We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships and tuition assistance to students who are in good standing, with teacher recommendation; and those who qualify as being low-income and/or who represent a racial, ethnic or cultural minority. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to teens in our HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company) program – this includes HAT Co Jr (middle school), HAT Co (high school) and HAT Co Band.
Read more to find out how to apply for a scholarship; or for details about a scholarship you were awarded.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
To apply for a scholarship or tuition assistance, please complete this online 2017-2018 Scholarship Application Form by August 10, 2017. Forms received after this date will be considered if additional funding or donations are received.
Preference is given to returning Hope Academy students (in good standing, with teacher recommendation), and those who qualify as being low-income and/or who represent a racial, ethnic, or cultural minority. HAT Co students are eligible for merit-based scholarships (based on ability, commitment and motivation).
Hope Academy teaching artists will be asked for recommendations for returning scholarship students based on student/family commitment: presence (attendance and punctuality in all lessons, classes, recitals, rehearsals and performances), preparation (has all music, scripts, instrument, etc.) and practice (practices and completes assignments during the week, between lessons and classes).
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Scholarships/tuition assistance is awarded in August and covers the entire academic year (fall, winter and spring terms). Award notifications are emailed to the email address submitted with the online scholarship application form.
Scholarship recipients are required to complete a registration form and submit it with the balance of their tuition + the registration fee.
You may also drop off your completed registration form and check or money order at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Pull into the circle driveway at the Highland Ave entrance and give it to the hospitality person at the front desk. Make sure the envelope is clearly marked for Hope Academy.
Families must fill in an online “Excused Absence Request Form” for any missed classes or private lessons before the start of the term. Students will not be excused for extracurricular activities (including participation in sports practice or games) or social activities (such as birthday parties and overnights). Emergency absences for illness or death in the family, will be excused after the beginning of the term.
Scholarships for Classes at Hope Academy
Scholarships are awarded to students for the following classes
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dance classes + Bridge Dance in the spring term
- Musical Theater Workshop + Bridge Voice in the spring term
- Music Discovery
- Flute Choir
- Clarinet & Saxophone Ensemble
- HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company) – acting ensemble, tap, ballet 2, vocal ensemble and band, private voice/instrument lesson
- HAT Co Jr – acting, tap, ballet 2, ukulele class, vocal ensemble, private voice/instrument
- HAT Co Rock Band – including private voice/instrument lesson
- HAT Co Jr Rock Band – including private voice/instrument lesson
Students who receive scholarships/tuition assistance agree to attend every class; arrive on time, stay for the entire session and be prepared to participate fully; practice between classes; perform in scheduled recitals, open classes and performances; and abide by Hope Academy’s safety and respect rules of conduct.
Families must fill in an online “Excused Absence Request Form” for any missed classes or private lessons in advance of the absence. Please remember scholarship and HAT Co students are held to a higher standard of accountability. The reason and the timing (giving enough advanced notice and not having a negative impact on our rehearsal schedule) will be factored into our decision about whether or not the absence will be excused. Students will not be excused for other extracurricular activities (including sports practices or games) or social activities (such as birthday parties and overnights). Students will not be excused from open classes, rehearsals, recitals or performances – except for illness or injury.
Scholarships for Private Lessons at Hope Academy
Private lesson scholarships are prioritized for the following:
- Returning scholarship students (for same instrument and with teacher recommendation)
- New Suzuki music program students, from 4 to 6 years old, interested in violin, piano, cello or guitar. Lessons will begin after completing the Music Discovery course prerequisite, with teacher recommendation.
- Hope Academy Theater Company (HAT Co) acting, voice and band students receive private voice or instrument lessons (by audition). This includes HAT Co Jr and HAT Co Band. Please fill out the HAT Co application form.
Students are required to maintain their own instruments and to pay for music purchased for them (unless other arrangements have been made based on responses in the scholarship application). A parent and/or guardian is required to be with their child in all Suzuki classes and Suzuki private lessons.
Students who receive scholarships/tuition assistance agree to attend every class or lesson; arrive on time, stay for the entire session and be prepared to participate fully; practice between lessons; perform in scheduled recitals and open classes; and abide by Hope Academy’s safety and respect rules of conduct. Families must fill in an online “Excused Absence Request Form” for any missed classes or private lessons in advance of the absence.
Excused Absence Request Form
Scholarship and Hope Academy Theater Company (HAT Co) students are required to request excused absences for any missed classes or lessons.
All planned absences (family trip, wedding, SATs) must be made before the start of the term. After that, only emergency absences will be excused (illness or death in the family).
Scholarship and HAT Co students are held to a higher standard of accountability. The reason and the timing (giving enough advanced notice and not having a negative impact on rehearsal schedules) will be factored into the decision about whether or not the absence will be excused. Students will not be excused for other extracurricular activities (including sports practices or games) or social activities (such as birthday parties and overnights).
Please understand that the students’ part/role/solo in any given performance piece may need to be reassigned if the absence is during a critical rehearsal period (for excused and unexcused absences).
Scholarship and HAT Co students are evaluated each term and those with more than one absence may lose their eligibility. All absences must be excused.
In the case of an extended illness or injury, a scholarship may be put on hold until the student is ready to return.