ASL Champs Private Class Policy

    ⸻

    Private Class Model


    • Private classes are conducted silently in American Sign Language (ASL).
    • Spoken English is not used during live class sessions.
    • Instructors model ASL as it is naturally used in real-life communication.
    • Private classes are immersion-based group learning experiences supported by structured e-course materials designed for adult learners or children over the age of 14.

    All private classes include:
    Access to the ASL Champs e-course/portal
    8 live private sessions for your group
    Weekly e-notes
    Weekly cultural lessons
    Weekly video instruction + review/practice materials

    Private classes do not automatically include:
    Live session recordings
    Customized curriculum**

    (the above need to be requested ahead of time and may/may not be available)

    ⸻

    Class Schedule & Format

    Private ASL classes are scheduled to run for 8 consecutive weeks and include eight (8) live group sessions which generally meet one (1) time per week at a mutually agreed upon time and day of each week.

    Each live session will last approximately 60 minutes, with up to 75 minutes when questions or discussion extend the lesson

    Live sessions serve as the interactive component of the course and are supported by accompanying e-course materials (generally viewed ahead of the live class session).

    ⸻

    Attendance & Rescheduling Policy

    Because private classes are scheduled as a group experience, consistent attendance and advance planning are essential.
    • Requests to reschedule a live session must be made more than 48 hours in advance.
    • Requests made with less than 48 hours of the scheduled session time will result in the session being considered missed.
    • Missed sessions cannot be rescheduled.

    Whenever possible, participants are expected to attend all sessions within the original 8-week class window. This allows for consistency and maximum retention of the ASL you are learning.

    If any of the eight sessions needs to be rescheduled outside of the 8-week bracket, it should be scheduled as soon as possible. Sessions moved outside the original class window are subject to instructor availability and may not be available at the original or preferred day and time.

    Because enrollment in a private class reserves dedicated instructor time, additional dates or time slots outside the scheduled class window cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, participants are strongly encouraged to adhere to the original 8-week schedule whenever possible.

    If any participant is unable to attend a session due to illness or another unavoidable emergency, the live session will be recorded and shared so they may review the content afterward.

    ⸻

    Recordings & Participation


    • Students may not record live sessions in any form.
    • Participants are expected to follow standard Zoom etiquette, including arriving on time, remaining visually present when possible, and minimizing distractions.

    Additional expectations related to conduct and Zoom use are outlined in the course Terms of Service (viewable within the e-course, under “Getting Started”).

    ⸻

    Payments


    • Private classes are sold as a set series of scheduled group sessions.
    • Payment in full is required prior to the start of the class.

    ⸻

    Refunds

    Refunds are not issued for:
    • missed live sessions
    • scheduling conflicts after enrollment
    • dissatisfaction with the ASL-only immersion model
    • lack of attendance or participation

    Because private classes reserve instructor time and group space in advance, unused or missed sessions are non-refundable.

    In rare cases, refunds may be issued at the ASL Champs administrator’s discretion. These exceptions do not constitute a change to this policy.

    ⸻

    Fit & Expectations

    Private ASL classes are based on a Deaf-led, American Sign Language – immersion learning model and are not appropriate for participants seeking:

    • simultaneous ASL and English instruction
    • spoken-English explanations during live sessions
    • instruction or tutoring in other signing systems
    • classes for younger children (under the age of 14)

    Participants and families are responsible for ensuring this learning model aligns with their goals prior to enrollment.

    ⸻

    Customized Curriculum

    Customized vocabulary instruction may be requested for private classes in addition to the general curriculum. Customized instruction is designed to support general ASL communication, accessibility, and language development in specific workplaces or specialized areas. ASL Champs does not provide customized instruction intended to support:

    •    religious proselytizing or evangelism
•    political messaging, advocacy, or campaigning
•    marketing, sales tactics, or persuasion-based communication
•    instruction related to illegal, violent, or exploitative activities
•    hate-based or discriminatory content
•    professional medical, legal, or financial advice outside the scope of language learning
•    instruction centered on regulated or adult-oriented topics, including alcohol, tobacco, firearms, sex work or prostitution, or similar industries

    Requests for customized content are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    ASL Champs reserves the right to decline or redirect requests that fall outside the scope of instructional goals.

    ⸻

    Right to Refuse or Terminate Participation

    ASL Champs reserves the right to refuse or terminate participation in a private class if a participant or family member engages in behavior that is unsafe, disruptive, inappropriate, or disrespectful.

    This includes, but is not limited to:
    • bullying, harassment, or intimidation
    • discriminatory or offensive language or behavior
    • unsafe conduct during online sessions
    • repeated disregard for class policies or boundaries

    In such cases, no refunds will be issued for completed or remaining sessions unless otherwise determined at the instructor’s discretion. Note: This is a next-to-never situation, yet it’s important to mention here in our policy.

    ⸻

    Agreement

    By enrolling in a private class, participants and/or guardians acknowledge that ASL instruction is a specialized, immersion-based service and agree to follow this Private Class Policy in full.