ComplaintsforBerkeley Forest School

• Initial Complaint

  05/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Berkeley Forest School (BFS) has great teachers. We love teachers *******, ***** and *****. But if your situation doesn't fit the standard model of pay and attend with no questions asked or issues, you should read on.Our son, who is neurodivergent, encountered significant challenges in accessing the services provided by BFS. Prior to enrolling him, we diligently communicated his diagnosis and our concerns to the Director, *****, who assured us of her understanding and support. However, our experience has been quite different. Our attempts to recover a refund of over $2000 have been met with delays, unfulfilled promises, and ultimately, silence from *****.1/ Thanksgiving ? Camps Refund: On Nov 21, 2023, we formally requested a refund for the Winter '24 and Spring '24 camps. On Dec 27, 2023, ***** confirmed our eligibility for a refund without specifics. When discussed on Feb 6, 2024, since she was able to fill his spot, she proposed a $750 refund, which we have yet to receive.2/ Change of Attendance Refund: We sought an adjusted tuition after changing our son's attendance from three days a week to two days a week for the current quarter already paid. Despite our inquiry on Nov 8, 2023, it wasn't until Feb 6, 2024, that ***** proposed a refund of $1994, which we have yet to receive.3/ Our son withdrew from BFS on Feb 5, 2024, because it was not the right fit. The next day we initiated a 45-minute review with ***** of all payments made and monies owed. She asked for additional time to review. On Feb 23, 2024, she confirmed she would process our refund, and despite half a dozen reminders, we have yet to receive any refund.Having fulfilled all contractual obligations, we find it deeply concerning that the refund remains outstanding. The lack of transparency and oversight of the school's financial management raises serious questions about its integrity. Regrettably, our experience appears to be far from isolated, as other parents have shared similar stories.

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns raised by a family regarding Berkeley Forest School. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all our students. At Berkeley Forest School, each child is valued and cared for, and we strive to provide accommodations that are always in the best interest of the child, their family, and the community.

  Regarding the refund in question, we have reviewed the situation. A check was issued to the family for the amount corresponding to the services that were not rendered. However, the refund was not for the full amount requested, as partial services were provided during the time in question. I see that the family opted not to deposit the check issued by our school, and expressed dissatisfaction with the refund process. I will reach out to this family directly and see how we can achieve resolution here. 

  The family has also mentioned a previous complaint by another family. It is important to clarify that the referenced case involved a request for a refund after the deadline for such refunds had passed, which is a different circumstance from the current issue.

  Berkeley Forest School remains committed to addressing any concerns fairly. We lean on our policies so that we can ****** a fair and positive relationship with all our families where expectations are clear. Thank you for your understanding and for allowing us the chance to clarify this matter.

  Customer response

  05/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 21684900
  
  I am rejecting this response because we have not received a check for any refund amount from Berkeley Forest School. 

  On Feb 23, 2024 ****** the Director, wrote to us that, "... Processing a refund is not instantaneous. There is additional paperwork involved, which I do not expect you to be aware of. I will be in touch when that is completed, and a check will be mailed to you.. ." Since that email we have received no communication that the refund has been processed nor that a check has been mailed. We have also not received any check physically nor electronically. 

  We look forward to resolving this matter and any justification for a refund amount that was not previously discussed on Feb 6, 2024 live on a phone call with *****. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩