Frequently Asked Questions

Music and visual art programs are open for registration. Registration will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Program registration will close two days before the class date at noon. To register for a program, click HERE.

Fall Acting Showcases will be announced in August 2022. Join our email list to stay up to date on new program offerings.

To enroll in a program that is closed, please contact the Academy at academy@gmu.edu. A $10 fee will apply to all late enrollments if space is available.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of our upcoming fall/spring/summer programming.

 

We encourage you to register for the waitlist free of charge. We will notify you immediately if a space becomes available. Payment will be due at that time. Due to safety restrictions, space is extremely limited in each in-person program. We encourage you to register early to secure the spot.

 

Depending on the program, and with instructor/director approval, we periodically admit students to programs that are above their age range. For questions about age overrides, please contact the Academy via email at academy@gmu.edu.

 

Depending on the program, and with instructor/director approval, we periodically admit students to programs that have already started. Families will pay a prorated tuition. A $10 fee will apply to all late enrollments if space is available. For questions about late registration, please contact the Academy via email at academy@gmu.edu.

 

Yes. You may transfer to a different program. You will also pay the difference or be refunded based on the tuition cost. To transfer your registration, please submit your request via email to academy@gmu.edu no later than two weeks before the registered program’s start date to receive a full refund minus the $50 cancellation fee.

 

If your child is unable to attend a program, please consider transferring to a different program. You will pay the difference or be refunded based on the tuition cost. To transfer your registration, please submit your request via email to academy@gmu.edu no later than two weeks before the registered program’s start date to avoid withdrawal penalties and fees.

If you want to withdraw from a program, please submit your written notice via email to academy@gmu.edu.

• 100% Refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee)—Requests made at least one week prior to the first day of the class.
• 50% Refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee)—Requests made less than 7 days prior to the first day of the class and before the third class. Any supply or material fee is not refundable.
• No Refund—After the third class.
• Exception: you may receive a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee) with valid medical documentation.

 

Yes. We will announce the change in advance to allow families to plan accordingly. All withdrawals will be subject to our refund/withdrawal policy.

If you want to withdraw from a program, please submit your written notice via email to academy@gmu.edu.

• 100% Refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee)—Requests made at least one week prior to the first day of the class.
• 50% Refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee)—Requests made less than 7 days prior to the first day of the class and before the third class. Any supply or material fee is not refundable.
• No Refund—After the third class.
• Exception: you may receive a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee) with valid medical documentation.

 

Mason Community Arts Academy follows all safety protocols required by George Mason University. Visit our COVID Safety Guidelines for more information.

 

Each classroom has a reduced capacity due to physical distancing and Mason COVID safety guidelines. The room capacity generally is about 6-20 depending on the classroom size. Classrooms will be reserved to host one unique program per space. University Office of Environmental Health and Safety has certified safe airflow quality in all classrooms.

 

We are working closely with Mason officials to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Standard sanitizations will include:

• All individuals must wear CDC-recommended face masks indoors regardless of vaccination status and practice physical distancing rules throughout the day. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for specific programs. Students will be responsible for bringing these items. Please check the individual program’s webpage Requirements Section for detail.
• Essential tools will remain unique to each student. Students are required to bring their own writing utensils and supplies.
• Music stands, keyboards, and high-touch surfaces will be wiped down and sanitized by instructional and administrative staff.
• Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the building.
• Nightly cleanings will be performed in all buildings and classrooms by Mason’s custodial staff.

 

COVID Vaccination Requirements: Schedule your vaccine today >>

 

Please use good judgment about bringing your student to our programs. If your student is sick or showing symptoms of illness, please keep them home. Students who become ill during the day will be guided to an isolated space supervised by an Academy staff member until the parents/guardians arrive to pick them up. As a reminder, students and staff are required to complete the COVID health screening and will not be admitted without University approval.

 

All travelers must comply with domestic and international travel guidelines provided by the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.

Please use good judgment about bringing your student to our programs. Prior to your arrival, all in-person program participants must complete Mason Covid Health Checks. Only students who pass the health check will be allowed to attend our programs. Our Academy staff will strictly monitor the check-in procedure to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

 

All online programs require students to have, at a minimum: high-speed internet access, a computer/tablet/smart phone with a built-in camera and microphone capable of running the video conferencing tool each program requires. Additional software may apply to some programs. Please visit the program webpage for technology requirements. For best performance, here are our recommended technical requirements:

Operating Systems
macOS 10.13 or newer
Windows 10
Chrome OS
Apple iOS and Android

Computer Speed and Processor
Use a Mac five years old or newer, or other devices three years old or newer, if possible.
4 GB of RAM
2 GHz processor

Internet Speed
Minimum of 1.5 Mbps download and 800 Kbps upload

 

Our goal is to always create a positive, engaging learning environment for our students. To achieve this goal, our instructors will closely monitor each student’s learning progress with guidance, constructive feedback, and individual check-ins.

We will have a Virtual Class Assistant for every program to troubleshoot on-site technology issues, monitor the security of the classroom, and manage any disruptive behavior that hinders the progress of a class. We strongly encourage our parents to have a conversation with their children about online courtesy before attending the program.

We strongly encourage you to review the program and technology requirements prior to registration. Select programs may choose to record their live sessions for students to review as needed or at a later date. This is not guaranteed. For best performance, here are our recommended technical requirements:

Operating Systems
macOS 10.13 or newer
Windows 10
Chrome OS
Apple iOS and Android

Computer Speed and Processor
Use a Mac five years old or newer, or other devices three years old or newer, if possible.
4 GB of RAM
2 GHz processor

Internet Speed
Minimum of 1.5 Mbps download and 800 Kbps upload

 

Communication—Many students are more comfortable engaging in meaningful conversations online than in a classroom. As the nature of online programs have limited non-verbal communication, students must pay close attention to verbal communication, which can improve their language development, listening skills, and comprehension.

Personalized Learning—Our online programs blend live-streamed class with individualized or group learning and supplemental resources, such as videos, reading materials, and one-on-one coaching. Students will gain meaningful experience through various learning styles.

 

Online education provides students more opportunities to have control over their learning styles and study pace. By the successful completion of online learning, students can improve their self-study skills and become active learners and problem-solvers for more independent learning.

 

To ensure the program is a good fit for your child, we encourage you to read through the program details, including program description, sample schedule, age range, and program and technology requirements.