2023 American Heritage Summer Camp & Education. | Register Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Institute Elementary (PK-3 - 5th) Online or In-person.

1. How can I register for American Heritage Summer Institute (In-person or Online)?

All registration is done online. Please click on the appropriate course selection button. If you have not used the online registration in the past, you will have to create an account. The login information is unique to summer Institute and differs from ahschool.com Portal login.

2. Where are our campuses located?

We have two 40 acres campuses. One in Broward County (City of Plantation), Florida, a beautiful, family-oriented suburb west of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami. Second, in Palm Beach County (City of Delray Beach), Florida, a growing suburb just north of Boca Raton.

3. Who will be teaching my child?

Certified American Heritage teachers. Although a specific teacher cannot be guaranteed, all teachers are experts and experienced in the course they teach.

4. Is the school accredited?

American Heritage School is fully accredited by the following associations: Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF), Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), Accreditation International (Ai), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement/Cognia (SACS CASI).

5. Will the campuses have security?

Yes, both campuses are staffed with a full security team, video cameras and security guards stationed at each entry gate. Also for security purposes, both campuses have a police presence throughout the summer.

6. How do I choose a class for my child? What is the difference between an enrichment class and a reinforcement class?

An enrichment class is intended to further the skills and knowledge of a child who has successfully completed the school year.

A reinforcement class is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of a child who needs more practice in order to be prepared for the next school year.

One-on-one tutoring is also available for students who may need or prefer individual attention. Tutoring may be either for enrichment or remedial in nature.

American Heritage courses and tutoring are intended for students of average to gifted intelligence.

7. Are the classes online, in-person, or concurrent?

Please refer to our website at online.ahschool.com as this depends on your child’s specific class.

If your child’s class is online, it’s important that students “arrive” to class on time. Parents should check their child’s devices and connection to the internet well before the class is scheduled to begin.

If your child’s class is in-person, your child will be greeted by a classroom teacher and /or assistant.

If your child’s class is concurrent, you will have the option of selecting online or in-person learning at the time of registration. Switching back and forth between online or in person is prohibited unless authorized by a Summer Institute principal.

8. If my child is an online learner, will I have to sit with my elementary child during the class?

For early elementary children, this will depend on their ability to attend to the lesson without your direct involvement. Young children should never be left unsupervised. An adult should always be within viewing distance of their child. This is only applicable if your child is attending class online.  

For upper elementary children, it is important that the parent be confident in the child’s ability to safely operate the computer independently, practice appropriate digital citizenship, and engage in the lesson.

9. If my child is an online learner, does my child’s face need to be on screen?

Yes, for all online classes a student must be visible to the teacher at all times. All students must share their screen with the teacher during class for visual verification. This is mandatory for the digital safety and security of all.

On the first day of class students will review the Digital Citizenship Agreement with their teacher and agree in writing to abide by the rules listed in order to attend class.

10. Is videotaping or recording a class permitted?

No. To protect the privacy rights, safety and security of every student, videotaping or recording a class is expressly prohibited and will result in expulsion.

11. Does my child need any special materials or equipment for an online class?

It is highly recommended that online students have a desktop computer or laptop as well as an ipad with a working internet connection.
In- person students will be provided with all necessary materials.

12. What if my child needs individual attention as well as taking a class?

We offer one-on-one tutoring in many areas. Tutoring can be used to support the class your student is taking. Please visit the tutoring section of our website.

13. Can my child just do tutoring?

Yes, one-on-one tutoring can be used to improve, support, or enrich a student’s current skills. Tutoring can be used to help your child get ahead for the upcoming school year. Online or in personal tutoring is available.

14. Can a class be canceled?

Yes, a class may be canceled under the following circumstances:

Insufficient interest

If there is insufficient interest (fewer than six students), a class will be canceled. If there is insufficient interest, the parent will be notified and given the opportunity to enroll in a different session of the same class, a different class, or be issued a refund.

Hurricane

If the National Hurricane Center broadcasts a Hurricane / Tropical Storm Watch / Warning for South Florida, we will cancel the classes for the duration of the Watch / Warning.

Pandemic

If the school deems it unsafe to attend on-campus classes, we reserve the right to move students to an online learning format. No refunds will be issued.

15. Can a student be asked to leave the class?

Yes. American Heritage Summer Institute may unilaterally dismiss a student should it be determined that the conduct of the student is not in the best interest of the school. There will be NO REFUND or credit of registration fees.

16. What is an appropriate dress code?

Whether online or in-person appropriate attire is required, with no exceptions. All clothing must be clean and in good repair. Students are expected to wear full-length shirts that cover the midriff. No short shorts or skirts. Clothing cannot have inappropriate language or symbols. Political or social statements are prohibited on clothing. No hats or hooded garments may be worn on campus.

17. Will lunch be provided?

Lunch is provided for the full-day in-person programs.

18. Is early care or after care available for in-person learners?

Yes, early care is available through American Heritage Summer Day Camp. Extended care is also provided by the camp at a per diem fee. Please contact the camp: Broward (954) 472-2267 Palm Beach (561) 637-2240.

19. When is dismissal?

Please refer to the website for your specific class dismissal time.

20. Are medical records/forms required?

All on-campus students will be required to submit medical information through Magnus, an online records collection site.

Summer Institute Upper School (6th - 12th)

1. How can I register for American Heritage Summer Institute (In-person or Online)

All registration is done online. Please click on the appropriate course selection button.

2. Where are our campuses located?

We have two 40 acres campuses. One in Broward County (City of Plantation), Florida, a beautiful, family-oriented suburb west of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami. Second, in Palm Beach County (City of Delray Beach), Florida, a growing suburb just north of Boca Raton.

3. Who will be teaching my child?

Certified American Heritage teachers. Although a specific teacher cannot be guaranteed, all teachers are experts and experienced in the course they teach.

4. Is the school accredited?

American Heritage School is fully accredited by the following associations: Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF), Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), Accreditation International (Ai), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement/Cognia (SACS CASI).

5. Are the classes online, in person, or concurrent?

Please refer to our website at online.ahschool.com as this depends on your child’s specific class.

If your child’s class is online or in-person it’s important that students “arrive” to class on time. Parents/students should check devices and connection to the internet well before the class is scheduled to begin. Attendance is mandatory.

If your child’s class is concurrent, you will have the option of selecting online or in-person learning at the time of registration.

6. Do I have to show myself live on screen?

Yes, for all online classes a student must be visible to the teacher at all times. All students must share their screen with the teacher during class for visual verification. This is mandatory for the digital safety and security of all.

On the first day of class students will review the Digital Citizenship Agreement with their teacher and agree in writing to abide by the rules listed in order to attend class.

7. Is recording or videotaping a class permitted?

No. To protect the privacy rights, safety and security of all students, videotaping or recording a class is expressly prohibited and will result in expulsion.

8. Can I share my class code with a friend? Can I have friends watch with me?

No. Permitting someone not enrolled in the class to view the class or sharing the class code with someone not enrolled in the class are both expressly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion.

9. What level of student will benefit from our online programs?

American Heritage courses and tutoring are intended for a student of average to gifted intelligence.

10. How long is a session for credit?

A session = 3 weeks, approximately 4 hours/day, Monday - Friday

It is equivalent to 60 contact hours, or a semester of course credit.

11. What is a session equivalent to in terms of class credit?

One session = 3 weeks = one semester = 0.5 credit = ½ credit

Two sessions = 6 weeks = two semesters = 1 credit = full year course

12. Can I take a semester 2 course without taking semester 1?

You may only take semester 2 if you need the class for grade improvement or replacement (check with your guidance counselor prior to registering). If you are taking a class for audit, you may only register for semester 1.

13. Can I sign up for a semester 1 course during the morning (session A) and the semester 2 course of the same subject in the afternoon (session B)?

No. You cannot.

Full-year courses are six weeks long and must be taken in the same time slot, either the morning session or the afternoon session. Courses must also be taken sequentially (one session right after the other. For example: session 2A followed by session 3A.)

14. Can I audit a course (not get credit for a course)?

Yes. You can audit a course, but you will still be held to attendance standards and you must complete all classroom assignments.

15. What are one week seminars?

They are high-interest topics taught by experts in their field. They are taught for enrichment. We will not issue course credit for the one week seminars.

16. How does tutoring work?

Tutoring is available for all grades K-12. Tutoring can be used to improve, support, or enrich a student’s current skills. One-on-one tutoring is also available to support most courses being taught. Online or in personal tutoring is available

If you are interested, please see the tutoring section for more information.

17. Does my child need any special materials or equipment for an online class?

Online Upper School students are required to have two devices. It is highly recommended that online students have a desktop computer or laptop as well as an iPad with a working internet connection.
 
In-person Upper School learners must supply their own iPad.

18. How can I tell if my course is for credit, grade replacement, or enrichment?

Please check the American Heritage Summer Institute website. Every course has a detailed class description that specifies whether or not you may take it for class credit. Please contact the office by phone or email if after reading the course description you are still unsure. American Heritage students must obtain academic advisor approval before registering for any course that is offered for credit.

19. Can a class be canceled?

Yes, a class may be canceled under the following circumstances;

Insufficient interest

If there is insufficient interest (fewer than six students), a class will be canceled. If there is insufficient interest, the parent will be notified and given the opportunity to enroll in a different session of the same class, a different class, or be issued a refund.

Hurricane

If the National Hurricane Center broadcasts a Hurricane / Tropical Storm Watch / Warning for South Florida, we will cancel the class for the duration of the Watch / Warning.

Pandemic

If the school deems it unsafe to attend on-campus classes, we reserve the right to move students to an online learning format. No refunds will be issued.

20. Can I cancel a class?

You may cancel your registration for a class on or before April 28, 2023. A $200.00 processing fee will be withheld from your refund. After April 28, 2023, there are no refunds.

21. How do I know which course to take?

Please contact your academic advisor or guidance counselor before registering for any American Heritage Summer Institute courses. Please refer to the website as to whether a class is in person or online.

22. Is a specific teacher guaranteed?

You are guaranteed a subject area certified American Heritage Schools teacher, but not a specific teacher. Due to illness, schedule conflict, or class popularity, it might be necessary to have a different teacher than the one listed on the website to teach your course.

23. Does my student need any special materials or equipment for the class?

The vast majority of classes simply require a device to allow the student online. Only a few specialty classes may require other materials, features, programs, or specific processing speeds or memory capacity. The requirements are within the class description. If you are unsure, please call us at (888) 490-7467 or email the office at summeronlineinquiry@ahschool.com and someone will contact you.

24. Are medical records/forms required?

All (online)students will be required to submit medical through Magnus, an online records collection site.

25. What is the appropriate dress code?

Whether online or in-person appropriate attire is required, with no exceptions. All clothing must be clean and in good repair. Students are expected to wear full-length shirts that cover the midriff. No short shorts or skirts. Clothing cannot have inappropriate language or symbols. Political or social statements are prohibited on clothing. No hats or hooded garments may be worn on campus.

26. Will lunch be available for purchase?

Lunch is provided free of charge if you are enrolled in both a morning and afternoon class.

27. Is attendance mandatory?

Yes! Attendance is mandatory. More than one absence will result in a loss of credit. There will be no refunds given.

28. What time is Dismissal?

Please refer to the website for your specific class time dismissal. They may vary.

Summer Day Camp (All Grades)

1. How can I register for camp?

All registration is done online. After you have selected your camps and checked out, one of our office staff will contact you to navigate the rest of the process. If you have not used the online registration in the past, you will have to create an account. The login information is unique to summer camp and differs from www.ahschool.com Portal login.

2. Can I register my camper(s) even if they are not an American Heritage student?

Yes, camp is open to both American Heritage students and non-American Heritage students.

3. If I want to speak with someone about the programs, whom can I call?

Our Broward campus can be reached at 954-472-2267. Our Palm Beach campus can be reached at 561-637-2440.

4. Is there a deposit required? Is it refundable?

A deposit is not required. Full payment for camp must be made at time of purchase. All registration is completed online.

5. What is your refund policy?

If you need a refund, a written request is required prior to April 28th, 2023. A $300 processing fee will be withheld to process your refund.

6. If camp is shut down due to the pandemic, do I get my money back?

If the summer camp season is canceled due to the pandemic, a full refund will be issued.

7. Are staff members trained?

Yes, all staff and counselors go through an extensive pre-camp training and orientation. In addition, all Directors/Senior Counselors, Life Guards, and Facilitators are CPR/First Aid certified.

We also require all counselors/staff to pass a level 2 background check.

8. Will the campuses have security?

Yes, both campuses are staffed with a full security team, video cameras, and security guards stationed at each entry gate. Also for security purposes, both campuses have a police officer on site throughout the summer.

9. When can we drop our camper(s) off and pick them up?

Drop off for morning car line is from 8:30-9:00 a.m. and afternoon car line pickup is from 3:00-3:25 p.m.

10. Can I use extended care on a daily basis?

Yes, extended care is offered on a daily basis before and after camp. Morning care begins at 7:45 a.m., free of charge, while afternoon care is offered from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at a rate of $20 per day. If you need to use extended care, please notify the camp office. The Broward location can be reached at 954-472-2267. The Palm Beach location can be reached at 561-637-2440.

11. What happens if my child arrives late? Where should I drop them off?

If your child arrives late, security will direct you to the appropriate location.

12. How do I pick up my child early?

For early pick up, we suggest you call the camp office to let us know what time you need to pick up your child. This will allow us to have your child waiting in the camp/hub office where you will need to sign them out.

13. Where do I go to get my camper if we are under a lightning alarm?

You will be directed by security or camp personnel where to pick up your camper. You may also be asked to go to your camper’s cabin for pick-up.

14. Is lunch provided in the tuition?

Yes, lunch is included in the tuition, as well as a healthy morning snack and a popsicle in the afternoon.

15. Do you offer breakfast for campers?

We do not offer breakfast for campers. All camps, however, offer a morning snack.

16. What is served for lunch?  

We offer many lunch choices daily including hot lunch, sandwiches, salads, and a pasta bar. A summer lunch menu will be provided with all enrolled families prior to the summer.

17. If campers do not like the lunch being offered can they bring their own lunch?

Yes, campers can bring their own lunch.

18. How many snacks are given during the day at camp? Are they healthy?

We offer a morning and afternoon snack. Morning snacks are usually a type of fruit, and afternoon snacks are normally a popsicle or ice cream.

19. What happens if my child forgets their water bottle?

If your child forgets their water bottle they will be supplied with one. We also have many water stations throughout the campus where they can refill their water bottles all day.

20. Will staff and campers have to wear masks this summer?

We will continue to monitor the pandemic situation. Safety policies will be communicated to summer families prior to the summer camp season. Masks and other protocols may be in place to promote a safe summer camp experience.

21. Does my child need to wear a uniform to camp?

No, your child does not need to wear a uniform. We do, however, suggest comfortable, summer attire and closed toe shoes.

22. Is my child allowed to bring a cell phone to camp or any other electronics?

We strongly discourage bringing electronic devices to camp. American Heritage Schools is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

23. Will my camper ever be alone while on campus?

No, campers will always have a counselor or staff member with them at all times on campus.

24. What happens if my child does not want to swim during the cabin swim time?

We encourage all campers to participate in as many of the scheduled activities as possible. If the camper does not swim that day, there is a designated, supervised area for that camper to sit out swim time and participate in other activities during that time.

25. What is the policy if my child gets sick during the day at camp?

Sick children will be brought to the clinic. One of the nurses will communicate with you. If your child is sent home due to illness, a doctor’s release may be required to return to campus.

26. What is a pin number? Is this something I create or something that is issued to me?

A pin number is a security code used to pick up your child. This is a word or number that you will create and that should not be given to the child. Only individuals with authorization to pick up your child should possess this pin. The camp office and unit directors will have a list on hand to verify your child’s pin number.

27. What happens if I forget my pin number?

Please come to the camp office with ID and an office staff member will assist you.