Terms of Service & Policies

2. Who We Serve / Minors & Parental Consent

Most students served by Launchpad STEM Academy are minors (grades 6–12). Accordingly:

• All bookings for a student under 18 must be made by a parent or legal guardian, who is the account holder of record and the party responsible for these Terms.
• The parent/guardian confirms they have legal authority to enroll the student and to consent to tutoring sessions — online (which may include screen sharing, live video, and, if applicable, session recording) and, once available, in-person at our physical location.
• Students age 18+ (e.g., college-track or gap-year students using Resume Review, Interview Prep, or Internship Referral) may book and agree to these Terms on their own behalf.
• Launchpad STEM Academy does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 outside of what a parent/guardian provides during enrollment.
• In-person enrollment additionally requires a signed Liability Waiver before a student's first on-site session — see Section 17.

3. Services

Launchpad STEM Academy delivers STEM Tutoring (1-on-1 and group), SAT/ACT Math Preparation, College & Career Advising, Resume Review, Interview Preparation, and the Summer Internship Referral Program. Services are currently delivered online; in-person delivery at our physical location is opening soon in Miami-Dade County (exact address to be announced). Once open, families may choose online or in-person delivery for eligible services, subject to tutor and room availability. Current services, formats, and pricing are published at launchpadstemacademy.com and may be updated from time to time; the price in effect at the time of booking applies to that booking.

Robotics, Coding, AI & Mechatronics programming requires the physical location and lab equipment, and is only available in-person once the facility opens.

4. Accounts, Booking & Payment

• Sessions and packages are purchased and scheduled through our online booking system; payment is processed securely through our third-party payment processor (Stripe). Launchpad STEM Academy does not store full payment card numbers.
• Full payment is due at the time of booking unless another arrangement is confirmed in writing.
• Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Applicable taxes, if any, are added at checkout.
• Packages (5-Pack, 10-Pack, 3-Pack bundles) never expire. Sessions remain available on the account until used, subject to the No-Show and Late Cancellation rules in Section 6, which can cause an individual session to be forfeited from a package. This applies identically to online and in-person sessions.
• Packages are tied to the purchasing family/student account and are not transferable to another family without prior written approval from Launchpad STEM Academy, except as provided under the Launch Together referral program.

5. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

This policy applies identically to online and in-person sessions. We know schedules change. A session credit is deducted from the account at the time a session is scheduled. Families may cancel or reschedule any session free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice before the scheduled start time, by using the booking portal or emailing [email protected] — the deducted credit is returned to the account in full, with no cash paid out, and may be used to schedule any future session.

• Rescheduled sessions may be moved to any available slot within the tutor's calendar; there is no limit on the number of times a session can be rescheduled, provided each change is made with 24+ hours' notice. Each reschedule follows the same pattern: the credit for the original slot is returned, and one credit is deducted again for the new slot.
• Cancellations made inside the 24-hour window are treated as a Late Cancellation and follow the policy in Section 6 — the deducted credit is not returned.
• If Launchpad STEM Academy needs to cancel or reschedule a session (tutor illness, emergency, technical failure, facility closure), the family will be notified as early as possible and offered a makeup session at no charge; the originally deducted credit remains on the account and is not lost. Alternatively, upon request, the family may choose a cash refund instead of keeping the credit — see Section 7 for how this works and how the refund amount is calculated for a session that was part of a package.

6. Late Cancellation & No-Show Policy

This policy applies identically to online and in-person sessions.

• Late Cancellation: Canceling or rescheduling less than 24 hours before a scheduled session.
• No-Show: Failing to join (online) or arrive at the facility (in-person) for a scheduled session with no cancellation notice at all. A student who has not joined the video session, or arrived at the facility, within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time will be marked a no-show, and the tutor is released from the booking.

Policy: Both a Late Cancellation and a No-Show result in the session being forfeited — the credit deducted at scheduling is not returned to the account (or, for a single-session booking, the session is treated as used), with no refund, credit, or automatic makeup. This applies because the tutor's time for that slot is reserved specifically for the student and, on short notice, typically cannot be filled or repurposed.

Families who anticipate a scheduling conflict are strongly encouraged to reschedule as early as possible — there is no penalty for rescheduling with 24+ hours' notice, no matter how many times.

7. Refund & Credit Policy

• Sessions, packages, and bundles are non-refundable for cash back, except as provided below (Unused & Unstarted Packages, and a Launchpad STEM Academy-initiated cancellation). Once purchased, unused sessions remain as account credit and never expire (Section 4) — unlike time-limited competitor policies, families are never at risk of losing money to an expiration date, which is why Launchpad STEM Academy does not offer partial refunds once a package has been started: the non-expiring credit is the safety net instead.
• Unused & Unstarted Packages: If a family purchases a package (5-Pack, 10-Pack, 3-Pack, etc.) and has not yet used any session from it, they may request a full cash refund of the entire package within 14 days of purchase. Once any session in the package has been attended, this window closes and the package reverts to the standard credit-only policy (no partial cash refunds for a partially used package) — remaining sessions simply stay on the account as non-expiring credit.
• Credits and sessions are non-transferable. Purchased sessions and packages are tied to the purchasing family/student account and may not be given, sold, or transferred to another family or student, except as provided under the Launch Together referral program.
• Cash refund option when Launchpad STEM Academy cancels a specific scheduled session: When a session is cancelled by Launchpad STEM Academy rather than the family (Section 5), the family may choose, upon request, either (a) to keep that session's credit on the account for future use (the default, no action needed), or (b) to forfeit that one session's credit and receive a cash refund instead. This is an either/or choice — the same session cannot both keep its credit and be refunded in cash. If the cancelled session was purchased individually, the refund is the full amount paid for that session. If the cancelled session was part of a package (5-Pack, 10-Pack, 3-Pack, etc.), the refund is limited to that one session's pro-rated share of the package price — calculated as the total package price divided by the number of sessions in the package. The remaining sessions in the package are unaffected and stay on the account as credit. This cash-refund option applies only to sessions Launchpad STEM Academy cancels. It does not apply to a family's own Late Cancellation or No-Show (Section 6), which remain forfeited with no refund or credit under any circumstance.
• If Launchpad STEM Academy is unable to deliver a paid service (e.g., no available tutor for an extended period, discontinued program, extended facility closure), the family will be offered, at their choice, a credit toward another Launchpad STEM Academy service or a refund for the undelivered portion only.
• The Summer Internship Referral Program fee ($249) is explicitly non-refundable once the intake interview has been completed, as outlined at purchase, reflecting the placement work performed regardless of outcome.
• Referral-program rewards (Launch Together credits, gift cards) are governed by the separate Launch Together program terms and are not affected by this section.

8. Session Conduct, Acceptable Use & Code of Conduct

• Sessions are expected to be attended by the enrolled student, ready to focus and learn — in a quiet environment with camera on for online sessions (unless otherwise agreed with the tutor), or present and engaged in the instructional space for in-person sessions.
• Students and any observing family members are expected to treat tutors, advisors, and staff with respect. Launchpad STEM Academy reserves the right to end a session early, or to decline further service to a family, in cases of abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior toward staff or other students.
• Session content (curriculum materials, worksheets, advising frameworks) is provided for the enrolled student's personal educational use and may not be resold, redistributed, or shared outside the family without permission.
• Approved platforms only: Tutors and advisors communicate with students and families exclusively through Launchpad STEM Academy-designated platforms (the video conferencing tool provided at booking, and official contact channels). Tutors do not privately message, call, meet, or otherwise arrange sessions with a student outside of these channels unless explicitly authorized by Launchpad STEM Academy. Families should report any off-platform contact attempt to [email protected] immediately.
• Prohibited conduct additionally includes: recording a session without the other party's consent; using the Services to submit tutor- or advisor-prepared work as the student's own without disclosure (academic dishonesty); and attempting to gain unauthorized access to Launchpad STEM Academy's systems or another family's account. Violation may result in the session or account being terminated, with any remaining unused credit forfeited without refund.

9. Technology Requirements (Online Sessions)

Sessions are conducted via a video conferencing platform designated by Launchpad STEM Academy (link provided at booking). Families are responsible for:

• A stable internet connection, a device with camera/microphone, and access to the designated platform prior to the session start time.
• Notifying us promptly if a technical issue on our end prevents a session from starting — this is not treated as a no-show, and a makeup session will be offered at no charge.
• Technical issues on the family's side (no internet, device failure, unmuted/lost connection for the full session) are treated under the standard No-Show / Late Cancellation policy in Section 6, since the tutor's reserved time is unaffected by the cause.

10. Recording & Privacy (Online)

• Sessions are not recorded by default. If a session is recorded (e.g., for Interview Preparation feedback), this will be disclosed and consent obtained from the parent/guardian (or the adult student) beforehand.
• Personal information collected during enrollment (student name, grade, contact information, payment details) is used solely to deliver and administer the Services and is not sold to third parties. Full detail — including how this applies to students under 13 (COPPA), our use of website analytics/advertising cookies, and how a parent can review, correct, or delete their family's information — is in the standalone Privacy Policy.

11. Location, Hours & Availability (In-Person)

Launchpad STEM Academy's physical learning center is opening soon in Miami-Dade County (Coral Gables, Doral, or Kendall — exact address to be announced). Facility address, hours of operation, and holiday closures will be published at launchpadstemacademy.com and posted at the facility entrance once finalized. In-person availability may be limited by subject, grade, or time slot based on tutor and room capacity; families can confirm in-person availability at booking.

12. Drop-Off, Pick-Up & Authorized Pickup Persons

• Students under 18 must be signed in at drop-off and signed out at pick-up (Section 14) by an adult on the student's Authorized Pickup List.
• At enrollment, parents/guardians provide a written list of individuals (name + phone number) authorized to pick up the student. Staff will request photo ID from anyone not personally known to them before releasing a student.
• A student will not be released to anyone not on the Authorized Pickup List without prior written or verbal (documented) authorization from the parent/guardian on file.
• Parents/guardians are not required to remain on-site during a student's session. Students should not be dropped off more than 10 minutes before their scheduled session unless prior arrangements are made — see Section 13 for waiting-area rules.

13. Waiting Area & End-of-Session Responsibility

Students who arrive early, or whose pickup is delayed, may wait in the facility's designated waiting area — Launchpad STEM Academy does not charge a late-pickup fee.

Launchpad STEM Academy's supervisory responsibility for a student is limited strictly to their scheduled session time. Time spent in the waiting area — before a session starts or after it ends — is not supervised childcare. While staff will make reasonable efforts to ensure a waiting student remains in the designated area, formal instructional supervision does not extend beyond the booked session window, and the parent/guardian assumes responsibility for the student's safety during any waiting period, consistent with the signed Liability Waiver (Section 17).

• Students waiting for pickup must remain in the designated waiting area and may not leave the premises unaccompanied.
• If a student has not been picked up by closing time, staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian and the emergency contacts on file. If no contact is reached within a reasonable time after closing, staff may contact local non-emergency authorities, consistent with child-safety obligations under Florida law.
• Families are still expected to pick up students promptly — the waiting area is a courtesy for occasional delays, not a standing childcare arrangement. Launchpad STEM Academy reserves the right to discuss alternate arrangements with any family for whom late pickup becomes a repeated pattern.

14. Sign-In / Sign-Out & Facility Access

• All students must sign in upon arrival and sign out upon departure at the front desk, noting time and the adult receiving the student.
• Only enrolled students, parents/guardians, and staff may access instructional areas; visitors must check in at the front desk.

15. Health, Illness & Allergy Policy

• Students showing symptoms of contagious illness (fever, vomiting, significant coughing, unexplained rash, etc.) should not attend in-person sessions. Families should cancel or reschedule as soon as reasonably possible; the standard Cancellation Policy (Section 5–6) applies.
• Parents/guardians must disclose at enrollment any known allergies, medical conditions, or medications that may require accommodation or an emergency response (e.g., epi-pen, inhaler). Students who may require emergency medication during a session must have it provided by the family, clearly labeled, and kept accessible.
• Launchpad STEM Academy staff are not medical professionals and do not administer medication except in a documented emergency, consistent with the Emergency Medical Authorization (Section 16) and applicable Florida law.

16. Emergency Medical Authorization

• By enrolling a student for in-person sessions, the parent/guardian authorizes Launchpad STEM Academy staff to contact emergency medical services (911) and administer basic first aid in the event of an accident or medical emergency, and to seek emergency medical treatment for the student if the parent/guardian cannot be reached immediately.
• Parents/guardians are financially responsible for any medical treatment sought on the student's behalf.
• Current emergency contact information (at least two contacts) must be kept on file; families are responsible for notifying us promptly of any changes.

17. Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

• In-person attendance involves inherent risks common to any group educational setting (e.g., minor injury from movement in shared spaces, incidental contact with other students, use of facility equipment). By enrolling a student for in-person sessions, the parent/guardian acknowledges these risks.
• A separate, per-student Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver — covering premises use, assumption of risk, emergency medical authorization, and photo/media consent — must be signed (physically or electronically) before a student's first in-person session. In-person enrollment is not complete until this waiver is on file.
• Nothing in this waiver limits liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct by Launchpad STEM Academy, to the extent such limitation is not permitted under Florida law.

18. Photo, Video & Testimonial Consent

• Launchpad STEM Academy will not photograph, record, or feature a student in marketing materials (website, social media, print) without prior written consent.
• Parents/guardians may opt in to photo/video use during enrollment via a signed consent checkbox on the Liability Waiver (Section 17); consent may be withdrawn at any time by written request to [email protected], effective for future use.
• Default, absent explicit opt-in, is no photo, video, or testimonial use of the student in any capacity.

19. Facility Rules & Code of Conduct

• Students are expected to follow posted facility rules: remain in designated instructional and waiting areas, use shared equipment respectfully, and follow staff instructions.
• Launchpad STEM Academy reserves the right to end a session early, or decline further in-person service to a student or family, for conduct that endangers staff, other students, or facility property.
• Damage to facility property caused by a student's willful misconduct may be billed to the responsible family.

20. Weather & Emergency Closures

• In the event of severe weather (hurricane, tropical storm) or another emergency, Launchpad STEM Academy may close the physical location, with as much advance notice as possible by email/text.
• Affected in-person sessions will be offered as a free makeup session, or converted to an online session at the family's choice — the deducted credit remains on the account. As with any Launchpad STEM Academy-initiated cancellation, the family may instead request a cash refund for that one session in place of keeping the credit (Section 7).

21. Staff Screening & Supervision

• All staff working directly with students undergo a background check before working with students, consistent with Florida requirements for organizations serving minors.
• In-person group sessions maintain staff-to-student supervision appropriate to the format, consistent with the published group size (4–6 students).

22. Intellectual Property

All content provided through the Services — including curriculum materials, worksheets, advising frameworks, diagnostic assessments, session recordings (where applicable), and the Launchpad STEM Academy website and branding — is the property of Launchpad STEM Academy or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property law. Families and students may use this content for the enrolled student's personal educational purposes only and may not reproduce, redistribute, resell, or create derivative works from it without Launchpad STEM Academy's prior written permission.

23. Liability & Disclaimers

• Launchpad STEM Academy provides educational tutoring, test preparation, and advising services. We do not guarantee specific academic outcomes, test scores, admissions decisions, or internship placements; these depend on factors outside our control, including the student's own effort and third-party decision-makers.
• To the fullest extent permitted by law, Launchpad STEM Academy's liability for any claim arising from the Services is limited to the amount paid for the specific session(s) or package giving rise to the claim, except where a signed Liability Waiver (Section 17) provides otherwise for in-person, premises-related claims.
• Launchpad STEM Academy maintains general liability, premises liability, and professional (errors & omissions) insurance appropriate to online and in-person educational services.

24. Changes to These Policies

Launchpad STEM Academy may update these Terms and Policies from time to time, including pricing, cancellation windows, and program availability. Material changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

25. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute arising under these Terms is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

26. Contact

Questions about these policies, a specific booking, cancellation, or refund:

• Email: [email protected]
• Service Area: Miami-Dade County, Florida (online now; in-person opening soon)

Quick-reference summary

• Cancel / reschedule free: 24+ hours before the session — credit deducted at scheduling is returned in full, unlimited, no penalty (online & in-person).
• Late cancellation (<24 hrs): deducted credit forfeited, no refund/credit.
• No-show (no notice): deducted credit forfeited, no refund/credit.
• Late join / arrival grace period: 15 minutes, then marked a no-show.
• Refunds: no cash refunds, except an unused/unstarted package (within 14 days), or when Launchpad STEM Academy cancels.
• Our cancellation: free makeup session, deducted credit remains on account — or, upon request, cash refund for that one session (package refunds limited to 1 session's pro-rated share).
• Package expiration: never expires.
• Transferability: sessions/credits are non-transferable to another family or student (except via the Launch Together referral program).
• Drop-off / pick-up: Authorized Pickup List required; photo ID checked for unfamiliar adults.
• Waiting area: permitted, no fee — but supervision is limited to session time only.
• Late/no pickup at closing: staff contact parent/emergency contacts; authorities if unreachable.
• In-person enrollment: requires signed Liability Waiver before first on-site session.
• Photo / video use: opt-in only — no use without signed consent.