FAQ: CLASSES
Who are these classes for? Blue Stoop classes are for adults of all backgrounds with an interest in creative writing. Unless otherwise specified, you only need general English writing/reading skills and a willingness to learn. We strive to foster an inclusive and anti-racist environment where students can bring their full selves to the classroom.
How/when can I get financial aid? Aid is offered on a first-come first-serve basis to low-income students living in the greater Philadelphia area. Apply for aid before adding the product to your cart. Financial aid typically covers 20-40% of tuition. We also offer full scholarships based on merit; details below.
How do merit scholarships work? Merit scholarships, like all our financial aid offerings, are reserved for local and low-income students. To request a merit scholarship, complete the financial aid application, then register for classes following the instructions provided at the end of the application. If you are selected for a merit scholarship, we will refund your tuition. If you request a scholarship without enrolling up front, we cannot select you.
How many students will be in my class? A typical class contains 6-15 students. Masterclasses are much larger and less interactive. Every class needs at least 6 students to run. If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund.
What is your refund policy? Unless a class is unable to run, we do not offer full refunds. However, partial refunds are possible with sufficient notice. Please read the Student Code of Conduct for more info about refunds and other policy-related questions.
Do you offer payment plans? Yes! To create a payment plan, select Afterpay during checkout. You can learn more about how Afterpay works here. If you are not eligible for Afterpay, please contact info@bluestoop.org to request an alternative arrangement. When your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation emails from both Afterpay AND Squarespace. If you did not receive a confirmation email from Squarespace, please contact us for assistance: info@bluestoop.org
Why are some classes a few dollars more than other classes of the same length? We have increased the cost of in-person classes by a few bucks to cover snacks. Many of our students are low-income, so providing snacks is a simple way to make things more equitable. It’s tough to learn on an empty stomach!
Will I need any special materials? In most cases, you will only need a strong wifi connection (for online classes) and something to write with. If the class requires a book, we recommend visiting your local library or working with your instructor to acquire a free copy.
I just signed up for a class, when will I get more information? If you completed payment and got a receipt, we successfully received your order. In most cases, we will send out class updates after the registration deadline, typically 4-7 days before the class starts. Thank you for your patience.
I have accessibility needs; will they be met? We will always do our best to accommodate your accessibility needs. Please contact info@bluestoop.org as soon as possible to discuss. More details on our accessibility practices can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.
