The following policies and procedures are currently in effect. All policies must be respected and abided by all families of Westminster Arts Academy at all times with no exceptions. We reserve the right to modify or change any part at any given time. In the case of an amendment all families will be notified. We will refer to Westminster Arts Academy as the "Academy" within the following policies and procedures:
CALENDAR
Westminster Arts Academy has its own "Academy Calendar" in which there are 48 lesson weeks per year. The remaining 4 weeks within the year are reserved for holidays and seasonal breaks. The "beginning of the month" (based on the Academy Calendar) will usually start in the previous month. This way there will always be 4 lesson weeks per month. See the Academy Calendar for "beginning of the month" dates.
REGISTRATION
There is a registration fee of $30 per student to join the Academy. For additional family members the fee is discounted at $20 as long as tuition is paid on the same "family" account. Registration fees are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable. The Registration is current as long as the Student in actively enrolled in at least one class. Registration is no longer current once the Student withdraws from all classes for any period of time. Once a Registration is no longer current, the registration fee will again be applicable to enroll back into classes.
TUITION
Tuition is billed monthly and paid by automatic payments via credit card or bank account. There is no contract however we do require a 2-week notice upon withdrawal. To withdraw from classes a withdrawal form must be filled out in the office. We operate on a 48-week Academy Calendar. Each day of the week will receive 48 lessons per year. Tuition is Non-Refundable. However, paid tuition may be transferred to a friend or family member.
SCHEDULING
Lesson times are based on availability within our class schedule. Therefore, once enrolled, a student is not guaranteed a schedule change upon request. Schedule changes are limited to one per month and again cannot be guaranteed.
STUDENT ABSENCE AND GROUP MAKEUPS
If a student misses a lesson or class for any reason, the Student is eligible for a group makeup class. There is no limit on the number of group makeups given however they are available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are a number of class times to choose from and the sign-up sheet is available in the office. You may also sign up over the phone. Group Piano students must sign up for the designated "Group Piano Makeups." Music Fun Time students, Dance students, and Art students must make up an absence during any eligible class on the regular class schedule and must sign up with the office prior to the start of class to ensure availability. All other students may sign up for any of the designated 1 hour "Master Classes." Although makeups are unlimited and do not expire, due to the limited number of spots in each class, once a commitment is made by signing up, a 24 hour cancellation notice is required, or the makeup will be considered used. Makeups can only be used while a student is currently enrolled in at least one class at the Academy.
PLANNED EXTENDED STUDENT ABSENCE AND VIDEO MAKEUPS
Students who have planned absences of 4 or more consecutive lessons are eligible for either Recorded Video Lessons or Live Video Lessons during their regularly scheduled lesson time. A Video Makeup form must be filled out in the office prior to the extended absence. Group students are only eligible for the Live Video Lessons. See the office for more information on these two options.
INSTRUCTOR ABSENCE
In the event of Instructor absence, the Academy reserves the right to provide a qualified substitute teacher. If a substitute teacher is not available a makeup lesson will be arranged or a credit will be issued for the missed class.
TARDINESS
Instructors are paid for the agreed time scheduled by a student. If the instructor is late for whatever reason, class will be extended, again if time allows. If time does not permit, a credit will be issued for the missed time.
GROUP CLASS ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Group classes have minimum enrollment requirements of 4 students per class. If a Group Class minimum enrollment is not met due to withdrawals, the Academy reserves the right to cancel the class or shorten the lesson time accordingly.
GROUP PIANO ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
If it is determined that a student is falling behind in a group class due to attendance issues, the student will be withdrawn from the group. The student must then take private / semi-private lessons to "catch up" and may subsequently rejoin the group.
DISCONTINUING LESSONS
Withdrawals must be requested 2 weeks in advance using our withdrawal form in the office. _
MUSICAL LADDER SYSTEM AND DANCERS' POINTE SYSTEM
The "Musical Ladder System" and "Dancers' Pointe System" are award programs based on continuous practice and enrollment and are provided as a benefit to enhance the learning experience. The levels represent the Student's commitment to their education and will reset upon withdrawal.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
We have an open door policy at our Academy. Parents are always allowed to sit in on private lessons. Group classes may only be viewed through the door, window, or on our waiting room TV.
CARE OF STUDENTS, INJURIES, AND PICKING UP
The Academy is not a closed campus and is not responsible for providing before or after class care for students. Parents and guardians with children under the age of eight must remain on the premises during the classes. Students are not to be left at the Academy for excessive time periods before or after their lessons.
Parents, legal guardians of minors, students and adult students waive the right to any legal action for any injury sustained on Academy property resulting from normal lesson activity or any other activity conducted by the students or their siblings before, during, or after lesson time, including hearing loss or hearing damage. Westminster Arts Academy is not responsible for any damage done to vehicles or items stolen from vehicles.
Children must wait for their parents to pick them up inside the Academy. Please do not ask them to meet you elsewhere. Westminster Arts Academy assumes no responsibility for children who leave unaccompanied.
