DeCordova does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Tuition Policy
Full tuition must accompany any application for registration. Refund requests for all classes and workshops are granted up to 10 calendar days before the class/workshop starts, with the exception of youth summer programs. A $20 non-refundable registration fee is included in the tuition. The School will not grant refunds to students canceling within 10 calendar days of their class/workshop. In this case tuition and fees cannot be refunded or transferred to another term for any reason. Please note that the School does not issue refunds for class meetings or workshops missed by the student. This policy is strictly enforced.
Rescheduling Policy
Enrollment in a class is closed after its second meeting. Students may transfer to another class within the first two weeks of the program if a space in the alternative class is available for a $20 transfer fee. DeCordova School reserves the right to make changes in programs, schedules, and instructors and to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. Only registered students may attend classes; the School does not allow substitutions. Students may not make up absences by attending classes other than those in which they are enrolled.
Inclement Weather and Cancellation Policies
Classes cancelled or postponed because of weather or other factors will be made up, if possible, at the end of the current term. During conditions of inclement weather, deCordova as an institution will follow the lead of the Lincoln Public Schools such that: if LPS are closed, deCordova is closed; if LPS announces a one-hour delay, the School will open as usual; if LPS announces a two-hour delay, the School will open at 10 am; and if LPS announces an early closure or cancellation of afternoon and evening activities, the School will follow suit. Students should regularly call the main Museum line 781.259.8355 for a recorded message, check the Museum website for a posting, or watch Channel 5 for school closure listings. Closures will be announced by 7 am or as soon as made official on days of early closure. On weekends or vacations over which LPS are not in session, deCordova announcements will be posted on the main Museum line, the Museum website, and Channel 5 by 7 am.
Arrival and Departure Policy for Students
Parents and legal guardians must accompany children ages 15 and under to and from their designated class. Exceptions to this procedure must occur in writing from the parent or guardian to deCordova School prior to the beginning of class. No students, adult or youth, may remain in Studios before or after teaching hours. Motorists should pay special attention to the ten miles per hour speed limit throughout the Park and drive carefully for the safety of all students and staff.
Students with Medical Needs
Students with medical needs, or their parents in the case of youth, must inform deCordova School of any health concerns. For children who warrant special medical attention, parents must contact the Education Office to fill out a Medical/Medication Release Form before the beginning of the term/class.
Photography Policy
From time to time, in-house and news media photographers take pictures of classes, students, student artwork, and programs. If prospective students or parents/guardians of prospective minor students have concerns about being photographed or about the images’ reproduction for promotional purposes, they must make this clear in writing at the time of registration for classes or submission of work to School Gallery exhibitions.
Storing Artwork
Faculty and students are responsible for the appropriate management and storage of student artwork during the course of the term. During the last class of the term, students must retrieve all artwork and supplies in coordination with their instructors. Similarly, students must empty all lockers at the close of term. The School is not responsible for the storage of student artwork or supplies after the conclusion of the term. Please note the Ceramics Studio will hold ceramic pieces a maximum of ninety (90) days after the end of the term.
Student Behavior
DeCordova School reserves the right to dismiss a student for problematic behavior that results in the disruption of class and has a zero tolerance for drug use, physical or verbal harassment, smoking, or weapons on its premises. Out of consideration for the instructor and other students, all cell phones or pagers must be turned off or switched to “silent/vibrate” mode in the Studios.
Safety in Studio Areas
Potential health hazards encountered by studio artists include toxic substances, toxic vapors and gases, and machinery requiring special care. DeCordova School is working towards making the studio programs as non-toxic as possible. Students and faculty should familiarize themselves with possible health hazards in the areas in which they are working. Also, the School asks faculty and students to utilize all available techniques and equipment to minimize hazards. In some areas the School mandates the use of exhaust fans, respirators, and/or safety goggles.
Lost and Found
DeCordova School is not responsible for lost or left items. Students may bring any found items to the School Office during office hours or to deCordova School Gallery during nights and weekends.
