Terms & Conditions and Policies

Business Name: Biology with Berta / Owl STEAM Academy (“we,” “us,” “our”)

Service Area: Monterey County, California (including Prunedale, CA and Salinas, CA)

Effective Date: Jan 1, 2026

Contact: Biologywithberta@gmail.com

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all classes, tutoring, camps, enrichment programs, educational services, and related products/services we provide (the “Services”). By registering, booking, purchasing, or participating in our Services, you agree to these Terms.

1) Enrollment and Responsibility

A parent/guardian (or authorized adult) must enroll a minor student and is responsible for providing accurate information and ensuring the student follows behavioral and safety expectations.

We may refuse service or remove a participant for unsafe or disruptive behavior. In such cases, refunds/credits may be limited depending on circumstances.

Participation in our Services may require a separate Liability Waiver and (if applicable) a Photo/Video (Media) Release signed by a parent/guardian. These forms are separate from these Terms and must be completed before a student may participate, unless we confirm otherwise in writing. Annual renewal: Waiver and media-release forms must be renewed each school year (August 1–May 31)

2) Payments and Billing

Payment is due at the time of registration/booking unless we confirm different terms in writing (including an approved school PO or charter contract).

We use third-party payment processors. By paying through our checkout links/invoices, you authorize the processor (and us) to charge the selected payment method for the Services you purchase.

3) Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy (48 Hours)

We understand schedules change. Our goal is to be fair while protecting reserved seats, staffing, and preparation.

A. Cancellations by Parent/Guardian

More than 48 hours before the scheduled start time: You may choose either:

a refund (see Section 4A regarding non-refundable processing fees), or

a credit toward future Services (see Section 4B).

Within 48 hours of the scheduled start time: The booking is non-refundable. A credit may be offered only at our discretion for emergencies or special circumstances.

B. Rescheduling

Requests made more than 48 hours before start time may be rescheduled without penalty (subject to availability).

Requests made within 48 hours are treated as a late cancellation unless we approve otherwise in writing.

C. No-Shows

If you do not attend and do not notify us in advance, it is considered a no-show and is non-refundable.

D. If We Cancel

If we must cancel a class/session (illness, facility issue, low enrollment, emergency, etc.), you may choose a full refund or full credit.

4) Refunds, Credits, and Payment Processing Fees

A. Refunds

When a refund is approved, we will refund the amount paid minus any non-refundable payment processing fees actually charged to us by the payment processor for that transaction (if applicable). Processing fees vary by payment method and processor, and we only retain the actual non-refundable fees tied to your transaction (many processors do not return the original processing fee when a refund is issued).

B. Credits (instead of a refund)

If you choose a credit instead of a refund, we typically issue the full amount paid as credit (so you avoid losing any processing fees).

Credits are non-transferable, have no cash value, and may only be used for future Services offered by Biology with Berta / Owl STEAM Academy.

Credit Expiration (School Year): Credits expire at the end of the current school year, defined as May 31. The school year runs from August 1 through May 31. Unused credits expire automatically after May 31.

C. Transparency

Any required charges will be disclosed to you before you complete checkout/registration.

5) Returned / Bounced Payments (ACH Returns, Failed Payments, Chargebacks)

If a payment is returned, reversed, disputed, or fails to process (including ACH returns and card payment failures):

Your balance becomes immediately due, and we may pause Services until the account is current.

You agree to reimburse any bank/processor return fees actually charged to us.

For dishonored checks, California law may allow a service charge (commonly up to $25 for the first returned check and $35 for each subsequent returned check), subject to applicable legal requirements.

If a chargeback is filed, we may provide documentation (invoices, attendance logs, communications) to the payment processor.

No credit card surcharge: We do not impose an additional fee simply for choosing to pay by credit card (i.e., no “credit card surcharge”). If we ever implement surcharging, we will comply with applicable law and card-network disclosure rules.

6) Charter School Funds, ESAs, and Purchase Orders (POs)

If you are registering using charter school funds, ESA funds, or other school-administered funds:

You are responsible for ensuring the school issues an approved Purchase Order (PO) (or other written authorization we accept) before Services begin, unless we confirm different terms in writing.

If a PO is not issued on time, is denied, is reduced, or does not cover the Services provided, the parent/guardian (or registering party) agrees to pay for all Services rendered at our standard rates.

We are not responsible for a school’s internal processing timelines, approval decisions, funding limitations, or paperwork requirements.

7) Contracted Charter School Terms Override These Policies

If we are contracted under a written agreement with your charter school — including Ocean Grove Charter School or Central Valley Charter Schools (also known as Yosemite Valley Charter) — then:

The written charter school contract controls where it conflicts with these Terms.

These Terms still apply to anything not specifically addressed in the charter school contract.

8) Educational Disclaimer

We provide educational services, but we do not guarantee specific outcomes, grades, test scores, or academic results. Progress varies by student.

9) Intellectual Property

All lesson materials, handouts, slides, and curriculum are owned by us (or our licensors) and are for registered student/family use only. No redistribution, recording, or resale without written permission.

10) Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability for claims related to the Services is limited to the amount paid for the specific Service giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

11) Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Services are provided in Monterey County, and any dispute will be handled in the appropriate California venue, unless otherwise required by law.

12) Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version posted at the time of booking/purchase will apply to that transaction.

13) Privacy

Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use personal information. View it here: https://www.biologywithberta.com/privacypolicy