Policies

Policies

Policies & academic outcomes

Private instruction works best when expectations are plain on both sides. This page sets out, in ordinary language, what families are purchasing, what I promise, what I cannot promise, and the small number of policies that keep the work running smoothly. There is no contract to sign; before a first session, I simply ask families to read this page and confirm by email.

Outcomes

Academic progress & no guaranteed outcomes

My goal is to help students build durable understanding, stronger problem-solving habits, and clearer written communication through structured instruction, targeted practice, and actionable feedback aligned with the expectations of their course. These skills tend to translate into improved performance over time, and I take the work seriously: prepared instruction, honest observation, and a plan that adjusts as I learn how your student thinks.

That said, I cannot and do not guarantee any specific grade, test score, class placement, or AP exam result. Academic outcomes depend on many factors outside my control, including the student's consistency and effort between sessions, completion of assigned work, attendance, classroom instruction and grading policies, assessment design and difficulty, curriculum pacing, and test-day conditions.

By enrolling, families are purchasing instructional time and academic coaching, not a promised result. I am always glad to discuss goals up front, share what I am observing, and adjust the approach together; if concerns come up, please raise them early so we can make a plan. If a family is specifically seeking a guaranteed outcome, my instruction is not the right fit.

Scheduling

Rescheduling & cancellations

Occasional schedule changes are a normal part of a school year, and I do my best to accommodate them. I ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session.

For changes inside 24 hours: if we reschedule within seven days and cover the same prepared material, there is no charge. Otherwise, half the scheduled session's cost is billed, reflecting the reserved time and the preparation already done; any materials prepared for the session are still shared with the student. A missed session without notice is treated as a late cancellation.

Billing

Invoices & payment

Sessions are billed monthly. Invoices are emailed on the 1st of each month for the prior month's sessions, itemized by date, and payment is due within seven calendar days. I accept AppleCash, PayPal, and Zelle, as agreed in advance. The optional between-session support add-on is billed monthly alongside sessions.

If an account falls past due, scheduling and between-session support may pause until the balance is resolved — I will always say so plainly rather than let anything lapse without a word.

Communication

Between sessions

For families with the between-session support add-on, weekday and weekend availability for questions, assigned problem sets with written feedback, and monthly parent check-ins are part of the arrangement, as described under private instruction.

Without the add-on, communication between sessions is limited to brief logistics — confirming a time, sending problems ahead of a session, sharing notes afterward. Students are always welcome to send specific problems or topics at least 24 hours before a session, and I will build them into that day's plan.

Materials

Course materials

The curriculum, session notes, solutions, and practice materials I share are written by me and provided for the enrolled student's personal use. Please keep them within your household rather than redistributing or posting them.

Ending

Discontinuing instruction

There is no long-term commitment. Families may discontinue at any time and for any reason; a short written note is all I ask, so there is a clear record and I can close out materials and billing cleanly.

I likewise reserve the right to discontinue instruction if the arrangement is no longer productive, if expectations are not aligned, or if there are repeated scheduling or payment issues. In that case I will give notice when feasible and share materials and recommendations to support a smooth transition.

Acknowledgment

How families agree to these policies

Before a student's first session, I send a short welcome email that links to this page. Replying "agreed" is the whole of the paperwork: it confirms you have read the policies, and it gives us both a written record. If anything here raises a question, ask before agreeing — I would rather discuss a policy than have it discovered later.

Questions about anything on this page are welcome at hi@katherinedelno.com.

AP® is a registered trademark owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this private instruction service.