FAQ

Questions About Classes

What are your policies regarding COVID-19?

Please see our current COVID-19 policy here.

 

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 see our current COVID-19 policy here.

 

How do I register for a class?

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

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.   

Students can receive walk through instructions on how to register over the phone or may schedule a time to register with our Community Education Coordinator during office hours. 

 

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we offer scholarships to children and adults. Find out more here.

 

How do I apply my discount?

During checkout, type your discount code into the COUPON field. General active coupons include the following:

10% Discount for any student age 65 or older - Code SENIOR 

10% Discount for any additional family member living in the same household, enrolling in the same class -Code FAMILY  

10% Discount for active-duty military personnel- Code MILITARY 

 

How do I choose a skill level?

If you don’t have previous exposure to the craft or it's been a long time since you practiced a particular skill, choose Beginner. If you have enough experience to understand the basics of the discipline, 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. You’re responsible for understanding and accurately representing your skill level — if you do not match the level, you won’t be able to participate in class.  

 

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, and our shop etiquette and rules. This creates a safe, compatible environment for all. For further information, please contact our Director of Community Education.

 

Can you put me in touch directly with an instructor?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide instructors' contact information. But if you email your questions to our Community Education Coordinator, we can forward your inquiry to the instructor. 

 

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, tied back hair, and remove any scarves or dangling jewelry. Avoid clothes with loose sleeves. We recommend bringing your own dust mask and earplugs to 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 your specific 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 do not offer credits/refunds for missed class sessions. 

When we cancel a class session, we will notify students via phone & email and provide details for the scheduled make-up date.  

If you want to book a private lesson, contact our Community Education Coordinator. 

 

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 Community Education Coordinator, 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 for youth partnerships, or for adults (18+) our Director of Community Education 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 Teen Programs Manager.

 

Questions About Space, Equipment, and Supplies

Are your classrooms handicapped-accessible?

Our schoolhouse (main building) is not handicapped-accessible. Our Annex/Amory Street classroom and our outdoor classrooms at the Schoolhouse are accessible. Please let our Community Education Coordinator know if you use a wheelchair or have other mobility challenges and we will do our best to accommodate you.

 

Can I rent your space for a public event? 

We are currently not renting our space for events. 

 

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

We are currently not renting our space for events. 

 

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

No, all use of our facilities requires student registration. Our Woodworking Open Shop, Sewing Open Studio, and other open studio classes require registration and are designed for people who want access to a shared classroom and equipment with instructor guidance. Please note the prerequisites for these offerings. 

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

 

Can I donate furniture, fabric, or supplies?

We appreciate offers of tools and art supplies. However, due to our limited storage capacity, we are not accepting art material/supply donations unless they are brand-new and in their original packaging. We will also consider donations of lumber and woodshop machines. If you're interested in donating something within these parameters, please contact our Community Education Coordinator. Thank you for thinking of us!

While we are not able to accept furniture donations, if you make a flier and email it to our Community Education Coordinator, 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. 

 

When does registration close for a class/workshop? 

We close registration three days before the first class to communicate with the teacher and prepare materials. If you want to register for a class and the registration period has closed, please contact our Community Education Coordinator, to see if you can still join.