REFUND POLICY

1. OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which Skhillz Academy will provide refunds for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. This policy is designed to balance the financial needs of our educational institution with fair treatment of students and families while ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations governing educational refunds.

All students, parents, and guardians must understand and agree to these refund terms before enrollment, as this policy becomes a binding part of your enrollment agreement once classes begin and educational services are provided. Refund eligibility is strictly determined by the timing of withdrawal requests and specific circumstances outlined in this policy.

2. REFUND ELIGIBILITY AND TIMING

2.1 No Refunds After Classes Begin

Effective immediately upon the start of any academic term, semester, or individual course, NO REFUNDS will be provided for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Student withdrawal due to personal, family, or health circumstances that occur after the academic term has commenced

• Dissatisfaction with curriculum content, teaching methods, or educational platform functionality once instruction begins

• Technology issues, internet connectivity problems, or device compatibility concerns that arise after classes start

• Family relocation, financial hardship, or changes in educational plans that occur during the academic term

• Academic performance concerns, disciplinary issues, or conflicts with school policies that develop after instruction begins

This no-refund policy applies regardless of how early in the academic term the withdrawal occurs, whether after one day, one week, or any point during the semester, as educational resources, instructor time, and administrative services have been allocated and cannot be recovered once the term begins.

2.2 Fifty Percent (50%) Refund - Three Weeks Before Classes Start

Students who submit written withdrawal requests three (3) weeks or more before the official start date of their enrolled academic term will be eligible for a fifty percent (50%) refund of paid tuition and fees, calculated as follows:

• Total refund amount equals 50% of all tuition payments made for the upcoming academic term

• Processing fees, enrollment fees, and technology setup costs are non-refundable regardless of timing

• Refunds will be processed within thirty (30) business days of receiving properly completed withdrawal documentation

• Refund payments will be issued using the same payment method originally used for tuition payment unless alternative arrangements are specifically requested and approved

2.3 No Refunds Less Than Three Weeks Before Classes Start

Students who request withdrawal less than three (3) weeks before the official start date of their enrolled academic term are NOT eligible for any refund of tuition, fees, or other educational expenses. This policy recognizes that educational planning, instructor preparation, curriculum customization, and administrative arrangements have been finalized during the three-week period immediately preceding the start of classes, making it impossible to reallocate these resources to other students.

3. REFUND CALCULATION AND PROCESSING

3.1 Calculation Method

When applicable, refunds are calculated based on the total tuition amount paid for the specific academic term from which the student is withdrawing, using the following methodology:

• Base calculation: 50% of tuition payments made for the applicable term when withdrawal occurs three or more weeks before classes start

• Non-refundable items: Enrollment fees, registration fees, technology setup costs, textbook fees, and administrative processing charges are never refunded regardless of withdrawal timing

• Partial payment situations: If full tuition has not been paid at the time of withdrawal, any refund will be calculated based on the amount actually paid rather than the total amount owed

• Multi-term enrollments: Refunds only apply to the specific academic term being withdrawn from, and do not affect payments made for future terms that have not yet begun

3.2 Processing Timeline

All eligible refunds will be processed according to the following timeline:

• Acknowledgment: Written confirmation of withdrawal request and refund eligibility will be provided within five (5) business days of receiving complete withdrawal documentation

• Processing time: Refund payments will be issued within thirty (30) business days of determining eligibility, though most refunds are processed more quickly when all required documentation is complete

• Payment method: Refunds will be issued using the same payment method originally used for tuition payment (credit card, check, bank transfer) unless families specifically request alternative arrangements that are approved by our business office

• Documentation: Families will receive written confirmation of refund processing including the refund amount, calculation method, and expected timeline for payment receipt

3.3 Required Documentation for Refund Processing

To process any eligible refund, families must provide the following documentation:

• Written withdrawal request submitted via email to [email protected] or delivered in person to our administrative office, clearly stating the student's name, enrollment details, and specific reasons for withdrawal

• Signed withdrawal form using our official withdrawal documentation that acknowledges understanding of academic and financial consequences of withdrawal

• Return of materials including any textbooks, technology equipment, or educational materials provided by Skhillz Academy in new or acceptable condition

• Account verification including confirmation of payment methods and current contact information to ensure refunds are processed correctly and securely

4. NON-REFUNDABLE FEES AND EXPENSES

4.1 Administrative and Processing Fees

The following fees and expenses are completely non-refundable regardless of withdrawal timing or circumstances:

• Enrollment fees charged for application processing, academic record review, and initial student assessment services that have been completed regardless of whether the student ultimately attends classes

• Registration fees covering administrative costs of course scheduling, platform setup, and instructor assignment that occur before classes begin

• Technology setup fees for learning management system access, video conferencing platform configuration, and technical support services provided during enrollment

• Processing fees for payment handling, credit card transaction costs, and administrative overhead associated with enrollment and withdrawal procedures

4.2 Educational Materials and Resources

Costs associated with educational materials are generally non-refundable, including:

• Digital textbooks and curriculum materials that have been accessed, downloaded, or made available to students through online platforms, as these resources cannot be returned once accessed

• Physical textbooks and supplies that have been shipped to families or made available for pickup, unless returned in new, unopened condition within the refund eligibility period

• Educational software licenses and online learning subscriptions that have been activated for student use, as these represent third-party costs that cannot be recovered

• Assessment and testing fees for standardized tests, placement exams, or educational evaluations that have been completed or scheduled

4.3 Services Already Provided

Any educational services, consultations, or support that have been provided before withdrawal are non-refundable, including:

• Orientation sessions and family meetings conducted to prepare for enrollment and discuss student needs and educational goals

• Academic assessments and placement testing performed to determine appropriate course levels and identify any special learning needs

• Customized learning plans developed by educational staff based on individual student assessment and family consultation

• Technical support and training provided to help families access learning platforms and troubleshoot technology issues before classes begin

5. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND EXCEPTIONS

5.1 Medical and Emergency Situations

While our standard refund policy does not provide exceptions, families experiencing extraordinary circumstances may request special consideration through our appeals process:

• Serious medical emergencies affecting the student or immediate family members that prevent participation in virtual learning may be considered for partial refund or credit toward future enrollment

• Military deployment of parent/guardian that requires immediate family relocation may qualify for special consideration under applicable federal laws protecting military families

• Natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances beyond family control that prevent access to educational services may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

• Documentation required: All special circumstance requests must include appropriate documentation such as medical records, military orders, or official emergency declarations

5.2 School-Initiated Withdrawals

In rare circumstances where Skhillz Academy initiates student withdrawal for reasons unrelated to student conduct violations:

• Program cancellation: If we cancel a specific course or program due to insufficient enrollment, families will receive full refunds of tuition paid for the cancelled program

• Instructor unavailability: If qualified instruction becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control, we will offer alternative arrangements or provide pro-rated refunds based on services not delivered

• Technical failures: If our learning platforms experience extended outages that prevent delivery of educational services for more than two consecutive weeks, families may be eligible for partial tuition credits

5.3 Appeals Process for Special Circumstances

Families seeking consideration for special circumstances must follow this formal appeals process:

• Written appeal submitted within thirty (30) days of the circumstance that prompted the refund request, including detailed explanation of the situation and supporting documentation

• Administrative review by school leadership team including evaluation of documentation, consideration of precedent, and assessment of impact on school operations

• Written response provided within fifteen (15) business days of receiving complete appeal documentation, including explanation of decision and any approved accommodations

• Final decision: Appeals committee decisions are final and cannot be further appealed within the school system, though families retain any legal rights under applicable consumer protection laws

6. WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

6.1 Official Withdrawal Process

Students and families must complete the following steps for official withdrawal from Skhillz Academy:

• Initial notification via email to [email protected] or phone call to (888) 429-5094 during business hours to begin the withdrawal process and schedule any required meetings

• Completion of withdrawal form using official school documentation that captures withdrawal reasons, effective date, and acknowledgment of financial and academic consequences

• Exit interview with school administrator to discuss withdrawal reasons, explore potential alternatives, and ensure understanding of transcript and academic record implications

• Return of materials including textbooks, technology equipment, and any other school property within ten (10) business days of withdrawal effective date

6.2 Withdrawal Effective Date

The official withdrawal date is determined by the earliest of the following:

• Date of written notification when families submit formal withdrawal requests through email or written documentation to school administration

• Date of administrative withdrawal when school initiates withdrawal due to non-payment, policy violations, or other circumstances requiring termination of enrollment

• Date of last attendance in virtual classes or educational activities, if earlier than formal notification, based on learning platform activity logs and instructor records

• Verbal notification date if families communicate withdrawal intentions by phone, provided that written confirmation is received within five (5) business days

6.3 Impact on Academic Records

Student withdrawal affects academic records in the following ways:

• Transcript notation: Official transcripts will reflect withdrawal date and any completed coursework with grades earned up to the withdrawal date

• Incomplete courses: Courses in progress at the time of withdrawal will typically be recorded as "Withdrawn" or "Incomplete" rather than receiving letter grades

• Credit earning: Students receive academic credit only for courses completed before withdrawal, and partial credit is not awarded for courses in progress

• Future enrollment: Withdrawal in good standing allows for potential future re-enrollment, while withdrawal due to disciplinary issues may affect eligibility for future admission

7. PAYMENT PLAN AND REFUND INTERACTIONS

7.1 Refunds with Payment Plans

For families using installment payment plans, refund calculations and obligations work as follows:

• Refund calculation based on total payments actually made to date rather than total tuition owed, ensuring refunds only apply to money actually paid to the school

• Remaining payment obligations are cancelled when withdrawal occurs before classes begin, but families remain responsible for any outstanding balances if withdrawal occurs after classes start

• Payment plan fees and interest charges already incurred are non-refundable regardless of withdrawal timing or refund eligibility

• Automatic payment cancellation for families using automatic bank transfers or credit card payments, though families are responsible for confirming cancellation with their financial institutions

7.2 Outstanding Balances and Refunds

Families with outstanding account balances at the time of withdrawal are subject to these policies:

• Refund offsets: Any eligible refunds will first be applied to outstanding account balances before issuing payments to families

• Collection procedures: Unpaid balances after withdrawal may be subject to collection efforts including reporting to credit agencies and legal action to recover amounts owed

• Transcript holds: Official transcripts and academic records may be withheld until all account balances are resolved, which could affect transfer to other schools or college applications

• Future enrollment restrictions: Outstanding balances must be resolved before consideration for future enrollment in Skhillz Academy programs

8. CONSUMER PROTECTION AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

8.1 State Education Regulations

This refund policy complies with Florida Department of Education regulations governing private educational institutions and includes the following consumer protections:

• Clear disclosure of refund terms provided to all families before enrollment with acknowledgment required as part of enrollment agreements

• Written documentation of all refund policies, procedures, and decisions maintained in student files and available for regulatory review

• Complaint procedures available through Florida Department of Education for families who believe refund policies have been improperly applied

• Regular policy review to ensure continued compliance with changing state regulations and consumer protection requirements

8.2 Federal Law Compliance

Our refund policies are designed to comply with applicable federal regulations including:

• Truth in Advertising requirements ensuring that refund policies are clearly communicated and consistently applied without misleading families about their rights

• Consumer Protection standards that provide fair and reasonable refund terms appropriate for educational services and family circumstances

• Military Family Protection under applicable federal laws that may provide special considerations for families affected by military deployment or service obligations

• Accessibility Compliance ensuring that refund policies and procedures are accessible to families with disabilities and available in alternative formats when needed

8.3 Student Rights and Protections

Students and families retain the following rights regarding refund policies:

• Policy disclosure including receiving complete written copies of refund policies before enrollment with opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification

• Fair application of refund policies without discrimination based on student characteristics, family circumstances, or reasons for withdrawal

• Appeals process for special circumstances with documented procedures and reasonable timelines for review and response

• Legal remedies under applicable consumer protection and education laws, including the right to file complaints with regulatory agencies or pursue legal action if policies are improperly applied

9. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP REFUNDS

9.1 Financial Aid Impact

Students receiving financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance are subject to additional refund considerations:

• Financial aid repayment may be required if students withdraw after receiving financial assistance, with repayment obligations determined by the specific terms of aid programs

• Scholarship funds provided by Skhillz Academy or external organizations may need to be returned if students do not complete their educational programs as originally planned

• Government aid programs such as tax credits or education savings account funds may have specific refund requirements that override school policies

• Documentation requirements for financial aid refunds including notification of aid providers and completion of required forms or reports

9.2 Third-Party Payment Arrangements

When tuition is paid by third parties such as employers, relatives, or sponsoring organizations:

• Refund recipients will be the original payer unless written authorization directs refunds to different parties

• Third-party notifications will be provided to inform payers of withdrawal and refund status according to privacy laws and family preferences

• Documentation requirements may include additional forms or authorizations to process refunds to third-party payers

• Tax implications of refunds may affect both families and third-party payers, who should consult with tax professionals about reporting requirements

10. TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT REFUNDS

10.1 School-Provided Technology

For technology equipment provided or facilitated by Skhillz Academy:

• Equipment return required within ten (10) business days of withdrawal in original condition with all accessories and packaging materials

• Damage assessments may result in charges deducted from any eligible refunds if equipment is returned in damaged condition beyond normal wear

• Technology setup fees are non-refundable regardless of equipment return status, as these cover initial configuration and support services

• Shipping costs for equipment return are the responsibility of withdrawing families unless withdrawal is due to school-initiated cancellation

10.2 Software and Digital Resources

Digital educational resources and software licenses are subject to specific refund limitations:

• Software licenses cannot be refunded once activated, as these represent costs to third-party providers that cannot be recovered

• Digital textbooks and curriculum materials are non-refundable once accessed or downloaded by students or families

• Online platform access fees cover system setup and cannot be refunded even if actual usage is minimal

11. COMMUNICATION AND NOTIFICATION

11.1 Refund Status Updates

Families will receive regular communication about refund processing including:

• Initial acknowledgment within five (5) business days confirming receipt of withdrawal request and preliminary refund eligibility assessment

• Processing updates if refund processing is delayed due to documentation issues, payment processing complications, or other factors requiring additional time

• Final confirmation when refund payments are issued including payment amount, method, and expected timeline for receipt

• Contact information for questions or concerns about refund processing including dedicated email address and phone support during business hours

11.2 Record Keeping and Documentation

Comprehensive records are maintained for all refund transactions including:

• Written documentation of all refund requests, supporting materials, and administrative decisions maintained in secure student files

• Financial records showing refund calculations, processing dates, and payment methods for accounting and regulatory compliance purposes

• Communication logs documenting all interactions with families regarding refund requests and processing status

• Audit trails for internal quality control and external regulatory review when required by education authorities

12. POLICY ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

12.1 Administrative Authority

Final authority for refund policy interpretation and implementation rests with Skhillz Academy administration:

• Policy interpretation in cases where specific circumstances are not clearly addressed in written policies will be made by school leadership team

• Exception approvals for special circumstances require written authorization from designated school administrators with documentation of decision rationale

• Dispute resolution follows established procedures with clear appeal rights and timelines for families who disagree with refund decisions

• Policy updates will be communicated to enrolled families with appropriate advance notice and clear effective dates

12.2 Staff Training and Consistency

All staff members involved in refund processing receive comprehensive training to ensure consistent policy application:

• Regular training updates on refund policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to maintain current knowledge and consistent service

• Quality assurance procedures including review of refund decisions and processing to identify and correct any inconsistencies or errors

• Customer service standards emphasizing respectful, professional communication even when refund requests cannot be approved

• Documentation requirements ensuring all refund interactions are properly recorded for quality control and regulatory compliance

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

13.1 Refund Processing Contact

Primary Contact for Refund Requests:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (888) 429-5094

Address: 1317 Edgewater Drive, Suite 458, Orlando, Florida 32804

Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST

Response Time: Initial response within 2 business days

13.2 Appeals and Special Circumstances

Appeals Committee Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (888) 429-5094 (ask for Appeals Coordinator)

13.3 Regulatory Complaints

Florida Department of Education:

Email: [State Education Department Contact]

Phone: [State Education Department Phone]

Website: [State Education Department Website]

14. POLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By enrolling in Skhillz Academy, students, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Refund Policy. This acknowledgment includes understanding that:

• No refunds are provided after classes begin for any reason

• Limited refunds (50%) are available only when withdrawal occurs three or more weeks before classes start

• Certain fees and expenses are non-refundable regardless of timing

• Special circumstances may be considered through formal appeals process

• Families are responsible for following proper withdrawal procedures

This Refund Policy was last updated on [Date]. For questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected] or (888) 429-5094.