Terms and Conditions

These General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter “Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between:

the parent(s) and/or legal guardians (hereinafter “You, Your”) of the child(ren) to be enrolled at the project Campus da Terra (“hereafter “CdT”) and

the ASSOCIAÇÃO APRENDIZES DA TERRA (“hereafter “We, Our, Us”).

At our sole discretion, we may amend or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Your participation will be governed by these Terms and it is your ultimate responsibility to read and understand them. The agreement to offer a place to a child, as well as their continued enrolment, is subject to your acceptance of these Terms.

By entering into this agreement with us, you are:

1. Certifying that you are an adult with full authority to enter into this agreement;
2. Certifying that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and our Privacy Policy; and
3. Agreeing that these Terms constitute a binding agreement that governs your rights as a participant and the relationship between you and us.

1. OVERALL

1.1. GENERAL RULES

Resident families must enroll at least one child at CdT for a minimum of six months. Traveling families must enroll their child for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months. The granting of enrolment will be subject to the following terms:

1. Children should be dropped off between 9:00 and 10:00 (local time) and collected by 16:00 (local time). Please inform CdT in advance if your child needs to arrive late, leave early, or be absent.
2. The collection of a child by a third party can only be accepted if we can identify the third party and have express written authorization.
3. The children’s meals (lunch and snacks) are the responsibility of their families, who must bring them well-packed, with lunch being transported in an appropriate container and snacks in a lunch bag.
4. Tutoring Support and Curriculum Choices
   1. Our tutors are available to offer support and guidance, but we do not have the capacity to create individual learning plans or provide step-by-step guidance through the curriculum. Our preferred approach is to enroll children in one of our recommended curricula. However, if a family decides to follow a homeschooling curriculum of their choice, it must be in English, and the child must be aware of their individual learning plan. Parents are responsible for guiding the child at home, such as through weekly assignment plans. Regardless of the method chosen, we are not responsible for the learning outcomes. While we make every effort to provide helpful support, we cannot be held accountable for the results of the child’s learning progress.
   2. If the family decides to follow one of our recommended curricula, we will provide a list of textbooks and materials that the families will need to acquire at their own expense at the beginning of every semester for each student to bring to CdT.
5. Animals and Plants on the Premises
   1. Our homeschooling hub is located on an organic farm, which includes animals and plants. Families are responsible for ensuring their children do not have allergies or sensitivities to animals or plants and must inform us of any known allergies prior to enrollment. We are not liable for any accidents, allergic reactions, or health issues related to animals or plants.
   2. Participants must treat animals and plants with respect. Any inappropriate behavior toward animals or damage to plants will not be tolerated. Parents are responsible for their child’s actions and may be held liable for any damage caused to animals, plants, or their living conditions.
6. Personal Property and Use of Devices:
   1. All children must come to CdT with their own tablet or laptop device and charging cable. You should ensure appropriate permissions have been set up to allow each child to access the device, the internet, and apps. A Kindle or other electronic reading device is not a suitable substitute. If the family doesn’t follow their own homeschooling curriculum, we will provide a list of Apps that the families will need to download at their own expense.
   2. Both personal items brought by the children and items provided by us for use during activities are the responsibility of the parents or guardians. We are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to these items. We recommend that all personal items be clearly labeled. Children must be guided to properly care for items provided by the establishment and their belongings.
   3. Children’s devices should not be used for video games or social media communication and messaging while at CdT. If the device is not used for its intended educational purposes, the educator has the right to temporarily confiscate the device.
   4. If a child needs to contact you while at CdT, they should seek out an educator who will make the contact on their behalf. The active use of mobile devices (phones and/or smartwatches) is not permitted at CdT unless otherwise indicated by an educator.
   5. Children will refrain from bringing anything to CdT that compromises their safety or the safety of others.
7. All rules established through the democratic circles held within the class are binding and expected to be followed by all participants. CdT reserves the right to enforce these rules in alignment with its policies and values.

1.2. ETHOS

1. CdT aims to promote good relations between team members, parents, and children. Bullying, harassment, victimization, and discrimination are not tolerated. CdT will act respectfully in its interactions with you and your children, and we expect the same in return.
   1. All children are expected to come to CdT with an open mindset, ready to learn, engage, and actively participate in the curriculum.
   2. Children are expected to interact respectfully and kindly with everyone at CdT and to resolve conflicts civilly and respectfully.
   3. Children are expected to be willing to interact with other age groups and to try new experiences.
   4. If a child witnesses something they consider inappropriate, they are encouraged to report it to staff. Everyone has the responsibility to promote a safe environment.
   5. Everyone is expected to resolve conflicts without using violence. No one should injure or threaten to injure another person.
   6. Children are expected to show care and respect for CdT property and others’ belongings. All materials and items used should be returned to their proper places after use.
   7. Children are encouraged to seek the help of educators to resolve conflicts peacefully, if necessary.
   8. Children must not commit acts of vandalism or cause damage to CdT or any of its equipment.
2. Parental Behaviour & Conduct: Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their children’s education and can assist our team in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all children.
   1. You accept that you have a responsibility to act as a role model for your child(ren). You should speak with respect to all our staff.
   2. You should accept the role, responsibility, and ultimate authority of our staff.
   3. You should respect the scope and content of our approach and curriculum.
   4. You ensure that the child is well-rested and appropriately dressed and equipped for CdT, considering the weather conditions.
   5. You should ensure that your child attends CdT regularly and on time.
   6. You should be open to feedback from educators on your children’s behavior.
   7. You will encourage and help your child follow the rules relating to behavior.
   8. You will inform CdT promptly about your child’s absence, late arrival, or early departure.
   9. You should assist our staff in handling disciplinary issues involving the child when necessary. The educational staff will contact parents directly on the same day or within one or two days regarding any disciplinary issues that may arise with the child.
   10. You should not upload or otherwise share photos of other children on any online platform without explicit permission from that child’s parent or guardian.
   11. You commit to engaging with your child’s academic work and progress. The responsibility of the child’s academic progress ultimately lies with the child’s parents.
   12. If you need to raise a concern or issue, you should first communicate with the staff involved and, subsequently, escalate the matter to the Management if deemed necessary.
   13. You should treat all other members of CdT community with kindness and respect at all times and:
       1. Respect differing viewpoints and experiences of others;
       2. Refrain from discrimination, harsh language, gossip, or negative comments about others.
       3. Focus on what is best for the collective community and set an example by holding yourself and others accountable.
       4. Treat all others respectfully and equally.

1.3. ACCESS TO CdT

1. Access or use of the CdT facilities without a staff member present is not permitted.
2. The child must be in good health to attend CdT. In case of sudden illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea), the child should remain at home until fully recovered. Our educators have the right to request early collection of the child if symptoms appear during their stay at CdT.
3. Parents are permitted on CdT premises only during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as for pre-approved extracurricular classes they lead or designated events.

1.4. ADMISSIONS

1. Trial Week and Admission Criteria:
   • Before full admission, all children must complete a Trial Week, which will be free of charge. This period allows both the family and CdT to determine if the child is a good fit for the program. During the Trial Week, we will observe essential qualities in children to confirm enrollment. If these qualities are not observed, CdT reserves the right to refuse enrollment. Additionally, if after the Trial Week it is determined that these qualities are still not present, CdT reserves the right to terminate the enrollment exceptionally and immediately. The observed qualities include:
     • Age-appropriate autonomy (independent toileting, dressing, and eating)
     • Ability to follow instructions and basic rules
     • Capacity to integrate into the group
     • Environmental awareness (respect for people, animals, and plants)
2. The legal responsibility for homeschooling and enrollment at CdT rests solely with the parents or legal guardians. While CdT may provide general guidance or suggestions, we do not assume any liability or responsibility for legal compliance, regulatory matters, or any consequences arising from homeschooling or enrollment decisions.
3. Upon enrollment at CdT, you agree to provide all requested relevant information, including but not limited to the child’s citizenship, school history, health history and family circumstances.
4. Physical Contact: You consent to physical contact that is in line with good practice and is appropriate and necessary for the child’s welfare:
   1. teaching and instruction and/or 
   2. the provision of comfort to a child in distress and/or 
   3. to maintain safety and good order and/or 
   4. to maintain the child’s health and welfare.
5. Disclosures: You must inform us as soon as possible of any known medical conditions, health issues, or allergies affecting the child, any history or diagnosis of learning difficulties, or any family circumstances or court orders that may affect the child’s well-being, safety, or protection and any necessary precautions. This information will be collected in strict confidence.
6. Use of information:
   1. Confidentiality: You authorise, on your behalf and on behalf of the child, CdT, and its staff to obtain, store, use, and communicate confidential information that, in their sole opinion, is relevant to the safety and well-being of the child and others. CdT reserves the right to monitor the child’s digital communications and internet use during their time at CdT.
   2. CdT’s Intellectual Property: CdT and its content, features, and functionality are and will remain our exclusive property and that of our licensors where appropriate. CdT is protected by copyright and other laws of all countries where CdT is in operation. You may not sell, license, rent, modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, publish, adapt, edit, or create derivative works from CdT content without our prior written consent.
   3. Distribution of information: By entering into this agreement with us, you agree not to copy or distribute content included in the CdT curriculum and our partner school’s online approach (including forum posts, messages on any channel, curriculum materials, photographs, or documentation of trips and in-person experiences) without our explicit permission.
   4. Solicitation: You also agree not to solicit or collect information about any CdT members, especially for purposes of sending or facilitating the sending of unsolicited or bulk email or communications; promoting commercial activities unless agreed in writing with us; advertising products or services; or engaging in political lobbying.
7. Events Beyond the Control of the Parties
   1. Force Majeure: An event beyond the reasonable control of the parties to this Agreement is referred to as a “Force Majeure Event” and includes, but is not limited to, an “Act of God,” fire, flood, storm, war, riot, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, strikes, industrial disputes, outbreak of epidemic or pandemic, and failure of public utility or transport services.
   2. Notification: If either party to the Agreement is prevented from or delayed in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement by a Force Majeure Event, that party shall immediately notify the other in writing and shall be excused from performing those obligations while the Force Majeure Event continues.
   3. Continued Force Majeure: If a Force Majeure Event continues for a period greater than 90 days, the party who has provided notification under the previous clause shall notify the other of the steps to be taken to ensure the performance of this Agreement.
   4. Liability: Except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct on our part resulting in personal injury, loss, or damage, we will not be liable for any personal injury suffered, or damage or loss of any belongings belonging to you or the child while on the CdT premises. We cannot be held liable for any personal injury and/or loss or damage suffered by you or the child outside the CdT premises. This includes any damage caused to vehicles parked outside the CdT premises.

1.5. Breaks and Holidays

Campus da Terra will be closed during the regular regional school holidays for Easter and Christmas. During the summer break, we will be closed only from the beginning of August until mid-September.

Additionally, CdT will observe the following holidays, during which it will remain closed:

• Monday and Tuesday of Carnival
• Good Friday
• Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
• April 25th (Freedom Day)
• May 1st (Labor Day)
• July 1st (Madeira Day)
• November 1st (All Saints’ Day)

2. TUITION & FEES

2.1. ENROLLMENT FEES

Upon accepting the student’s application, you will receive an invoice for the non-refundable Enrollment Fee, which must be paid within ten days of receipt or paid off in pre-approved installments during 5 months.

The Enrollment Fee is €500 per child, which includes Administration, thorough assessment of the child’s capabilities, step-by-step child-centric transition support, emergency contact and health monitoring setup, as well as accident insurance.

Traveling families receive a discounted Enrollment Fee of €250. If a traveling family later decides to enroll their child(ren) for more than three months, an additional €250 will be required to cover the full Enrollment Fee.

2.2. TUITION FEES

2.2.1. PACKAGE CONTENTS

The tuition fee includes participation in our Campus da Terra program, running from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 until 16:00 (local time), excluding breaks and holidays (see 1.5).

2.2.2. PAYMENT

When joining CdT, resident families must enroll their child(ren) for a minimum of six months. Traveling families must enroll their child(ren) for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months.

The tuition fee for resident families is tiered by household income, as follows:

• For net household incomes over 55.000€ a year: 3900€ per semester, paid in monthly installments of 650€
• For net household incomes up to 55.000€ a year: 3000€ per semester, paid in monthly installments of 500€
• Traveling families always need to pay the full monthly installments of 650€ per month.

Payments can be made via bank transfer, MBWay, Bitcoin transfer, or in cash. Banking details will be provided on the invoice. Monthly tuition installments are non-refundable. Late payments are subject to a 5% charge on any amount outstanding ten working days after the invoice due date. Failure to make payment within the invoice period may disqualify your financial standing. We reserve the right to withdraw your child(ren) from CdT for non-payment after two written reminders.

2.2.3 SIBLING DISCOUNT

For families with more than one child attending CdT, sibling discounts apply as follows:

• The oldest enrolled child pays the full tuition fee.
• For families enrolling multiple children:
  • A 10% discount applies to each additional sibling if the net household income is €55,000 or less per year.
  • A 20% discount applies to each additional sibling if the net household income is above €55,000 per year.

2.3. TERMINATION AND EARLY WITHDRAWALS

1. Termination Notice: A minimum notice period of three months is required for the termination of enrollment at CdT. If no written termination notice is provided within this period, the contract will automatically renew under the same terms. Written notice must be submitted via email or another agreed-upon written format.
2. Early withdrawal of your child(ren) from CdT before the completion of the minimum enrollment period will require you to continue paying the monthly installments for the entire minimum enrollment period. Our budget is based on enrollment numbers at the beginning of the semester, and we have financial commitments to our staff and facilities.
3. Requests for partial tuition refunds or adjustments due to illness, unexpected departures, or other reasons will generally not be approved. Partial refunds may be considered in exceptional circumstances at our sole discretion.
4. If a child is required to leave due to disciplinary reasons, tuition fees will not be refunded. In this case, the early withdrawal policy (2.3. II.) still applies.

2.4. CHANGES TO PRICING

We aim to keep pricing reasonable and consistent throughout each semester. However, fees and pricing structures are subject to change. We continually review and adjust our pricing to reflect operational costs and ensure the sustainability of our program. Families will be notified of any changes at least 60 days in advance, in writing.