Policies & Procedures

Flexible Scheduling

We understand that students have different schedules and calendar events. Students can deduct prorated classes that they know ahead of time they will not be able to make, due to vacation or other plans they may have. As long as these deductions are made at the time of registration, the Atelier can accommodate the student. If you realize you cannot attend a session you are enrolled for before it starts, please contact the office staff. Once the session has started, no credits or refunds will be given.

Make Up Procedure

We understand that students become sick or are unexpectedly unable to attend a class. The Atelier is eager to see students get every cent’s worth of what they have paid. The Atelier cannot refund the student for those missed classes or let the student roll over these missed classes into the next semester. A make-up class can be attended in the same semester, by the student, as long as it is cleared by the instructor. The make-up class must be in a class that is different than the class the student usually attends. If the chosen make-up class has a different instructor, both instructors must approve the make-up. After getting instructor approval, the student must notify the office staff as to which class they would like to take to make-up for the one not attended.

*Please note, some classes are not age appropriate for younger students. If you have questions regarding a make-up for a younger student, contact the administration to find a suitable spot in our adult or children’s courses.

Class Cancelations

In the event of a class cancellation on the part of the Atelier or the instructor, a make-up class will be arranged during an available time slot in the schedule. If a student is not available during the rescheduled class, then we welcome them to attend any class of their choosing within the semester to make up that time. The Atelier always does its best not to cancel classes. If the Atelier or a teacher cancels a class and a make-up session cannot be held, a credit or refund will be given.

Teachers

The Atelier reserves the right to change staff or teachers in a class at any given time. If a teacher is sick, any other staffed instructor can teach the class. In the rare event that a teacher needs to stop teaching a class unexpectedly, the Atelier will try to have a different teacher step in to teach the remainder of the class. In the event of a change in instructor, a monetary refund will not be permitted, but a transfer to another course will certainly be considered.

Payments

We expect payment in full before the beginning of each session. However, if there are special circumstances that make full payment difficult, please call the office staff. We do try to be accommodating up to a point. For those in financial difficulty, we do offer some financial aid. Please talk to one of our office staff if you wish to be considered for aid.

Setting Up & Breaking Down Your Painting Station

The Atelier opens the studio a half hour before each class so that students can set up and prepare for class. We encourage students to come early, especially when painting, so they can get their palettes ready, set up their props and enjoy a full class. 

Please clean up after yourself after class and break down any still-life set-ups. Unless approval is granted by the instructor/staff, we would ask students to finish working at the time the class is over and clean up within a half hour of the end of the class. There are disinfecting spray and wipes available. 

The Atelier has limited painting storage space; If you are finished with your piece, please bring it home once it has dried. 

Given the increase in students per class, we regret that still-life projects do need to be put away after each class. We encourage students to take photographs of their set-ups so they can be reassembled for their next class. 

It is the responsibility of the instructor to ensure that the studios are left in an orderly state ready for the next class. If it is the last class of the evening, the instructor is responsible for ensuring that all doors are locked and the alarms are set.