School Policies

Astrolabe Institute is a small, focused learning community, and a calm, respectful environment is a big part of what makes our classes work. We ask every student to treat instructors, classmates, guests, and the facilities we use with respect, to follow instructor directions, and to take part honestly and safely in every activity.

Most concerns are minor and resolved quickly through a conversation with the student and a note home to parents. In cases of repeated or serious behavioral concerns — including conduct that disrupts learning, endangers others, or damages property or partner facilities — the program reserves the right to take disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program without reimbursement.

Astrolabe Institute runs as a full academic-year program. Our 2026–2027 year meets on Tuesdays and Fridays from August 4, 2026 through April 23, 2027. When you enroll, you are reserving your child's seat in each class they register for, for the full year.

Because our classes are intentionally small and seats are limited, enrollment is a commitment for the full academic year rather than a month-to-month arrangement. Families who need to withdraw because of unforeseen circumstances should contact us directly as early as possible so we can talk through options together.

Tuition may be paid through the Step Up For Students scholarship — Astrolabe Institute is a direct provider — or by invoice for families who are not using a scholarship. Registration is not considered complete until payment, or an approved Step Up funding request, is in place.

Tuition is due according to the schedule shown on your invoice or in the Step Up portal. If a payment is missed, we will reach out directly to arrange it. Accounts that remain significantly past due may result in a temporary pause of class participation until the balance is brought current. We never want payment to be a barrier — if your family is facing a hardship, please contact us so we can work something out.

From time to time, photos and short videos may be taken during classes, labs, projects, field trips, presentations, and program events. We use them for essentially one reason: to share the real work our students are doing.

In practice that means parent updates and newsletters, our website, and the Astrolabe Institute social media accounts — where we love showing families what a hands-on class actually looks like: a science lab in progress, a robot that finally works, a student presenting a project they're proud of. Sharing these moments is how a small program like ours introduces itself to new families and continues to grow so we can keep offering small, high-quality classes. It is about telling our story and celebrating our students — not selling anything.

We always aim to portray students respectfully and positively. We do not sell student images, and we do not publish a student's full name or personal information alongside a photo without a parent's permission. If you would prefer that your child not appear in any photos or videos we use publicly, simply let us know in writing and we will honor that — your child can take part in everything either way.

If anything here is unclear, or you'd like to talk through how a policy applies to your family, we're happy to help. Email director@astrolabeinstitute.com or call 407-406-4990.