Student Handbook

About this handbook

This handbook collects the policies that govern your studies at Emerald Shield Academy. You agreed to abide by it when you signed your Enrollment Agreement, and it is referenced by that agreement. Where this page and a signed document differ, the signed document governs.

Nothing here replaces the requirements of a regulator. A programme may lead toward a credential whose eligibility rules are set by the issuing body, not by the school.

Mutual obligations

Emerald Shield Academy provides the courses, instruction and learning materials described in your programme of study.

You agree to attend, complete coursework, abide by this handbook and the enrolment policies, and pay tuition and fees as scheduled.

Tuition and fees

• Tuition is determined by your programme and any financial aid awarded.
• Payment plans, employer sponsorship and workforce vouchers — where available — must be set up before your first course session.
• Non-payment may result in suspension of course access until the balance is resolved.
• Returned cheques (NSF) and payment disputes or chargebacks each incur a $35 fee, charged to your account regardless of the outcome of the dispute.
• You may appeal that fee in writing to school administration; it is waived only if an administrator approves the appeal.

Refunds and withdrawal

Tuition is refundable only if you withdraw before accessing any course content. Once you have accessed any course in your programme, no refund will be issued, regardless of how much of the programme you have completed.

To withdraw, notify the registrar in writing at [email protected].

Identity verification

You will be asked to verify your identity using a government-issued ID and a real-time selfie at intervals during your enrolment. This is a condition of continued enrolment, and it is required for certificates to be issued in your verified legal name.

Background checks and credentialing

Emerald Shield Academy does not conduct background checks.

Some credentials your programme may lead toward require a background check, fingerprint card or other eligibility verification performed by the issuing regulator — not by the school. Completing a programme does not guarantee eligibility for any external credential.

Your records and privacy

Your educational records are kept under FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g). They may only be released to third parties with your written consent, except as required by law, court order or regulatory subpoena.

You can review the information the academy holds about you on your profile in the student portal, and ask the registrar to correct anything that is wrong.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to study, contact the registrar. Requests are reviewed with supporting documentation from a qualified provider, and an approved plan is recorded on your student record so it travels with you through your programme.

Raising a concern

Speak to your instructor or the registrar first — most matters are settled there. If that does not resolve it, write to school administration setting out what happened and what you are asking for.

• Admissions — [email protected]
• Registrar (records, transcripts, withdrawal) — [email protected]
• Billing — [email protected]
• General enquiries — [email protected]

Related policies

This handbook sits alongside the academy's published policies. Read them together.

• Terms and Conditions — /terms-and-conditions
• Terms of Use — /terms-of-use
• Privacy Policy — /privacy-policy
• Refund and Returns Policy — /refund-and-returns-policy

This handbook and your Enrollment Agreement are governed by the laws of the State of Texas.