CLICK HERE to download the Student Policies & Procedures as a PDF.

CLICK HERE to download the Student-Parent-Instructor agreement.

General Procedures
Both parents and students must sign an agreement to follow the policies set in place by the First Baptist Church Atlanta Academy of Performing Arts. This agreement will be signed at the first lesson. After the agreement is completed, the instructor will submit it to the academy office for placement in the student’s file. These policies are listed in the following pages.

Family Member Guidelines
No child under the age of 12 (whether student or sibling) may be left without adult supervision in the hallways or other areas of First Baptist Church Atlanta.

Students may not wander through the building and may be stopped and questioned if alone. Siblings over the age of 12, as well as students waiting for lessons, should remain near the lesson room.

Parents are encouraged to either wait for students just outside the lesson room or, with teacher and student approval, sit quietly in the lesson room.

For security reasons, if a student is late for a lesson without notification, the teacher may call the child’s parents to verify the child’s whereabouts.

Make Up Lesson Policy
It is the responsibility of the Academy student/parent to contact the instructor if a lesson will be missed.
Two make-up lessons per semester will be granted. Make-up lessons will only be given for:

• Illness
• Emergency
• Death in the family
• Notification prior to a lesson time

Notification of a missed lesson must be given 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson in order to be considered an excused absence, qualifying for a make-up lesson.
If a lesson is missed without a phone call prior to the lesson, it will be considered a “no-show” and will not qualify for a make-up lesson. In this case, students will be charged the full lesson rate.
All lessons missed due to a teacher’s absence will be made up at a mutually agreeable time and location.

Student Age Requirements
Student starting ages vary depending on instrument or art form. Individual teachers have different requirements and have the right to decline teaching a student who does not meet age requirements. The academy will diligently seek teachers to fit the age and needs of each student. All teaching preferences must be indicated to the Academy office to assist us in assigning students to instructors.

Recitals/Performances
A recital will be offered at the end of each spring and fall semester. Students will participate at the instructor’s discretion. An instructor may also request that a student perform in worship services or during community opportunities.

Tuition
Lessons are offered at a rate of $20 per half hour and $40 per hour lesson. Tuition payments may be paid in full each semester or paid in two payments at the beginning of the semester and then at mid-term.

Printed materials and instruments needed for instruction must be paid for by the student or parent. Instructors will provide information regarding how to locate needed materials. Some instructors may choose to purchase materials and be reimbursed by the student or parent.

No changes to tuition cost will be made by instructors without the approval of the Academy of Performing Arts. Changes in pricing will occasionally occur. Any changes you feel are necessary can be discussed with the Dean of the Academy. The final decision rests with the Dean.

All payment should be made either online or turned in to the Academy office. NOTE, no instructor should collect money! It is the responsibility of the student to make payments.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

• Lesson fees will ONLY be refunded for these reasons:
• Serious injury or illness that prevents the student from continuing lessons
• Death of the student or immediate family member that prevents the student from continuing lessons
• Relocation of the family to another city or state

Scheduling
All lessons will be given between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Specific lesson times will be determined by the instructor at a mutually agreeable time between student and instructor.

*NOTE* Failure of student and parent to comply with these policies will result in a warning first, then dismissal of that student for the remainder of the semester with no refund of fees.

Matthew C. Slemp
Associate Minister of Music and
Dean, Academy of Performing Arts
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770-234-8256

Michael Swearingen
Ministry Coordinator to the Associate Minister of Music
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770-234-8289