Policies and Procedures
School Closings Due to Weather or Other Unpredictable Events
Small Class Size Policy
As with all schools, to hold classes we must meet a minimum number of students. Most schools cancel classes that are insufficiently enrolled. To avoid cancelation and still provide education, we have developed the following:
While the Academy has the right to cancel insufficiently enrolled classes, in many cases, we run small classes with the same tuition but decreased class lengths. For years now, we have found this is a very viable option. The same tuition with reduced lesson length has proven very helpful to all. Classes are able to run, the student/teacher ratio is smaller and the financial outlay is not increased.
Group Class Make Up Policies
Unless class is cancelled due to an emergency weather situation or the like, we cannot offer make up lessons for group classes. The only exception would be if there is another class being taught at the same level and on the same curriculum time table as your original class. This class may be attended if the teacher gives you and the office a confirmation of approval.
Private Lesson Make Up Policies
The overarching school policy is teachers are not required to make up lessons that are missed by the student. Registration purchases a specific lesson and teacher time and the Academy is obligated to pay the teacher for that time. However, most teachers will allow a single make-up lesson each semester. Please inquire directly with your teacher at your trial lesson.
Securing Your Time Slot
Students who take lessons year round (Spring, Fall, Summer) are given priority for choosing time slots. If you take lessons year round your time slot for private lessons will be secure. If not it does not mean that you lose your time slot. But it does mean that the slot will be open for registration to year round students.
Three-Week Money-Back Guarantee for New Students
If you are not satisfied with your classes or lessons, email the Academy Office within the first three weeks of classes or lessons and we will refund all prepaid tuition including the classes or lessons that have already occurred. Phone or verbal notification will not be considered. A refund will not be issued on the day of the fourth class or lesson.
- We DO NOT base our decisions on Montgomery County Public Schools.
- The site home page is THE SOURCE for information during weather events! We will post timely information letting students and faculty know if we are open, closed or waiting before making the decision.
- For weekend morning classes, we will have notice posted by 7:30am.
Small Class Size Policy
As with all schools, to hold classes we must meet a minimum number of students. Most schools cancel classes that are insufficiently enrolled. To avoid cancelation and still provide education, we have developed the following:
While the Academy has the right to cancel insufficiently enrolled classes, in many cases, we run small classes with the same tuition but decreased class lengths. For years now, we have found this is a very viable option. The same tuition with reduced lesson length has proven very helpful to all. Classes are able to run, the student/teacher ratio is smaller and the financial outlay is not increased.
- 1-2 students – no group class can be held with only 2 students. If a class falls to this level, the school reserves the right to cancel any remaining classes and either issue a class credit or a refund. In certain cases, we may offer to run a class of 2 for 30 minutes.
- 3-5 Students becomes a 40-45 minute class
- 6 or More Students - stays at regularly scheduled length (usually 50-55 minutes)
- Classes that are regularly scheduled for 45 minutes due to age, may be reduced to 30 minutes depending on enrollment.
- Toddler Tunes classes will always be 30 minutes in length and require 5 students in order to hold a class.
Group Class Make Up Policies
Unless class is cancelled due to an emergency weather situation or the like, we cannot offer make up lessons for group classes. The only exception would be if there is another class being taught at the same level and on the same curriculum time table as your original class. This class may be attended if the teacher gives you and the office a confirmation of approval.
Private Lesson Make Up Policies
The overarching school policy is teachers are not required to make up lessons that are missed by the student. Registration purchases a specific lesson and teacher time and the Academy is obligated to pay the teacher for that time. However, most teachers will allow a single make-up lesson each semester. Please inquire directly with your teacher at your trial lesson.
Securing Your Time Slot
Students who take lessons year round (Spring, Fall, Summer) are given priority for choosing time slots. If you take lessons year round your time slot for private lessons will be secure. If not it does not mean that you lose your time slot. But it does mean that the slot will be open for registration to year round students.
Three-Week Money-Back Guarantee for New Students
If you are not satisfied with your classes or lessons, email the Academy Office within the first three weeks of classes or lessons and we will refund all prepaid tuition including the classes or lessons that have already occurred. Phone or verbal notification will not be considered. A refund will not be issued on the day of the fourth class or lesson.
Payment Method
The Academy does not take cash or checks. Credit Cards can be given over the phone, in person or on our Shopping Cart. Or, also on the shopping cart, you can use PayPal if no adjustments to tuition is needed.
Monthly Payment Method for Harmony Road Group Piano Classes and Music in Me:
Monthly Auto Payments are made through automatic credit card withdrawal on the first of each month. The monthly tuition amount is the same each month. It reflects the average number of teaching weeks per month overall. Most months have 4 weeks, others have 3 or 5. Averaging prevents constant revision of monthly tuition.
Refunds
Once the new semester begins, there are no refunds for continuing students.
Late Fees
A late fee of $35 will be assessed for installment payments for year-round programs received after the 15th of the month.
Returned Checks
There will be a $35 fee assessed for checks returned by the bank.
Photography Rights
The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes and at school events for promotional materials.
Class Attendance
Class or lesson attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital.
Privacy Policy
Please click here for our privacy policy.
The Academy does not take cash or checks. Credit Cards can be given over the phone, in person or on our Shopping Cart. Or, also on the shopping cart, you can use PayPal if no adjustments to tuition is needed.
Monthly Payment Method for Harmony Road Group Piano Classes and Music in Me:
Monthly Auto Payments are made through automatic credit card withdrawal on the first of each month. The monthly tuition amount is the same each month. It reflects the average number of teaching weeks per month overall. Most months have 4 weeks, others have 3 or 5. Averaging prevents constant revision of monthly tuition.
- Withdrawal and Stop Autopay: With a minimum of 30 days written notice submitted in person or via email, you may withdraw whenever you choose. However! No partial month refund or adjustments will be made. 30 days notice is required BEFORE the next Autopay scheduled date.
- First Payment: This may be different from following months due to adjustments (i.e. One-time Registration Fee, prorating for starting mid month, etc.) All future monthly auto payments are for tuition amounts only
- Confirmation: At the end of the checkout process, you will be asked to confirm that The Academy is authorized to automatically charge your card for the correct amount on the first of each month. Entering your credit card number and submitting it provides authorization to automatically charge your card on the first of each month.
- Declined Card: We allow one declined card transaction. With subsequent declined card transactions, a $30 declined card fee will be charged automatically.
Refunds
Once the new semester begins, there are no refunds for continuing students.
Late Fees
A late fee of $35 will be assessed for installment payments for year-round programs received after the 15th of the month.
Returned Checks
There will be a $35 fee assessed for checks returned by the bank.
Photography Rights
The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes and at school events for promotional materials.
Class Attendance
Class or lesson attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital.
Privacy Policy
Please click here for our privacy policy.