The Policies and Procedures of Alamo City Arts Academy are designed to provide a safe, positive, and productive learning environment where students can grow as artists while developing discipline, confidence, creativity, and respect for themselves and others.
Enrollment, Tuition & Withdrawal Academy tuition is based on enrollment for the full academic year and is divided into 10 monthly payments for convenience. Monthly tuition is not calculated based on the number of classes held in a particular month. Scheduled holidays, Academy closures, and months containing more or fewer class meetings do not change the monthly tuition rate. Tuition payments are automatically processed between the 1st and 3rd of each month. Payments not received by the 5th of the month are subject to a $25 late fee.
Students wishing to withdraw from a class must notify the Academy office prior to the next billing cycle. Tuition payments are non-refundable once the billing cycle has begun. Registration fees and other fees already paid are non-refundable.
Class Placement & Advancement Class placement is based on a combination of age, technical ability, physical readiness, maturity, attendance, classroom participation, and instructor evaluation. Advancement is not automatic and is not based solely on a student's age or number of years enrolled.
Enrollment in Level 2 and higher classes requires Director approval. Faculty recommendations are considered as part of the placement process; however, all final placement and advancement decisions are made by the Academy Director. Students may be asked to remain in their current level when additional time is needed to safely and successfully master the skills required for advancement.
Attendance & Tardiness Good attendance is essential to a student's growth and success. Students who miss more than 20% of their classes may not be eligible for promotion to the next level the following year. Please make every effort to attend each regularly scheduled class. Missed classes are not deducted from tuition.
Tardiness is disruptive to the learning process and may prevent a student from receiving the warm-up and instruction necessary to participate safely.
If you will be late, please text (210) 369-8311 so we can inform the instructor. Upon arrival, please wait at the classroom door until the instructor invites the student to enter.
Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will not receive attendance credit and should schedule a make-up class. Depending on the class and material being taught, an instructor may determine that it is not safe for a student arriving significantly late to participate.
Make-Up Classes If a student misses a class, they are encouraged to attend a make-up class within the same month. Students may:
Attend a class one level below their current level. For example, a Beginning Ballet student may make up a class in Dance Foundations.
Attend the same level in another discipline when appropriate. For example, an Elementary Jazz student may attend Elementary Ballet.
Make-up classes are encouraged; however, Alamo City Arts Academy reserves the right to limit make-up classes after three absences have accrued.
When an absence occurs, families will receive an email indicating the student's eligibility to attend a make-up class. When attending a make-up class, please complete a make-up slip at the front desk.
Make-up classes are subject to class availability and are not guaranteed.
Drop-In Classes & Class Passes Alamo City Arts Academy welcomes students to attend eligible classes on a drop-in basis. The drop-in rate is $25 per hour, or students may purchase a 10-hour class pass for $200.
Class pass hours are deducted according to the length of the class. For example, attendance in a two-hour class deducts two hours from the class pass.
Class passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase and are non-refundable.
Drop-in attendance in Level 2 or higher classes requires Director approval. Purchasing a drop-in class or class pass does not guarantee placement or enrollment in a particular class or level.
Trial Classes Prospective students are welcome to attend one complimentary trial class before enrolling. Trial classes must be scheduled in advance through the Academy office.
Trial placement is based on the student's age, previous training, and the information provided at registration. Attendance in a trial class does not guarantee placement in that level. When appropriate, Academy faculty may recommend a different class or level following the trial.
Dress Code & Classroom Expectations Students are expected to arrive prepared for class in the required attire, with appropriate shoes and hair secured according to the requirements of their discipline.
Proper attire allows instructors to safely evaluate alignment and technique while helping students develop the discipline and preparation expected in arts training.
Repeated failure to meet dress-code requirements may affect class participation and may be considered when evaluating advancement.
Food, gum, and beverages other than water are not permitted in the studios. Dance bags, street shoes, and personal belongings should remain in the locker or lobby area during class.
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced and stored during class unless their use has been specifically permitted by the instructor.
Student Conduct Alamo City Arts Academy is committed to providing a positive, respectful, and supportive learning environment. Students are expected to treat fellow students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and guests with kindness and respect.
Bullying, harassment, intimidation, body-shaming, discriminatory behavior, deliberate exclusion, or conduct that compromises the safety or well-being of another student will not be tolerated.
When behavioral concerns arise, the Academy will address them in a manner appropriate to the student's age and the circumstances. Depending on the severity or frequency of the behavior, the Academy may speak with the student and parent or guardian, remove a student from class, or discontinue enrollment.
Parent & Guardian Conduct Parents and guardians play an important role in maintaining a positive Academy environment and are expected to treat students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and other families with courtesy and respect.
Questions or concerns regarding instruction, placement, another student, or Academy policies should be directed privately to Academy administration. Parents and guardians should not confront or discipline another student's child.
Faculty members have limited transition time between classes. Questions requiring more than a brief conversation should be directed to the Academy office so an appropriate time can be arranged.
Abusive, threatening, harassing, or repeatedly disruptive behavior by a student, parent, guardian, or family member may result in the discontinuation of enrollment.
Parent Observation All classes, except Parent & Me, are independent-level classes. Parents and guardians are not permitted in the classroom during regular instruction unless invited by the instructor.
For the safety and security of all students, please remain in the lobby or outside the classroom and do not enter a classroom without permission. Limiting classroom traffic allows students to focus and develop independence without unnecessary distractions.
If a child struggles with separation, we will work with the parent or guardian to support the student without disrupting the class. Parent Observation Weeks are held during the first full weeks of November and April each year so families may observe their student's progress.
Arrival, Pick-Up & Student Supervision Families are welcome to arrive early and enjoy our lobby before class. Academy staff are generally on site at least 30 minutes before scheduled class hours.
Children under the age of 10 must remain with a parent or guardian until their scheduled class begins. Once the student has entered class, parents and guardians are not required to remain on site.
Students age 10 and older may wait in the lobby independently before or between classes, provided they can do so safely and respectfully and follow Academy lobby guidelines.
Students should be picked up within 15 minutes of the conclusion of their final class of the day. Parents and guardians are responsible for making appropriate arrangements for timely pick-up.
Lobby Area Our lobby is a shared community space for Academy students, families, siblings, and guests. Families are welcome to use the space before, during, and between classes. Please be courteous to those around you and mindful of conversation topics, noise, and classes currently in session.
TV Usage: The lobby TV is provided as a courtesy and may not always be on. Please do not photograph or record the screen. Quiet Environment: Please keep phone and device volume low or use headphones to minimize distractions for classes in session. Clean Space: Please dispose of trash and personal items before leaving and help us keep the lobby welcoming for everyone. Children's Play Area: Our lobby includes a play area for children age 5 and younger. Children using the play area must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Please help your child return toys to the play area and leave the space clean and safe for the next family. Toys and other items in the play area are Academy property and must remain at the Academy. Snacks & Water: Complimentary snacks and water are intended for enrolled students and are generously provided by sponsors and Academy families. Parents and siblings who regularly enjoy these refreshments are welcome to contribute to help us keep them available. Lost & Found: Alamo City Arts Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced belongings. Please label dancewear, shoes, water bottles, and other personal items whenever possible.
Illness & Injury Students who are ill, contagious, or unable to safely participate should remain home. Eligible absences may be made up according to the Academy's Make-Up Class Policy.
Parents and students should notify the instructor of any injury or physical limitation that may affect participation. Faculty may modify activities or ask a student to observe when they believe continued participation could be unsafe or could worsen an injury. Inclement Weather & Academy ClosuresAlamo City Arts Academy will post updates on alamocityarts.org regarding weather-related closures.
The Academy reserves the right to close or cancel classes at its discretion when conditions could jeopardize the safety of students, families, or faculty. We will not ask families or instructors to travel when we believe conditions are unsafe.
Classes canceled due to inclement weather or other unexpected Academy closures may be made up according to the Make-Up Classes policy above.
Communication Academy administrative hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Important Academy information may be communicated through email, text message, the Parent Portal, and the Academy website. Families are responsible for maintaining current contact information and reviewing Academy communications regularly.
For questions regarding registration, tuition, placement, scheduling, or Academy policies, please contact the Academy office at (210) 369-8311 or [email protected].
Our faculty's primary responsibility during scheduled class time is teaching. Please direct administrative questions to the Academy office rather than interrupting instructors during class or class transitions.
Our CommitmentAlamo City Arts Academy believes that high-quality arts education requires both high standards and a healthy learning environment. Our policies are intended to provide consistency, safety, and respect while giving every student the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy their training.
Alamo City Arts Academy reserves the right to update its policies and procedures as necessary to meet the needs and safety of our students, families, faculty, and programs.