<p>You are correct in that the same laws do not apply to private schools - they may hold you to a different standard WHILE THE STUDENT IS UNDER THEIR JURISDICTION. The only exception to this is when the students are off campus on a “school sponsored event”.</p>
<p>The Code of Conduct that I am familiar with, and the one that most private day schools use, covers dress code, prohibition on foul language, bullying and drug/alcohol use. It also specifically acknowleges that the school’s jurisdiction does not extend to off-campus situations. It states that in off campus situations, the school will lend support to parents who request assistance in coping with the issue. They also state that they will continue to educate the students about the dangers of alcohol consumption and drug use. All the contract does, when you sign it, is hold your child to the code of conduct, which as stated above, does not extend to off campus events. </p>
<p>My own approach to this is to focus on my own child and their specific ability to avoid these types of situaitons. This will factor into our decision on our choice of schools. I have done extensive research into the social culture of each school we have looked at. I can tell you that when you dig deep, there are few if any schools that come up “lilly white”. I have learned much from perusing the back issues of the school newspapers, which for most schools are on-line. Most schools have these sort of issues - I guess it goes back to knowing your child and finding the best fit for that child.</p>