Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/16/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I want to finish the program free of charge and want my credit report update to reflect paid I had some life situations that stopped me after 2 years in to this program to still see this on my credit report and balance due So I started paying again then I found out they made this diploma seem real but it's not it's considered fake Or I want my 224.72$ back plus 275.28 $ pain and suffering for a lie and all them exams=500,$ and this off my credit report or updated correctly 3rd option if I could of gotten my transcripts but I have tried and accredited credits I could transfer where i can start where I am with a real accredited school but SCI credits are not recognized or I can still receive my diploma under the flyers I got that says this is equal to a high school diploma under the time when I enrolled I did not receive information about the settlement agreement in any form My address i recently updated and phone number with SCI but I recently moved and gotten a better phone plan I've attached to file

  Business Response

  Date: 03/31/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated March 16, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******** enrolled in our High School program on February 23, 2012. The initial cost of the program was $689.00, payable in 18 equal monthly installments of $37.72 with a down payment of $10.00.  The High School program consists of 18 modules and 66 corresponding exams. Ms. ******** successfully completed 47 corresponding exams as of August 1, 2014.  Included with the first module was the course syllabus, detailing the contents and subject matter for each module in the program.  Within the syllabus, the following disclaimer is included:“Please Note that although this program offers a comprehensive range of subject matter, that it is not, nor intended to be, a substitute for state sponsored High School and GED programs. Particular schools and employers may not recognize completion of this program as high school equivalency.”This information is also available on our website, ******************* in the FAQ section, and is accessible at all times through eService which is an online platform that students may register for free of charge. This online platform contains a wide variety of services available such as online payment, unofficial transcripts and exam submission. According to our records, Ms. ******** is registered for eService and submitted the majority of her exams utilizing this online platform.Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. All students are given 5 calendar days in which to evaluate their program and first study package. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******** file, no cancellation request was received by any method.I have reviewed all correspondence and notes in Ms. ********’ file and noted that the student was advised on January 11, 2016 by telephone that the file was forwarded to an outside collection agency on September 16, 2014for the outstanding balance $497.03. Information on how to resume was provided at that time, as well as several subsequent instances by phone and e-mail, up to and including August 1, 2024. The course can be re-activated upon receipt of $494.28, which includes a $30.00 re-activation fee.While we acknowledge Ms. ********’ complaint, SCI has not misrepresented the program at any time and no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/03/2025

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.They stated this to be the same as high school diploma when I first enrolled but I see. Now it's different terms now that they are not the same i would have not enrolled in that school I did the work because of terms not that they would change and they are not accredited company needs to remove themselves from my credit and refund my $ there was a lawsuit against them I just found out about. I never got contacted. Regards, D ********

  Business Response

  Date: 04/14/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated April 3, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Unfortunately no alternative arrangements are available and we would encourage Ms. ********’ to reach out to the FTC directly if she was not previously contacted regarding any potential settlement.As previously stated, the course can be re-activated upon receipt of $494.28, which includes a $30.00 re-activation fee.While we again acknowledge Ms. ********’ complaint, SCI has not misrepresented the program at any time and no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/04/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up to take a course several years ago and only paid the first payment. I only logged into it one time. It just wasn't a good fit for me. I inquired about cancelation but got no response. I'm really surprised to see this on my credit report all these years later. I never completed an assignment. Can they please take this off my credit report?

  Business Response

  Date: 02/18/2025

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated February 5, 2025, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ********. Having reviewed Ms. ********’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******** enrolled in our Medical Billing Specialist program on ***** 20, 2020 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ******** on ***** 20, 2020 in a digital format as per her selection on her enrollment application.During the online enrollment process, Ms. ******** was presented with the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee which contains our cancellation policy. As outline in the cancellation policy, a student may cancel within the first 5 days of enrollment with no cancellation fees. The cancellation request may be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax or mail. Alternatively a student may contact our Student Services department to cancel by telephone.Ms. ******** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on May 15, 2020, to request the cancellation of her program. Her program was subsequently cancelled and a cancellation fee of $79.80 was applicable as per the terms and conditions of the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee. A letter confirming the cancellation, along with a breakdown of the cancellation fees, was issued to the mailing address on file on May 20, 2020. A subsequent reminder was sent on June 9, 2020. Neither letter was returned to our office nor was there any further communication received from Ms. ********, verbal or written.  The file was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency for the amount of $79.80 on July 16, 2020.Although Ms. ******** requested the cancellation of her program beyond the first 5 days of enrollment, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ********’s file and waive the remaining account balance. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I enrolled in a Computer Repair course on 12/1/24. I took the 3 exams for the 1st module on 12/4/24. My next module was supposed to be sent as soon as I took the 2nd exam. It has not been sent yet. I have contacted them 4 times concerning this. They responded last week (12/13/24) telling me that the module would be sent to me this week, it has not been sent. If they cannot fulfill their contract with me, that is breach of contract. As of today, it has been over 2 weeks since my next module should have been sent to me.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2025

  
  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 23, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *******. Having reviewed Mr. *******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.
  Mr. ******* enrolled in our PC Repair program on December 1, 2024 through our website, ******************** at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 and provided payment in full at the time of enrollment. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ******* in a digital format as per Mr. *******’s selection during his enrollment.
  Mr. ******* initially contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on December 6, 2024 to advise he completed his first module and inquired when his second module would be issued. As per SCI’s policy, the subsequent module in any student’s program is issued automatically once the next to last exam in the current module has been submitted for grading, provided the account remains in good standing. Upon review of Mr. *******’s file, the second module in the PC Repair program has been updated however due to an unfortunate technical issue, the module was not shipped. Our IT department has been notified and are diligently working to resolve this issue.
  
  Once the technical issue has been resolved, the module will be expedited and Mr. ******* will be notified by e-mail. We offer our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this delay has caused. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor
  Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/05/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased the couse on 11/27/2024, $499. $20. Down payment and Monthly payments of $32. When I signed up I specifically ask to confirm with the rep when they ship the 1st of 6 text books to send it via my partners name. He confirmed, absolutely no problem. Was sent to me from said rep: **** ****** C/O ***** *****. ***** has lived in his home for almost 30 years. We receive weekly packages never a problem. His name is on the mail box, hence the C/O with my name. Problem: followed and waited on the package, and it was returned to sender. Post Office reached out to confirm this issue and told me there should be no reason for mix up and or charge if return to sender, we spoke yesterday. 3 times I've called back to have them resend, I was informed I had to pay $30. to reship, so I canceled, now they want to charge me a cancelation fee $75. for an invisible product I never received and refuse to let me speak to a supervisor. I consider thief! solution: I was told via email to change the account to my partner name, as you can see this completely defeats the point of registering for a course to get thier company certification in my name.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/12/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 7, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Drafting With AutoCAD program on November 21, 2024 through our Admissions department, at the deeply discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on November 27, by USPS Priority Post to the address provided by Ms. ****** upon enrollment. An e-mail containing the tracking information was issued to the e-mail address provided by Ms. ****** on November 27, 2024 as per standard procedure.According to the attached USPS tracking information, the module was returned as ‘Addressee Unknown’ on November 30, 2024. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on December 2, 2024 to advise us that the module was returned to our offices and requested that it be re-shipped. As per Stratford Career Institute’s policy, a $30.00 fee is applicable to re-ship material that has been returned to our offices. Ms. ******’s file was verified and the student confirmed the address on file was correct however Ms. ****** declined to pay the shipping fee. As there was no error in shipping the material, the fee cannot be waived. An e-mail was issued to Ms. ******’s e-mail address advising the student of our shipping policy and a copy of the USPS tracking information was provided to her for review. Ms. ****** was advised to contact her local Post Office for more information as it was her mail carrier that marked the original shipment as ‘Addressee Unknown’.  Unfortunately, even with the tracking information presented, Ms. ****** declined to investigate further with her mail carrier and maintained that the address on file was correct. Ultimately, Ms. ****** opted to cancel by e-mail on December 4, 2024 since her request to re-ship the material at no charge was declined. Unfortunately no refund was applicable as the cancellation request was received past the first 5 days of enrollment. This information is located in the tuition contract which is also attached for Ms. ******’s review.Although there was clearly no error in shipping by Stratford Career Institute, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance.  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H** Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/19/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Hi John, thank you for your response yesterday, as I mentioned my reason for canceling was simply I never received my textbook delivery. I immediately tried next day of said delivery to  connec with the post office, they recorded my claim and said someone would contact me. Once the Postmaster called, they confirmed it was sent back to sender for unknown occupant and to no fault of my own.  We receive packages, mail all the time. My partner ***** ***** has been living there for 30 years,  and I for almost 7 years now. Starton would not reason with me, and I truly just want to take the course. I did not want to cancel. Ironically, they sent me the bill for the cancelation fee and I received it no problem they addressed it exactly how they mailed the package to me. Perhaps you can help with mitigating this issue, so that I might have the opportunity to continue service with them. Please let me know when you have heard from them. Thank you for your time,**** ****** ###-###-####    

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 19, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.As per our previous response, Ms. ******’s file has been closed with no balance owed. Should Ms. ****** wish to resume the AutoCAD program, the fee of $30.00 to re-ship the material will remain applicable and she is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Made a payment to the Stratford Career institute that cleared my bank on October 6th and the amount of 3363 October 17th I received a letter stating that the payment did not go through due to internal error and that I owed 3363 along with a $30 administrative fee upon looking at my account it said a $30 Bank fee but my bank cleared the payment and they have received it and they received it before the letter was even sent out

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated October 17, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by August **********. Having reviewed ****** **********’s file, I am pleased to provide the following information.****** ********** enrolled in our Legal Assistant/Paralegal program on ****** 29, 2024 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $524.50 or 15 payments of $33.63 with an initial down payment of $20.00. As per the online enrollment application, ****** ********** authorized 15 monthly payments of $33.63 with the ****** **** information provided for the $20.00 down payment. Tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment. As per ****** **********’s authorization on the enrollment application, a payment of $33.63 was attempted with the ****** **** on September 30, 2024 however it was rejected. A second attempt, as per SCI’s policy, was attempted on October 4, 2024 for the same amount, $33.63. The payment attempt was ultimately returned as ‘Insufficient Funds’ and a $30.00 NSF fee was applied to the account. An online payment of $33.63, made through ****** **********’s e-Service account, was subsequently received on October 7, 2024. I have authorized our Accounts department to remove the $30.00 NSF and an updated financial statement has been sent by e-mail to the e-mail address on the student’s file.Going forward, we would encourage August ********** to contact our Student Services department directly regarding any questions or concerns with their account and an Instructor will be happy to assist.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/18/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  Regards, ****** **********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/07/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The date the transaction occured was sometime in August of 2023. I do not have an exact date because it was over a year ago. Basically, I was interested in a creative writing program, but I was a victim of fraud and my credit cards were closed for my protection. Stratford were not able to charge me so they never sent my materials. They claimed to have sent them, but I never received them. They never called me about my program so I thought the charges didn't come through due to my cards being closed down. They never contacted me, but sent me straight to collections. I explained to the rep that I no longer was interested in the coursework as a year had nearly passed. Their rep was very empathetic and said he would take care of it. However that never happened. I kept receiving harassing calls from the company to either continue with the course or pay a cancellation fee for a course I did not need. I want to stop being harassed and I want my credit report fixed and updated. I have completed more than one program with them and even recommended them to other colleagues. I am very disappointed at their inflexibility and methods to unfairly extort money from me. I can't remember if the $30 deposit they asked for went through because I had to shut my ATM card around the same time; I'd like that back if possible as I received no services OR materials from them.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/11/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated October 8, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* ***********. Having reviewed Ms. ***********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. *********** enrolled in our Writing Stories For Children program on August 21, 2023 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 15 payments of $31.93 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. *********** August 23, 2023 via USPS Priority Post mail. As per the attached tracking information, this first shipment was successfully delivered on August 25, 2023 to the address provided by Ms. *****. As per the terms and conditions of the Tuition Contract & Service Agreement that was provided to Ms. *********** at the time she submitted her online enrollment application, and on which her electronic signature is recorded indicating she agreed to the terms of said contract, a tuition payment was due every 30 days from the date of enrollment. No tuition payments were successfully received despite several invoices and tuition reminders being sent to the mailing address on file.No correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms. *********** until June 28, 2024 at which time she contacted our Student Services department to inquire about receiving telephone calls from a collection agency. It was explained to Ms. *********** that her file was forwarded to an outside collection agency on March 18, 2024 for the outstanding balance of $509.00 due to non-payment of her account. Information was also provided at that time on how to re-activate her file however no payments were subsequently received. While the balance of $509.00 is justified, as a gesture of goodwill, the file can be closed for the amount of $149.80. Ms. *********** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements. Upon receipt of $149.80, the file will be closed and the collection agency will be notified accordingly.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated October 17, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* ***********. Having reviewed Ms. ***********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. *********** enrolled in our Writing Stories For Children program on August 21, 2023 through our website, ******************* and provided the mailing address that is currently on file, **** ******** **** *** *** in Downey, CA. As per the previously attached the enrollment application, the address provided was submitted by Ms. *********** as per the automated process. No manual or system intervention occurred, contrary to Ms. ***********’ statement.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/17/2024

  Dear Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I have paid over $1000 buying programs from Stratford, and never had a complaint. In 2023, I never received the materials and that is a fact. I didn't receive any services from them and that is a fact too. They are set on making me pay for something I didn't receive and are taking a punitive stance rather than working with me to resolve this in a fair and empathetic manner. I teach high school seniors and have referred many graduates to them. Business relationships are about creating win-win situations.This is unfortunate because I had planned on continuing my education with them in my future endeavors, but after this horrible experience I will never buy any future programs from them. I will also no longer refer my graduating seniors to them. We are the largest high school in California and the 2nd largest high school in the nation; we were the last high school in the United States to go traditional and leave the multi-track system. I am a National Board Certified teacher and was department chair for 9 years; I have never encountered in my 27 years of teaching such an unyielding institution.My score is now at a 680 when it was in the 700s. I won't BUY my score; this company wants to extort me into either buying their program or paying them a fee to buy my credit back. This is not going to happen as they mailed it to the wrong address. They had my correct address in 2021 when I completed my Business Management program.I have paid everyone of my bills and creditors 100% of the time and that is indicated on my credit report. My credit will go back up next year when I pay off my car loan among other things, but my memory of Stratford Career Institute will remain a negative one, and this unlike my score will be unchanging. I now understand why and I quote Google in stating: "Stratford Career Institute is not accredited by any recognized educational agency in the United States or Canada." This says a lot and then some when your own country does not recognize you as an educational institution. I no longer need the services Business Better Bureau in trying to resolve this conflict with Stratford. Thank you for your efforts.Respectfully, ******* ***********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/09/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was supposed to be sent educational materials. When I enrolled in April. After about 30 days I called in to ask about the status of my educational material. They advised that they already sent it and it was signed for. I work from home and I have never received let alone signed for anything. I asked that it be sent again and they guaranteed that they would send the materials and I would have to sign for it and after waiting over a month I called about not getting the materials. I advised a representative from Stratford that I would like to withdraw from the course due to not getting the materials. I was advised that I had signed for the materials and I advised that I had never signed for anything. They advised they would try to get me refunded for my deposit but there was no guarantee and I would get an email about it. Instead of getting an email I got a letter stating I owe the total $485.00 for the course but how could they be charging me for something I never got!

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2024

  
  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 12, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *****. Having reviewed Ms. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.
  
  Ms. ***** enrolled in our Florist/Floral Design program on April 29, 2024 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $475.00 or 13 payments of $30.33 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. Harmon on May 1, 2024 via USPS Priority Post mail. As per the attached tracking information, this first shipment was successfully delivered on May 4, 2024 to the address provided by Ms. *****. 
  
  Ms. ***** subsequently contacted our Student Services department by telephone on May 23, 2024 to advise that she did not receive the first shipment of material. The mailing address on file was verified and confirmed by Ms. ***** and as an exception, a second shipment of the first module was sent at no charge via USPS, signature-required. I have attached the tracking information for this second shipment which shows the module was successfully delivered on June 1, 2024 and signed for by ‘M. *****’.
  
  Ms. ***** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on June 26, 2024 to cancel the program, claiming she did not receive either shipment of the first module.  The student was advised at that time that the full balance of the account would become immediately due and payable as her account was in arrears. This policy corresponds to the Tuition Contract & Service Agreement that was provided to Ms. ***** at the time she submitted her online enrollment application and on which her electronic signature is recorded indicating she agreed to the terms of the contract. 
  
  Unfortunately no refund is applicable however as a gesture of goodwill, the file can be closed for the amount of $105.00. Ms. ***** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements.
  
  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor 
  Student Servic
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/06/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  To whom it may concern, I ******* ******* is filing. Complaint on Stratford career institute because I process a test and use the wrong exam number and it es a mistake and I wrote to them also about it. It was for funeral services course and they don’t check the exams and I also see other people’s complaints.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 6th, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******* *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******’ file, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******* enrolled in our Funeral Service Education program on May 1st, 2021 at the discounted tuition price of $688.87 or 19 monthly payments of $35.73 with a $10.00 down payment.  The program consists of 5 modules and 16 corresponding lessons. Ms. ******* has completed the first three exams in the first module with an overall average grade of 54%. The minimum passing overall average to be eligible for the diploma upon completion is 70%. According to our records, Ms. ******* failed the first attempt of each of the three exams submitted to date. As per school policy, when a student receives a score of less than 70% on the first attempt a second attempt is permitted. The maximum score possible for a second attempt is 70%, which is a passing grade. Ms. ******* has submitted a second attempt of the first and third exam however no second attempt of the second exam has been received. All attempts were submitted through our online platform, eService. As exams are not proctored, all submissions received via eService are considered final. I have reviewed all attempts of each exam submitted to date, which I have attached for Ms. *******’ review and noted that there are no duplicate submissions. Additionally the answers submitted for each exam do not appear to correspond to any other exam, which may have been submitted in error. Ms. ******* is welcome to review her answers for the second exam, CJB1B2, and submit the second attempt at her convenience. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/26/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I’m taking a course thru this Stratford Career institute and they supposedly mailed materials to my home tracking number shows delivered by usps.I did not receive, I filed complaint with usps and being the package was not insured they can not do anything with complaint. Now the school is trying to charge me for another book after agreed price of class was signed.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/26/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 26, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’s file, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr. ***** enrolled in our Private Investigator program on May 27, 2024 through our website* ******************* at the discounted tuition price of $584.10 or 18 monthly payments of $31.89 with a $10.00 down payment.  The program consists of 4 modules and 12 corresponding lessons. Mr. ***** has successfully completed the first three modules in the program. The fourth module, CTF4, was shipped to the mailing address on file on July 3, 2024, where the three previous modules were successfully delivered. The United States Postal Service confirms the module was successfully delivered on July 8, 2024 as per the attachments and no further documentation to the contrary has been provided by either USPS or Mr. *****.The first shipment of any module in the program is included in the above-mentioned tuition. A replacement fee is applicable once there is confirmation that a module has been successfully delivered. Unfortunately Stratford Career Institute is not liable for any material that is subsequently lost, stolen or destroyed. Mr. ***** was informed of this each time he contacted Stratford Career Institute to inform Student Services that he did not receive the module.  While the fee to issue a replacement module cannot be waived, as per the e-mail correspondence sent to Mr. ***** on July 26, 2024, the module will be re-shipped ‘Signature required’ once the applicable fee of $53.69 is received.Mr. ***** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements for the replacement of his fourth module and an Instructor will be happy to assist him.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H**lSupervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/29/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Regards, **** ***** If they follow up with the postal service and speak with them they will say it was not delivered and they don’t now where it was delivered to.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/05/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 29, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by **** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’s file, I am pleased to provide the following information.While we understand that Mr. ***** is not satisfied with SCI’s reply, our policy regarding replacement modules has been provided to him and unfortunately the material will not be re-shipped at no charge.  While the fee to issue a replacement module cannot be waived, as per the e-mail correspondence sent to Mr. ***** on July 26, 2024, the module will be re-shipped ‘Signature required’ once the applicable fee of $53.69 is received.Mr. ***** is welcome to contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements for the replacement of his fourth module and an Instructor will be happy to assist him.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/05/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid for Childcare Business Management program. What I was not told was that their school is not accredited and that the certificate I will be receiving is useless. I thought that I would be able to use this certification to get a job working in daycare. The only information they gave was that they do not call potential employers or financial institutions. I feel that if a school is not accredited, they should not be allowed to continue doing educational programs. This puts a lot of people out of hard-earned money.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 5, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *********. Having reviewed Ms. *********’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ********* enrolled in our Child Day Care Management program on February 29, 2024 through our website, *******************. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ********* on March 21, 2024. The initial cost of the program was $649.00 with a $10.00 down payment or 18 monthly payments of $35.50.Ms. ********* stated in her complaint that she was not advised that Stratford Career Institute is not accredited and no one advised her the diploma would be accepted. I would submit the following facts:The Child Day Care Management Program offered by our school was never intended to provide students with either state certification or licensing and has never been advertised as such. No verbal or written claim of accreditation is made by Stratford Career Institute. In fact, a descriptive course outline is available on the same website that Ms. ********* utilized to enroll in the Child Day Care Management program and contains the following clarification, which is featured prominently:“This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeship.”Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. All students are given 5 calendar days in which to evaluate their program and first study package. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. *********’s file, no cancellation request was received by any method and Ms. ********* has successfully completed the program and all financial obligations.It is obvious that Stratford Career Institute has not in any way, verbally or in writing, misrepresented its Child Day Care Management program and therefore no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/22/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Due to this school holding no accreditation regionally or nationally, the dipoma is useless. Had I had been made aware of this i would not have chosen this school. The diploma itself will hold no merits to getting a job because the diploma has no value whatsoever accept that i attended this school. I would at least like to have half my money back. Jobs are not guaranteed even in accredited schools, but it is pretty bad when you're told the diploma can't be used due to it isn't from an accredited school. Regards, ******** *********

  Business Response

  Date: 07/23/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 23, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *********. Having reviewed Ms. *********’s files, I am pleased to reiterate the following information.Ms. ********* enrolled in our Child Day Care Management program on February 29, 2024 through our website, *******************. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ********* on March 21, 2024. The initial cost of the program was $649.00 with a $10.00 down payment or 18 monthly payments of $35.50.Ms. ********* stated in her complaint that she was not advised that Stratford Career Institute is not accredited and no one advised her the diploma would be accepted. I would submit the following facts:The Child Day Care Management Program offered by our school was never intended to provide students with either state certification or licensing and has never been advertised as such. No verbal or written claim of accreditation is made by Stratford Career Institute. In fact, a descriptive course outline is available on the same website that Ms. ********* utilized to enroll in the Child Day Care Management program and contains the following clarification, which is featured prominently:“This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill legal requirements of particular state licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeship.”Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. All students are given 5 calendar days in which to evaluate their program and first study package. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. *********’s file, no cancellation request was received by any method and Ms. ********* has successfully completed the program and all financial obligations.It is obvious that Stratford Career Institute has not in any way, verbally or in writing, misrepresented its Child Day Care Management program and therefore no refund, in full or in partial, is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services