Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Registration
  2. Class Inquiries
  3. Online Account
  4. Withdrawing and Transferring
  5. Refunds, Credits, and Cancellations
  6. Gifts and Groups
  7. Financial Assistance
  8. Documentation
  9. Children and Pets
  10. Parking
  11. Rentals
  12. Getting Involved

1. Registration

Can I try out the first class without paying the full tuition?

Students are allowed to purchase a single admission for a prorated fee. Single admissions can be purchased in person at the registration office on the first day of class if there is space available.

I want to register for a class but it has already started. Can I still join?

Students are allowed to register until the second session of the class if the class runs for four or more sessions and if there is space available.

Do you prorate classes?

CCAE does not prorate classes.

The class I wanted is full! Can I still register?

If the class you are interested in is full, you can sign up for the waitlist. If and when a seat becomes available, you will receive an email notification. The waitlist operates on a first come, first served basis, so please call us ASAP to claim your seat.

2. Class Inquiries

I would like to learn a foreign language, but I am unsure of my level. Can you help?

You can take our language assessment to determine which level is appropriate for you. You can also schedule a personal assessment by contacting languages@ccae.org.

I was unable to sign up for the class I wanted this term. Will you be offering it in the future?

Many of our classes run each term, but not all. Please check the online or print catalog for future schedules.

How can I contact my instructor?

If you have a specific question, please send an email to info@ccae.org and we will forward it to the instructor.

I am taking a class for work. Can CCAE provide documentation of my participation?

CCAE can provide a certificate of completion upon request. You can email us at info@ccae.org to place the request. If you need specific information listed on your certificate, please let us know.

How can I give feedback on my class?

CCAE sends an electronic evaluation form to each student at the end of the term. We also provide a paper evaluation on the last day of class to be filled out. Both Program Managers and instructors will receive your evaluation. If you wish to provide us with feedback prior to the end of term, send an email to info@ccae.org and we will forward it to the appropriate Program Manager.

Does my class require supplies?

If your class requires you to bring materials or supplies, that information will be in the section description or in the confirmation email you receive when you register for the class.

3. Online Account

I forgot my password and/or username. Can you give it to me?

For our students’ privacy, we do not store your password information. Please use the reset password link on the login page and a new password will be emailed to you.

We do have access to your username, secret question, and secret answer. Please call the registration office, stop by in person, or email us at info@ccae.org to get more information.

I found a class in your catalog I want to take, but now I cannot find it online. Where did it go?

Our online catalog lists the most up-to-date information. If a class is cancelled, or if the final enrollment date has passed, it will no longer show on the website. Please feel free to call us to confirm. Our staff can suggest other classes that might fit your needs.

4. Withdrawing and Transferring

How do I withdraw from a class?

You can withdraw from a class by calling the registration office or coming in person. You can also send an email to info@ccae.org. Please note that you may only withdraw from a class for a refund or credit seven days prior to the first class meeting.

How can I transfer to a new class?

You may transfer into a different class if you contact us at least three business days before the start of the class. If the new class costs more than your old class, you will be asked to pay the difference. If your new class costs less than your old class, you will receive a non-refundable credit on your account for the difference.

5. Refunds, Credits, and Cancellations

I registered for a class, but now I have a conflict. Can I get a refund or a credit?

If you withdraw seven days or more before the start date of a class, we can issue a refund for the tuition of the class minus a $10 processing fee, or you can receive a class credit for the full tuition which is valid for 18 months from the date issued. The registration fee is non-refundable for both refund and credit requests.

We do not issue refunds or credits for withdrawals made six or less days before the start date of a class.

How long will it take me to get my refund?

Refunds take 7 – 10 business days to be processed.

I have a class credit on my student account. How can I use it?

To use your credit, you must register in person or over the phone. We are unable to process credits online at this time.

My class was cancelled by CCAE; do I get my money back?

If CCAE cancels a class, a credit for the amount you paid is automatically applied to your account. Please call or email to request a refund within 30 days of the class cancellation and we will refund your tuition in full. There are no processing fees when CCAE cancels a class.

The weather forecast is looking bad. Are CCAE classes cancelled?

When we cancel classes due to severe weather, you will receive a notification email. We will also post a notification on the website and on our voicemail.

If CCAE cancels a class due to severe weather and/or other circumstances beyond our control, we do not issue credits, but will offer a makeup class. Please visit our policies page for more information.

6. Gifts and Groups

How can I purchase a gift certificate?

You can purchase gift certificates online, over the phone, or in person. To redeem a gift certificate, you will need to do so in person or over the phone.

I want to register another person. How can I do that?

If you are purchasing a seat for yourself and a guest online, first click “Add to Cart” to register yourself, and then click “Buy for Others” to reserve a seat for your friend.

If you are registering yourself and a guest in person or over the phone, we will first register you in the class and then make a seat reservation for your guest. Please provide us with a name and email address so that we can create an account for your guest (if they do not already have one).

7. Financial Assistance

Do you offer financial assistance?

CCAE offers scholarship assistance for 50% off the tuition of one class per term, provided you fall within the income guidelines. You can download guidelines and an application form online. Email the application with a proof of income to the Student Services Coordinator at info@ccae.org, or deliver it in person to the registration office.

How do I know if I have been approved for a scholarship?

The Student Services Coordinator will contact you by email to let you know you have been approved. Call or come in to CCAE to complete your registration after you have received notification of approval.

8. Documentation

Can you provide documentation for my employer?

A registration confirmation will be sent to your email when you register for a class. We can also provide a certificate of completion at the end of the term upon request.

Can I transfer credits to my college or university?

No. CCAE is not an accredited institution, so we do not offer classes for credit.

Can you help me get a Visa or an I-20?

No. CCAE is a recreational, educational organization and not an accredited institution. We do not issue I-20s, and we cannot help with Visa applications.

9. Children and Pets

Can I bring my child to class with me/can my child sign up for classes?

Students must be at least 18 years old to register for a class at CCAE, unless the class is specifically listed as one for an adult with a child. Children may neither attend their parent’s class nor be left unattended in the building.

Can I bring my dog or other pet with me to CCAE?

To assure the comfort of all students, we do not allow pets in our buildings. Certified service animals are allowed.

10. Parking

Where can I park in the area?

CCAE validates for both University Place Garage and Charles Square Garage. There is also metered street parking on Brattle Street. View parking garage information.

11. Rentals

Does CCAE rent out space in its buildings?

Email rental@ccae.org for availability and pricing. View our rental and facility information.

12. Getting Involved

I am interested in modeling for art classes at CCAE. Who do I contact?

Please contact us at info@ccae.org, to inquire about modeling opportunities.

I am interested in teaching at CCAE. How do I apply?

Please submit a class proposal through our online class proposal form.

I am a huge supporter of lifelong learning. How can I help?

You can donate online or send your tax-deductible contribution to CCAE, P.O. Box 9113, Cambridge MA 02238-9113.