Registration Policies

How Early Should I Register? 

EARLY! Our classes are small and many fill quickly, so we recommend you register as soon as possible to get your class of choice—six months in advance is not too early! You can register to be on the waitlist for any class that is full. Cancellations do happen, and you may be able to get into a class at the last minute, so don’t hesitate to call to check on availability. 

Registering early also gives our instructors adequate time to prepare class materials, which can be extensive. It also gives you time to acquire supplies you are required to bring to class (a materials list will be mailed after you register). For intermediate to advanced classes, you may have “homework” to do in advance—such as winding a warp for a weaving class or preparing a short manuscript for writing class critique. 

Registration and Deposit

Students may only register for one class for each weeklong or weekend session. For July-December 2024 a deposit per person of $200 for each week or $150 for each weekend ($350 for week + weekend classes) and for 2025 classes a deposit per person of $215 for each week or $165 for each weekend ($365 for week + weekend classes) must accompany each registration. 50% of the deposit is non-refundable (see below). Registrations are non-transferable. Full payment of your balance is due 30 days prior to class or at the time of initial registration. A fee will be charged for returned checks. Classes without a minimum number of registrations may be canceled. (For details, see “Class Cancellations” below.)

Withdrawal/Cancellations

Because of registration costs and other services, including instructor contracts, material acquisitions, and housing arrangements, the Folk School is required to charge cancellation fees to students who change their itineraries.

Cancellation Policy

• Once students are accepted into a class, cancellation fees apply.
• Cancellation or transfer more than 60 days prior to the first day of class results in a cancellation fee of 50% of the deposit.
• Cancellation or transfer within 60 days of the first day of class results in a cancellation fee of 100% of the deposit.
• Students who transfer to another class are charged the cancellation fee, plus the deposit for the class to which they wish to transfer.
• No tuition, deposit, housing or meals refunds will be made after the start date of a class.
• Registrations are not transferable.

Class Cancellation

The Folk School will conduct classes for which a minimum number of students are registered. If the School must cancel a class, registered students will be given the opportunity to enroll in another class, with no transfer penalty. A full refund will be given to students who do not wish to transfer. If you plan to fly, please confirm that your class has sufficient enrollment to run prior to booking your ticket. The Folk School is not responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets in any circumstance.

Instructor Substitutions

Occasionally an instructor must cancel for health or family reasons. When this happens, we make every attempt to find a replacement instructor qualified to teach the class as closely as possible to what is described in the catalog. However, sometimes it is necessary to cancel the class. In either case, all registered students will be given the opportunity to transfer to another class or cancel without penalty.

Class Content

While we make every effort to verify their accuracy, class descriptions are provided by instructors, who are independent contractors, and cannot be warranted by the Folk School.

Class Materials

Students in craft classes typically use material in the making of their projects. Because the amount of materials used will vary by student, material fees are NOT included in the tuition amount. Upon registering for a class, you will receive an estimate of these additional fees on your invoice, along with a list of materials the instructor requests you bring to class. Payment by cash or check for materials purchased from the instructor or the school is required on the last day of class. Material fees can range from $0 to over $300. Classes with material fees of $100 or more are noted in italics in the class description section of this catalog.

View our Student Handbook, which includes information and resources to help you prepare for your trip.

Acceptance Policy

The Folk School is an equal-opportunity institution and does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religious affiliation, nationality, or ethnic origin. We strive to create an environment in which everyone feels welcome, respected, and free to learn and create. We ask that all who come here do so with tolerance and community-building in mind.

Age Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age (21 for some cooking classes, as noted in the class description). No one under 18 may take a class without approval. Exceptions are Little/Middle Folk School and Intergenerational Week, which are designed especially for young people. No one under 18 may stay on campus without being enrolled in a class, unless they are accompanied by an instructor or have been given prior approval.

Accessibility

The Folk School’s terrain is hilly and uneven. All public facilities at the Folk School have handicap-accessible entrances and restrooms. Studios and housing facilities are handicap accessible. If you have mobility restrictions, please contact us to discuss housing and access to studios and other facilities.

Code of Conduct

The John C. Campbell Folk School welcomes everyone to experience our unique learning environment, and we believe that equity, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, and antiracism are essential to our mission and founding principles. In the spirit of Southern hospitality, we seek to create a harmonious learning environment grounded in these values that makes every visitor feel like the Folk School is their home. The Folk School’s staff and board of directors are committed to this work, and we invite others to join us as we nurture a community grounded in this philosophy.

Our education model originates from the teachings of Nikolai Frederik Severin (NFS) Grundtvig, who advocated for lifelong learning and the importance of creating a peaceable and just society by emphasizing dignity for all. One of his guiding principles was folkelighed, a form of patriotism that values culture and identity while emphasizing that other nations and cultures are equally valued–an idea we continue to promote today.

The John C. Campbell Folk School requires that all students, instructors, staff, board, volunteers, work studies, student hosts, and other program participants contribute to a respectful and welcoming environment free of discrimination, aggression, and harassment by following these guidelines:

Download and View Code of Conduct

Drugs, Alcohol, and Firearms

Alcohol is not permitted in studios or public areas. The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Firearms are not permitted on campus.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside any building at the Folk School. There are no indoor smoking facilities.  

 Personal Property

The Folk School is not responsible for the security of property belonging to students and instructors.  

 Studio Safety

The Folk School is not responsible for injuries sustained as a result of improper or careless use of studio tools or equipment. 

 Cell Phone Usage

Cell service is sporadic on campus, but if you have a signal, we ask that conversations take place in private. Please refrain from cell phone use in studios during class, at the Dining Hall, or during other group gatherings.  

 Wi-Fi Usage

Wi-Fi is available in most common areas and studios.  

 Unacceptable Behavior

The Folk School reserves the right to dismiss any student, without refund, for behavior that is disruptive to the community living and learning environment and to refuse future registrations from such student.