This spring, IEA’s Academy program is offering a truly dynamic selection of in person and online course offerings. From favorites such as Chemistry Lab and Virtual Escape to new additions Poetry Book and Ornithology, exciting learning opportunities await every young curious mind. Wondering just how to sign up? Here to answer your top 10 questions on how it works is your dedicated Academy Team!
Q: Our family is new to Academy. How does enrollment work?
A: Welcome! Enrollment begins with the submission of a New Academy Student Application. The portfolio-style format provides opportunity for you to share information about your child’s interests, abilities and learning needs. While Academy does not require assessments or a formal gifted identification, we encourage you to share as much detail as is informative and relevant to your child. Especially helpful are responses to sections “Tell Us About Your Child” and “Student Quick Takes”. We also love to see student work samples, whether a snapshot of your child’s artwork or Lego build, or video of their best tap dance routine! If submitted during office hours, you should receive a response within a few short hours, after which time, Part II (Medical/Emergency) will need to be submitted prior to making your course selections in Part III (Enrollment).
To begin a New Student Application, you must first create an account through our IEA Community Portal by clicking here. Please be sure to use your parent information (not your child’s). Once logged in, you may create a Student Contact for your child and begin the application. If you have already created an account and wish to return to your application in progress, click here.
Q: Do I have to fill out a full-length application again if my child is a returning student?
A: No. If you have taken classes with us before, you may submit a Returning Student Enrollment Form here.
Q: My child is academically advanced for their age. How do I determine which classes are the best fit?
A: Academy classes are grouped by suggested age range and are designed for bright inquisitive minds. Your child’s application should provide information that will help us in determining an optimal match, however, we encourage you to reach out to a team member for advisement as each class is unique in both content and instructional approach. Depending on the individual needs of your child, age range may be flexible.
Q: How are Academy classes structured?
A: Academy classes provide a safe space for positive interactions with peers, deep-dives into topics that students are passionate about, and project-based mastery. While each individual class is different, classes are designed to be engaging, stimulating, hands-on, interdisciplinary, and fun. Classes are taught by skilled educators and content area professionals who embrace the continual pursuit of knowledge and exploration of ideas. While homework assignments are optional, teachers may ask students to complete some work outside of class to enhance their learning experience.
Q: Where can I find the schedule of classes and tuition fees?
A: Please visit our Academy page here to find a calendar view of our in person and online course offerings. You may read the full course description by clicking on the course block, then scroll a bit further down the page to see our Spring 2022 tuition fees listed.
Q: Is financial aid available to families in need?
A: Yes! Please click here to submit an inquiry and an Academy team member will reply to you directly to assist.
Q: What if my child is interested in a class, but there are no more spots available?
A: Placement in requested classes is first come, first serve. However, we do maintain a waitlist for classes in case a student withdraws from a class. We will contact families on the waitlist via email or phone if any spaces become available. We also encourage you to let us know if your child would be interested in an alternative placement should their first choice be unavailable.
Q: What are our options if a class is not a good fit?
A: Every effort is made to ensure that students have a rewarding first day of Academy and our team would be happy to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have. No payment is due until your child’s placement is confirmed with the minimum enrollment, at which time, a non-refundable $50 deposit is required per confirmed class. The tuition less paid deposits is due after the first class meeting. We work closely with families and instructors to ensure each child’s needs are met, however, should your child withdraw before the second class meeting, you are responsible for the deposit amount only. No refunds are given for withdrawals after the second class meeting.
Q: What are your COVID safety protocols?
A: For information on IEA’s current COVID safety protocol, please see our landing page at https://ieastaging2.wpengine.com/about/ieas-statement-on-covid-19-coronavirus/. Updates to the Academy section will be shared as we adjust to recommendations from the CDC, WHO, and state and local officials.
Q: Can I arrange a tour of your Learning Center and meet with a member of the Academy team?
A: Absolutely! We would be happy to meet you. Please call us at (626)403-8900 or email academy@educationaladvancement.org to schedule a time to visit.