Policies
Please note that as we are a growing center there may be adjustments to our policies and prices.
ATTENDANCE
Active enrollment in GMPAC means commitment. Every student is an essential part of their class and each session is designed to prepare for our semester performances—whether in the
Christmas Celebration, Spring Showcase, or Musical Production. Consistent attendance is critical for the success of both the individual and the group.
If your child will be absent, you must notify us via email at gmpac@growingmindslv.com, or through “Studio Chat” on the Studio Pro App. Communication through office staff or school teachers may not be reliable and is discouraged for this purpose.
Clear communication regarding an absence is non-negotiable. If your child needs to miss a class, you must contact GMPAC the evening before or by 8:00 AM the day of (unless they are sent home from school ill – in that case please notify us as soon as possible).
If a child appears visibly ill at the time of their class, they will not be permitted to attend class and the parents/guardians will be notified immediately to pick them up.
Students with three (3) unexcused absences without proper notice may be subject to removal from the class or reassignment of performance roles, as this directly impacts the entire ensemble’s ability to rehearse effectively.
We understand students are involved in other extracurriculars, and we support the well- roundedness of our students. However, we expect the same courtesy and communication in return. Lack of communication is unacceptable.
BREAKS AND HOLIDAYS
The studio will have a Thanksgiving break, winter break and spring break in accordance with the Growing Minds Preschool & Academy academic schedule. When Growing Minds Preschool & Academy is closed, GMPAC will be closed as well.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not allowed in class. They may be brought to the studio to contact parents and should be kept in the student’s bag.
Phones will be confiscated and parents called with any inappropriate usage of phones.
CHILD PICK-UP AND CLASS TRANSITION DETAILS
Preschool (From After Care or Classroom)
Students will be escorted from their classroom or After Care by GMPAC staff. Please ensure your child’s dance bag is clearly labeled and includes all required attire and shoes based on class dress code.
Let us know if your child will be returning to After Care or picked up directly from their GMPAC class.
Kindergarten–4th Grade (3:15 PM & 3:30 PM Classes)
Students will be picked up 15 minutes prior to their class and assisted in changing into the appropriate class wear.
5th –12th Grade
Students must change into their attire, secure their hair, and arrive to class on time. Punctuality is part of our professionalism.
CLASS DRESS CODE
- Just as Growing Minds Preschool & Academy requires a specific uniform for our students during the school day, GMPAC also has a required dress code for all students. This dress code is essential for several reasons:
It allows instructors to clearly see each dancer’s body alignment and movement, which is critical for providing safe and accurate technical instruction.
Proper dance attire supports correct form, while the appropriate footwear enhances movement and helps prevent injuries.
In addition to supporting instruction and safety, the dress code fosters a sense of professionalism, unity, and community among our dancers. It ensures that all GMPAC
students are easily identifiable and promotes an environment of respect and discipline.
- Dance shoes must never be worn outside or used as street shoes. Wearing them outdoors can damage the shoes and bring dirt or debris onto the studio floor, which can lead to unsafe conditions and floor damage.
Hair – All Ages
Please send your child to school with hair already securely pulled back from the face; certain dance classes require buns. While instructors may tidy up hair, they will not have time to fully restyle it.
Please also pack a small hair kit labeled with your child’s name (brush, elastic, bobby pins, etc.).
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
It is very important that we maintain a respectful, focused environment. We require our students to be respectful and empathetic at all times, demonstrating the love of Christ to their instructors and fellow classmates. We have zero tolerance for bullying, including online/on social media. Students who are repeatedly disruptive will be sent to After Care for the remainder of the day without makeup options or tuition reimbursement and parents will be notified. We expect parents to partner with us to reinforce appropriate behavior.
No street shoes, food or gum are allowed inside the dance studios. Water bottles are acceptable to bring to class. Please be respectful of all furniture and property; the studio is not a playground.
CLASS PLACEMENT
As we grow, GMPAC reserves the right to place students in group class levels appropriate for their experience and development.
COMMUNICATION & GRIEVANCES
We value open communication. Concerns should first be addressed with the instructor.
If unresolved, please email us at gmpac@growingmindslv.com to speak with our program director.
We require that you OPT-IN for texts on your Parent Portal on Studio Pro to receive important updates:
- We will ONLY text when absolutely necessary!
- Log in to your Parent Portal (Parent Portal Link)
- Click Settings on the left-hand side, then select Communications (top right)
- Scroll to the bottom of the SMS section
- Check all three boxes – Transactional, Communication, & Promotional
- You can text us directly at 1-833-385-1893
GMPAC AFTER CARE
Growing Minds Preschool and Academy After Care fees are waived for students enrolled in two or more GMPAC classes per week.
If a student’s GMPAC class does not begin at 3:15 PM, they will be supervised in After Care until their class begins. Similarly, if a student finishes their GMPAC class before 5:30 PM and is not picked up immediately by a parent or guardian, they will be escorted to After Care until pickup.
Please note that After Care ends promptly at 5:30 PM, and no supervision is available after this time.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
GMPAC follows the CCSD inclement weather policy. Please check school notifications for closures.
GMPAC may cancel afternoon classes depending on conditions.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
It is expected that students taking performing arts lessons commit to practicing at least 15 minutes per day. Failure to practice between lessons will inhibit progress and diminish confidence.
LIABILITY
Dance, vocal training, and learning an instrument are physical disciplines, and as such, may require appropriate physical touch from an instructor to help students achieve proper posture, alignment, and technical goals.
I acknowledge and accept that instructors at Growing Minds Performing Arts Center, or students under their direction, may engage in appropriate physical contact with my child for instructional purposes during class. I agree not to hold Growing Minds Performing Arts Center, Growing Minds Preschool and Academy, or any of their associated entities, directors, officers, administrators, employees, instructors, or volunteers liable for such contact when it is appropriate and related to instruction.
I also understand and recognize that there are inherent risks of physical injury in participating in GMPAC classes. Should a situation arise requiring medical attention, I authorize representatives of Growing Minds Performing Arts Center and its affiliated entities to use their best judgment in arranging for any necessary treatment.
Every effort will be made to contact the parent or guardian prior to taking such action. I agree not to hold Growing Minds Performing Arts Center, Growing Minds Preschool and Academy, or any of their associated entities, directors, officers, administrators, employees, instructors, or volunteers liable for accidental injuries or illnesses resulting from participation in Growing Minds Performing Arts Center classes, rehearsals, productions, or other activities.
PARENT MEETINGS
We host occasional mandatory parent meetings with important updates and information. If a parent cannot attend, another adult must represent the student to receive all necessary information. If it is not possible for a child to be represented by an adult, please contact GMPAC immediately to schedule a private meeting.
PERFORMANCE PARTICIPATION
Preschool (Performing Classes Only)
- Performances include our Christmas Program and Spring Showcase, with additional on-stage opportunities throughout the year.
K–12 Grade
- Participation in the Christmas Program and Spring Showcase is required for all K-12 students.
Additional mandatory rehearsals may be scheduled to ensure production quality. These may occur on Saturdays or weekday evenings close to the show date.
Musical Theater Only
A signed Musical Theatre Agreement is required to participate in productions.
On your Studio Pro portal, go to Info (at the top of the page), then Waivers. Click the Musical Theatre Agreement icon, click “I agree to the terms and conditions,” and then provide your signature.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Our students will be performing in annual shows and productions where professional photos and videos are commonly taken and used for social media. Parents who wish to opt out of photos should be aware that this may affect their child’s roles and/or eligibility to perform.
SNACK GUIDELINES
Students attending an afternoon class directly from school or from After Care should bring an additional clean, healthy snack and water bottle. We provide a short snack break before class for those that come straight from school, and being prepared helps us begin on time and focused. Students coming from After Care should eat their snack there prior to coming to class.
SOCIAL MEDIA (refers to ALL platforms)
We expect that all of our students AND parents will use propriety and discretion when posting about GMPAC or GMPAC activities on social media.
Any comments or posts perceived to be obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, or hateful towards GMPAC staff, students, or families may be subject to immediate dismissal and possible legal action.
Parents/dancers must not engage in “Private” or “Hidden” groups about studio matters. Such toxic behavior will result in immediate dismissal.
Photographs/videos that feature any of the studio performers must be used with the studio’s original intent when shared to your social media.
We have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for bullying or other activities online that disrupt the empathetic and safe environment we strive for at GMPAC, and/or reflect poorly on our organization, staff, or students.
STUDIO VISITATION
We welcome parent involvement, but class observations are by invitation only. Observation Days will be scheduled at the instructor’s discretion to ensure a focused environment.
TUITION & PAYMENT
Registration fees are due at time of enrollment. An annual non-refundable fall registration fee of $50 per student or $100 max per family will be charged through Studio Pro. This includes the cost of a GMPAC t-shirt, which is required to be worn in certain classes.
Our tuition is calculated based on the total number of weeks in the full season, divided into equal monthly installments. This ensures that your tuition stays consistent regardless of the varying number of weeks per month (e.g. some months may have 5 lessons, some months may have a holiday).
Tuition is due the 1st of the month via auto-withdrawal.
Payments accepted: auto debit via a credit card or ACH bank transfer.
An active payment method must remain on file at all times; you will be notified if your automatic payment fails to go through. If this is not corrected within 5 days, a $25 charge will be applied for failed/late payment.
Tuition is NONREFUNDABLE and NONTRANSFERABLE. No refunds, credits, or makeups are provided for missed group classes. Makeups for missed private lessons will be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.
Additional Costs & Fees
Plan to budget $90.00 (plus tax) per discipline class, per performance for costumes. All discipline classes will have at least 2 performance opportunities each year, one at Christmas and one in the Spring. Costume fees for the Christmas performance will be charged October 15th. Costume fees for the Spring performance will be charged February 27th. Once costumes are ordered, they are not returnable!
Plan to budget around $18.00 per ticket per show. This includes tax and all online processing fees.
Musical Theatre (3rd through 12th) has an annual costume/production fee of $350 due November 16th of each year. This covers costs such as costume rental/purchase, set/prop production, technology costs, etc.
WITHDRAWAL (DISCIPLINE CLASSES)
Withdrawal requires a 4 week notice submitted in writing to gmpac@growingmindslv.com.
No refunds are provided for tuition or fees. Tuition will be charged for the remainder of the month of withdrawal and will not be prorated if the student does not attend.
The registration fee and additional payments, i.e. costume fees are also non-refundable.
WITHDRAWAL (MUSICAL THEATRE)
Withdrawal from Musical Theatre has additional conditions/consequences that may be found in the Musical Theatre Agreement on Studio Pro.
The Musical Theatre Agreement must be signed in order to participate in this class and its productions.
