FAQ

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Questions about classes

 

What are your policies regarding Covid-19?

Please see our Covid-19 Safety page here: Covid-19 Safety

 

Can I still attend classes at the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts if I can't be vaccinated due to medical or religious concerns?

Please contact our Program Support Team prior to registering to discuss.

 

How can I register for a class?

To register online, you must first create an Account: Click "My Account" at the top of the screen. Then find the classes you want and add them to your shopping cart.

Even long-time students must set up an Account in order to register for a class on this new website. It's worth it! Once you set up your Account, it will be there for you each time you register for a new class.

Payment in full is required at the time of registration. We accept most credit cards.  We offer scholarships on a need-based scale.  We also accept checks and money orders by mail, and can accept cash if you come to our Program Support office during office hours. We recommend you call first to make sure our Program Support Team is available.

You may also register by phone or in person during office hours.

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we are pleased to offer scholarships to children and adults from low-income households. Find out more.

We also try to accommodate those who cannot pay the full price, do not meet the income requirements, but are able to make a partial payment. Please contact our  Program Support Team to discuss arrangements.

 

How do I apply my senior/ staff/ faculty/ Teen Bridge discount?

During check-out, type your discount code into the COUPON field.

 

How do I choose a Skill Level?

If you are a beginner or it's been a long time since you practiced a particular skill, choose Beginner & Above. If you have some experience, choose Intermediate & Above. We typically rank a class Advanced only if it requires more refined skills.

Any specific prerequisites are included on each class page.

 

Why should I take Basic Woodworking if I'm already an experienced woodworker?

We do this because every shop has its own protocol and we need all students, even experienced woodworkers, to understand how our particular machines work, how our shop is organized, our shop etiquette and rules. This creates a safe, compatible environment for all. 

 

Can you put me in touch directly with an instructor?

Unfortunately, we can't provide instructors' contact information. But if you email your questions to our Program Support Team, we are be happy to forward your inquiry to the instructor for you.

 

What should I wear to class?

Dress to get messy. The wood shop can be dusty, fiber arts classes can get wet, and fine arts classes can involve pigments, solvents and dust as well. 

Woodworking students must wear closed-toe shoes, tie back hair, and remove any scarves or dangling jewelry. Avoid clothes with loose sleeves. We recommend bringing your own dust mask and ear plugs in any class using machines. 

See our Safety Rules for additional details.

 

What should I bring to class?

In some cases, the instructor will supply materials and collect a materials fee in class. In others, you will need to bring supplies. You may also want to bring a notebook to take notes.

Check each class page for a list of supplies and materials fees.

 

What if I miss a class session?

Due to space and logistical limitations, we do not allow students to make up classes by attending other sections.  We regret that we cannot offer credits/refunds for missed class-sessions.

When we cancel a class due to snow, check your class schedule for the snow make-up date. If we cancel for any other emergency, we will be in touch with make-up information.

 

What if I need to withdraw from a class?

Visit our policies page for important information on cancelations, withdrawals, and other special situations.

 

Do you offer degrees or certificates?

We are not an accredited institution, and don't offer degrees or certificates. However, if you need proof of attendance for work or any other reason, ask our Program Support Team for a receipt or a letter.

 

Questions about Partnership & Specialty programs

Can you bring your programs to my/ my child’s school or after-school site?

We love to partner with schools and community centers, including Boys & Girls Clubs, BCYF centers, libraries and housing developments. We are happy to work together with your school or center on a program that fits its needs. Please contact our Manager of Youth & Community Engagement, Emma Ellis for youth partnerships, or, for adults (18+), our Director of Adult Learning & Engagement, Verónica Ramírez Martell to begin a conversation.

 

How can I/ my child/ my student join Teen Bridge?

We recruit new Teen Bridge students every fall to join the program in January. If you, your child or your student is interested, please contact our Coordinator of Youth Engagement, Camila Bohan Insaurralde.

Questions about space, equipment and supplies

Can I rent your space for a public event?

We are happy to talk with you about your event—as long as it relates to our mission of inspiring lifelong learning in craft and creativity for all. If you have an idea for an event that fits with our mission, please contact our Rentals & Events support staff.

Are your classrooms handicapped-accessible?

Our schoolhouse (main building) is not handicapped-accessible, and we are in the process of modifying the structure to address this. Our Annex/Amory Street classroom and our outdoor classrooms at the Schoolhouse are accessible, however. Please let us know if you use a wheelchair or have other mobility challenges, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I hold my wedding or birthday party in your space?

Please reach out to our Manager of Concerts & Space Rentals, Ana Colón to inquire about renting our space.

 

Can I come use a certain machine for a short while?

No, we are not set up for this kind of one-time use. Our Woodworking Open Shop, Open Studio and Open Sew classes require registration and are designed for people who want access to a shared classroom/its equipment. Please note the prerequisites for these offerings. Alternately, various makers-spaces do offer hourly access to their equipment.

Students are not permitted in our classrooms outside of their scheduled class-times.

 

Can I donate furniture, fabric or supplies?

Please fill out this donation inquiry form if you have art materials or tools you would like to donate and we will reach out to let you know if we can accept your items. If you’d like to talk about donating art supplies, please contact our Director of Adult Learning & Engagement, Verónica Ramírez Martell. For tools or machines, email our Facilities Manager, Jazz Gonzalez to talk about your donation.

We are not able to accept furniture donations. Our space is extremely limited, and all students bring their own pieces to work on in class. If you make a flyer and email it to our Program Support Team, we will be happy to post it on our bulletin board.

 

Other questions

What is your Tax ID Number?

04-217-3050

 

Why do you require my age when I set up an account or register for a class?

We do this to ensure students are enrolled in the appropriate course for their age, when applicable, as some of our courses are age-restricted. It also allows us to offer age-specific tuition discounts to students. Additionally, some of our funders require us to provide broad demographic data, including how many people we serve from different age brackets.