The Tate Academy Policy & Procedures Handbook 2026-2027
Welcome to The Tate Academy! We are committed to providing a positive, professional, and family-oriented environment where every dancer can grow in confidence, technique, discipline, and a love for dance. Our goal is to provide a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for all students and families. The following policies have been established to ensure consistency and fairness throughout the dance season.
Attendance, Drop Off & Pick Up
Please do not bring your child to class if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of illness. Dancers should arrive a few minutes before class begins so they are ready to start on time. Parents of dancers ages 5 and older are asked to drop off and return promptly at the end of class. One parent or guardian may remain in the lobby for dancers ages 4 and under. Please arrive on time for pick-up and help us keep our studio running smoothly by avoiding gathering outside the studio doors during class times.
Classroom Etiquette
The Tate Academy is committed to maintaining a respectful, encouraging, and positive environment. Students are expected to treat instructors, staff, classmates, and studio property with respect at all times. We encourage dancers to support one another and focus on their own growth rather than comparing themselves to others. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. If you have concerns, please contact the front desk or Studio Director so they can be addressed promptly. If you wish to speak with an instructor, please schedule a time before their first class or after their final class. The Tate Academy has a zero tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behavior, including conduct occurring through text messages, group chats, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or any other form of social media or electronic communication
Classes, Attendance & Make-Up Policy
A minimum of five dancers is required for a class to remain on the schedule. If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, we will make every effort to place your dancer in another appropriate class. If your dancer misses a class, they may attend a make-up class in another age and level appropriate class or the same class on another day if available. No refunds or credits are issued for missed classes.
Tuition & Payment Policies
An initial tuition payment is due upon enrollment and includes tuition for the month of enrollment plus June tuition. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is also required to complete enrollment. Tuition is based on the annual dance season and divided into ten equal monthly payments for your convenience. Monthly tuition is not based on the number of classes held each month. A valid credit card must remain on file for every account regardless of the payment method selected. A 3% processing fee applies to all credit card payments. Families wishing to avoid this fee may pay by cash, check, ACH, or online bill pay through their bank. Returned checks are subject to a $30 fee. If your account balance is not paid in full by the 5th of the month, a $25 late fee will be added, and you authorize The Tate Academy to charge the payment method on file. Families paying tuition in full at registration will receive a 10% tuition discount. Families paying one-half of the annual tuition at registration will receive a 5% discount, with the remaining balance due January 1, 2027. Eligible sibling discounts will be applied. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable, and there are no refunds or credits for missed classes, withdrawals, or dismissal due to violations of studio policies.
Costumes & End of Year Recital
A $50 costume deposit per class will be due on November 1, 2026. Once costumes have been ordered, all costume deposits and payments are non-refundable, even if a dancer chooses not to participate in the recital. Families will be notified when costumes are available for pickup.
Agreement
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all policies outlined above. I understand that these policies are in place to provide a safe, organized, and positive experience for all students and families at The Tate Academy.