Policies and Procedures
Policies include:
Weather and Closings
Insufficient Enrollment
Make up Class/Lesson Policies
Payment and Fees Policies
Student Attendance
Photography Rights
Weather and Closings
Insufficient Enrollment
Make up Class/Lesson Policies
Payment and Fees Policies
Student Attendance
Photography Rights
Weather Events and Closing
Before calling the Academy, check the Welcome Page (homepage) for frequent updates regarding school closings due to weather. If there is no update, the Academy is open for classes and lesson. During weekdays, we post updates throughout the day if needed. On weekends, the first post will be up by 7:30 AM.
Insufficient Enrollment Classes
Classes with fewer than 6 students are considered "Insufficient Enrollment" classes. In these cases, our options are:
1) Cancel the class, or
2) Raise the tuition for each student for the class, or
3) Decrease the class length and tuition remains the same.
While the Academy reserves the right to cancel insufficiently enrolled classes, these classes can often proceed on a short term basis, preventing the inconvenience and disappointment of class cancellation. In most cases, Option 3 above is the best option. Originally suggested by a parent, this practice has benefited many families since its adoption in 2010. Classes are able to proceed, the student/teacher ratio is very small so it justifies the increased tuition per minute, and tuition total does not have to be increased as in Option 2. The following are the policies and guidelines for Option 3 Insufficient Enrollment Classes:
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 overall school policy is teachers are not required to make up lessons that are missed by the student for any reason. Registration purchases a specific lesson time slot whether it is used or not. However, most teachers will allow a single make-up lesson each semester. Please inquire directly with your teacher at your Introductory Lesson.
Private Lesson Time Claim
Students who take lessons year round (Spring, Fall, Summer) are given priority for choosing lesson times. "Dropping out" for several weeks in the Summer or other season does not necessarily mean that the time slot is lost. However, the lesson time will not held and may be taken by another student.
Three-Week Money-Back Guarantee for New Students
For first time students, 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.
Before calling the Academy, check the Welcome Page (homepage) for frequent updates regarding school closings due to weather. If there is no update, the Academy is open for classes and lesson. During weekdays, we post updates throughout the day if needed. On weekends, the first post will be up by 7:30 AM.
Insufficient Enrollment Classes
Classes with fewer than 6 students are considered "Insufficient Enrollment" classes. In these cases, our options are:
1) Cancel the class, or
2) Raise the tuition for each student for the class, or
3) Decrease the class length and tuition remains the same.
While the Academy reserves the right to cancel insufficiently enrolled classes, these classes can often proceed on a short term basis, preventing the inconvenience and disappointment of class cancellation. In most cases, Option 3 above is the best option. Originally suggested by a parent, this practice has benefited many families since its adoption in 2010. Classes are able to proceed, the student/teacher ratio is very small so it justifies the increased tuition per minute, and tuition total does not have to be increased as in Option 2. The following are the policies and guidelines for Option 3 Insufficient Enrollment Classes:
- 1-2 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 short term. Transfer to private lessons may also be a good option.
- 3-5 Students becomes a 40-45 minute class.
- 6 or More Students - Considered Full Enrollment Classes.
- Classes that are regularly scheduled for 45 minutes due to age (ex. Music in Me), may be reduced to 30 minutes depending on enrollment.
- When Toddler Tunes classes run, they 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 overall school policy is teachers are not required to make up lessons that are missed by the student for any reason. Registration purchases a specific lesson time slot whether it is used or not. However, most teachers will allow a single make-up lesson each semester. Please inquire directly with your teacher at your Introductory Lesson.
Private Lesson Time Claim
Students who take lessons year round (Spring, Fall, Summer) are given priority for choosing lesson times. "Dropping out" for several weeks in the Summer or other season does not necessarily mean that the time slot is lost. However, the lesson time will not held and may be taken by another student.
Three-Week Money-Back Guarantee for New Students
For first time students, 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 Registration Cart.
Monthly Credit Card Automatic Payment: As of 7/11/2019, this method applies to all programs except for the Suzuki Violin Program.
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. A regular increase in tuition should be expected yearly on September 1st.
For students still on the semester system, once the new semester begins, there are no refunds for continuing students.
Late Fees
A late fee of $35 will be assessed for special case installment payments for year-round programs received after the 10th of the month.
Returned Checks
The Academy does not accept checks or cash. However, in special cases if a check is accepted as the method of payment, $35 will be applied if it is returned.
Photography Rights
The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes, lessons, camps and at school events for promotional materials.
Class Attendance
Class or lesson attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital. Students missing class frequently may not be allowed to participate on recitals or sharings.
The Academy does not take cash or checks. Credit Cards can be given over the phone, in person or on our Registration Cart.
Monthly Credit Card Automatic Payment: As of 7/11/2019, this method applies to all programs except for the Suzuki Violin Program.
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. A regular increase in tuition should be expected yearly on September 1st.
- 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.
- Re-registering: If you decide to return to a class from which you have withdrawn, you will need to re-register and the registration fee will be applied. Please note that you may or may not be able to return to the same class depending on the time frame of your absence. The student will need to be evaluated prior to re-registration.
For students still on the semester system, once the new semester begins, there are no refunds for continuing students.
Late Fees
A late fee of $35 will be assessed for special case installment payments for year-round programs received after the 10th of the month.
Returned Checks
The Academy does not accept checks or cash. However, in special cases if a check is accepted as the method of payment, $35 will be applied if it is returned.
Photography Rights
The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes, lessons, camps and at school events for promotional materials.
Class Attendance
Class or lesson attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital. Students missing class frequently may not be allowed to participate on recitals or sharings.
