monthly payment- L.3,000
Remember that our bilingual program is rigorous. The program requires work in classes and also at home with parents. Each child is expected to complete their daily homework assignments and parents to read and sign notes sent home by teachers.
Jardín: Students in Pre-Kinder, Kinder, Preparatoria, and 1st grade have learning expectations to complete each quarter and for the end of the year. Students who do not meet the expectations by the end of the school year, must repeat that grade the following year to continue at El Camino. Parents will need to sign a form regarding this at the beginning of the year. If a student repeats two years of any jardín level, it demonstrates that they are not ready to continue at El Camino and will need to seek education at another school.
1st-5th: Students who receive less than 70 in three or more key subjects (English, Math, Spanish, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, or Bible) in the same quarter are not performing at their current grade level. The student will move back one grade level the following quarter and continue with that grade level during their time at El Camino unless significant growth is observed and assessments are passed to change grade levels. Students who score below a 70 in three or more of the core subjects again, after having dropped back a grade, are showing an inability to keep up with the rigorous bilingual environment at El Camino. These students will no longer be able to continue on El Camino and are encouraged to seek other educational opportunities.
6th-9th: If the average of the quarter in the key subject areas (English, Math, Spanish, Science, History and Bible) is less than 70 in quarter 1 or 2, that student will have to go back a grade to continue at El Camino. If the average of quarter 4 in the key subject areas or the yearly average of the key subjects is less than 70, they have to repeat that grade the next year. If the yearly average for a specific class is failing at the end of the year, the student may be required to attend summer school or retake that class the following year, per the discretion of the school.
Consistent attendance of classes is crucial for your child’s success and mastery of the rigorous bilingual content at El Camino. If your child will be absent from school, please notify the school by phone. Students should not attend school if they have vomited or had a suspected fever in the last 24 hours. Students may lose the opportunity to receive points on assignments when they are absent. Students who have 5 unexcused absences without calls or 5 days late in a quarter will have to attend detention. If a student misses 12 days (unless under specific circumstances that are approved by the school) in the first semester, they will not be able to make up work for missing days and they will be changed to a conditional enrollment. They will have to pay a L.2,000 fine to continue at the school. If a student misses 25 days of the whole year, they may be required to repeat the current grade level if they wish to continue at El Camino and will enter on a conditional enrollment the following year.
When you request a constancia from El Camino, the processing time is one week.
When you request a constancia from El Camino, the processing time is one week.
Every child is expected to wear the official uniform to class each day.
Girls must wear a dark khaki skirt or long pants and an official navy blue shirt with the school monogram, black shoes, and navy blue socks. Girls may not wear makeup, earrings longer than half an inch, or false or acrylic nails.
Boys must wear long dark khaki pants and an official navy blue shirt with the school monogram, black shoes, and navy blue socks. PreK-Prepa students may wear dark khaki shorts. Boys must have their hair cut above the collar of their shirts.
If your child comes to school without their full uniform, we will either call you to come get your child or they will wear an extra uniform that we have at school. Hats are not allowed in the classroom.
Students must wear the El Camino blue toucan t-shirt, blue El Camino sweatpants or shorts, and tennis shoes on their PE day. Students may not wear personal clothing on PE days; they must be in uniform. Students may only wear their PE uniform on their PE day; they can't use it on other days.
Remember that the child can only be picked up by authorized people. No one under the age of 12 will be allowed to pick up children. A list of the names of all persons who are authorized to pick up students must be filled out on the registration form. If someone needs to pick up your child you must call the school or send a note to the teacher with your signature and date. If your child has a special dismissal, please let the school know one hour before dismissal time. The child must be picked up by a person on the authorized list, it is not permitted to send children under 12 alone walking or biking. Students over the age of 12 may go home alone with signed parental approval. If you give permission on the form, your child will be allowed to dismiss by themselves, all year long. El Camino is not responsible for their behavior after leaving school property or knowing where your child goes after leaving school. For this reason, parents of children 12 years of age or older must sign a form authorizing permission for this at the beginning of the school year.
The class hours are as follows from Monday-Thursday*:
Pre-K - 12:00-3:00Kinder - 7:30-11:45
Preparatory to 10th grade - 7:30-3:00
*Grades 1-10 also have classes on Fridays from 7:30-11:30
Students twelve years and older can ride a bike to school. Students who ride bicycles to school must:
1. Park the bike in the bike rack
2. Refrain from riding the bicycle around the schoolyard
3. Maintain safe driving habits upon arrival and departure
El Camino is not responsible for lost or damaged bicycles.
The parents are responsible for ensuring that students arrive at their bus stop safely and on time. The parents are also responsible for someone being home at the end of the day. Students will return to the same bus stop at the end of the day, unless parent permission is requested. Each student is responsible for his or her conduct on the bus.
Students are required to:
1. Respect the bus, the bus driver, and the bus passengers.
2. Keep their bodies inside the bus at all times.
3. Do not throw any object in or out of the bus.
4. Remain in your seat at all times.
5. Do not use disrespectful language or gestures.
6. Students who have assigned seats will sit in the correct seat.
Failure to comply may result in suspension of bus riding privileges. If the student is suspended for the infractions described above, no refunds are returned for the days the bus was not used.
Please check, sign, and have the folder brought each day to class. Your child will receive official messages through the folder, WhatsApp chat groups or by phone. If you have any questions or concerns about your child, please contact the school by phone.
School Rules:
1. Be obedient and respectful with adults
2. Respect each other and school property
3. Walk inside the school
4. Do not leave the school without permission
5. Do the best you can
* Teachers have their own rules for their classes
Recess Expectations:
1. Line up quickly and calmly
2. Take turns and share the equipment
3. Report incidents immediately
4. Obey the first time
Bathroom Expectations:
1. Use the bathroom appropriately
2. Flush the toilet
3. Wash your hands
4. Keep the area neat
Core Values:
Respect (September)
Kindness (October)
Thankfulness (November)
Forgiveness (January)
Agape love (February)
Generosity (March)
Trust/ truthfulness (April)
Courage/endurance (May)
Humility (June)
Public Displays of Affection:
Inappropriate public displays of affection will not be tolerated at school. This behavior will result in a parent meeting or suspension if inappropriate behavior continues after being warned. The expression of feelings of affection towards others is a personal concern between two individuals and not of others surrounding them. Therefore, good taste and respect for othersis the guideline for appropriate behavior.
At El Camino we expect our students to complete all assignments to the best of their ability and consider plagiarism and cheating to be inconsistent with this. Cheating can include copying another student's work without permission, collaborating on work without teacher permission, or using resources they are not allowed to. Plagiarism is stealing someone else's work and then passing it off as your own. Any work used from the sources must be properly cited. Any work directly copied from another source (websites, books, AI-created writings, etc.) without proper citation is considered plagiarism If a student is found to be cheating or plagiarizing, they will be asked to retake the assignment or test. The highest possible grade for this assignment or test will be 50%. The student will also serve Saturday detention. If a student is found to be cheating or plagiarizing a second time, this will result in a second detention. On a third occasion of plagiarism or cheating a meeting will be held with El Camino administration to consider permanent expulsion from El Camino due to a pattern of academic dishonesty.
Color System (Pre-K to 3rd grade)
Behavior will be addressed through a four color system (grades 1-3) and a sticker system (Pre-K, Kinder, and Preparatory) that gives each student the opportunity to monitor their behavior and make positive changes.Behavior sheets are completed daily and sent home in the folder. Documentation of daily behavior tracking will be kept by each teacher in their behavior notes.
Blue- the student had an excellent day and when above-and-beyond in their actions
Green/sticker- the student followed the school and classroom rules
Yellow/sticker with ”cuidado”- a deliberate infraction of a school or classroom rule. The teacher redirected the student and discussed the behavior and its consequences.
Red/no sticker- a second deliberate infraction or a major infraction. The teacher redirected the student and discussed the behavior and its consequences. A phone call will be made to the parents. Students in 3rd grade may receive a Saturday detention for a red, at the discretion of the school. A student from any grade can receive a suspension from the school if the school decides the situation warrants it.
Consequence System (4th-11th grade)
Students in 4th to 11th grade will receive the following consequences for inappropriate behavior:
Suspension - If a student is disruptive or disrespectful to the teacher or classmates, they will be suspended until the end of that class. The student can be sent to the office to finish their work or be assigned to help with the maintenance of the school. The school may decide when the student deserves suspension at home for their actions. The suspension will be between 1 day to 3 weeks and the student will not be able to make up the work that they missed.
Minor behavior infractions that result in in-school suspension in the office:
Verbal Language: Student says a mildly unthoughtful remark to a classmate or teacher.
Physical Contact: Student performs mild physical contact, such as pushing in line or tapping other people.
Non-compliance: Student temporarily does not comply to teacher’s orders or delays to obey.
Disruption: Student disrupts class, such as by talking, humming or making noise.
Property Misuse: Student causes minor property misuse, such as writing that can be erased or being careless with classroom resources.
Possessions: Student does not follow dress code requirements after being given a warning/phone call home. A student is careless with another person's property. Student brings a technological device to school.
Major behavior infractions that result in Saturday detention or an at-home suspension from classes:
Verbal Language: Student makes a disrespectful remark that is disturbing or hurtful to another person, such as name calling, harassing or bullying. Student swears. Student tells a lie.
Physical Contact: Student physically fights with another student. Student injures another student. Student touches someone in an inappropriate area.
Non-compliance: Complete non-compliance to teacher’s orders, despite multiple redirections and opportunities. Student skips class or leaves the school grounds without permission.
Disruption: Student completely disrupts class with activities that are sustained after redirections, such as yelling or running around the room.
Property Misuse: Student deliberately misuses property leading to long-term damage. Student steals something that does not belong to them.
Possessions: Student brings drugs, alcohol, fireworks, a knife or weapon to school. A student deliberately damages the property of another person.
Any violent or sexual act by a student in any grade level against a classmate or teacher is grounds for expulsion, even if there are no prior incidents.
Students are not allowed to bring toys or valuable accessories such as: chains, rings, earrings, etc. to school as they distract from the learning environment. Students are not allowed to bring phones and tablets to school. If a student brings a tablet or phone to school, it will be confiscated. They will pay a fine of L.300 and it will be returned after two weeks. Future instances of bringing technology to school will also result in a three-day suspension. Items of value to the student or family should be left at home to prevent damage or loss of the item. The school assumes no responsibility for these items.
El Camino devices or tablets are intended to be used solely for educational purposes directed to the class. If a student does not follow the device/tablet expectations or uses a device/tablet that was not assigned to them, their classwork may end up as homework or loss of privileges to use the device or tablet.
Desks are school property and must be kept clean and in good repair. The desk will be loaned to them and the school has the right to access the desk. Words or images written or scratched on desks are acts of vandalism and will be dealt with accordingly. Do not store valuable items in desks. The school is not responsible for items lost or stolen at school.
In our school library, students in 2nd-10th grade who are showing responsibility are given the privilege to check out two library books at a time for up to two weeks. If a book is checked out of the library and not returned, he/she will receive a fine of L.150 and will not be able to take any more books out until it is paid. Please ensure your child takes good care of books checked out to avoid this fine or losing the privilege of checking out books.
Many of the resources/books purchased by the school are digital. Students will not have access to or be able to take these digital resources home at the end of the school year.
Medications are best administered at home. However, under necessary circumstances and with parental consent, the office may administer medication to the child. Please contact the office if your child needs to receive medication while at school.
Students have a snack break during the 9:00 hour. Students should bring a snack with them everyday.For Prepa-9th grade, your child should bring a lunch and a snack to eat at school. If you are going to send a lunch to the school, please have it arrive at the front office by 11am.
The students eat lunch at the following hours:
11:00-11:30 - Preparatory, 1st, & 2nd
11:30-12:00 - 3rd-5th
12:00-12:30 - Kinder & 6th-9th
If a parent is interested in sharing something for their child's birthday, they must notify the parent three days in advance and it must be during lunchtime. Students are not allowed to bring snacks to share in class without permission from the office and teacher (only on authorized dates with prior notice). Students are not allowed to drink soda at El Camino.
El Camino Café offers hot, nutritious lunches from Monday to Thursday. Each meal will consist of rice, meat, and a vegetable. Lunch may be purchased via bank transfer to the El Camino Café account or by parents at the coffee shop; students cannot purchase their own lunches with cash. To request lunches, communicate directly with the El Camino Café at +504 9342-0209. Students are not permitted to visit the coffee shop during the school day, although students in 2th-10th grade will have a designated time to visit on Fridays during their snack break. They should not bring more than L. 200 in cash and it is not obligatory for the students to buy anything.
All visitors to the school, including family members, must check in at the office before being on campus or visiting a classroom. If you would like to visit your child's class, please contact the school in advance. Classes will be canceled for all red rain warning levels applicable to the Lucinda area. Classes may be canceled for other rain notices or weather conditions. A WhatsApp message will be sent for all class cancellations and security measures used.