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• Tuition Information and Payment Policies

Tuition Information & Payment Policies

Sliding Fee Scale

Sitar Arts Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.  In support of the Center’s mission, it is our policy that each semester 80% of our students are from low-income households, defined as 50% or less of the median household income for the greater Washington, DC area. The median income varies depending upon the household’s number of people.

Family tuition is determined on a sliding fee scale in order to ensure that the programs remain affordable for all families of the community. The Center does not make a profit from student tuition or fees, which serve as a small contribution to the greater cost of each student’s arts education.

It is the highest priority of Sitar Arts Center to provide a tuition scale that is affordable to everyone and that no one will ever be turned away because of inability to pay.

Tuition Payments and Billing

Each student’s tuition is based upon his/her family’s income and is assessed during the registration appointment. This is due in addition to a $15 registration fee.  A payment plan is offered for those who cannot pay the tuition fee at the time of registration, and an invoice will be sent each month until all outstanding balances are paid.  Students who have received fees for unexcused absences or not meeting their practice requirements will also receive an invoice every month until all fees are paid. Those with a balance from a previous semester may not be permitted to register for forthcoming semesters until all fees are paid or a payment plan is scheduled and approved.

Sitar Arts Center reserves the right to dismiss any student due to multiple absences, frequent tardiness, overdue payments, disciplinary reasons and/or noncompliance with Sitar Arts Center policies.

Class Cancelations

If a class or workshop has insufficient enrollment, Sitar Arts Center reserves the right to cancel it. In some cases, under-enrolled classes may proceed if approved by Sitar Arts Center.

Schedule Changes, Withdrawls, Refunds and Dismissals

All cancellations and schedule changes must be made in writing by filling out an ‘add/drop’ form at the front desk. Verbal notices or requests from students and parents cannot be accepted.

If we receive a student’s withdrawal notice prior to the first scheduled lesson, class, or workshop, Sitar Arts Center will refund the full tuition, not including the $15 registration fee.  If the student submits a withdrawal notice prior to the second scheduled lesson, class, or workshop, the Center will refund 50% of the tuition payment, not including the $15 registration fee. No refunds are given after the second scheduled lesson, class, or workshop.

Sitar Arts Center reserves the right to dismiss any student due to multiple absences, frequent tardiness, overdue payments, disciplinary reasons, and/or noncompliance with Sitar Arts Center policies without refund of tuition.