Policies
Below are our general policies. For additional Kids program policies see:
Health & Safety/Covid
As a part of the Newton Public Schools, we follow their health and safety practices and update our policies when they do. Please see the full details of Newton Public Schools’ new health and safety plan.
Access
Our classes are open to everyone from all communities.
Age Requirements
Adult classes are open to students 16 years of age and older, except where noted online. Age requirements for Kids classes are listed per class.
Changes
We may cancel under-enrolled classes. Occasionally, we may need to change times, dates, or instructors as necessary. Any such change would be communicated with the class. We do not offer refunds for date or instructor changes beyond our control, e.g. rescheduled class dates due to instructor illness.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
NCE strives to make our classes accessible to all. Financial aid is available for all Newton residents and NPS students (regardless of residence) who qualify based on the Community Development Family Income Guidelines. A short online scholarship form is available on our website. Please apply by September 15 for Fall scholarships, January 15 for Winter scholarships, March 15 for Spring scholarships, and June 15 for Summer scholarships. We will give priority to those who apply by these deadlines. We’re eager to help. If you have questions, contact us at nce-scholarship@newton.k12.ma.us.
Format Change
Should COVID-19 or other circumstances necessitate, a limited number of sessions of your in-person class may be moved online. You will be notified of any such change and no refunds will be offered for temporary format changes. If circumstances necessitate a permanent move to online for your class, you will be offered the option for a refund.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are available in any amount and can be used for any class we offer. To purchase one please email nce-staff@newton.k12.ma.us.
Meeting Links & Supplies
For classes that meet online, we send links via email three days before class begins. If you did not receive your link or list of class materials, your email server may be blocking our messages. Please check your Spam and Promotions folders. You are responsible for notifying us at least a day in advance so we can send you all the information you need for a successful class experience.
One Person Per Computer Your registration in an online class is just for you. Please register individually if more than one person will be using your screen.
Permissions
We may occasionally post student work to our website or take pictures or videos of students in our classes for use in print and electronic promotional materials. Your enrollment in a class indicates your approval for this.
Recording
To preserve privacy, we do not allow students to take video or audio recordings of our classes.
Refunds/Withdrawals
You may withdraw from an Adult class five business days before the start date and from a Kids school year class seven business days before the start date to receive either a refund minus a $15 processing fee or a credit-on-account (no fee). Email or call withdrawal requests to nce-staff@newton.k12.ma.us or (617) 559-6999 during business hours (8:30am to 5pm); requests that come outside of those hours will be considered on the next business day. For example: to withdraw from an adult class that begins on Monday the 20th, we must receive your request no later than 5pm on Monday the 13th. For kids classes starting on Monday the 20th, we would need to receive your email no later than Thursday the 9th.
At NCE’s discretion, if you are going to miss more than 50% of a class due to extenuating circumstances, you may be eligible to receive an account credit, contingent on appropriate documentation. Please call the office (617) 559-6999.
Registration Fee
We charge a $9 registration fee per person per session unless registering for a single session class. Registration fees are non-refundable, unless a class is cancelled by NCE.
Transfers
Transfers requested before the refund and withdrawal deadline will be honored, space permitting, and subject to a $15 transfer fee. Transfers may sometimes be possible after the refund and withdrawal deadline. These transfers must be between classes in the same session and are subject to a $15 processing fee. For NCE leveled classes, transfers between levels will be considered on a case by case basis within the first two class meetings and no transfer fee is charged.
Trial Classes
We do not offer trial classes at this time.
Troubleshooting Online Classes
We strongly recommend that you test your meeting platform in advance as we cannot offer refunds for last-minute technical difficulties or late arrivals. See tips under Quick Links for help using Zoom.
Waitlist Status
If the class you want is full, sign up for the waitlist! It’s free, and you can always turn down a spot if it’s offered to you.
Weather Cancellations
In inclement weather, call NCE's weather hotline at 617-559-6993 to find out if your class is running. Virtual classes will typically run in inclement weather. If your class is canceled, we will notify you of the makeup date as soon as possible. We cannot offer separate makeup dates for individual schedule conflicts. We do not provide refunds for weather-related date changes.
We are Inclusive
We welcome students of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, abilities, statuses, and every other category protected by federal or state law. Our goal is to provide safe, accessible, and comfortable classes for all.