Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Who We Are
Silicon Valley Chess Academy ("SVC Academy," "we," "us," or "our") is a children's chess education program serving students ages 4–12 across the San Francisco Bay Area, including campuses in Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and Cupertino.We are committed to protecting the privacy of the children in our program and their families. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have as a parent or guardian.Because our program is directed toward children under the age of 13, we comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA). All personal information is collected from parents or guardians only — never directly from children.
2. Information We Collect
‍We collect information only from parents and guardians during the registration process. We do not collect personal information directly from children.
‍From Parents & Guardians:
‍Full name and contact details (email address, phone number)
Child's first and last name
Child's age and date of birthChild's chess experience level
Payment information (processed securely through our payment provider; we do not store card details)
Any special notes you choose to share (e.g., allergies, behavioral considerations)
‍We Do Not Collect:
‍Information directly from children
Social Security numbers or government IDs
Precise geolocation data
Biometric data
3. How We Use Your Information
‍We use the information we collect solely to operate and improve our chess program. Specifically, we use it to:
Enroll your child in classes and manage attendance
Communicate with you about class schedules, updates, and program news
Send newsletters and program-related announcements
Process payments for classes and packages
Respond to your questions and support requests
Ensure the safety and well-being of all students
We will never use your information for purposes unrelated to our program without your explicit consent.
4. Photo & Video Policy
‍We take monthly photos at each campus to celebrate student progress and share the joy of chess with our community. These photos may be used on our website, Instagram, Facebook, newsletters, and for internal program records.📸  Photo & Video Use Requires Your Opt-In
We will only photograph or use images of your child if you have given us explicit written consent. You will be asked to opt in during registration. You may withdraw consent at any time by emailing kids@sv-chess.com.
‍How photos may be used (with consent):
‍SVC Academy website (sv-chess.com)
Official SVC Academy social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook)
SVC Academy newsletters and email communicationsInternal program documentation and records
‍Our commitments:We will never sell or license photos of your child to any third party
We will never tag children by full name on public social media
Photos used on social media will show groups of students, not individual identifiable portraits, unless you have specifically consented to individual useYou may request removal of any photo at any time

Class Guidelines

1. Trial ClassWe offer a free trial class to all new students so you and your child can experience SVC Academy before committing to a package.Fill out our registration form at sv-chess.com/svc-academy/registrationYou will receive an email with class details and confirmationNo payment required for the trial class
2. Levels & Pricing
‍Students are placed into one of four levels based on their USCF rating and experience. Each level has its own class length and pricing. Packages offer significant savings over drop-in rates.

Packages you can find here - https://sv-chess.com/svc-kids/packages

3. Package Details
Half Winter Season — 5-Class Package (10% off)5 classes to be used within the seasonIdeal for families wanting structured learning with some flexibility
‍Winter Season — 10-Class Package (20% off)10 classes over the full season (approx. 12 weeks)Best value for consistent learners
‍Drop-In ClassesJoin any class without a long-term commitmentPlease email us in advance to confirm availability: kids@sv-chess.comNo refunds for missed or canceled drop-in classes
‍Seasonal PassIncludes both regular classes and tournament participation throughout the seasonSupports consistent progress and competitive developmentContact us for Seasonal Pass pricing and availability
‍
4. Attendance & Refund PolicyAttendancePlease notify us by email if your child cannot attend a class: kids@sv-chess.comMake-up classes are not offered, but package holders may use remaining classes flexibly within the season
‍Refund Policy — 5 & 10-Class PackagesFull refund available if canceled within the first 2 classes and the student is not satisfiedPartial refund available if canceled before 4 attended classes or within one month (whichever comes first) — cost of attended classes will be deductedNo refund after 4 attended classes or beyond one month
‍Refund Policy — Drop-In ClassesNo refunds for missed or canceled drop-in classes
5. Behavior ExpectationsSVC Academy is a respectful, focused learning environment. We expect all students to:Treat peers, coaches, and the learning space with respectStay focused and engaged during classFollow instructions from coaches promptlyBehave appropriately in online classes (camera on, minimal distractions)
‍Three-Strikes Policy: Disruptive behavior will be addressed with a verbal warning (Strike 1), a parent notification (Strike 2), and possible removal from the program (Strike 3). We will always communicate with parents before escalating.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups do you teach? We teach students ages 4–14, grouped by skill level rather than age.
‍Can my child join mid-season? Yes! Drop-in classes and the flexible 5-class package are great options for joining mid-season.
‍Are make-up classes available? We do not offer make-up classes. However, package holders have flexibility to attend within the season window.
‍How are students placed into levels? Placement is based on USCF rating. New students without a rating are assessed during the free trial class.
‍Are online classes available? Yes! Online classes are available for all levels. Contact us for scheduling details.
‍How do I register? Visit sv-chess.com/svc-academy/registration or email us at kids@sv-chess.com.

‍