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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Adult Community Education (ACE) FAQ’s
Young Artists Program (YAP) FAQ’s
Where are you located?
Watkins is located at 2298 Rosa L. Parks Blvd (formerly metrocenter) just minutes from downtown Nashville. Click here for directions/maps.
Where do I park? Is there a cost?
There is a free parking lot in the front of our building.
How do I register?
It’s easy! Register online here or we accept registrations by mail, fax or phone.
Is your online registration secure?
Yes! Our site uses SSL technology to ensure that your credit card and personal are transmitted safely. While on the registration page, you should notice a locked padlock icon displayed on your web browser.
Is there a registration deadline? How late can I register?
The registration deadline is typically one week prior to the first day of class. If there is availability registrations may still be accepted as late as the first day of class, but by waiting you run the risk of the class either being full or being cancelled due to lack of enrollment.
Is there a waiting list for classes that are full?
Yes! In the event that a class is full we will put your name on a waiting list. If a space opens up in the class, the persons on the waiting list will be contacted in the order they are received.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Discover, Mastercard, Visa, checks, money orders and cash are accepted.
Can I make a deposit and pay the rest later?
Full payment for tuition and fees is due at the time of registration.
What happens if my class doesn’t make?
Classes may be cancelled or combined if a minimum enrollment of 5 students is not met at least one week before the class begins. Students will be informed of cancellations prior to the first day of class so that alternative plans may be made and full refunds will be issued.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Refunds requested one week prior to the first day of class will be refunded 100% of tuition and fees, less a $25 processing charge. Classes dropped within seven days of the beginning of class will be refunded at a 60% tuition rate, less a $25 processing charge. No tuition or fees will be refunded beginning the first day of class.
What is appropriate attire?
Students should wear comfortable clothing for working in. Some materials used in class may stain clothing. With this in mind, a smock or apron may be necessary. For safety reasons no roller skates or shoes with wheels embedded into the soles are allowed.
What if I have to miss a class? Can the tuition be pro-rated?
We understand that absences do happen. Because these are non-credit classes, students do not receive a grade nor are they penalized for absences. However, instructors are not obligated to provide make-up time. We do not pro-rate tuition for missed classes.
Can I purchase gift certificates for community education classes?
Yes! Gift certificates can be purchased by contact the community education office.
How can I get in touch with my instructor?
It is our policy not to give out contact information for our instructors. However, you may call our office and we will gladly relay a message to your instructor and have him/her get in contact with you.
What is your attendance policy in the event of a flu
outbreak or other pandemic:
Youth who attend a school that has been closed due to illness/outbreaks will not be allowed in Watkins young artists program classes. If a large number of students or teachers in the young artists program are out due to illness the director may elect to cancel class(es).
Teachers who teach at a school that has been closed due to illness/outbreaks will not be allowed to teach classes.
Youth and adult students will be encouraged to use sound
judgment and not attend class if they feel ill. Students should not come to class
if they are experiencing the following:
- The student does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in the usual activities.
- The student has any of the following symptoms:
· fever
· signs of symptoms of a possible serious illness
· diarrhea
· vomiting in the previous 24 hours
· pink eye with white or yellow discharge until 24 hours after treatment is started;
If a student exhibits signs of illness the director and/or staff will ask the student to leave class, or in the case of a minor, will remove the child from class and call the parent to pick up the child immediately. A doctor’s excuse may be required by the director prior to allowing the student to return to class.
Adult Community Education (ACE) FAQ’s:
What do I bring the first day?
Unless otherwise indicated, orientations are offered the first night of class to discuss course syllabi and supply lists. We recommend that you bring paper and a pen or pencil for taking notes.
Are supplies included?
Students are responsible for acquiring their own supplies. A supply list and syllabus will be provided the first night of class. Some classes may require an additional material or lab fee.
Where do I find my classroom?
All of our studios, labs and classrooms are conveniently located in one main building. There is a receptionist at the main entrance and on the first night of class signs will be posted to direct you to your classroom.
How many students will be in the class?
The typical class size is 5 - 12 students.
Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
At this time we do not provide scholarships or financial assistance for ACE classes.
Do I have access to the Watkins College library?
Yes! ACE students are eligible to borrow materials from our library. Contact the community education office for details.
Do I have access to labs or studios outside of class time?
Community education students are limited to working in studios or labs only when the instructor is present.
Young Artists Program (YAP) FAQ’s:
How many students will be in the class?
The typical class size is 5 - 12 students.
How many teachers will be in class?
One teacher is assigned to each class. Other staff personnel are available to assist classes as needed.
Are materials provided?
Yes! All the materials for your child’s/teen’s class will be provided. Some classes may have an extra materials or lab fee.
Do you have a before/after care program?
Due to space and staff limitations, at this time we do not provide before or after care. Promptness in dropping off and picking up your child/teen is necessary and appreciated. A 15-minute grace time may be granted with permission from the Director. Any time beyond the 15 minutes grace time accrues a charge of $1 per minute.
How early can I drop off my child/teen for class?
Due to space and staff limitations we start accepting students no earlier than 30 minutes prior to class time.
Is lunch care provided?
Lunch care is provided for full-day students during the spring break and summer of the arts programs.
Do you provide a snack or lunch?
Students are responsible for bringing their own healthy snacks and lunches.
Where do I take my child/teen when I first arrive?
Students assemble in Watkins’ theatre, Room 500, immediately prior to and following class. Parents should sign their child/teen in and out on the dismissal roster before and after class each day. Students being picked up by an adult other than a parent should bring a signed and dated note indicating so. If a student utilizes public transportation or drives themselves a signed and dated note must be provided giving permission for Watkins to release the student from our care.
Can I stay in the classroom with my child/teen?
To ensure a safe environment that is conducive to learning we do not allow anyone in the classroom other than registered students, teachers and community education staff.
Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
Through a generous grant from the Memorial Foundation, we do offer a limited number of scholarships each semester for young artists ages 6-18. Click here for more information.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! We offer sibling and multi-session discounts. See course schedule for details.
Can I register my child in a class for older students?
We design our curriculum so that learning objectives and class projects are targeted for specific age levels. To register for a class, the child needs to have reached the minimum age prior to the first day of class.