Student & Parent
Handbook

Program overview

GCA serves grades 7–12 and postgrad student-athletes. National High School and Postgrad programs run Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with additional activities listed in Section 02. High school academics use Premier Prep; postgrad academics use ASU learner courses, with in-person supervision and accountability at Goliath. Primary sport development includes Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer.

Our mission

Goliath Christian Academy exists to develop champions in faith, character and competition. Every part of the day — prayer and devotional time, online academics, skill work, strength training and team practice — is built to grow the whole student-athlete, not just the player.

Four words hang on the wall of our home court and set the standard for everyone in the program: Faith · Discipline · Character · Champions. Our name comes from the story of David and Goliath, and our charge is the shepherd’s: “I come to you in the name of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 17:45). Defeat the Giant.

Academy contact

Address

7303 S Hawes Rd, Suite 137/140, Mesa, AZ 85212

Phone

833-8-GOLIATH · (833) 846-5428 ext. 3

Email

support@goliathchristianacademy.com

Website

thegoliathgym.com/academy (goliath.academy forwards here)

How this handbook fits with the signed agreements

The handbook summarizes daily expectations. The signed documents in the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet — the Student-Athlete & Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement, the Tuition & Financial Agreement, the Medical & Participation Authorization, the Housing Information & Agreement, and the Meal Plan Agreement — govern the exact terms for each family. If this handbook and a signed agreement ever differ, the signed agreement controls (see Section 11, Policy Updates).

Daily schedule · Monday – Thursday

Beyond the school day

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: Open Gym Workouts, 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
• Fridays: Half day, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Activities TBD based on academic needs and athletic events.
• Saturdays: Morning Run, 6:00 – 9:00 AM.
• Students must follow their assigned program schedule and any changes communicated by GCA staff.

Attendance and tardiness

• Students are expected to attend every scheduled Academy day and required activity unless excused.
• Students must be on site, in dress code, and ready by the scheduled start time. Arrival afterward is tardy unless approved.
• Notify GCA as early as possible when a student will be absent, late, or leaving early.
• Students remain responsible for missed coursework and required make-up work.
• Repeated absences or tardiness may result in a parent conference, attendance plan, academic intervention, or limits on athletic participation.

Early pickup and dismissal

• Students leaving before dismissal must follow GCA sign-out and release procedures.
• Only a parent/legal guardian or authorized pickup person may receive a minor unless written permission states otherwise. Photo identification may be requested.
• Families are responsible for timely pickup at the end of the student’s scheduled Academy day, practice, or event.

Calendar, closures and schedule changes

• The Academy calendar (holidays, travel weeks, tournament dates and closures) is issued by GCA and updated as the season develops. Friday activities are set week by week based on academic needs and athletic events.
• Schedule changes are communicated by GCA staff. Students and families are responsible for checking messages from the Academy and following the latest schedule issued.
• Because Goliath Christian Academy trains inside The Goliath Gym — a working facility shared with HYROX members, court and turf rentals and the Rec League — students stay in their assigned areas, follow staff direction about court and equipment use, and treat members, visitors and rental groups with courtesy.

Student responsibilities

• Log in and actively work during assigned academic blocks.
• Complete assignments, assessments, projects, and required communication by established deadlines.
• Bring a charged laptop or approved device, charger, headphones, and required school supplies each day.
• Use academic time for schoolwork. Unrelated gaming, streaming, social media, or excessive texting is not permitted during academic blocks.
• Ask for help early when assignments, pacing, or course requirements are unclear.
• Allow authorized GCA staff to review progress, grades, missing work, pacing, and upcoming deadlines when needed to support academic progress.

Academic integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, falsifying work, unauthorized collaboration, or submitting another person’s work as your own is prohibited.
• Students must follow the academic provider’s rules for calculators, online resources, artificial intelligence, and other tools.
• AI tools may not be used in a way that violates course or teacher instructions or misrepresents work as the student’s own.

Academic progress and athletic participation

Academic progress is an important part of participation at GCA. A student who is significantly behind, not participating in assigned coursework, or not meeting required academic expectations may be assigned additional academic work time and may have practice, travel, competition, or other privileges limited until appropriate progress is restored.

• Students/families should review grades and pacing regularly and respond promptly to concerns from GCA or the academic provider.

Academic time by team

Monday – Thursday, National High School academic time is 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM and Postgrad academic time is 9:00 – 10:30 AM. Additional academic work may be assigned based on student needs, and academic time takes priority over open gym or optional activities when a student is behind.

Dress code · daily standard

• Goliath shirts must be worn during the Academy day unless staff communicates a different uniform requirement for a specific activity or event.
• Bottoms must be solid black or solid white. Shorts, gym shorts, joggers, sweatpants, or other athletic pants are acceptable if they meet the color requirement.
• Jeans, pajama pants, patterned bottoms, or bottoms in colors other than black or white are not part of the daily dress code unless specifically approved.
• Clothing must provide appropriate coverage, allow safe movement, and be suitable for both school and athletic activity.
• Students must bring appropriate athletic shoes and any sport-specific footwear or equipment required for the day.
• Clothing, bags, or accessories may not display profanity, drugs, alcohol, sexual content, hate symbols, threats, or other inappropriate material.

Cell phones and personal devices

• Phones must be silent and put away during academic work, prayer/devotional activities, meetings, film study, and training unless staff gives permission.
• Repeated phone misuse may result in the device being held during program hours and returned according to GCA procedure.
• Students may not photograph, record, livestream, or post another student, staff member, classroom, locker room, training session, or private conversation without permission.

Technology, food and personal property

• Students must protect passwords and may not access another person’s device, account, or files without permission.
• Students may not bypass network restrictions, access inappropriate content, or interfere with Academy technology.
• Students should bring lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle unless otherwise communicated.
• Students are responsible for personal belongings and should avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

Meal plans & travel meals

• The $1,100 out-of-state plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on scheduled Academy weekdays. Meals are not provided on weekends or holidays.
• The $600 in-state plan does not include meals. Optional monthly meal plans are $150 for lunch only, $300 for breakfast and lunch, or $375 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No additional meal-plan charge applies when included in a signed tuition agreement.
• At least one meal is provided during out-of-state team travel.
• Weekly menus are sent to families. Report allergies and dietary needs in writing before meal participation. Refer to the Meal Plan Agreement for meal changes, missed meals, and other terms.

Social media and online conduct

• Students represent Goliath Christian Academy online exactly as they do on the court. Posts, comments, messages and group chats must meet the same conduct standard as Section 05 — no bullying, harassment, threats, hate, or sexual content, and nothing that would embarrass a teammate, the team or the Academy.
• Do not post photos or video of teammates, staff, opponents, classrooms, locker rooms, training sessions or housing without permission (see Cell phones and personal devices).
• College coaches and recruiters look at public profiles. Keep them clean and honest, and never contact or respond to recruiters in a way that conflicts with the recruiting rules that apply to you (see Section 11).
• Photo and video taken by GCA for team use, the website and social media is covered by the Photo & Video Release in the Goliath Waiver & Release; families who prefer to opt out mark that choice on the waiver.

General conduct

• Treat students, staff, coaches, visitors, officials, opponents, and families with respect.
• Use appropriate language and demonstrate self-control.
• Follow reasonable instructions from GCA staff and coaches.
• Be honest, take responsibility for behavior, and make required corrections.
• Keep hands, feet, equipment, and personal items to yourself unless an activity requires otherwise.
• Care for Academy facilities, vehicles, equipment, technology, housing, and other property.
• Represent GCA appropriately on campus, at events, during travel, in housing, and online.

Prohibited conduct

• Fighting, physical aggression, threats, or intimidation
• Weapons or dangerous objects
• Illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products
• Bullying, harassment, hazing, discriminatory conduct, sexual harassment, or retaliation
• Theft, vandalism, or intentional property damage
• Serious or repeated insubordination
• Unsafe conduct that places others at risk
• Tampering with safety or security equipment

What bullying and hazing mean here

Bullying is repeated or severe behavior meant to hurt, humiliate, exclude or intimidate another person — in person, in housing, at events or online (texts, group chats, social media, gaming). Hazing is any activity, expected of someone joining or staying on a team, that humiliates, degrades, endangers or abuses them, whether or not they “agreed” to it. Neither has a place at Goliath, from any player toward any player, regardless of age, grade, role or team.

Reporting bullying, harassment or safety concerns

Students should report concerns promptly to a coach, staff member, housing supervisor, or Academy administrator. Reports involving threats, violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, or immediate danger should be brought to an adult immediately. Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report or participates in a review is prohibited.

What happens after a report

• A staff member listens, makes sure everyone involved is safe, and documents the concern.
• Academy administration reviews the report, speaks with the students involved and, for minors, keeps parents/guardians informed.
• Steps to protect the student who reported — separation, supervision or schedule changes — can be put in place while the review is under way.
• Consequences follow Section 06. Reports may also be made by a parent/guardian directly to Academy administration at support@goliathchristianacademy.com or (833) 846-5428 ext. 3.

Discipline

Consequences may include:

• Staff correction or conference
• Parent/guardian contact or meeting
• Behavior or improvement plan
• Loss of privileges or removal from an activity
• Athletic restriction, probation, or suspension
• Housing restriction or loss of housing privileges, when applicable
• Suspension or dismissal from GCA

Serious misconduct

Serious safety or conduct concerns may require immediate action rather than progressive consequences. This may include violence, threats, weapons, drugs, harassment, hazing, significant property damage, or other conduct that creates a serious safety or operational concern.

Athletics

The Student-Athlete & Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement contains the detailed athletic rules. The handbook summarizes the daily expectations below and does not replace that Agreement.

• Arrive on time and prepared with required shoes, uniform, water, and equipment.
• Train with appropriate effort, focus, and a coachable attitude.
• Follow coaching and safety instructions and report injury, illness, or unsafe equipment immediately.
• Treat teammates, opponents, officials, spectators, and staff with sportsmanship and respect.
• Students under academic, medical, or disciplinary restriction must follow staff directions regarding participation.
• GCA does not guarantee playing time, starting status, team placement, travel selection, recruiting exposure, scholarships, college admission, NCAA eligibility, or future athletic offers.

Travel, facilities and equipment

• Academy conduct expectations remain in effect during games, tournaments, practices, PE, travel, hotels, meals, and other off-site activities.
• Students must remain with their assigned team/group or supervising adult unless released according to GCA procedure.
• Use Academy and host-facility property only as intended. Lost, unreturned, or intentionally damaged property may be subject to replacement charges under applicable agreements.
• Locker rooms, training areas, storage spaces, and staff-only areas are restricted to authorized use.

Questions about a decision

A student or parent/guardian who wants to understand a consequence, or believes a decision was made without the full picture, may ask for a meeting with the coach or Academy administrator. Requests are made in writing to support@goliathchristianacademy.com, and safety measures already in place stay in place while the matter is discussed.

Medical authorization & participation documents

• The Medical & Participation Authorization is completed in the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet. Additional student-specific health, medication, athletic physical/clearance, or return-to-play documents must be provided when required.
• Required documentation must remain current. Participation in training, travel, competition, or housing activities may be delayed or restricted until required forms or medical clearance are received.
• Students/families must promptly report changes to medical conditions, allergies, medications, injuries, restrictions, or emergency contacts.
• The Agreement Packet contains the signed medical consent and participation risk acknowledgment; this handbook explains the ongoing health and safety expectations.

Injury and return to activity

• GCA staff and coaches do not diagnose medical conditions.
• GCA may remove a student from activity when injury, concussion, illness, or unsafe participation is suspected.
• A student may be required to obtain medical evaluation or written clearance before returning to activity.
• Students and families must not conceal injuries or encourage participation contrary to medical restrictions.

Medication

• Medication during Academy or housing hours must follow GCA procedures and any required medical authorization.
• Students/families should communicate medication needs directly with designated staff.
• Students may not share prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, supplements, or other substances with another student.

Emergency and safety procedures

• Students must follow staff instructions during medical emergencies, fire alarms, severe weather, lockdowns, evacuations, or other safety events.
• Students may not tamper with alarms, extinguishers, AEDs, emergency exits, cameras, locks, smoke detectors, or other safety/security equipment.
• Current emergency medical authorization and any required participation or medical-clearance documents must remain on file.

Heat and hydration

Because students participate in regular physical activity in Arizona, hydration and heat awareness are essential. Students should carry a refillable water bottle and immediately report dizziness, headache, nausea, cramping, unusual fatigue, or other concerning symptoms.

In an emergency

• For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 first, then notify GCA staff. Tell responders the building address: 7303 S Hawes Rd, Suite 137/140, Mesa, AZ 85212.
• Every student-athlete (and a parent/guardian for a minor) signs Goliath’s Participation Agreement, Assumption of Risk, Waiver & Release once, online at thegoliathgym.com/waiver, before the first day. It also carries the medical authorization and photo & video release.
• Arizona law requires school personnel and other adults responsible for the care of minors to report suspected abuse or neglect. GCA staff follow that law and cooperate with the authorities.

Parent/guardian responsibilities

• Support regular attendance, punctuality, academic progress, preparation, rest, nutrition, and compliance with GCA policies.
• Maintain current contact information, emergency contacts, authorized pickup persons, medical information, and required enrollment records.
• Complete the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet and return any supplemental school, athletic, medical, transportation, or housing forms required by GCA.
• Notify GCA promptly of absences, schedule conflicts, injuries, medical restrictions, or significant safety concerns.
• Arrange reliable transportation and timely pickup unless GCA-provided transportation applies.
• Review grades, schedules, rules, and GCA communications and help the student meet deadlines and expectations.
• Model respectful conduct toward staff, coaches, officials, students, families, and opponents.

Communication

• Academic questions should be directed to the appropriate GCA staff member and, when needed, the academic provider.
• Athletic questions should be raised through the coach or Academy administrator according to the Student-Athlete & Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement.
• Attendance, pickup, health, or safety changes should be communicated as soon as possible.
• Serious concerns involving safety, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, abuse, or misconduct should be reported promptly to Academy administration.

Tuition & financial agreement

The signed Tuition & Financial Agreement in the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet governs the student’s exact financial terms.

• Families remain responsible for balances not covered by approved ESA, scholarships, or other funding.
• Contact GCA promptly if a payment or funding change could affect enrollment or housing.
• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to families that qualify — ask when you request enrollment information.

Transportation permissions

• Families are responsible for reliable transportation and timely pickup unless GCA-approved transportation is provided.
• The student’s regular transportation plan, self-release/driving status, Academy transportation permission, and other transportation choices are documented in the Agreement Packet.
• Students are released only according to the pickup, custody, and release permissions on file. Families must promptly update any changes.
• Students who drive must follow GCA parking/driver requirements. A student may not transport another minor unless required family and GCA permissions are in place.
• Overnight / out-of-town trip details will be communicated to students/families.

Included transportation & enrollment costs

• Local transportation covers team activities and travel between housing and the academy. This coverage is included in both the $600 in-state and $1,100 out-of-state monthly plans.
• Flights are not included in either plan. Out-of-town trip details will be communicated to families.
• The $600 plan includes tuition and local transportation; meals and housing are not included. The $1,100 plan includes tuition, local transportation, housing, and all three meals under the meal schedule in Section 04.
• A one-time $300 commitment deposit is due on commitment day. Individual financial obligations remain governed by the signed Tuition & Financial Agreement.
• Enrollment and payment are completed securely through LegitFit from the Tuition & Enrollment section of thegoliathgym.com/academy.

Housing agreement & terms

• Core housing permissions and parent/guardian acknowledgments are completed in the Agreement Packet.
• Residence-specific charges, deposits, damage terms, move-in/move-out requirements, or cancellation terms are governed by the Housing Information & Agreement and any written property-specific addendum.
• Housing placement is not complete until required housing approvals, documents, and initial financial requirements are satisfied.

Curfew, check-in and location

• Curfew is 10:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 AM (midnight) on weekends. Follow housing check-in and quiet-hour procedures.
• After curfew, students must remain at the residence unless approved by staff or participating in an approved activity.
• Overnight stays elsewhere or changes to overnight plans require housing approval and, for minors, parent/guardian authorization.
• Students must be truthful about their location and respond promptly to housing check-ins.

Visitors, rooms and boundaries

• Unauthorized visitors and overnight guests are not permitted.
• Visitors must follow the property’s approval process and remain in approved areas.
• Room assignments and roommate changes must be approved by GCA/housing staff.
• Students must respect privacy, personal boundaries, and assigned sleeping areas. Harassment, coercive behavior, or inappropriate sexual conduct is prohibited.

Cleanliness and property

• Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas must be kept reasonably clean and sanitary.
• Students must complete assigned chores and clean up after cooking, eating, training, or using shared spaces.
• Students are responsible for personal laundry, hygiene, organization, and care of belongings.
• Damage, leaks, pests, maintenance concerns, or unsafe conditions must be reported promptly.
• Authorized housing staff may conduct reasonable health, safety, maintenance, and cleanliness checks.

Housing supervision

The housing monitor is responsible for overseeing housing and enforcing curfew, check-in, and house rules. As stated in the Housing Agreement, continuous or 24-hour direct supervision is not guaranteed. Students and families must follow the housing monitor’s instructions and promptly report concerns.

Prohibited in housing

• Alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana/THC products, nicotine, tobacco, or vaping products
• Weapons, firearms, ammunition, or dangerous items not expressly approved for a legitimate purpose
• Fighting, threats, bullying, harassment, hazing, theft, vandalism, or retaliation
• Open flames, candles, fireworks, or unsafe cooking/heating devices
• Tampering with smoke detectors, locks, cameras, alarms, fire equipment, or other safety/security systems
• Unauthorized parties or gatherings that create a safety concern or disturb neighbors
• Unauthorized pets or animals, except an approved accommodation
• Driving, riding with, or transporting others outside parent/guardian and GCA/housing approval

Medication, illness and emergencies

• Students/families must provide current health, allergy, medication, and emergency information relevant to housing.
• Medication storage or self-administration must follow the plan established with the student/family and designated staff.
• Students must immediately report significant illness, injury, missing students, threats, fire, suspected substance use, or other safety concerns.
• Housing is not a medical or behavioral treatment facility and does not provide hospital-level or continuous clinical supervision.

Housing consequences and family responsibility

• Housing consequences may include warning, loss of privileges, room reassignment, increased check-ins, parent conference, probation, temporary removal, or permanent loss of the housing option.
• Serious misconduct or safety concerns may result in immediate removal from housing without progressive steps.
• Loss of housing does not automatically determine school enrollment or athletic status; the same conduct may still result in separate Academy or athletic discipline.
• Adult students, or parents/guardians for minors, must remain reachable and be prepared to arrange prompt pickup, alternate lodging, transportation, or other necessary plans if a student can no longer remain in housing.

College and recruiting preparation

• GCA does not guarantee NCAA eligibility, college admission, recruitment, scholarships, roster placement, playing time, or future athletic offers.
• Eligibility standards and recruiting rules are controlled by outside organizations and colleges and may change. Families should verify current requirements directly with the appropriate official organization and academic provider.

Policy updates

GCA may revise procedures and policies when reasonably necessary for safety, operations, program changes, legal compliance, facility requirements, or changes in the academic or athletic program. Material changes will be communicated to families. A later written policy or signed agreement may replace an earlier handbook provision.

Handbook acknowledgment

Final acknowledgment is included in the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet.

Each enrolled student, and a parent/legal guardian when the student is under 18, is expected to review this handbook. Receipt/access to the handbook and agreement to follow applicable Academy policies are confirmed through the Final Student & Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment in the Student-Athlete Agreement Packet, which also covers the Student-Athlete & Parent/Guardian Participation Agreement.

Questions

If you have questions about a policy or need to discuss a special circumstance, please contact GCA administration using the Academy contact information listed in Section 01. We are happy to clarify expectations and discuss next steps.