School Closure & Teach‑Out Policy

Purpose:

The School Closure & Teach‑Out Policy ensures that students are protected if FORGE Vocational Training Foundation must close permanently or if a scheduled cohort is interrupted. This policy complies with Washington State private vocational school regulations and guarantees that students receive fair treatment, timely communication, and appropriate refunds or teach‑out options.

Types of Closure

A closure may be:

  • Permanent School Closure
    • The school ceases all operations and will no longer offer training.
  • Program or Cohort Interruption
    • A specific cohort or program is interrupted due to:
    • Instructor illness or departure
    • Facility issues
    • Safety concerns
    • Natural disasters or emergencies
    • Administrative or regulatory requirements

Both situations require clear communication and student protections.

Notification of Closure

If a closure or interruption occurs, FORGE will notify all affected students in writing as soon as reasonably possible.
The notice will include:

  • The date of closure or interruption
  • The reason for the closure
  • Options available to the student
  • Refund information
  • Contact information for school administration

Notifications may be delivered by email, text, or written letter.

Refunds for Permanent School Closure

Teach‑Out Option

If FORGE permanently closes before a student completes the program:

  • Students will receive a full refund of all tuition and fees paid, including any registration fee.
  • Refunds will be issued within 30 calendar days of the closure date.
  • Refunds will be issued to the student or the funding agency, depending on who paid the tuition.

This is required by Washington State private vocational school regulations.

If the school arranges a teach‑out, students may be offered the option to complete their training at:

  • A partner training facility
  • A community or Tribal training center
  • Another approved vocational school
  • A temporary FORGE facility

Teach‑Out Requirements
A teach‑out must:

  • Provide comparable training
  • Maintain safety and instructional quality
  • Allow students to complete remaining hours and competencies
  • Be offered at no additional cost to the student

Students may choose whether to accept the teach‑out or receive a refund.

Refunds for Interrupted Cohorts

Student Records During Closure

If a cohort is interrupted but the school does not permanently close:

  • FORGE will attempt to resume training as soon as safely possible.
  • If training cannot resume within a reasonable timeframe, students may choose:
  • A pro‑rated refund based on hours completed, or
  • A teach‑out option if available

Refunds follow the same timelines and rules as the Refund Policy.

In the event of closure, FORGE will:

  • Secure all student records
  • Maintain records for the required retention period
  • Provide students with copies of their attendance, progress, and completion records upon request

Records will remain accessible even after closure.

Agency Notification

Student Choice

FORGE will notify the appropriate Washington State agency of:

  • Permanent school closure
  • Program interruption
  • Teach‑out arrangements
  • Refunds issued

This ensures compliance with state oversight requirements.

Students always retain the right to choose between:

  • Accepting a teach‑out option, or
  • Receiving a refund

No student will be pressured or required to accept a teach‑out.