📵 Student Device Policy

Effective January 22, 2025 Applies to all locations within The Schoolhouse Network.
Replaces prior informal guidelines regarding device usage during Schoolhouse sessions. 

About the Schoolhouse Network

The Schoolhouse Network is a community of local homeschool co-ops that operate under the guidance of churches and pastors, utilizing the full curriculum and tools provided by SchoolhouseTeachers.com. We are not a private or traditional school. Instead, we exist to support families who homeschool with excellence, equipping students spiritually, academically, and socially in a biblical environment.

Purpose of this Policy

In recent years, many homeschool co-ops nationwide—including ours—have faced increasing challenges with smartphone and device use during class time. Despite our commitment to interactive and meaningful instruction, we’ve observed growing distractions such as:

• Social media scrolling during class
• Phones hidden “under the table”
• Use of unsafe or inappropriate apps (e.g., Snapchat)
• Diminished student engagement and participation

For the safety, attentiveness, and spiritual well-being of all students, we are implementing the following policy to preserve the integrity of the learning environment.

📱 Policy Overview 

General Rule:
Personal smartphones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are prohibited during Schoolhouse Network classes or activities.

Approved Exceptions: Device use may be allowed only with explicit permission from a supervising teacher or leader and only for the following purposes:

• High school research assignments
• Curriculum-specific activities (e.g., music apps for guitar or piano)
• Educational tools as directed by a teacher or course instructor

Important Note: Smartwatches that function like phones (e.g., messaging, internet access, etc.) are subject to the same restrictions as smartphones.

🛑 Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Any pastor, teacher, director, church leader, or Schoolhouse staff member may enforce this policy.

• First Violation: The device will be collected and returned to the student’s parent at the end of the Schoolhouse day.
• Repeated Violations: Continued disregard for this policy may result in additional actions as deemed appropriate by Schoolhouse leadership, up to temporary suspension from co-op activities.

💬 Parent Communication & Emergencies

If a student needs to reach a parent during class time, they may request permission to use a designated adult’s phone (pastor, teacher, or director). Similarly, parents needing to reach their child urgently may contact the church or Schoolhouse leader, who will relay the message promptly. Speak with the leadership to make exceptions. Each Schoolhouse is autonomous. The pastors/elders are the final word.

We ask that these channels be used only for time-sensitive or emergency matters.

🤝 Our Partnership with Parents

This policy is not punitive—it is protective. As a Christ-centered homeschool community, we are committed to:

• Respecting the teaching environment
• Encouraging attentiveness and active learning
• Facilitating healthy, face-to-face relationships
• Promoting spiritual growth and focus

We lovingly ask each family to uphold this standard. When we stand together, we strengthen not only the classroom but the character of every child in our care.

If you have any questions, please reach out directly to your Schoolhouse Director or church leadership.