Question: My child is registered, what do we do on the first day of class?
Answer: We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class to give your student ample time to prepare for class. Please reference the enclosed Dress Code document for proper class attire. All students are encouraged to use the bathroom and wash their hands before class begins.
In Boston and North Shore, parents may drop-off and pick-up their student directly outside the studio (if you are unsure of which studio, please see a Studio Administrator). In our Newton facility, parents may drop-off and pick-up students in the lobby. All three facilities have waiting areas. We kindly ask that all students be picked up following the end of class. Should you have any additional questions upon arrival, you may speak with the Studio Administrator on duty at the front desk.
Question: May I stay and observe my child’s class?
Answer: With the exception of the scheduled “Peek Weeks”, we kindly ask that family members wait in the lobby until the student is finished with class. We believe the presence of “an audience” or multiple adults creates a distraction and takes attention away from the teacher’s instruction.
Question: How do I report an absence?
Answer: We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent students from attending class. In these instances, we kindly ask that the student’s absence be reported so that the faculty and administration may accurately track attendance. To report an absence, please leave a message on the Absence Hotline at 617.695.6950, ext: 440 (Boston); ext 441 (Newton); and ext. 443 (North Shore). If your child is injured and will miss a prolonged series of classes, we ask that you provide us with an applicable doctor’s note. Please note that tuition will not be adjusted for those weeks missed unless the student withdraws.
Question: If we miss a class, can we make it up?
Answer: In order for your child’s absence to be eligible for a make-up class, it must be reported to the absence hotline. While absences may occur for any number of reasons, we are only able to offer make-up classes for those absences due to illness, family emergency, or religious holidays. To schedule a make up class, please speak with a Studio Administrator. On the day of the make up class, students should obtain a permission slip from their Studio Administrator before entering the class room.
Question: What is an Elective class?
Answer: Boston Ballet School offers a variety of classes in technique and subjects other than Ballet. These electives are designed to enrich ballet training and help foster a well-rounded and versatile student. Elective classes for the 2010-11 school year include character, modern, Pilates and professional development lectures; offerings vary by level and studio. For further details regarding Elective classes, including descriptions, please visit our website www.bostonballet.org/school. Please note that elective classes are additional classroom hours and therefore carry an additional cost.
Question: What is the Classes Plus Program?
Answer: As an added benefit of being a student at Boston Ballet School, students participating in the Intermediate, Advanced, Pre-Professional, and Trainee levels are eligible to participate in our Classes Plus Program. This program allows students to attend additional ballet technique classes in a lower level with no additional fee. Students electing to participate are required to take these additional classes within the same studio location that the core class is attended. Students should obtain a permission slip from their Studio Administrator before entering the extra class.
Question: What if I need to switch my child’s class time?
Answer: Your child may switch from one class section to another (i.e. from a Monday/ Wednesday to a Tuesday/Thursday class) only if there is space still available in the new class. Please call the Office of Administration at 617.456.6333 to request a switch. Please note that a $20.00 Switch Fee will be charged to your account for each switch.
Question: Can my child be enrolled in one class and be on the wait list for another class?
Answer: Since both our enrollment and our waiting lists are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, we ask that parents make a choice between sections so that we can offer as many students as possible the chance to attend ballet class. When space opens up in a closed class, we will immediately call the first child on the waiting list to offer the space. If that student cannot enroll, we will move down the list until the spot has been filled.
Question: How do we know if the school is closed due to inclement weather or other reasons?
Answer: Closings due to inclement weather or other emergencies are listed on our Class Cancellation Hotline. When the weather turns bad, we assess canceling classes three times during the day: 7am, 12pm and 3pm. If we determine that classes will be cancelled, it will be listed on the hotline. To access the Class Cancellation Hotline, please call 617.695.6950, ext. 567 for the most up-to-date information.
Question: Is there an end-of-year performance?
Answer: Students in the Classical and Pre-Professional Programs are eligible to participate in Boston Ballet School’s year-end Spring Showcases. These unique performances, featured at a venue within each studio’s community, are a celebration of our students’ hard work and accomplishments. They also provide a valuable opportunity for our students to share and showcase their progress with family, friends and community members.
Question: Can my child participate in Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker?
Answer: As one of the exclusive benefits of being a student at Boston Ballet School, students in our Classical Ballet and Pre-Professional programs are invited to audition for Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. All Pre-Professional level students are required to audition for The Nutcracker production. While, participation of Pre-Professional students in levels 1-4 is not required past the audition process, Trainee students must participate as this production is an integral part of their professional dance training. Informational materials related to The Nutcracker will be mailed to eligible students in late August/ early September.
Question: Do BBS students receive discounts to company performances?
Answer: Yes, as a member of Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, students receive discounts to select company performances. Please contact the Box Office at 617.695.6955 for the most up-to-date student subscriptions and other special offers.
Question: What happens if I need to withdraw my child from Boston Ballet School?
Answer: Should you decide to leave the school, please contact the Office of Administration at 617.456.6333 as soon as possible. Once we hear from you, we will send you a Formal Withdrawal Request Form. Please complete the form and return it to an Administrator so we can process an account adjustment to complete the withdrawal process.
Question: What is the best way for me to get information about Boston Ballet School?
Answer: We communicate important School information and updates to our parents primarily via email – so please make sure we have your email address. This enables you to receive communications such as BBS Connections, the school’s monthly newsletter. Boston Ballet’s website is updated frequently and is a great resource for Parents. And, your Studio Administrators are there to help! If you have any questions or concerns, please ask them for assistance.
