The school year at ABAA begins in September and ends in May. ABAA school year classes are structured on a full year syllabus, therefore students (and parents) are committing to enrollment for an entire school year when registering for a school year class. Pre-Ballet families are committing to Session 1 and/or 2.

With class enrollment, you are committing and agreeing to pay for the full session or school year, whether you choose Full Payment at Registration ("Year-In-Full" or full tuition paid at registration) or Installment Plan billing frequency. A 5% card transaction fee applies to all card transactions. A $35 late fee applies to balances not paid by the payment due date. A $35 returned check fee applies to any returned checks. Accounts must be up to date for dancers to participate in classes or performances.

ABAA follows a No Refund Policy. Please ensure that the classes you choose fit your schedule and that your child wants to dance before submitting requests for classes. ABAA will issue a full refund if ABAA must cancel a class and no Virtual Class is offered. If circumstances require you to withdraw from a class, please fill out a “Withdrawal Form” at the front desk. Withdrawals are considered on a case-by-case basis. You will be responsible for any remaining tuition fees. No credits given for missed classes. See makeup classes policy below.  Please contact the Director with any questions regarding ABAA tuition policies: ashley@ashleyballetarts.com.

ABAA recognizes that although no one can predict the future, our school may be affected by force majeure events. Though uncommon, these events do happen. ABAA's definition of force majeure includes but is not limited to: natural disasters sometimes described legally as "acts of God," such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes; major biological events, such as epidemics or pandemics; and other disruptions, such as wars, riots, labor disputes, terrorist activities, or interruption or failure of electricity or communications systems. In the event that a force majeure event affects ABAA's ability to deliver regular services, we are committed to the following:

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• Virtual Classes — If ABAA is unable to provide in-person classes, Junior and Senior division students may receive virtual instruction in place of a refund. Pre-Ballet students will not receive virtual classes, and will instead receive a refund.

• Refunds — If ABAA is able to or chooses to provide neither in-person classes nor virtual instruction, students will receive a refund.

• Notifications and Deadlines — Should a force majeure event take place prior to the commencement of the session, ABAA will notify students of our plan to provide virtual classes to our Junior and Senior divisions as detailed above. Once notified, Junior and Senior division students may opt out of virtual classes in exchange for a refund before the session begins. If, however, a force majeure event happens mid-session, and ABAA offers virtual classes to Junior and Senior division students, no refunds will be issued.

The dress code for each class level and genre of class is posted on our website and our studio bulletin board. Click here to read our dress code.

Please notify the office in advance of any absences or tardiness (email: frontdesk@ashleyballetarts.com). Good attendance is critical to consistent student progress and advancement. Junior and Senior students may make up 2  classes during the school year. Pre-Ballet students are limited to one make-up class per session. Due to the nature of our shorter summer schedule, no makeup classes are allowed. Makeup classes may be scheduled by emailing frontdesk@ashleyballetarts.com.

Classes begin on time. Late admittance to class is at the teacher’s discretion. Tardy students may be asked to observe class. This is to ensure the student’s safety as well as to not disrupt the flow of the class.

Classes can be observed from the studio viewing windows at any time. In-studio parent observation is permitted at designated times only; this occurs one week during the School Year. Parent Observation Week dates will be posted on the website and at the studio. Prospective students and special case observation must be approved by the instructor and/or Director at least one week prior. The training process is sensitive; outside presence may distract or inhibit the students. Parents/guardians of 3-5 year olds are required to stay in waiting areas at the studio for the duration of their dancers' class(es).

Please pick up children promptly after class and also adhere to the rules of the International Standard of Dance Class Etiquette (PDF). Please visit our website often for the most up-to-date information and events.

ABAA posts studio announcements on the studio bulletin board, and via email newsletters throughout the year; emails are coordinated and distributed via MailChimp. Parents should check both the bulletin board and their email frequently to stay up to date with studio events and opportunities, enrollment periods, and other important announcements.

Please check our website homepage and studio voicemail for winter closings due to severe weather. We will also send a courtesy email notifying you of studio closures. As a general policy, we will cancel classes if the Hopkins Public School System cancels or dismisses classes early due to weather conditions. The Director will also factor in the safety of the afternoon and evening commute and weekend weather conditions. In all cases, please use your best judgment, and contact the studio if you will be absent and need to schedule a makeup class. See "Dress Code, Attendance, & Class Observation" above.

The ABAA office staff is not allowed to give out student or teacher class information, phone numbers, personal e-mail addresses, or home addresses.

All students are asked to follow the International Standard of Dance Class Etiquette (PDF); this document is distributed the first week of class, and is available on the studio website.

No chewing gum in the studio. Food may be eaten in waiting areas only; no food or drinks in class or dressing room areas. Water bottles with plain water (no sports drinks, soda pop, additives, etc.) are permitted in the studio.