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Polices & Registration
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POLICIES

PAYMENT & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

A student is not considered fully registered unless all fields are completely filled in on the registration form

Payment of the first month of lessons due with registration and is nonrefundable and must accompany each FULLY COMPLETED registration form.

Payment is expected the first lesson of each month or weekly as contracted with the student/guardian. It is up to the student/guardian to make payments on schedule.

Failure to make payments as required will result in a 5% monthly late fee if past 30 days and immediate suspension from lessons/classes until payment is current. Students/guardians are expected to sign a letter of intent if not paying in full.

RBA is committed to providing access to arts education/instruction regardless of economic status. Scholarships will be available based on need. Scholarships are funded through public support and therefore scholarships will be available on a first come, first served basis as funds allow. Alternate payment schedules may also be acceptable and will be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis. Contact RBA for information.

RBA does NOT send out registration confirmations. If you would like a written confirmation, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your registration form. If you have been waitlisted or if there is a problem, we will notify you.


WAIT LIST POLICY

Registrations are processed in the order received. In some cases, students may be waitlisted due to enrollment limits. There is no charge for this service. You will only be contacted again should a space become available and NOT if the class remains at the maximum enrollment limit.


LESSON/CLASS/CAMP/WORKSHOP REFUND POLICY

CANCELLATIONS—Programs must meet minimum enrollment and you may not be exempt from payment if class a class falls below minimums at time of your cancellation. Minimums are needed for completion of course work. Full tuition refunds or credits are given if RBA cancels a program.

WITHDRAWLS-Upon receipt of a written request prior to the first class/camp/workshop, RBA will determine your eligibility for refunds or credits as follows:

-At least 2 weeks prior to first class/camp/workshop
Full refund of tuition payments made. $50 or First Month Tuition Registration Fee is non-refundable.

-2 weeks before through first day of class/camp/workshop: Full refund of tuition payments made less $50.00 late withdrawal penalty. $50.00 registration fee is non-refundable.

-After the first class/camp/workshop: No refunds or credits are given plus a $50.00 withdrawal penalty will be assessed.



PRIVATE LESSON POLICIES

Just as with classes and group instruction, private lesson students must be committed for at least the full year and payment is expected the first lesson of each month or weekly as contracted with the student/guardian.

The nonrefundable registration fee shall also apply to private lessons.

Students may withdraw or request a new teacher after taking first month of lessons. After that time, no refunds or credits are granted.



ABSENCES

Proper notification is required to the instructor AT LEAST one week to 48 hours in advance when student will be absent unless it is due to sudden illness. Instructor’s will make up only 1 class per every 3 months at a mutually convenient time to both student and instructor for privates only. Payment for a missed class is still expected regardless for group or private lessons. Instructors reserve this time for the student and you are paying for their time if there or not.

When an instructor is absent or cancels a scheduled class, the student will be offered a make-up session within the month. If a make-up does not occur, the instructor will credit one class toward the student for that month. Only private student classes will receive a tuition credit if a mutual make-up time can not be arranged. Payment for all other classes is always expected.



LEAVES OF ABSENCE

In cases of emergency or serious illness, a leave of absence may be requested. All requests must be accompanied by a doctor’s note and made in writing to both RBA and the instructor. If approved, credit may be given for those absences.



FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

In keeping with our commitment to making our classes open to all walks of life, RBA offers tuition assistance, scholarships and work-study to qualified students of all ages. To the extent funds permit, assistance is available on a sliding-scale basis, based on family size and income. If you wish to apply, please call our office for the appropriate form.



PHOTO RELEASE POLICY

From time to time RBA takes photographs of students and/or artwork for possible use in our publications (print & e-mail), exhibitions and on our website, and for funding, development, and public relations purposes. No compensation is provided to individuals who appear in the photographs or for artwork used. Registering your child makes them eligible for such photo release unless an expressed letter accompanies the registration requesting no photography of their child.



NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

RBA admits students of any race, color, religion, ability, disability, age, political affiliation, national or ethnic origin or socio-economic status. It does not discriminate on the basis of such in its educational, admission and financial aid policies or programs.



SPECIAL NEEDS/ACCESS

If you or your child has any special needs, please contact the office. RBA is committed to accommodating differences so that the arts are accessible to all. Our facility meets ADA requirements.



CHILD SAFETY

To ensure your child’s safety, please be sure to pick him/her up promptly after class/camp/lesson. Children waiting in RBA lobbies before and/or after their class/camp/lesson are NOT supervised. Children are under supervision during their instruction time only. Neither teachers nor administrative staff is responsible for supervising children outside of teaching time. It is recommended that young children under 13 not leave the premises (outside the doors of the academy) unless accompanied by authorized adult (per registration).



CODE OF CONDUCT

Riverbend Academy is an organization founded on faith; God-centered in its mission. RBA aspires to give tangible illustration to God’s love by providing arts education and nurture to anyone with expressed interest. Riverbend desires to bring about hope, transform lives, unite various people and serve God through the service of others. Spirituality will be infused and ever present with the fundamental exhibit of God’s love through example, generosity, acceptance and the freedom of art expression.

To keep the learning experience positive for all involved, the following codes of conduct are important to maintain an enriching environment:

-Students are expected to be on time, be prepared and have all supplies and/or equipment (instruments, dance shoes, etc.) to begin their lesson.

-Students and parents are expected to be respectful to the instructor, fellow students, RBA volunteers and staff at all times. Absolutely no foul or abusive language or gestures will be tolerated. Bullying or disrespect of instructor, fellow students, RBA volunteers and staff will not be tolerated.

-If attending group classes, talking or socializing that disrupts the class in any way will not be tolerated while instruction is in progress.
No inappropriate, revealing clothing will be permitted at the academy and students dressed as such will be instructed to leave.

-Students are expected to treat RBA with utmost respect in terms of facility use. Students are required to clean up after themselves in all situations and never leave trash or a mess behind. RBA is made possible by all volunteers and assistance in cleanliness above and beyond will be rewarded.

-No cell phone usage in any way will be acceptable during class and may result in phones taken away until the end of class and maybe for all classes if deemed necessary.

-Students must arrive early and use the restroom before class--regular trips to the restroom are not tolerated unless an absolute emergency.

-Students are not permitted to leave class without the instructor’s expressed permission and notification.

-No food or drink will be allowed in the classrooms during instruction unless approved by RBA in conjunction with the instructor.

-Absolutely without question will any illegal drugs or unlawful alcohol will be permitted on site for any reason. Limited sanctioned events may host beer and wine, but only by a licensed caterer and with responsible monitoring will such be allowed. Illegal drugs or unlawful alcohol on site will result in immediate dismissal and will be subject to legal consequences.

-Students are expected to handle all materials, supplies, instruments, etc. with care and consideration. Should a student damage RBA equipment, instruments, or the facility, the student family will be responsible for replacement or repair to academy standards.

-Parents remaining in the room during their child’s group lessons is left up to the instructors discretion; Parents, if allowed in the studio, must remain in the designated seating area and remain quiet during the lesson -- no cell phones or interruptions.

Not adhering to any of the above could result in expulsion at the instructor and academy’s discretion with no refunds.

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