VSA FAQ's - Season 11 (09/10)

Please see your Student Handbook & Policy page in your Season 11 Student Folder for more detailed information. Students and parents are responsible for making themselves familiar with all VSA policies.

Where and when can I make my tuition payment? There are two ways to make payments:
    Auto Draft from a personal account – drafted on either the 5th or 15th of the month based on what date you select.
    Credit Card payment – a charge on a credit or debit card of your choice will be done on either the 5th or 15th of the month based on what date you select.

What forms of payment does VSA accept? VSA accepts Checks or Money Orders for first month’s tuition only (September 2009). All other tuition may be paid via auto draft from a personal account or by credit card – Visa or Mastercard only. No cash is acccepted.

How much is the late fee?  A $10 late fee will be charged to all accounts not paid in full by the 25th of each month. NOTE: VSA is an independently run, non-profit organization that does not have the financial resources to allow students to have a past due account. Therefore, all accounts must be kept current each month. Once an account has become 10 days past due (i.e. the 25th of the month) the student will be asked to sit out of class until the account has been paid in full, including all late fees.

When are costume payments due? Costume payments are included in your monthly tuition. No extra costume fee is charged. The costume fee can not be separated, waived, or refunded due to withdrawal from class or lack of participation in recital productions.

Weather wise, when will VSA not have classes? How do we know when classes are cancelled due to inclement weather? VSA corresponds with the Putnam City Schools on when to close for inclement weather. If they are closed due to the weather ONLY, VSA will not have class. However, if classes are in session and you feel reluctant to travel due to weather in your area, we always leave the decision to travel to school up to each student and their family.

How many absences are allowed before a student can’t be in the end-of-year production? Students are allowed 6 absences, 4 specifically in the second semester (January thru May). After the 6th absence, the student should still come to class for education but unfortunately cannot participate in recital performances. Records will be kept of absences by the VSA office, but students are urged to keep note of their absences.

How do I drop a class? You must fill out an orange withdrawal/drop sheet and give it to Daniel Tardibono, Stephanie Dickson, or Jesi Conder in person. No other correspondence, written or verbal, will be accepted instead of this orange withdrawal form. If needed, you may contact the office to schedule an appointment to withdraw. NOTE: Non-attendance, or not showing up for a class, does not equal a class drop/withdrawal.

When is the last date I can drop a class? November 5th, 2009 is the deadline to drop classes with no financial penalty to the student. NOTE: Non-attendance, or not showing up for a class, does not equal a class drop/withdrawal.

What if I drop after November 5th? Students are allowed to withdraw from a class prior to November 5, 2009, by completing an orange Withdrawal Form, available at the VSA Info Desk, with no cost to the student. However, those students who drop a class after November 5, 2009, will be required to pay $25 per class, per month remaining in the entire season (through May 2010). Special consideration is given to students moving out of state or experiencing life-changing events (ie, death in immediate family, divorce, etc.). The orange Withdrawal Form must be delivered in person to either the VSA Director or a VSA Administrative Assistant, or an appointment may be made. No other form of correspondence, whether written or verbal, will be accepted as a withdrawal other than the official orange withdrawal form. Tuition will continue to be charged to the student’s account until a withdrawal form has been completed, turned in, and processed. Any tuition accrued before the proper paperwork is received will remain the student’s responsibility. NOTE: No-shows and drops will continue to be charged tuition until the proper paperwork is received. Non-attendance does not equal withdrawal from a class.

What types of financial aid are available? WORK STUDY - VSA has a limited number of work study positions available. Students and/or parents interested are asked to complete a Work Study Application, available by request at the VSA Office (717.1250). Work study positions include, but are not limited to: office assistance, VSA info desk, phone calling, newsletters, recital events (ie, tear down or set up of décor, set construction, stage managing, studio cleaning, merchandise table, etc.) PLEASE NOTE: Due to the number of applications we receive, the maximum amount of work study given may be limited to $20 per month, per approved application. Applications are processed as they are received. Work study is given on a first-come first-served basis. Once the pre-determined number of accepted applications is reached, VSA will no longer accept any work study applications. VSA does not offer scholarships for tuition.

If my child or I miss several classes due to illness, vacation, church or school activity, do we receive a prorated monthly tuition fee? At VSA, attendance is very important and effects the education of the individual student as well as their fellow classmates; therefore, we do not give a pro-rated fee if you are absent. It is essential that you try your best to be at every class to not only benefit yourself but also your classmates.
What happens if my teacher misses/cancels a normally scheduled class? If a TEACHER cancels a class for any reason she/he will set a time to make-up the class with the students. Classes meet 3, 4, or 5 times a month due to holiday or pre-planned breaks.