These policies apply to all Chocolingua programs and events, for children, teens, and adults, including in-person, online, and outdoor activities, unless otherwise noted. By enrolling yourself or your child, you agree to follow these terms to help maintain a safe, respectful, and inspiring learning environment for everyone.

Legal Entity Notice:
Chocolingua Academy is a trade name (“doing business as”) of Chocolingua LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company. All references in this document to “Chocolingua,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Chocolingua LLC, doing business as Chocolingua Academy.

1. General Acknowledgment

By registering for any Chocolingua class, event, or program, participants (or parents/guardians) agree to:

• Follow all policies outlined in this document.
• Understand that participation is voluntary and at their own risk, except in cases of proven gross negligence by Chocolingua.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative, and respectful attitude toward teachers, classmates, and staff.

2. Liability Waiver & Safety

• Chocolingua maintains liability insurance and ensures at least one CPR-certified adult is present at every in-person children’s session.
• Classes take place in a rented space within a building designed for children’s programs, equipped with fire alarms and other safety features.
• Teachers are trained in language instruction and/or early childhood education.

Participation is at your own risk; Chocolingua is not responsible for injuries caused by:

• Failure to follow staff instructions
• Unsupervised activity before or after class
• Incidents beyond our control (e.g., weather, third-party actions)

Participation in Chocolingua programs and activities involves inherent risks associated with group instruction, physical movement, and interaction with other participants. Participants and parents/guardians voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known or unknown, except to the extent caused by Chocolingua’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

3. Emergency Medical Authorization

• All participants (or parents/guardians) must provide current emergency contact information.
• In case of illness or injury, staff will attempt to contact the emergency contact first.
• If urgent care is needed and a guardian cannot be reached, Chocolingua may seek medical attention.
• All related medical costs are the responsibility of the participant or parent/guardian.

By enrolling, participants and parents/guardians authorize Chocolingua and its staff to obtain emergency medical treatment for themselves or their child when deemed necessary if an emergency contact cannot be reached.

4. Allergies, Medical Conditions & Special Needs

• Families must inform Chocolingua in writing of any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs before the first session.
• Parents/participants provide necessary medications, devices, or accommodations.
• Families are responsible for monitoring food allergens during events.
• Chocolingua will make reasonable efforts to support individual needs within program scope.
• Chocolingua cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, and participants assume the risk of accidental exposure.

5. Drop-Off, Pick-Up & Lobby Policy

• For children 4 and older, drop-off is encouraged to foster independence and confidence in Spanish learning.
• Children must be picked up promptly after class; late pickups may incur fees.
• Chocolingua is not responsible for students outside scheduled times.
• For younger children, parents are required to stay or participate.
• Chocolingua programs are educational enrichment programs and do not provide custodial childcare or daycare services. Responsibility for supervision remains with the parent or guardian outside of scheduled class times.

6. Code of Conduct (All Participants)

• Treat others, learning materials, and the environment with respect.
• Cooperation, kindness, and active participation are core expectations.
• Disruptive, unsafe, or aggressive behavior may result in:
  • Teacher notification
  • Collaboration with family to improve behavior
  • Potential withdrawal from the program, in line with refund policies
• Parents, guardians, and visitors are expected to model respectful behavior.

7. Online Class Participation

• Class links are private for registered students only.
• Join from a quiet, well-lit space.
• Chocolingua is not responsible for supervision of participants in their home environment during online classes.
• Follow digital etiquette: stay visible, use appropriate language, and actively participate.

8. Technology & Connectivity

• Participants must provide a stable internet connection, compatible device, and necessary software.
• Chocolingua is not responsible for technical issues on the participant’s side.
• Disruptions on Chocolingua’s end will be handled with make-up classes or recordings when possible.

9. Refunds, Withdrawals, Credits & Cancellations

This Refund Policy applies to all Chocolingua programs, including children’s programs, teen programs, adult classes, workshops, camps, special events, and online offerings, unless otherwise stated in writing.

• Enrollment secures a participant’s spot and allows Chocolingua to commit staffing, curriculum, materials, and space. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal.
• All refund and withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing (email to hello@chocolingua.com is sufficient).
• In the event of any conflict between program summaries, handbooks, or marketing materials and these Terms & Conditions, these Terms & Conditions control.

9.1 Annual Membership Fees (only required for certain programs)

Annual Membership provides access to curated digital curriculum, member resources, progress tracking, community benefits, and early registration opportunities.

• Annual Membership fees are refundable within 15 days of purchase only if:
  • The participant has not attended any class, and
  • The family or participant has not accessed any digital curriculum or member resources.
• “Accessed” includes, but is not limited to:
  • Logging into a member portal
  • Viewing, downloading, or interacting with digital materials
  • Accessing curriculum, videos, progress dashboards, or member-only resources
• Once any class has been attended or any digital resources have been accessed, the Annual Membership fee becomes non-refundable.

9.2 Monthly Tuition (Ongoing Programs)

Monthly tuition covers scheduled weekly classes for the applicable billing month and is billed automatically on a recurring monthly basis.

1. Full Refund
   A full refund of monthly tuition will be issued if a written refund request is received at least 7 days prior to the first scheduled class of that billing month for the enrolled program.
2. Partial Refund – Trial Period
   If a written refund request is received within 3 calendar days after the first class of the billing month, Chocolingua will issue a partial refund equal to:

• Remaining tuition for that month minus:
  • The value of the first attended class (calculated as monthly tuition divided by the number of scheduled classes in that billing month), and
  • A 3.5% payment processing fee

1. No Refund
   After the 3-day trial period following the first class of the billing month, monthly tuition for that month is non-refundable, regardless of attendance.

9.3 Workshops, Camps, Courses & Special Events

Unless otherwise stated in writing for a specific program:

1. Full Refund

• Within 3 days of payment, or
• At least 3 days before the course, camp, or event start date
• Less a 3.5% processing fee

1. Partial Refund or Account Credit

• Up to 5 days after payment, or
• At least 5 days before the start date
  Eligible participants may choose:
• A 50% refund, or
• A 100% account credit toward a future Chocolingua program

1. No Refund
   Once a course, camp, or event has started, all related fees are non-refundable.

9.4 Chocolingua-Initiated Cancellations

If Chocolingua cancels a class, program, or event due to circumstances such as low enrollment, instructor illness, facility issues, or emergencies, Chocolingua will first attempt to provide one or more of the following:

• A make-up session
• A rescheduled date
• An account credit toward a future program

A full or prorated refund will be issued only if Chocolingua is unable to provide a reasonable alternative.

9.5 Account Credits

• Account credits may be issued in lieu of refunds when permitted under this policy.
• Credits are non-transferable and must be used within 12 months of issuance, unless otherwise stated in writing.
• Account credits have no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash.

9.6 Withdrawal & Notice Requirements

• “Withdrawal” means ending enrollment and releasing a reserved spot in a program.
• Written notice is required to withdraw from ongoing programs.
• For recurring monthly programs, written notice must be received at least 15 days prior to the next billing date. An email to hello@chocolingua.com is sufficient.
• Tuition continues to be charged until proper written notice is received in accordance with this policy.
• Failure to attend classes, lack of participation, or failure to communicate does not constitute withdrawal and does not entitle the participant to a refund.

9.7 Processing Timeline

Approved refunds are typically processed within 3–5 business days, depending on the payment method and financial institution.

9.8 Force Majeure

Chocolingua shall not be liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, extreme weather, utility failures, government orders, public health emergencies, or facility closures.

• In such cases, Chocolingua may reschedule classes, provide account credits, or issue refunds at its discretion.

10. Make-Up Policy

• One make-up class per month per participant, based on availability.
• Make-ups must be scheduled in advance.
• Missed classes are non-refundable unless canceled by Chocolingua due to weather, emergencies, or instructor illness.

11. Health & Illness Policy

• Participants with contagious symptoms must stay home.
• Return after 24 hours symptom-free without medication.
• Ill participants during class will be sent home or asked to leave respectfully.

12. Outdoor Events Policy

• Held at public parks, farms, or approved locations.
• Parents remain responsible for supervision before and after the scheduled time.
• Dress for the weather; bring water, sunscreen, and essentials.
• Inclement weather may result in rescheduling or moving indoors.
• Chocolingua does not own or control public or third-party locations and is not responsible for conditions or actions of third parties at such locations.

13. Social Media & Media Use

• Photos, videos, or audio may be captured to celebrate learning.
• Consent for media use is provided during registration.
• Group or wide-angle shots may be shared even if individuals are not clearly visible.
• Media will never include full names without explicit permission.

14. Communication & Policy Updates

• Primary communication is via email, occasionally via text or app.
• Keep contact information current.
• Policies may be revised to maintain safety, inclusivity, and quality; notice will be sent to participants.

15. New for 2026: Membership & Tuition Updates

• Monthly Tuition: Covers weekly Immersion Pods or other courses; billed monthly.
• Annual Membership: Provides access to curated resources, progress tracking, cultural experiences, and early registration for workshops and events; billed annually.
• Membership allows families to be part of the Chocolingua community and access exclusive benefits.

16. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

16.1 Non-Discrimination

Chocolingua LLC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). This policy applies to all aspects of enrollment, including adult, teen, and children’s programs.

16.2 Mandated Reporting (Children’s Programs)

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10, all Chocolingua staff are mandated reporters. Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse shall report the same immediately to the proper NJ state authorities.

17. Indemnification & Financial Responsibility

• Participants (and parents/guardians of minors) agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chocolingua LLC, its owners, and staff from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from or related to participation in any Chocolingua program or event, except to the extent caused by Chocolingua’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
• Participants and parents/guardians are financially responsible for any damage caused by themselves, their child, or their guests to Chocolingua facilities, equipment, or property beyond normal wear and tear.

18. General Provisions

18.1 Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey. Any disputes shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New Jersey.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.