School Policies

Visitors Policy

We welcome visitors to the school, however in order to maintain a focused atmosphere in the workshop during classes, visits by people not enrolled for the class must be arranged with either the instructor or the school director in advance. Workshop participants are welcome to have visitors on the campus outside of regular class hours. Should a visitor desire overnight accommodations, arrangements must be made with the School prior to the visit. If a family member or friend wishes to accompany an enrolled student and stay on the school grounds, arrangements must be made in advance of the class. Friends and relatives are welcome to share meals and out of class time with students, but asked to respect the focus of class time by checking with the instructor before visiting the workshop during class hours.

Policy of Non-discrimination

The New Agrarian School welcomes people of all nationalities, ethnic groups, races, religions, genders, identities, and sexual orientations. Within the limits of our facility and the demands of the work itself we endeavor to serve people with physical and mental limitations. Our clear objective is to be inclusive as possible. We encourage anyone with interest in the workshops and a passion for learning to apply.

The school does operate within behavioral boundaries however. We expect kindness and respect between all members of the community.

Violence in any form is not acceptable.

Age Requirements

The School invites anyone eighteen years of age and older to apply for residential classes. Should a youth under that age wish to attend as a day student special arrangements will be considered. We will offer some parent/youth classes, in which case students as young as twelve years of age will be accepted and accompanied by a parent or responsible adult who also participates in the class. Outside of the regular summer season some courses may be offered on a day or evening schedule. Students under eighteen will be welcome to apply for those classes. As well, we anticipate hosting special courses for groups, such as scouting groups, farm organizations, etc. Age appropriate guidelines for these will be on a case by case basis.

Smoking Policy

Because of its threat to the health of all students smoking is not encouraged on the campus. However, considerate outdoor smoking is permitted. During fire season all smoking will be limited to the paved area on the south side of the shop due to fire hazard. Smoking in any building is prohibited.

Pet Policy

Because of potential conflicts with neighboring livestock and our abundant wildlife, student’s pets cannot be accommodated on campus. We can provide a list of boarding options for students unable to leave their pets at home.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Possession and use of alcohol is permitted on the campus, but drunkenness is not. No alcohol consumption during regular class times will be allowed, and no alcohol is permitted in the studio when any work is underway. In the evening during discussions and socializing alcohol is permitted in the studio. Use of intoxicating drugs is regulated by law in Montana. Being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol at the school during classes is not permitted.

Noise Policy

While the school is rural, we are committed to being good neighbors to the folks who live around us. All power hammer operation and any other noisy activities are limited to times between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. Weekend hours will be decided on a case by case basis. Evening activities on campus must be respectful to fellow students and neighbors as well, and after 10:00 PM quiet time must be observed.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If a student must cancel their commitment to take a class prior to the six week cutoff date, full tuition will be refunded minus a $100.00 cancellation fee. Should a cancellation be sought less than six weeks prior to the scheduled class, the school will not be obligated to refund the tuition. The only exceptions will be in the event another student on the waiting list can fill the class on short notice, or that an illness or death in the family of the registrant is the cause of the cancellation. In these cases, the $100.00 cancellation fee will still apply.

The School aims for six students in each workshop. Should the class not fill to that capacity, the School may, at its discretion, choose to cancel the class. Any decisions for cancellation will be made six weeks prior to the scheduled class, and of course would result in a full refund. Every effort will be made to run every class, however an enrollment of fewer than four students is not viable.