Updated August 2025
The Alliance Française Silicon Valley (AFSCV) is a dynamic educational and cultural 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the French language and francophone cultures through its unique programs.
Memberships are non-refundable.
Event and activity ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
Pictures: students and attendees at events or cultural programs should be aware that their photographs might be taken and used for marketing purposes.
Lost belongings, if found, will be kept at the AFSCV office until the end of the session, after which they will be donated.
Pets are not allowed in classrooms or on the premises at any time, per landlord policy.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY
AFSCV reserves the right to dismiss any individual whose behavior, as determined by AFSCV, is inappropriate or disruptive to the learning environment, cultural activities, social events, or other participants. If AFSCV receives such a complaint from an instructor, staff member, or fellow participant, a meeting will be called with the individual to notify them of the complaint and, when warranted, to request a change. If, after this warning, the disruptive behavior continues, the individual will be dismissed. When applicable, AFSCV may issue a prorated refund for any unused classes.
MEDICAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RELEASE
I acknowledge the health risks associated with the Activity, including but not limited to transient dizziness, lightheaded, fainting, nausea, muscle cramping, musculoskeletal injury, joint pains, sprains and strains, heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. I agree that if I experience any of these or any other symptoms during the Activity, I will discontinue my participation immediately and seek appropriate medical attention. I DO HEREBY RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY CLAIM WHATSOEVER THAT ARISES OR MAY HEREAFTER ARISE ON ACCOUNT OF ANY FIRST AID, TREATMENT, OR SERVICE RENDERED IN CONNECTION WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY.
As a participant, volunteer, or class attendee, you recognize that your participation, involvement and/or attendance at any AFSCV Activity is voluntary and may result in personal injury (including death) and/or property damage. By attending, observing, or participating in the Activity, you acknowledge and assume all risks and dangers associated with your participation and/or attendance at the Activity; BY ATTENDING AND/OR PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITY, YOU ARE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN A FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Updated August 2025
1. COURSE REGISTRATION
AFSCV membership is required to register for group classes; welcomed but not required for private classes.
Registration and payment are due prior to the start of class. Textbooks are not included in the price of the course and can be purchased on our website, or through an external vendor.
2. TUITION PAYMENT
Payments are due in full upon registration.
AFSCV does not prorate tuition.
Online and phone registration require immediate credit card payment. In-person registration accepts check (a fee of $25 will be applied toward bounced checks) or cash.
Private class registration: payment must be completed at least one week prior to the first scheduled session. See under 8. Private Courses.
3. WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE, REFUNDS, AND CREDITS
To withdraw from a course, please send a written request by email to info@afscv.org during our virtual office hours (Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm) to process your withdrawal on time. Requests sent after 4 pm on Fridays will be processed on Monday, and classes over the weekend will be considered attended. Withdrawals are not processed by phone. Please see below our withdrawing policies for each type of course.
No refunds for private classes, but you can reschedule with more than 24 hours’ notice. See under 8. Private Classes.
Payments made in cash or check will be reimbursed by check. Payments made online within less than three (3) months will be reimbursed on the original credit card. Please note that any refund request will be charged a cancellation fee of $25. Payments made online more than three (3) months prior, or payments made by phone, will be reimbursed by check.
Exception: Summer Camps have unique policies.
3a. General French courses (8-10 weeks)
If you withdraw up to one day (1) before the start of a course, tuition can be refunded in full minus a $25.00 cancellation fee.
A refund may be granted if a student cancels after the first class and no later than six days before the next scheduled class.
Student will receive a tuition refund minus a $35 fee for one class, regardless of attendance status and a $25.00 cancellation fee.
Refunds and class credits are not available for students who withdraw from a class once the second week of the session has begun. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3b. Specialized French courses (4-6 weeks)
If you withdraw up to one day (1) before the start of a course, tuition can be refunded in full minus a $25.00 cancellation fee.
A refund may be granted if a student cancels after the first class and no later than six days before the next scheduled class. Student will receive a tuition refund minus a $35 fee for one class, regardless of attendance status and a $25.00 cancellation fee.
Refunds and class credits are not available for students who withdraw from a class once the second week of the session has begun. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. TRANSFERS
In certain instances, students may request a transfer from one group class to another group class.
Students may request a transfer within the ongoing session and the same course type (i.e., from a 10-week course to another 10-week course, or from an 8-week course to another 8-week course) before the second week of the session. While AFSCV typically makes every effort to accommodate such requests, transfers are not guaranteed.
If, in the instructor’s judgment, a student is enrolled in a class that does not match their level, AFSCV will transfer the student to a more appropriate class if possible. This adjustment will be discussed with the student beforehand.
5. COURSE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES
A minimum of four (4) enrollments is necessary to open and confirm a course.
If a course has reached three (3) enrollments, and if it is appropriate for the teaching method, AFSCV may decide to open the course at the same price, but with reduced class hours. AFSCV reserves the right to cancel courses, adjust the curriculum, or change instructors at any time during the session. Courses are typically cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, unavailability of an instructor, or inability to schedule appropriate instructional space.
If you are registered in a course that is canceled, you will be notified by email and given the option to transfer to another course, or to be refunded.
6. DISCOUNTS
The Early Bird discount applies exclusively to a full 8 or 10-week session. It may include additional requirements and is valid for two weeks following the start of the session’s registration period.
Continuing students with an active membership will benefit from an additional discount.
A maximum of two discounts may be combined per registration. Discounts are cumulative.
Discounts are applied automatically at checkout based on eligibility criteria.
Courses that are announced or published after the early registration (Early Bird) period are not eligible for discounts.
7. MISSED CLASSES
Students are required to inform their instructor of any foreseen absence via email. The instructor will plan the class accordingly, inform the student about the missed class content, and provide them with homework assignments.
In case of absence, students may not attend a different class of their course.
Missed classes are non-refundable.
If AFSCV must cancel a class:
No refund or additional class will be offered for students who are not able to attend the online or make-up sessions.
8. PRIVATE CLASSES
Lessons must be purchased in 6-hour packages. The first 6 hours are billed at the regular rate, with a 10% discount on any additional hours in the same purchase—contact the executive director at florence.thomas@afscv.org to apply the discount. Packages cannot be customized with extra hours.
Payment must be paid at least 1 (one) week prior to the first scheduled lesson.
Lessons are scheduled based on availability of both student and instructor.
Six-hour packages must be scheduled within six months of purchase. Hours not scheduled within six-months are lost.
A purchase of a package is not refundable except if students cancel their registration at least 48 hours before the first private lesson, minus the $25 cancellation fee. Students may reschedule a particular lesson without incurring any charges provided they do so at least twenty-four hours in advance.
Membership is not required.
Private course package renewals: if you wish to renew your private course package, the request must be submitted at least 1 week before your last class to continue your course without interruption.
9. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
AFSCV does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, disability, gender, sexuality, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions, educational, or employment policies and programs.
10. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES
Use of cell phones is not permitted during classes.
Eating and drinking are permitted, but please be mindful of your classmates.
Private and group classes are held in a professional setting. Out of respect for our instructors and clients, please note that students are not allowed to attend an adult class with their child.
Books and textbooks can be purchased from the vendor of your choice or from AFSCV. If these items are bought through AFSCV, they are non-refundable. Textbooks can be picked up in our Los Gatos office.
Textbooks are mailed only for online classes and to addresses beyond a 15-mile radius of the Los Gatos office.
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Office hours:
Tuesdays 2-6pm
Thursdays 10am-2pm
Library:
Saturdays 10am-12pm
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Alliance Française Silicon Valley
Los Gatos, CA 95032
