Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  07/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dear BBB Team, I spoke to Apple Montessori Oakland regarding a concern that they had about a teacher they had just fired who had been there for several months. I had heard that there were some concerns with regards to student safety, as it was a male teacher who behaved inappropriately. When I spoke to the school, they were quite dismissive and said that I don't have to enroll my daughter if I am not comfortable and to reach out to the billing department to let them know, and was verbally told that I would be given a refund as long as I submitted this in writing. Another member of the staff later called me and was more polite in explaining that there were no issues with the teacher and it was a mutual decision to leave. Apple is now saying that I am still due to pay the Sept tuition and that they will refuse to refund this. I let them know in April first, and formally in writing in May. I am very concerned about the safety of teachers they are now hiring, and any ramifications if this teacher was indeed fired. I am also concerned that the tuition policy isn't clear in the language. I would request a refund of $1,683.40, which is the price I paid minus the $150 application fee.

  Business response

  07/28/2023

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  We have reviewed the complaint you shared with us from a family at our Oakland school location. We are unable to issue a tuition refund since the family did not comply with our tuition policy. In order to receive a refund, they must provide written notice of withdrawal within 30 days following their initial deposit once fees have been processed, and they did not do so. They provided notice on May 31, 2023 and made their initial deposit on February 24, 2023.  The family received this tuition policy at the time of applying and also agreed to it. I've attached the policy for your reference.  Since the family agreed to our policy, the refund policy is clearly stated and was not complied with, we request that you remove this compliant.
  
  Thank you,
  Apple Montessori Schools

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