Waltham, MA asked in Education Law for California

Q: can i get tuition back from a bad school?

School is terribly managed and most of the teachers were not qualified. Tuition charge was doubled compared to some of the other kids.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Under California law, if you find that your school is poorly managed and the quality of education is not up to standard, you may have grounds to seek a refund of your tuition. This can include situations where the school has misrepresented its services or if the educators are not qualified as promised. The state provides specific protections for students in these scenarios, primarily through the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) for private institutions.

You should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the school by formally requesting a refund and detailing the reasons for your dissatisfaction. Documentation of your communications and the issues encountered will be crucial. If this approach does not yield results, filing a complaint with the BPPE may be the next step. They oversee private postsecondary schools in California and can investigate complaints regarding misrepresentation and quality of education.

Moreover, if tuition was unfairly doubled compared to what other students were charged, this might constitute discriminatory or deceptive practices, which are actionable under California consumer protection laws. Seeking legal advice can provide you with a clear understanding of your rights and the best course of action. Remember, it's important to act promptly, as there may be time limits on filing complaints or taking legal action.

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