ADMISSION

Applicants interested in applying to the Windy City School of Pet Grooming are encouraged to visit the school before enrolling.  This may be done on any regular business day from 8AM to 5PM CT.  Please call for an appointment so as to give adequate time for questions and a more informative tour.

Applicants must be able to read and understand the course materials, be in sound physical and mental condition to operate grooming equipment, along with having the patience to cope with a variety of canine and feline dispositions.  Good health is essential in working with animals.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

An applicant for admission must be at least 17 years of age.  If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

After the decision to enroll has been made, the student will submit the appropriate application (from brochure or website) along with the non-refundable application fee.  Your High School Diploma or GED must be presented at this time or if the application was submitted online, mail this with your deposit.  The application fee for the various courses is $100.00.  The school then notifies the applicant of action taken on the application.  A visitation to the facility is recommended to see if this type of profession will suit your needs.

SCHOOL POLICIES

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT TETANUS SHOT BY THE 1ST DAY OF CLASS.  A LETTER FROM YOUR DOCTOR PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION WILL BE SUFFICIENT.

CONDUCT AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Students are expected to maintain and abide by all the rules and regulations of the school, conducting themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to school business.  Disorderly conduct, violation of the school rules, or academic failure are cause for dismissal.  At the beginning of each course, students will be issued a list of required safety rules.  Failure to follow these rules may also result in dismissal.

No smoking is allowed in the shop.

Students must wear pants and a smock or apron of the school color, burgundy.  There are nylon pants that come in many colors that are highly suggested.  Nylon repels dog hair, dries quickly when wet and is cool when the weather is hot.  Shoes should be supportive, no sandals allowed.  Socks that cover the ankles are to be worn at all times.  Although dress is somewhat casual, students are expected to be neat and clean at all times.  These rules and safety factors must be followed if students are to be respected by clients and fellow groomers.

ATTENDANCE

Absences in excess of five (5) days per course will be cause for dismissal unless the school receives justifying documentation.  Students may make up lost time and work with the director's permission.

Unexcused tardiness over fifteen (15) minutes will be penalized.  Four (4) times tardy will constitute one (1) absence.  The same will apply to early departures.  It is essential that students realize time missed is time lost in a new career they have chosen.

CLASSES

Schedule

A calendar is setup in January every year of dates that the school will be closed.  Due to heavy judging and certifying schedules, it is unavoidable to be closed on some days.

Classes begin regularly.  Classes are held as follows:

• MON thru FRI from 9AM to 5PM CT

Lunch is 1/2 hour long with two (2) fifteen minute breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).  Classes are not held on major holidays.

Instruction

Classroom instruction typically includes lectures and various visual presentations.  Students also get a great deal of practical experience applying the knowledge acquired in the classroom with "hands on" grooming of over 200 dogs in the Full Program.  Skills and techniques are developed while actually working on the animals.  Special workshops round out the instructional program.  Students are given research projects they are required to read, study, research, and keep a notebook.

Grading

Written tests and demonstrations of skills mastered are used to evaluate the students' performance.  Overall participation is also considered in the grading process.

A minimum passing final grade is 70%.  Failure to maintain this average will result in the interruption of the course for unsatisfactory progress.  The student will be placed on probation with approval of the director.  If, at the end of a two (2) week probationary period the student fails to achieve passing grades, the student will be dismissed.

The Full Program is designed to be completed in approximately 16-18 weeks and the Assistant Program approximately 8 weeks.  Two (2) additional weeks are available at no charge for students who need or request extra time.  Any extension beyond this period will be charged 
$280.00 per week.

SERVICES

Advising

Students who have academic or personal problems are encouraged to consult individually with the faculty. 

Completion

All students receive a certificate upon the completion of the school's required course.  In order to obtain a certificate from Windy City School of Pet Grooming, students must score 70% or above.  Student's having an "A" or higher average receive a Certificate of Excellence along with their diploma.  Students are tested on their grooming ability the last eight (8) weeks of class grooming time.  If a student does not perform up to the school's standards of grooming, additional time will be spent in school per recommendation of the instructor and the director at no extra charge to the student up to two (2) weeks.

Placement Assistance

The Windy City School of Pet Grooming does not (and cannot by law) guarantee job placement or assistance.  The school does receive many calls and letters regarding both job opportunities and businesses which are for sale.  All information is kept in a file which is available to current and past students.  The student must take the initiative in responding to the inquiry and setting up an interview.  The student has the responsibility to keep a weekly log of contacts which have been made while looking for job placement.

REFUND POLICY

When notice of cancellation is given after the student's completion of the 1st day of scheduled class attendance, but prior to the student's completion of 5% of the course of instruction, Windy City School of Pet Grooming may retain the application/registration fee, an amount not to exceed 10% of the tuition and other instructional charges not to exceed $300, whichever is less, plus the cost of any books and/or material which have been provided by Windy City School of Pet Grooming.

Windy City School of Pet Grooming may retain an amount computed prorated by days in the class plus 10% of tuition and other instructional chares up to completion of 60% of the course.  The school may retain the application/registration fee and the entire tuition and other charges.

When notice of cancellation is given after the student has completed over 60% of the course, measured by days in the class, Windy City School of Pet Grooming may retain the application/registration fee and the entire tuition and other charges.