FAQ

FAQ
Please take a look at our below Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.

Q: What is the difference between group classes and private lessons? Which one should I take?
A: Group classes are on a predetermined fixed schedule, and a set curriculum. Private lessons are tailored to student needs, and the timing is more flexible, although the timing is subject to teacher’s availabilities.

Our opinion is that private lessons will help students learn quicker, but are more expensive. Group vs. private is also a personal preference, some students prefer to learn with others, while some students enjoy the intimacy and flexibility of private lessons.

Private lessons can be held at the center, or an approved public place, such as a cafe or office. Group classes are held at the center, unless specifically requested to be held on site.

Q: How can I pay for classes?
A: We accept three different ways of payment for classes. You can sign up through our website with a credit card, where the form for signup is SSL encrypted. Hills Learning does not store any of the credit card info submitted.

The other two options are sending a check via mail, or signing up in person with cash or check. Credit card is not accepted in person at this time.

Q: What happens if a student (or teacher) misses a class? What happens if someone is late?
Tardiness and Policy (Private Classes)
Our policy is that for every scheduled class, teachers and students should plan on arriving 10 minutes early. This gives enough time to find a place to sit, purchase necessary food / drink, and get ready for the lesson.
Any tardiness should be reported to Hills Learning in our feedback forms.
Teacher:
If a teacher arrives at the exact point the lesson begins, they must be ready to teach. If the teacher arrives but is not ready, the ending point of the lesson will be however long it takes the teacher to get ready, up to 15 minutes. If a teacher is over 15 minutes late, the student can consider the class missed (see missed classes).
Student:
If a student is late to class, they must notify the teacher. If the teacher does not hear from the student after 15 minutes, the class will be considered missed.
If a student is late but notifies the teacher, it is at the teacher’s discretion to continue the lesson or not. Please note that after 15 minutes this class is considered “missed”, and the student technically has no right to get a refund, unless in medical emergencies.

Missed Classes (Private Classes)
A missed class is defined by either a teacher or student being over 15 minutes late to class. Please note that it is both the responsbility of the student and the teacher to arrive to class 10 minutes early, so in retrospect this is actually 25 minutes late.
Teacher:
If a teacher misses a class, the student gets the next lesson free with that teacher, plus a 25% discount off the next lesson with that teacher. The student must report this in our feedback forms within 48 hours of the lesson to receive any discounted classes.
Student:
If a student misses a class, they will be charged full price for that class. The only exception is a medical emergency.

Missed or Late Classes (Group)

Once a group class has begun, there are no refunds issued in any circumstances.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: 24- Hour Cancellation for Private Classes
Single Lesson: If a teacher or student wishes to cancel, they must inform each other and Hills Learning by 3pm of the proceeding day. The only exception is a medical emergency. Students will be charged half price for classes canceled within 24 hours of the start time of class, and up to full price if the teacher’s already left.

Q: Do you provide texts for students and teachers?
A: All our teachers provide their own handouts based on textbooks, or other pre-determined curriculums. For group classes, we do not provide the actual texts to students, but they can purchase the textbook separately if they wish.