Tuition and Payment
Q: When is tuition due?
A: Monthly tuition is due on the first Monday of each month. It is considered late by the second Monday.
Q: How do families make payments?
A: Families can pay by check, Venmo, or upfront for the entire year (no discounts for paying the full year in advance).
Q: When are teachers paid?
A: Instructors and substitutes are paid by the academy at the end of each month. Instructor paychecks may be adjusted based on substitutes needed.
Tuition Structure
Q: How is tuition calculated?
A: Tuition is calculated per class, per student, per month. For example, a 2-hour class like Biology costs $23 per credit hour, totaling $46 per month.
Q: Are deposits required?
A: Yes, students pay the first and last month's tuition upfront as a deposit. This helps ensure instructors are paid if a student withdraws.
Tuition Tiers and Fees
Q: Why are there multiple tuition tiers?
A: Different tiers reflect the level of expertise needed for different classes. Higher-level courses require specialized instructors, justifying a higher cost.
Tuition Examples:
Elementary: 1-hour = $19/month, 2-hour = $38/month
Middle School: 1-hour = $21/month, 2-hour = $42/month
High School: 1-hour = $23/month, 2-hour = $46/month
Q: Are there separate materials fees?
A: Yes, these are defined by the instructor and paid directly to them. Some courses have no fees, while others may have fees calculated yearly, semesterly, or monthly.
Financial Assistance and Refunds
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A: The academy does not directly provide assistance, but private donors have occasionally covered tuition on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How are refunds handled?
A: Refunds are at the discretion of the academy, considering the circumstances of withdrawal.
Class Changes and Other Policies
Q: What is the process for requesting a class change after the drop/add period?
A: Class changes are managed by the director or assistant director. Requests should be made in writing to ensure they are recorded and not forgotten.
Q: What if a student misses a class?
A: It is the responsibility of the student and parent to contact the instructor for materials or notes. No refunds or make-ups are provided.
Q: Are there returned check fees?
A: Yes, there's a $35 fee for returned checks. This applies to tuition payments made to the academy but not to payments made directly to instructors.
Q: When is the last day to make class schedule changes or swap classes?
A: After week #3, class deposit and current month's tuition fees are forefeit. If students add, or swap classes, the new class course cost will be added to the bill and an additional course deposit may be required. Student material fees will also be forefeit and additional materials fees may apply.