Program Policies
- Registrations cannot be accepted without full payment.
- Classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
- In rare cases there may be a change in instructors, schedules and programs.
- Some classes are limited in enrollment, so please register early to ensure your space in the class.
- Only students who are registered may attend classes. Substitutions will not be allowed once classes begin.
- You may not make up absences by attending classes other than those in which you are enrolled.
- Courses are not offered on a class-by-class basis unless otherwise indicated in the course description.
- Full tuition must be paid for each course, regardless of the number of classes you are able to attend.
College Credit
College credit is awarded for some classes through American International College for an additional fee of $200. For more information email pamela.robinson@aic.edu.
Late Starters for Adults
We encourage students to register early but if you must register on the day that a course begins, please call to verify that the course is running.
Parking
Secure free parking is available in the Museums lots on Edwards Street. There is no long-term parking on the Quadrangle. Additional Museum parking located on State Street across from the City Library. Accessible parking is available between the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and the Springfield Science Museum.
Universal Participation
The staff of the Museum School makes every attempt to accommodate people of all abilities. If you require assistance, please contact the Museum School at 413.263.6800, ext. 377 or 382.
Class & Trip Cancellations
If your class or trip is canceled due to low enrollment, we will notify you as far in advance as possible. At that time, you may transfer to another class or trip, or receive a full refund.
Travel Withdrawal Policy
No refunds are issued for cancellations less than two weeks before the trip. If you cancel prior to two weeks, a $15 cancellation fee is deducted, unless you find a replacement.
Class Withdrawal Policy
If you withdraw from a class one week before the first session, you will receive a full refund (less a $15 registration fee). If you withdraw 6 days to 24 hours before your first class, you are still entitled to a 50 percent refund (less the $15 registration fee). After that time, no refunds or credits will be issued.
Bad Weather Closings
Call 413.263.6800, ext. 377 or ext. 382, for up-to-date announcements. If your class is postponed due to inclement weather or other factors beyond our control, a make-up class will be added to the end of the term or equivalent time added to the remaining sessions. We will announce this decision no later than one hour before the class is scheduled to begin. Museum School classes will be cancelled when the Springfield Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
Parent FAQ
Where do I bring my child?
Bring your child inside the main entrance of the museum where their class is to be held. Students should be picked up promptly at the time class is dismissed. Let the instructor or other staff person know if someone other than you will pick up your child.
To whom do I speak about my child’s medical conditions?
You will be asked to complete a health form before the start of your child’s class. Please use this form to alert Museum School staff at time if your child has allergies or other medical conditions. This information is confidential and will be kept on file for the duration of your child’s class. (Note: staff is not permitted to administer medication of any kind.)
Does tuition include materials?
Unless otherwise indicated, all materials are included in the cost of tuition.
Can my child take a class for older children?
Register your child for the age they will be on the first class. Classes are carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of children within the age ranges specified.
Refer a friend to a Museum School class and when they register for a class, you get $25 off on your next class registration.
Open to all active Museum School students—those who have taken a class within the last two calendar years at the time of referral. Referred friends must be new students or students returning after a two year hiatus and must indicate who referred them to the class. Credits issued as part of this promotion are valid only towards future Museum School classes.
Referred friends must register for a class and complete the entire class in order for the referrer to receive the credit. In the event of a class cancellation and refund for the referred friend, the $25 credit will not be issued to the referrer.
The Museum School continues to follow a number of measures for your safety and the safety of others during the pandemic to help ensure ease of mind while attending classes.
- Fully vaccinated students, visitors, and staff are not required to wear a mask except in specially designated locations through the Museums’ complex.
- Per CDC guidance, children under the age of 12 must be masked indoors while attending classes.
- To allow for social distancing, the Museum School is limiting the number of students in each class.
- Free-standing HEPA filter air purifiers are in use in the classes and staff offices in the buildings. Each air handling unit has three stages of filtration (30% efficient pre-filter, a second stage carbon filter and a 95% efficient final filter) to remove particulate and gaseous air contaminants.
- Hand sanitizing stations are located in multiple places throughout the Museums and classrooms.
- All surfaces, fixtures, and studios are sanitized before and after use
At the Museum School of the Springfield Museums we believe in the power of life-long learning for all and strive to provide a safe, inclusive and constructive environment for everyone. We encourage anyone to participate in our studio and online classes and do not discriminate against race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other federal, state or locally protected class.
All students have the right to learn without interference from others and our instructors have the authority to protect this right by creating and maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning and self-expression. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature manner and in a way that is respectful to their fellow students. Any behavior which disrupts or interferes with the learning environment may result in dismissal from class.
By registering for class or trip, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the above statement.