The Ngoma School is currently on pause as we restructure for its next chapter. The financial-assistance commitment and child-safety policies described here remain intact for relaunch. Learn more about the pause and join our relaunch list →
Financial Assistance
Approximately $80,000 awarded annually since 2014. Four application pathways. Sibling discounts applied in-house when applicable. All inquiries handled confidentially.
Tuition support for families experiencing financial constraint. Application is confidential and reviewed on a rolling basis when enrollment is active.
Application →Merit-based recognition for advancing dancers. Reviewed by Faculty and Director on an annual cycle.
Application →Tuition reduction for DC residents pursuing serious concert dance training. Verification of residency required.
Application →Tuition discount for active-duty, reserve, and veteran families. Verification of service required.
Application →Note: Sibling discounts are factored in-house when applicable and do not require a separate application. For confidential inquiries about financial assistance, contact info@ngcfddt.org.
Studio Conduct
The expectations that govern student behavior, studio culture, and family partnership. Reviewed annually by Faculty and Director.
General Rules & Regulations+
- Students arrive on time, in proper attire, ready to work.
- Studio etiquette includes respect for teachers, peers, and the space itself.
- Cell phones, food, and drink (other than water) are not permitted in the studio.
- Students take direction from Faculty without interruption during class.
- Parents observe during designated Parent Observation Days only.
- Personal property is the student's responsibility; The Ngoma School is not liable for lost items.
- Students remain in the building until pickup; outdoor waiting is not permitted for under-18 students.
- Faculty contact occurs through registered family email only.
- Photography and video recording in class require advance written permission from Faculty.
Uniform & Personal Presentation+
- Uniform requirements are published per program at enrollment.
- Hair is secured off the face and neck during all classes.
- Jewelry beyond small studs is not permitted in technique classes.
- Proper footwear per discipline (ballet slippers, jazz shoes, etc.) is required.
Syllabus & Examinations+
- The Ngoma Dance Syllabus governs technical progression across levels.
- Level promotions are determined by Faculty assessment, not by chronological age or family request.
- Examinations occur at the end of each term to inform placement.
Performance Expectations+
- Casting decisions rest with Faculty and Director.
- Performance attendance at rehearsals, tech, and shows is required to remain in casting.
- Performance fees are published at enrollment and not separately negotiable.
Safe Teaching Practice
The Ngoma School operates under a written Child Protection Policy reviewed annually by Faculty, Director, and Board. The policy governs background checks, classroom supervision standards, physical-correction protocols in technique instruction, and incident reporting.
Anti-bullying and abuse statement: The Ngoma School maintains zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or any form of abuse — student-to-student, adult-to-student, or family-to-staff. Concerns are reported confidentially to the Director and addressed under documented protocols.
Full Child Protection Policy available on request to enrolled families. Concerns can be raised confidentially via info@ngcfddt.org or by phone at 202-540-8338.
- Background checks for all faculty, staff, and adults with student contact
- Two-adult presence whenever students are in the building
- Documented physical-correction protocols for technique instruction
- Confidential incident reporting to Director, Board, and (where required) authorities
- Annual policy review by Faculty + Director + Board
Operational Standards
The operational rules that have governed enrollment, attendance, and term-by-term participation.
Tuition published per program at enrollment. Performance fees, costume fees, and exam fees published separately. Financial assistance applications reviewed before final tuition is set when requested.
Students arrive 10 minutes before class. Repeated lateness affects class participation. Absences are reported to Faculty by parents in advance when possible. Three or more unexcused absences per term may affect level promotion or performance casting.
Fall and Spring terms published annually at enrollment. Summer DanceLab dates published separately. Holiday closures and weather cancellations communicated to enrolled families via registered email.
Classes cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances are rescheduled when possible or credited to next term. Single-class refunds are not standard practice.
Get in Touch
All financial-assistance inquiries, policy questions, and child-safety concerns are handled confidentially.