Required School Policies & Resources

Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Everest Academy prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in its educational programs, school activities, admissions practices, and employment practices. The school is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against any student, parent, guardian, employee, applicant, or school community member is prohibited. This includes conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment, or that interferes with an individual’s educational or employment opportunities.

Reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may be made to school administration. Everest Academy will review and respond to reports promptly and appropriately, and retaliation against any person who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

Employee Code of Professional Conduct

Everest Academy expects all employees, volunteers, and school representatives to conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner at all times. Employees are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries with students and to act in a way that supports the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child.

Employees must avoid conduct that could reasonably be viewed as inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with their professional responsibilities. This includes inappropriate communication, inappropriate physical contact, favoritism, secrecy, or any conduct that compromises the trust placed in school personnel.

Any suspected violation of this policy should be reported to school administration. Everest Academy will review concerns promptly and take appropriate action in accordance with school policy and applicable law.

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

The Illinois State Board of Education provides a Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide for students, parents, guardians, and educators. This guide includes information about available resources, reporting, advocacy, mental health services, medical evaluations, and legal assistance.

Reporting Concerns

Concerns related to student safety, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or employee conduct should be reported to school administration.

If abuse is suspected, individuals should contact the appropriate authorities. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-25-ABUSE or 1-800-252-2873.