New Considerations for Enrollment Contracts

(from Venable) A well-drafted enrollment contract serves many purposes: it confirms the tuition obligation, reinforces particular school policies, sets the tone for the relationship between schools and families, and establishes expectations for conduct in the community. As schools continue to provide their educational programs amid the challenging circumstances presented by, among other things, a seemingly ever-evolving pandemic, an enrollment contract serves another important role: affirming the ability to modify school policies and protecting the school against unanticipated scenarios. Before issuing or reissuing enrollment contracts for the 2022-2023 school year, independent schools should consider addressing these common trouble areas.

• COVID-19 Policies
• Student Mental Health Evaluation and Supports
• Student Digital Privacy
• Payment Upon Withdrawal/Cancellation
• Fee Shifting and Attorneys’ Fees
• Program Flexibility
• Standards of Conduct and Parent Cooperation