SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL

Two of my children take lessons here. The early interaction with Jessica was friendly and helpful in deciding which instructors are best for my kids based on their personality and schedule. Unfortunately, once the classes start, both my kids did not like the instructors. In fact, they both cry after the class and I see that they both trying so hard to hold back their tears. It broke my heart to see how much they dislike it, especially my daughter who love piano and was so excited for the class. Because the classes are 6 month long, I decided so switch instructors right away. When we switched, we're basically starting over which wasted time and money for them to get to get to know each other again. For $$$ we spent on the classes, you would think they could do a trial to see if the kids get along with their instructor first before committing. Thankfully, my daughter love her 2nd instructor and my son is okay with his. I know some places offer trial but I could understand why Settlement don't. However, what bother me the most was their strict absent policy. When we officially enrolled for the lesson, I was given the contracts and many pages of school rules and contract terms. There were no important bullet points or calendar of when the school will be closed. During the president day holiday, there was a miscommunication between the instructor and us. I was told by one of the instructor that there are no classes on president day but then found out that there is and have to pay for the missed class with no make up opportunities. The instructor was happy to provide make up lesson but the director denied it because he said that it is clear in the school policy that settlement is open. I explain that I am new to the school and had made effort to ask the instructor in person and apparently there was a miscommunication but he firm on his decision. At the end of the conversation, the director gave me school calendar for the year because I said I saw it was taped in one of the classroom wall. If i was provided a calendar in the beginning, it would have save us all the miscommunication and stress. This experience really set the tone of the relationship that I have with the school. It feels like that we are just part of a transaction fulfilling your part of a financial obligation. I hate to have to discontinue my daughter lesson here but when the contract end, I will not be coming back. I'm looking for an environment that are more supportive and empathetic and doesn't leave me feeling stress and alone.

Very unprofessional interaction with Rebecca Dhondt from the administrative staff. Her conduct when interacting with my small business has very much put me off of recommending the programs offered to those in my community as I have in the past. I'm disappointed because I respected Settlement so much before now.

Our kids have been Settlement students for many years. What a great school!

We love the school of my twins. Teachers , personnel, activities, events...

this place has a great dance education. Ms. Kaye is the best teacher my daughter had for dance! I believe that there should be even more dance opportunities in the summer. For example I believe that you guys should hold tap classes! tap and ballet is my kids favourite forms of dance as of right now.