Terms and conditions

LMSTEAM Academy Comprehensive T&C

1. Acceptance of Terms and Agreement Scope

This document sets forth the comprehensive Terms and Conditions (“Terms,” “Agreement”) governing all interactions, enrollment, attendance, financial obligations, and use of services provided by L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY (referred to hereinafter as “LMSTEAM Academy,” “the Academy,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By completing the formal enrollment process, accepting admission, submitting payment, accessing the Academy’s physical campus at 11888 PALOMINO CT, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642, or utilizing any of the Academy’s digital services, including the Parent Portal, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and official communication channels, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the enrolled student (referred to hereinafter as “Parent,” “Guardian,” or “You”) agree to be legally bound by and to comply with these Terms, as well as all official policies, codes of conduct, handbooks, and schedules published by the Academy. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Academy and You concerning the educational engagement and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings. Your acknowledgement of this document confirms that You have read, understood, and agreed to all stipulations herein, and that You accept full responsibility for ensuring the enrolled student’s compliance with these provisions. Failure to adhere to any part of this Agreement may result in disciplinary action against the student, up to and including immediate suspension or permanent expulsion, and may result in the termination of the educational contract without refund of prepaid tuition or fees. The Academy reserves the right to amend or update these Terms periodically, with material changes communicated through official channels and requiring continued compliance for ongoing enrollment.

2. Enrollment, Admission, and Continuation

2.1 Enrollment Commitment and Duration

Formal enrollment is defined by the submission of a completed application, the official issuance of an acceptance letter by the Academy, the signing of the Enrollment Contract, and the payment of the stipulated non-refundable deposit and registration fees. Enrollment is offered on an academic year basis, and this commitment is binding for the entire duration of the academic year, regardless of the student’s actual attendance. The Parent understands and accepts that the Academy’s financial planning, staffing, and resource allocation are based on the committed enrollment of the student for the full academic period. Continuation of enrollment into subsequent academic years is contingent upon the student maintaining satisfactory academic and behavioral standing, compliance with all current financial obligations, and the successful completion of the re-enrollment process as defined by the Academy’s annual calendar. The Academy retains the sole discretion to deny re-enrollment or place specific conditions upon continued attendance if the student’s conduct, academic performance, or the Parent’s conduct is deemed detrimental to the mission, safety, or community standards of LMSTEAM Academy.

2.2 Withdrawal and Expulsion Procedures

In the event that a Parent chooses to withdraw a student from the Academy before the end of the committed academic year, the Parent must provide formal written notice to the Head of School, specifying the effective date of withdrawal. Withdrawal is subject to the financial obligations detailed in Section 3 (Tuition and Fees). Should a student be asked to withdraw or be subject to expulsion due to non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, severe disciplinary issues, or the Parent’s failure to adhere to the terms of this Agreement, the withdrawal will be considered involuntary. In cases of involuntary withdrawal or expulsion, the Parent remains financially liable for all tuition and fees due for the remainder of the committed academic year, and the Academy shall not be obligated to refund any prepaid tuition or fees, consistent with the financial commitment structure outlined in the Enrollment Contract. The determination of expulsion rests solely with the Academy administration, and its decision is final.

2.3 Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Authority

The enrolled student is expected to adhere strictly to the LMSTEAM Academy Student Code of Conduct at all times while on campus, participating in Academy-sponsored activities, or representing the Academy in public or online forums. This Code emphasizes the core values of Integrity, Resilience, and Respect, particularly in the collaborative and rigorous environment of our integrated STEAM curriculum. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating), verbal or physical harassment (including bullying and cyberbullying), misuse of Academy property, and any behavior that compromises the safety, learning environment, or reputation of the Academy community. The Academy reserves the absolute right to impose disciplinary actions, which may include detention, suspension (in-school or out-of-school), probation, or permanent expulsion, as deemed necessary by the administration to maintain order and uphold the educational mission. Parents agree to support and abide by the Academy’s disciplinary decisions without interference.

3. Tuition, Fees, and Financial Obligations

3.1 Fee Structure and Payment Schedule

The Parent agrees to pay all required tuition, fees, and charges associated with the student’s enrollment at L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY, as specified in the annual Tuition Schedule and the signed Enrollment Contract. This financial obligation includes, but is not limited to: annual tuition (covering academic instruction, core materials, and facilities access); non-refundable application and registration fees (due upon submission/acceptance); and any additional fees for specific services, such as specialized competitive team participation, field trips, advanced placement testing fees, or optional elective activities. The Parent acknowledges that tuition payments are due on the specific dates outlined in the chosen payment plan (e.g., annual, semi-annual, or monthly) and are considered late if not received by the due date. The Academy reserves the right to charge late fees, restrict the student’s access to non-essential services (such as extracurricular activities), and ultimately withhold transcripts or prevent re-enrollment for accounts with outstanding balances.

3.2 Non-Refundable Nature of Tuition and Fees

All application fees, registration fees, and non-refundable deposits are due upon submission or acceptance and are explicitly non-refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to, non-attendance, voluntary withdrawal, or involuntary withdrawal/expulsion. The Parent acknowledges that the annual tuition commitment is a binding contract for the entire academic year. Should a student withdraw for any reason (voluntary or involuntary) after the commencement of the academic year, the Parent remains liable for the full annual tuition as specified in the Enrollment Contract, unless otherwise explicitly stipulated in a separate, written tuition refund policy or insurance agreement purchased by the Parent. The Academy’s obligation to provide instruction ceases upon the effective date of withdrawal, but the Parent’s financial obligation continues, as the Academy’s operational costs (staff salaries, facilities overhead, etc.) are incurred based on the total committed enrollment pool.

3.3 Financial Aid and Scholarship Conditions

Financial aid and scholarship awards, where granted, are contingent upon the accuracy of the financial information provided by the Parent during the application process. Any financial aid award is applied solely toward the annual tuition fee and does not cover separate charges such as registration fees, activity fees, or specialized program costs. The continuation of financial aid is subject to the student’s satisfactory academic performance, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and the Parent’s timely reapplication and demonstrated continued financial need each academic year. The Academy reserves the right to review, adjust, or revoke any financial aid or scholarship award if the student fails to meet the specified academic or behavioral criteria, or if the Parent provides materially inaccurate financial documentation. The revocation of financial aid will result in the immediate re-establishment of the full, non-discounted tuition obligation for the remainder of the academic year.

4. Intellectual Property, Educational Records, and Media Consent

4.1 Ownership of Student Intellectual Property (IP)

In alignment with our integrated, project-based STEAM curriculum, students frequently create original works, designs, code, inventions, and research (“Student IP”). While the fundamental IP rights (such as copyright to written reports or basic code) generally remain with the student, the Parent grants L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute any Student IP created using Academy resources (including specialized lab equipment, software licenses, or as part of a competitive team project) for internal educational purposes, non-commercial external promotion of the Academy, curriculum development, and demonstration of the Academy’s programs. This license is essential for the Academy to showcase the rigor of its specialized curriculum. For any Student IP developed as part of a team or receiving significant, documented faculty/industry mentorship or unique Academy resources, the Parent acknowledges that the Academy may retain a shared interest or license to allow the use or further development of the IP for educational and research purposes, as further specified in the Capstone Project Agreement.

4.2 Educational Records and FERPA Compliance

The Academy shall maintain the official educational records of the student in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The Parent acknowledges that the Academy may disclose educational records without prior written consent to school officials with a legitimate educational interest, including faculty mentors, administrators, and necessary support staff, for the purpose of fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Disclosure may also be made to other institutions for enrollment purposes, to comply with a judicial order or subpoena, or in connection with a health or safety emergency, all in compliance with FERPA regulations. Parents have the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records by submitting a formal written request to the Head of School, and the Academy shall respond within 45 days of the request. The Parent agrees to utilize the secure Parent Portal as the primary and preferred method for accessing routine educational records and progress reports.

4.3 Media Release and Visual Content Usage

Upon enrollment, the Parent provides broad consent for the Academy to photograph, video-record, or audio-record the student while engaged in routine and specialized Academy activities, including classroom work, lab projects, competitive events, and field trips. The Parent grants the Academy a non-exclusive right to use these Visual Media for the purpose of internal communications, educational instruction, community promotion, marketing, admissions materials, and digital presence (website, social media). This media usage is crucial for showcasing the LMSTEAM experience. The Parent has the right to formally opt out of the public use of Visual Media for marketing or public display purposes by submitting a specific written request to the administrative office upon enrollment. However, the Parent acknowledges that opting out does not preclude the use of the student’s image in internal records, secure learning systems (LMS), or incidental inclusion in crowd shots during public events where it is impractical to filter every image.

5. Digital Access, Technology Use, and Security

5.1 Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

The Academy provides students with access to specialized technology resources, including computer labs, high-performance computing equipment, proprietary software licenses, the secure Parent Portal, and the internal Learning Management System (LMS), to support the integrated STEAM curriculum. The use of all Academy technology is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which the Parent and student must review and adhere to strictly. The AUP prohibits any illegal activity, unauthorized access, hacking, transmission of offensive or harmful material, or use of Academy networks for non-educational commercial purposes. The Parent agrees that the Academy reserves the right to monitor, inspect, and retain all content and activity on Academy-owned or Academy-managed devices, networks, and software accounts, including email, files, and browsing history, for the purpose of ensuring network security, enforcing the AUP, and investigating disciplinary matters. The student and Parent should have no expectation of privacy when using Academy technology resources.

5.2 Digital Safety and Account Security

The Parent is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality and security of all login credentials provided for the Parent Portal, LMS access, and any other secure digital service. The Parent must ensure that the enrolled student understands the importance of maintaining the secrecy of their own unique login credentials. The Parent accepts full responsibility for all activities conducted under their account or the student’s account. The Academy implements industry-standard security measures (including TLS encryption, firewalls, and access controls) to protect digital data, as detailed in the Comprehensive Privacy Policy. However, the Parent acknowledges that no digital transmission or storage is 100% secure, and the Academy disclaims any liability for damages resulting from unauthorized access or data breaches that occur outside of the Academy’s direct control or due to the Parent’s or student’s failure to maintain account security.

5.3 Third-Party Educational Software and Data Transfer

To facilitate our specialized curriculum, the Academy utilizes various third-party educational software applications, online resources, and external educational service providers (e.g., specialized CAD software, competitive robotics platform interfaces, standardized testing services). The Parent provides consent for the Academy to securely share the necessary student information (typically name, student ID, and performance data) with these trusted Third-Party Service Providers solely for the purpose of enabling the student’s participation in the required educational programs. The Academy exercises due diligence in selecting vendors who demonstrate a commitment to data privacy and security, and requires contractual agreements mandating compliance with applicable data protection laws, including FERPA. However, the Parent acknowledges that the Academy is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of these external vendors once the data transfer is complete, and the Parent is encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external services utilized by the student.

6. Liability, Indemnification, and Emergency Procedures

6.1 Limitation of Liability

The Parent acknowledges and accepts that participation in the rigorous, hands-on activities inherent to a specialized STEAM curriculum—including laboratory experiments, engineering workshop operations, physical education, competitive activities, and off-campus field trips—carries inherent risks of accident or injury, despite the Academy’s stringent safety protocols and professional supervision. The Parent, on behalf of themselves and the enrolled student, hereby releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY, its officers, directors, employees, faculty, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability for any and all loss, damage, injury, claim, or expense (including medical expenses) arising from the student’s enrollment, attendance, or participation in any Academy-sponsored activity, to the maximum extent permitted by law, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Academy.

6.2 Indemnification

The Parent agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY, its affiliates, officers, directors, faculty, agents, and employees, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or related to: (a) the student’s breach of any term of this Agreement or the Student Code of Conduct; (b) the student’s willful misconduct, negligence, or deliberate damage to Academy property or the property of others; or (c) any violation by the Parent or student of any applicable law or regulation.

6.3 Emergency Medical Authorization

In the event of a medical emergency, accident, or illness involving the student where the Parent or emergency contacts cannot be reached in a timely manner, the Parent grants full authority to the Head of School, or their appointed representative, to secure and authorize any necessary medical treatment, hospitalization, injection, anesthesia, or surgery for the student, including transport by ambulance or other emergency services, as recommended by attending licensed medical professionals. The Parent accepts full financial responsibility for all costs associated with such emergency medical treatment and transport, and agrees to maintain comprehensive and current health insurance coverage for the enrolled student throughout their tenure at the Academy. Health records provided to the Academy at 11888 PALOMINO CT, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642 will be used by authorized personnel only in the event of an emergency.

7. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, and Miscellaneous Provisions

7.1 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law principles. The Parent and the Academy irrevocably agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the educational relationship, or the student’s enrollment that cannot be resolved through informal negotiation shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. By accepting these Terms, the Parent consents to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

7.2 Dispute Resolution Protocol

Prior to initiating any formal legal action concerning a dispute arising under this Agreement (excluding claims for immediate injunctive relief or collection of overdue tuition), the parties agree to first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation and mediation. The party asserting the claim must provide written notice detailing the nature of the dispute. If the dispute is not resolved through direct negotiation within thirty (30) days, the parties agree to participate in confidential, non-binding mediation with a mutually agreeable mediator in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, with the costs of mediation to be shared equally between the Parent and the Academy. Formal legal action may only commence if mediation fails to resolve the dispute.

7.3 Force Majeure and Continuity of Education

The Academy shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its educational obligations or the operation of the campus due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, government shutdown orders, or major unforeseen strikes (“Force Majeure Event”). In the event of a Force Majeure Event that necessitates the temporary closure of the physical campus, the Parent acknowledges that the Academy will transition to a remote or online integrated learning model, and the Parent agrees that the Academy’s educational obligations will be deemed fulfilled through the provision of such remote instruction. Under such circumstances, the Parent remains obligated to pay all tuition and fees as scheduled, as the Academy’s fundamental costs (salaries, digital infrastructure, etc.) continue, and no refunds or pro-rata adjustments will be made.

7.4 Severability and Waiver

If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid, enforceable provision that most closely reflects the original intent of the parties. The failure of the Academy to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision in the future, nor shall it affect the validity of the rest of the Agreement.

8. Contact and Notice Information

All formal notices, legal demands, or official requests required under this Agreement, including notices of withdrawal or requests for record inspection, must be made in writing and sent via certified mail or professional courier service to the Head of School at the Academy’s physical address, with a copy simultaneously sent via email to the administrative contact. Routine communications, questions regarding these Terms, or general inquiries should be directed to the administrative office as follows:

Organization: L I F E MALE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATH ACADEMY

Attention: Head of School / Administration

Physical Address for Formal Notice: 11888 PALOMINO CT, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642

Email for Routine Correspondence: info@lmstea.site