Before an Out-of-School Suspension
Before suspending a student out of school, the administration will consider and, where appropriate, apply alternative in-school placement options that are not considered suspension — including placement in an alternative school setting, reassignment to another classroom, or in-school detention.
Before a suspension takes effect, the student will be told what they are accused of, given an explanation of the evidence, and given an opportunity to respond. Where a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption, the student may be removed immediately and this step taken as soon as practicable afterward.
The student’s parent or guardian will be notified of the suspension, its term, the conduct on which it is based, and the right to appeal under this policy.
Term of Suspension
The administration determines the term of an out-of-school suspension based on the nature and seriousness of the offense and the student’s disciplinary history, consistent with the progressive discipline provisions of the Discipline, Bullying, and Harassment Policy.
No out-of-school suspension shall extend beyond the current semester and the succeeding semester, except as provided below for possession of a firearm.
Two offenses carry terms set by statute rather than by the administration. A student found in possession of a firearm shall be suspended for not less than one (1) year, and that suspension is not subject to the limit stated above. A student in grades six through twelve found to have assaulted, attempted to cause physical bodily injury to, or acted in a manner that could reasonably cause bodily injury to a school employee or a school volunteer shall be suspended for the remainder of the current semester and the next consecutive semester. In each case the term is determined by the Board of Trustees, and the Head of School, as the chief administering officer of the School, may modify the term on a case-by-case basis. See the Weapons and Assaultive Behavior Policy.
Extracurricular Activities
While under out-of-school suspension, a student forfeits the privilege of participating in any extracurricular activities. Exclusion from extracurricular participation is the only activity restriction imposed during a suspension; educational services continue as provided below.
Appeals — Suspensions of Ten (10) School Days or Fewer
A student suspended out of school for ten (10) school days or fewer, or the student’s parent or guardian, may appeal the administration’s decision to the TSAS Discipline Review Committee. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Head of School within five (5) school days of notice of the suspension.
The Committee is chaired by the Head of School and includes at least two additional administrators or teachers designated by the Head of School, none of whom was involved in the decision being appealed. If the Head of School imposed or was directly involved in the suspension, the Board President designates an alternate chair and the Head of School takes no part in the appeal.
The Committee will conduct a full investigation of the matter and determine both whether the student committed the offense and whether the term of the suspension is reasonable. The Committee may affirm, modify, or reverse the suspension. Its decision is final.
Appeals — Suspensions of More Than Ten (10) School Days
A student suspended out of school for more than ten (10) school days, or the student’s parent or guardian, may request review of the suspension with the administration by written request to the Head of School within five (5) school days of notice of the suspension. The administration will respond in writing.
If the administration does not withdraw the suspension, the student may appeal to the TSAS Board of Trustees within five (5) school days of the administration’s response. The Board may conduct the hearing and render the final decision, or may appoint a hearing officer to conduct the hearing and render the final decision. Where the Board appoints a hearing officer, the hearing officer may not be a person who was involved in the decision being appealed.
The decision of the Board or the hearing officer is final.
A suspension is not stayed by the filing of an appeal. Where an appeal results in reversal or modification, the student’s record is corrected accordingly and the student is given the opportunity to recover any credit or coursework lost.
Educational Services for Suspended Students
TSAS does not expel students. Discipline resulting in removal from school takes the form of out-of-school suspension under this policy and 70 O.S. § 24-101.3.
TSAS provides educational services to students who are suspended, in accordance with Oklahoma law. During a period of suspension, students are provided with assignments and the opportunity to continue their coursework. Administration works with the student and family to ensure continuity of education.
As its own local education agency (LEA), TSAS is responsible for providing alternative educational services to students placed on long-term suspension, and does not rely on another district to discharge that obligation.
Students on an individualized education plan. A suspended student who is on an individualized education plan (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is provided the education and related services set out in that student’s IEP. The education plan described below does not displace or substitute for an IEP; where a student has an IEP, services follow the IEP.
Where a student is suspended out of school for more than five (5) days for a violation of a school regulation, or for an offense involving an alcoholic beverage, low-point beer, or missing or stolen property, TSAS provides an education plan under 70 O.S. § 24-101.3(D). The plan is designed for the student’s eventual reintegration into school and provides for the core units in which the student is enrolled — the minimum English, mathematics, science, social studies, and art units required by the State Board of Education for grade completion or for high school graduation. The plan sets out the procedure for education and addresses academic credit for work satisfactorily completed, and a copy is provided to the student’s parent or guardian. During such a suspension the parent or guardian is responsible for providing a supervised, structured environment in which to place the student and for monitoring the student’s educational progress until the student is readmitted. TSAS may also provide an education plan for a student suspended out of school for five (5) days or fewer.
Return to a Teacher’s Classroom
A student who has been suspended for a violent offense directed toward a classroom teacher will not be allowed to return to that teacher’s classroom without the approval of that teacher.
Legal authority — 70 O.S. § 24-101.3; 70 O.S. § 3-136(A)(11); Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.; Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Board adoption: 2026-07-21. Accreditation: Checklist Item #41.
Last updated: August 4, 2026