Dear Friends,

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well and staying safe during this unprecedented time. Although we have suspended classes and events until further notice, Folk School staff are working at home and individually on campus to ensure we’ll be ready to welcome you back as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. Maintenance staff are working on routine maintenance of studios, houses, and grounds. Farmer Teddy is tending the vegetable and dye gardens. Registration staff are accepting registrations for 2020 classes. Programming staff and resident artists are planning hundreds of classes for 2021, while Marketing staff are creating the next Folk School catalog, mailing in mid-July.

We continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and make decisions regarding future classes and events. If you are registered for an upcoming class, we encourage you to read our refund policy for class cancellations and our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Although you can’t get the full experience of the Folk School right now, we invite you to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog, where we’re sharing stories, photos, and videos from students, instructors, and staff.

We appreciate all the messages of support from our Folk School community during this time. You continue to inspire us to create opportunities for bringing people together and keeping the Folk School magic alive.

We look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to Brasstown.

Be well,

Jerry Jackson
Executive Director

Pandemic-Related Class Cancellation Refund Policy, effective April 15, 2020

While classes and events are currently suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic, our board of directors and staff continue to work toward reconnecting with our Folk School family on campus once it is considered safe and appropriate to do so.

For now, we continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and will make decisions regarding future classes and events four weeks in advance and notify students. If you are registered for an upcoming class you have three options regarding your refund, namely:

1. Gift Certificate: You can elect to receive a gift certificate for the full amount you have paid. The certificate can be used within the next three years for future classes or purchases in our Craft Shop. Choosing this option helps the Folk School remain strong and ready to eventually resume classes and events.

2. Donate to the Folk School: As a show of support for the Folk School, you may choose to donate all or part of what would be refunded for your canceled class. If you are able, please consider offering aid to the school in this way.

3. Refund: All requested cash refunds will be processed 90 days from the date of your refund request.

Our Registration staff is contacting students in class-date order to discuss class cancellations and all types of refunds. As you consider your type of refund, the Folk School hopes that you choose either a Gift Certificate or a donation rather than a cash refund as a show of your continued support for the Folk School.

If you have not yet been contacted, but would like to initiate your refund, call registration staff at 1-800-365-5724.

This refund policy applies to classes the Folk School has canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you would like to withdraw from a class that remains scheduled at this time, our regular cancellation policy applies: Students who transfer to another class are charged the cancellation fee, plus the deposit for the class to which they wish to transfer. Cancellation or transfer more than 30 days prior to the first day of class results in a cancellation fee of 50% of the deposit. Cancellation or transfer within 30 days of the first day of class results in a cancellation fee of 100% of the deposit. Due to the current pandemic, refunds will be made 90 days from the date of your refund request. No tuition, deposit, housing or meals refunds will be made after the start date of a class. Registrations are not transferable.

Thank you for your understanding and support during these trying times. You are our community, and our strength to overcome adversity comes from you. Be well and stay safe!

 
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Folk School Classes and Events During the Pandemic:

Why is the refund period for classes canceled by the Folk School 90 days?
Our board of directors has established a 90-day refund policy on classes canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic to stabilize the short-term operations of the Folk School and to help ensure we remain fully operational for the long-term. The board of directors is committed to retaining staff so the school can resume classes and events as soon as it is considered safe and appropriate to do so.

What determines whether or not the Folk School will cancel classes?
The Folk School staff and board of directors are making decisions based on state and federal guidelines; the needs of our students, staff, and community; and necessary logistics for resuming operations.

How far in advance of the class start date will the Folk School decide to cancel classes?
We will cancel future classes no later than four weeks before their scheduled start date.

How is the Folk School notifying students and instructors of class cancellations?
Registration staff are contacting students by phone at least four weeks in advance of the class start date. Programming staff are contacting instructors by phone four weeks in advance of the class start date.

Can I still register for upcoming classes?
Yes! We are accepting registration for classes beginning in June 2020 through December 2020 in anticipation of resuming classes as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. As stated above, we are monitoring the situation and making decisions on a regular basis.

Is transferring my registration to a future class an option?
Yes, if the Folk School cancels your class, you may transfer your registration to a future class at no charge. However, if you transfer from a class that has not been canceled by the school, our standard policy for transferring applies which is that you will be charged a cancellation fee and be asked to pay a deposit on the class.

What about events such as Fall Festival?
At this time, we are planning Fall Festival on October 3 and 4.