I haven't taken any formal art classes before.  Can I take a class at Cultivate? 

Yes! All of our courses are tailored to meet the needs of any student.  That said, some of our students have been practicing art for many many years, so we actively build a community of learning as we encourage students AND teachers to mentor and assist you in your learning experience. 

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Why do you group by age and how strict are the age requirements? 

We group children by ages of 3 years at a time.  3-6, 6-9, 9-12. We do this because we are centered in the work of Maria Montessori who founded the Montessori philosophy of education.  Maria wrote, "The main thing is that the groups should contain different ages because it has great influence on the cultural development of the child. This is obtained by the relations of the children among themselves.” We encourage the older students of a class to support the younger ones, and the younger ones to seek the older students as mentors.  It encourages confidence, community, and independence.  As such, we largely abide by our age requirements, but if you feel that your student or child is more advanced than a course, please email our education director, to talk more about the best solution. 

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Do you offer scholarships or financial aid? 

We offer some financial aid and scholarships in 2023, and will have a much more robust system in 2024.  If you would like assistance or have questions, please email Claudia, our Director of Education, at education@cultivategrandrapids.org

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Do I need to buy art supplies?  

All in-person courses include all materials, but we do provide a materials list should students want to purchase things for themselves. 

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Do you offer gift cards? 

Gift cards may be purchased in the amounts of $25 increments.  Gift cards expire after one year.  

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Enrollment Policies

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Inclement Weather 
Cultivate will follow the GRPS and/or EGR inclement weather policies - if they close, Cultivate will be closed for courses as well. The gallery may be open as determined by the Director. Supervisors may allow employees to be late or leave early during severe weather conditions.  Refunds will not be issued if a student cannot attend the make-up date.

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Class Cancellation 
Cultivate reserves the right to cancel or postpone classes due to insufficient enrollment. In this case, the student or parent/guardian will be made aware within three days of a course.  A full refund may be issued or the student may request to receive a credit for a future class. 

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Refund Policy 
We offer a 90% refund if a student drops the course at least one week before the session starts.  Please make a request for the drop and refund to our education director via email.  If a student has already started a course, they may drop and receive a credit for the remaining sessions in that class. A student will not get a refund per session, nor will they receive a refund for the class is they do not show up at all.  

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Student Absence Policy 
For the best experience, we encourage students to attend class on time and regularly. We do not provide make-up opportunities, pro-rate, or provide refunds for missed classes for any reason, including illness.

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Teacher Absences 
Where an instructor is absent due to illness or personal reasons, Cultivate reserves the right to find a substitute teacher or cancel a class and offer a makeup date. In the event of a cancellation, students will be contacted as soon as possible. Refunds will not be issued if a student cannot attend the make-up date.

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Liability
Cultivate is not responsible for any injury, loss, or illness resulting from the use of Cultivate’s services and premises. All students, parents, guardians, and caregivers accept full responsibility for personal injury/or personal losses.

Personal Property 
Cultivate is not responsible for artwork and other property left on the premises and has no liability if such property is lost, stolen, or damaged. Artwork or property left two weeks after the class or workshop ends will be discarded.

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Classroom Respect and Safety 
We strive to create a safe, relaxing, and fun environment for all of our students. If a student is displaying disruptive or unsafe behavior, is not following studio policies, or is disrespectful or threatening towards other students, the instructor, or Cultivate staff, the student will be asked to correct their behavior with an oral warning. If the behavior continues, it may warrant an email or written notice of the behavior to the parent/guardian.  If the behavior continues after a request to correct it, Cultivate reserves the right to ask the student not to return. In this event, no refund will be offered.

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