Frequently Asked Questions

Spring 2012 FAQs
Q:  How do I register?
A:  Registration can be done online at our website patelconservatory.org, over the phone with a credit card, in person in the Patel Conservatory Chairmen’s Library or by downloading a registration form from our website and mailing it in with payment.  Tuition may be paid in full for the year, or by the month.  Monthly tuition must be paid by pre-authorized debit from a bank account or credit card at time of registration.

Q:  How do I apply for financial assistance?
A:  You apply for financial assistance by filling out our financial assistance questionnaire which can be downloaded from patelconservatory.org or one can be picked up in the Patel Conservatory Chairmen’s Library. This form is due by the specified deadline and it must be turned in with the supporting documentation listed on the form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
 

Q:  If I apply for financial assistance by the first deadline on August 1 do I have to reapply by the second deadline on December 5?
A:  No, if you apply for financial assistance by the first deadline on August 1 you will be covered for the entire school year.  However, you would have to reapply for the summer session if you wished to take classes over the summer.


Q:  How do I pay the for the 2011-2012 school year tuition, the 12 week/semester class tuition, or workshop tuition?
A:  School year tuition payment options: students may choose between annual (payment in full) or monthly payments. All tuition and fees are non-refundable.
 

Annual Tuition Payment (payment in full at time of registration)
1. Multiply the monthly tuition amount by 8
2. Subtract 5% discount for paying in full
3. Add the $20 registration fee
 

Monthly Payment
1. 8 payments from September-April
2. Paid by automatic pre-authorized debit from a bank account or credit card
3. Add the $20 registration fee to the first month tuition.  First month tuition and $20 registration fee due at the time of registration.
• 12 week or semester classes can be paid in full at the time of registration or in 3 monthly payments by automatic pre-authorized debit from a bank account or credit card.
• Workshops must be paid in full at the time of registration.
• Monthly tuition is deducted on the 20th of the month before for example November tuition is deducted on October 20th.
• Class tuition is non-refundable.  There are no tuition credits.
 

Q:  What does ongoing enrollment mean?
A:  We accept new students at the beginning of every month.  We do not prorate tuition so it is recommended to start at the beginning of a month.  It is at the instructor’s discretion whether they will accept new students for the entire year. Call 813.222.1002 to find out which classes are available during any given month.
 

Q:  How do I drop a class?
A:  In order to drop a class, you will need to fill out a drop form and turn it in to the Chairmen’s Library.  Once this form is filled out, a student will be dropped from a class and their monthly withdrawals will be stopped.  These forms are due by the 10th of the month in order to ensure that you will not get charged your monthly tuition. (For example, November’s tuition would be deducted on October 20, so the drop form would be due by October 10.)
 

Q:  Does the Patel Conservatory offer dance cards?
A:  Yes, Dance cards are available to adults and college students with proper ID.  The card may be used until the expiration date on the card or until the card has been fully punched.  Call 813-222-1002 for more information on the dance card.
 

Q:  What number do I call if I need to get a message to my child during class?
A:  Call 813.222.1070 and ask for the Conservatory Administrator on Duty.
 

Q:  Where do I pick up and drop off my child?
A:  There is a pick up and drop off lane in front of the Conservatory.  This is a pick up and drop off lane only, no one is allowed to park in this lane.  When you drop off your child they will be entering through the TECO Theater doors.  When you pick up your child have the visor sign on your windshield that was in your welcome packet.  This will help security to know that you are an approved driver to pick up your child.  Your child will be exiting the same TECO Theater doors that they entered.

Q:  Does the Patel Conservatory offer parking for their students?
A:  Students may have their parking validated on the day and during the time of their scheduled class if they park in the Poe Parking Garage.  Parking in downtown Tampa can be a challenge.  Complimentary parking in the Poe Garage only is provided as a courtesy by the Conservatory and is conditional on space availability and is not provided for showcases or performances.


SUMMER 2012 FAQs
Q: How do I register?
A: You can register online, over the phone with a credit card, in person in the Patel Conservatory Chairmen’s Library or by downloading a registration form and mailing or faxing it in with payment to 813.222.1277.

Q: Does the Patel Conservatory offer financial assistance?
A: Yes. You can apply by filling out our financial assistance questionnaire or pick one up in the Patel Conservatory
Chairmen’s Library. For Summer, this form is due by May 7, 2012; and it must be
turned in with the supporting documentation listed on the form. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.

Q: Does the Patel Conservatory offer before or after child care?
A: No, the Patel Conservatory does not offer this service.

Q: Does the Patel Conservatory provide lunch for summer camp?
A: The Patel Conservatory does not provide lunch for students. Students attending our
full-day camps (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) have two options for lunch.
Lunch Option 1: Pack a lunch for your child each day. Please pack non-perishable
items, since your child will not have access to a refrigerator or a microwave, and label
the lunch box with your child’s name and phone number.
Lunch Option 2: The Patel Conservatory is partnering with EVOS to provide your
child with a nutritious and delicious lunch option at summer camp this year. Parents
can pre-order lunch from EVOS, which will be delivered. Lunches cost $5 and are
served with a fruit or vegetable and include a snack item and a bottle of water. Please
go online at evoslunchroom.com to pre-order your child’s lunch. EVOS lunches must
be pre-ordered; same-day service is not available.

Lunch is not needed if a student is signed up for a half-day camp. Students signed
up for a Pre-K half-day camp will get snack time. Please pack a non-perishable
snack item for them.

Q: What should my child wear to summer camp?
A: Most of our camps do not have a dress code. We recommend that students wear
comfortable clothes like shorts, T-shirts and sneakers. If a camp does have a specific
dress code, such as the ballet camps, the students will be notified. Please label any
removable clothing (jackets, sweaters, etc.) with your child’s name and phone
number. The Conservatory is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Q: What number do I call if I need to get a message to my child during the day?
A: Call the Patel Conservatory security desk at 813.222.1270 or the Straz Center
security desk at 813.222.1070 and ask for the camp director or assistant camp
director.

Q: How do I drop off and pick up my child for summer camps and classes?
A: Parents are responsible for their child’s safe and timely arrival to Conservatory
classes/camps and their departure from the building. A $25 fee will be assessed for
any student dropped off more than 15 minutes before the class/camp starting time or
picked up more than 15 minutes after class/camp ends. Student drop-off and pickup
is in front of the Conservatory entrance doors. This is only a drop-off and pick-up
lane, not a parking area, and is subject to ticketing fines by the City of Tampa.

Q: What if I need to drop my child off late?
A: You will need to walk your child into the Conservatory and check your child in with
the camp director. Late arrivals are discouraged as they are disruptive to the class.

Q: What if my child is sick and unable to attend camp as scheduled?
A: If your child misses a day within the camp week(s), a phone call is appreciated, but
not required. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds, because camp space is in high
demand.