Program FAQ

What is Presidential Classroom?

Presidential Classroom is a non-profit, non-partisan civic education organization. We present one-week civic education programs based in Washington, D.C. for high school juniors and seniors.

Why did I receive a brochure?

Enclosed with the brochure is a letter. The text of the letter explains why you are a good candidate to attend a Presidential Classroom program.

How can I get involved in Presidential Classroom?

Request a program brochure here or call toll-free 1-800-441-6533. To enroll, just complete and return a program application (note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this PDF file), verified and signed by your principal.

How do I qualify to become a Presidential Classroom Scholar?

You must be a sophomore, junior or a senior in high school. Seniors may attend the summer after graduation. Juniors may attend the summer before they start their junior year.
You must have at least a "B" average OR rank in the top 25% of you class.
You must show commitment to community or school involvement through participation in co-curricular activities.

How would I benefit from participating in Presidential Classroom?

Increased leadership, public speaking and debate skills.
Presidential Classroom Scholars are eligible to receive college credit for participation in the program from the University of Virginia.
Enhanced entrance potential as colleges and universities emphasize broadening experiences in their admission decisions.
Heightened interest in the American political process and community affairs.
A wider perspective on the country's pressing issues and a greater respect for others' viewpoints.

When could I attend Presidential Classroom?

Visit our program pages for date specific information.

What program is right for me?

The brochure provides details on each program. Also see the program overview and tentative schedule for each program. A good way to approach this may be to determine what program best fits your educational pursuits.

When are the application deadlines for programs?

Like many educational organizations, Presidential Classroom utilizes rolling admissions for all programs. This website will indicate if a class has been closed or filled.

When are the scholarship deadlines:

For the winter programs, the scholarship deadline is Nov. 16.

For the summer programs, the scholarship deadline is March 14

What is the tuition cost of Presidential Classroom programs?

Please visit the program section of the website for program specific prices.

What is included in the cost of the program?

Six nights lodging at the Georgetown University Conference Center (Marriott)
From Sunday dinner through Friday dinner, all breakfasts and dinners will be provided
The program's custom textbook, Outlook and (dependent upon the program, We the People
Transportation within Washington, D.C.
Transfers between Georgetown University Conference Center and area airports and train station
Planned sight-seeing and admission to special events
An evening performance of the Capitol Steps, a political satire group
A graduation banquet and semi-formal dance
24-hour health clinic, on-call doctor and visiting nurses

What happens after I register?

Once we receive your completed application, we will send you a "Welcome Packet" with all the information you will need to prepare for your Presidential Classroom program. The packet includes the Student Handbook, a program brochure, a Student Scheduling form and your invoice. The invoice will state how much you currently owe and when it is due.

What supervision is provided during the program?

Full time staff and program faculty, including a team of instructors and the intern staff, reside at the hotel throughout the program week. You will be assigned to a "Caucus" group of approximately 40 students. Two instructors work with each Caucus Group, acting as the chaperones, mentors, guides and program facilitators for the week.

Presidential Classroom Safety and Security Measures

"Presidential Classroom is committed to providing a safe and non-threatening environment for students and staff at all times. Our first priority is always the safety of the students and we will go to whatever lengths necessary to ensure that safety."

Is Presidential Classroom canceling their program because of the increased security awareness?

At this time, Presidential Classroom is running business as usual. Our first priority is the safety of the students. If student safety or the quality of the program is compromised, Presidential Classroom will take the appropriate steps necessary.

How do you determine whether it is safe to be in DC?

Presidential Classroom has always been concerned about student and staff safety. PC representatives meet the students at designated pick-up points at three (3) regional airports (Reagan National, Dulles International and Baltimore/Washington International) and also at the train station (Union Station). The PC representatives will be wearing red PC shirts with white letters and holding PC signs. The PC representatives will also be wearing PC nametags. The students are then transported by private buses to the Georgetown University Conference Center for registration. The same private buses are the exclusive means of transportation used to move our students to all program locations. Our staff is in direct contact with each other through the use of Nextel (cell phones/2-way radios) and can be reached at all times. (Nextel was the sole cell system that was functioning on 9/11.) Our Student Services Office is open 24 hours a day during the program schedule and is staffed at all times. We have an on-site infirmary with nurse practitioners and a doctor on-call. The students are housed in a Marriott managed hotel on the campus of Georgetown University. The university provides us with their security plus hotel security onsite. The campus is located in a residential area of Washington, D.C. It is also not located above or near the subway system, downtown Washington, Capitol Hill, or federal buildings.

What if there is a terrorist attack?

Our FIRST priority is the safety of the students. It is hard for us to determine what may happen in Washington D.C. as a result of the United States War against Terrorism. If student safety or the quality of the program is compromised, Presidential Classroom will take the appropriate steps necessary. During the Persian Gulf War, September 11th, The Iraqi and Afghanistan invasions and the last rise in terror alerts federal agencies, Congress, and other area businesses continued to remain open in Washington, as did Presidential Classroom. We use past occurrences as a guide for current preparations.

Our first course of action is to gather the students together and safely transport them to the Georgetown University Conference Center (GUCC). We feel that the GUCC is a safe and secure area that can provide proper security, health care, and nourishment in an emergency situation. We will then make arrangements (air, train, bus, etc.) for the students to return home as soon as possible.

If the need arises (and time permits) we are prepared to evacuate the students to a safe place outside of the metro DC area (to a Marriott operated facility, if available). Rest-assured that PC will go to great lengths to ensure their safety. Our first concern is to make sure the students are safe. We will then contact all parents/guardians with their location. Please make sure that we have all emergency contact information.

How do the students travel while in DC?

Students are separated into caucus groups of 40 with two volunteer instructors who oversee the group. Each caucus group travels on chartered buses throughout the metro DC area. Presidential Classroom staff and/or interns also frequently travel on board.

Will someone be at the airport/train station to meet me?

A representative from Presidential Classroom will meet students until 5 p.m. the day of arrival (Sunday). Refer to your Student Handbook to find where to meet our representative. The representatives are easy to recognize -- they will have on red t-shirts or sweatshirts with "Presidential Classroom" on the front. They will also have a "Presidential Classroom" sign.

How do the students travel from airports?

After students arrive at the airport, they are transported onto chartered buses directly to the Georgetown University Conference Center. Presidential Classroom is always concerned about student and staff safety. PC representatives meet the students at designated pick-up points at three (3) regional airports (Reagan National, Dulles International and Baltimore/Washington International) and also at the train station (Union Station). The PC representatives will be wearing red PC shirts with white letters and holding PC signs. The PC representatives will also be wearing PC nametags. The students are then transported by private buses to the Georgetown University Conference Center for registration.

Are the students supervised at all times?

Full time staff and program faculty, including a team of instructors and the intern staff, reside at the hotel throughout the program week. Each student is assigned to a "Caucus" of approximately 40 students with two instructors acting as the chaperones, mentors, guides and program facilitators for the week.

Students will be accounted for via roll calls within each Caucus.
Presidential Classroom staff, interns, and instructors are in constant communication with one another via cell phones and walkie-talkies.
Presidential Classroom staff monitors hotel rooms and hallways each night after curfew and before wake up calls.
Students are chaperoned at all times by Presidential Classroom staff. The only exception is the portion of their time on Capitol Hill spent visiting their congressional offices and time spent at the Smithsonian. When possible, PC staff or instructors will travel with the students to their designated appointments. PC staff will also be centrally located at all federal buildings. Students will be required to check in/out at designated times during these scheduled events.
Students will not be allowed to tour the Smithsonian on their own. Touring will be done in their Caucus groups with PC staff.
Presidential Classroom staff, students, interns, and instructors are required to wear their name tags at all times.
The Presidential Classroom Student Services Office number is listed on the back of each name tag - 202-464-5580. This office is open 24 hours/day during our program season.

What if war breaks out or there is a terrorist attack?

Our first priority is the safety of the students. It is hard for us to determine what may happen in Washington, D.C., as a result of the United States invading Iraq. If student safety or the quality of the program is compromised, Presidential Classroom will take the appropriate steps necessary. During the Persian Gulf War and September 11th, federal agencies, Congress, and other area businesses continued to remain open in Washington, as did Presidential Classroom. We use past occurrences as a guide for current preparations.

Our first course of action is to gather the students together and safely transport them to the Georgetown University Conference Center (GUCC). We feel that the GUCC is a safe and secure area that can provide proper security, health care and nourishment in an emergency situation. We will then make arrangements (air, train, bus, etc.) for the students to return home as soon as possible.

What happens if the airports/train stations close?

If the area airports and train stations close, we will keep students/staff in a safe place until a time that alternative routes are established so they can travel home or be released into the care of their parent/guardian.

What about the hotels and the subway?

GUCC is not widely known as a commercial hotel. Even though it is run by Marriott, it is literally on the campus of Georgetown University and is owned by the University. The hotel is not underneath or near a subway, nor near downtown Washington or federal buildings. We feel the GUCC is a safe, non-threatening area for the students to reside.

Will there be appropriate health care available in case of an emergency?

A health clinic, on-call doctor and nurse practitioner are available 24 hours a day. Presidential Classroom staff is also trained in CPR and First Aid. The GUCC is located immediately adjacent to the Georgetown University Hospital.

How and when will I be contacted if something happens in Washington, D.C.?

Presidential Classroom will contact parents as soon as possible in case of an emergency, after students are properly accounted for and brought to a safe and secure location.

How will I be able to contact my son/daughter if something happens in Washington, D.C.?

The Student Services Office should be the first place you try, at 202-464-5580. If that is not working or overwhelmed with calls, Presidential Classroom has set up an emergency toll-free number. This is for OUTGOING information only. You will not be able to leave a message. Dial 1-800-862-0718 for updates in emergency situations only.

We will post updates on our Web site, at www.presidentialclassroom.org.

What is the refund policy? Will there be a change in refund policy?

If Presidential Classroom continues to run our programs, our refund policy will remain as stated in the Student Handbook. (See table below.) If Presidential Classroom is unable to provide a program, for whatever reason, your monies will be refunded. However, if Presidential Classroom has to cancel mid-week, or while the students are currently in Washington, the tuition will be refunded at a pro-rated amount. You also have the option, instead of canceling, to transfer to another week either later in the spring or in the summer. If the student is a junior in high school, they also have the option of deferring their enrollment to next year.

If you must cancel, please notify us immediately and in writing. We can refund the tuition balance only as indicated. We will not refund tuition for students who are dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons nor for those who leave for medical reasons.

Prior notification: Prorated refund:
30+ days prior to assigned class: 100% refund*
15-29 days: 50% refund
14 or fewer days: No Refund
* Deposits are non-refundable

What is the dress code for Presidential Classroom?

Please reference our Student Handbook for details regarding our dress code.

How many students dress formally for the dance?

Approximately 80% dress in more formal attire than the "business dress" code that is in effect for the rest of the week. You do not have to dress in formal attire, but you may not dress casually for the dance. For more details, see the "Dress Code" section of the Student Handbook.

Is there any time I can dress casually?

You will dress professionally for the majority of the program. You may dress casually when you tour museums on Sunday and during lounge each evening.

I need to change my class date, how do I do that?

Send your request in writing, with a $25 change fee. Be specific about the dates. Please send your request to:

Presidential Classroom Admissions Dept.
119 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Please hold on to all the Welcome Packet materials you received. We will send you a new invoice reflecting the new dates and any updated materials you may need. The majority of the information you have already received will apply to your new class dates.

Special Needs

I have special needs (physical, dietary, religious). What do I need to do?

Make sure that everything is outlined on the back of your application in the dietary/medical section. Include additional details in writing along with the application if there is not enough room. Admissions may call you to discuss details and to clarify everything.

I take medication and need to keep it refrigerated, can you provide me with a refrigerator in my room?

Our infirmary has a refrigerator to store your medicine. If you have special needs that need to be addressed, e-mail us at info@presidentialclassroom.org. You may also call our admissions department to discuss this at 1-800-441-6533.

I have hypoglycemia and need to carry snacks so I can control this condition. Can I do this?

You may carry snacks with you. You need to let us know this before attending the program. You can list this on the back of your application in the medical/dietary area.

Can I be roomed with a friend or fellow classmate?

We do not room students together from the same school or state. We room students together from different schools and parts of the country. This gives students the opportunity to interact with peers from other areas of the country and abroad.

Can I bring a laptop computer/ tape recorder/ camera/ video camera/ cell phone?

You can bring these items, however, you will probably not be able to take them into some of the seminars/events. You will also be responsible for their safety. We require all cell phones to be turned off and stored during seminars, meetings and other times designated by staff.

Can I have visitors during program?

Sorry, but the full schedule does not provide time for visitors. Visitors will need to schedule a time to meet with you before or after your program week. The program will keep you busy from early morning until very late each evening.

What do I do if I need to leave the program early?

You will need to bring a letter to the program stating your request, signed by a parent or guardian. This letter will be your release form to depart the program early.

How much money should I bring?

Your tuition covers all of your meals/hotel (except daily lunches ) and program costs. You may want to purchase souvenirs and the student picture (a large poster size color picture of your class) and weekly CD of the program.. Approximately $150-$200 may be enough. You can also use ATM machines and Travelers checks.

I came to a program and now want to purchase my class photo, what do I do?

Central Photo, who does our group photos, has negatives archived dating back to 2000. You can call them at 202-544-6065.

Can I get my deposit back? I have received my Welcome Packet and now can not come.

If you have been accepted into a program week, the deposit is nonrefundable (as stated on the application that you submitted). We can roll this deposit over to a later week or the next year if you have not graduated. However, even if the deposit is applied to the next year, it is nonrefundable. For other refund policies refer to the Student Handbook.

My schedule has changed and I can not attend this year. I have paid my deposit/tuition and would like to come next year. What do I do?

You will need to notify our admissions department of your change. If you have not graduated, we will transfer over any monies paid to the next program year. In the fall, you will receive a letter and new brochure stating that the funds have been transferred to next year's program. You can then select a program and submit it according to the instructions you will receive. You can let us know about this change by calling admissions at 1-800-441-6533 or e-mailing info@presidentialclassroom.org

Arriving in Washington

Will someone be at the airport/train station to meet me?

See Shuttle Schedule for details on times and refer to your Student Handbook, pages 11 & 12 to find where to meet our representative. The representatives are easy to recognize -- they will have on red t-shirts or sweatshirts with "Presidential Classroom" on the front. They will also have a "Presidential Classroom" sign.

I need to arrive a day early, what do I need to do?

Presidential Classroom does not provide accommodations before or after the attended program week. Please call the admissions department at 1-800-441-6533 for more details.

What if I arrive in DC later than scheduled?

If you arrive close to 5 p.m. or a little after, go to the location listed in the handbook. If the PC staff has left, we suggest you take the Super Shuttle to the hotel (a stand is located at the airport). The cost is less then a taxi and the service is door-to-door. If you need assistance, call our Student Services Office 202-464-5580 and our staff will help you through the process. This applies to any student who arrives later in the evening also.

Preparing for Presidential Classroom

Can you provide me with names of other students or schools in my area that have or are sending students?

We do not give out students' names and addresses. However, we can provide you with contact information for schools in your area that have recently sent students to PC. We need your area code, state, and zip code in order to process your request. You can e-mail this information to admissions at info@presidentialclassroom.org or call 1-800-441-6533.

Should I set up appointments with my congressional offices?

No. Our staff will set up appointments for you. Do not call congressional offices in Washington directly.

How do I prepare for Crossfire sessions?

Refer to the program brochure in your Welcome Packet or see the Program Overview for the specific program you registered for. A good rule of thumb is to look at Crossfires as an exchange of ideas. There is no right/or wrong opinion. Once you pick the topic you are interested in under each session, follow the news and refer to the resources listed in your program brochure. Also, don't forget to return your Crossfire selections at least two weeks before you attend. See the scheduling form included in your packet.

What type of photo ID do I need?

A government-issued ID - a driver's license, military ID, state ID or passport are good choices.

When is my final payment due?

This is normally 6 weeks prior to your participation. The invoice enclosed in your Welcome Packet lists the due date. See your invoice for the exact date.

Financial Assistance FAQ's:

When is the deadline for financial aid applications?

Financial aid applications must be postmarked by the following date:

Winter Sessions - Nov. 16.
Summer sessions - Mar. 7.

Can you send me a financial aid application?

Financial assistance applications are the regular program application. However, along with that application is a list of extra materials that must be submitted.

Who is eligible to receive financial aid?

Financial assistance applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and must demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Please complete the program application (also in the student brochure) and submit the following materials along with your completed application:
A completed PC application with all required signatures
A written recommendation from the principal or a guidance counselor (letter must include student’s GPA)
A copy of your school transcript
A photocopy of the first page of the most recent IRS 1040 tax form filed by each parent you live with
A list of your most prominent school, community and volunteer activities, special recognition, honors, awards and scholarships
An essay - in 100 words or less - describing how participating in Presidential Classroom will help achieve your educational and career goals

Do I have to submit all my financial aid materials at the same time?

No. You may send in the items separately, but we must have them all postmarked by the respective deadlines. We are unable to notify applicants of missing material. We cannot consider incomplete financial aid applications.

Do you accept late financial aid applications?

No. All applications must be postmarked by the respective deadline.

What income level will I need to "demonstrate financial need"?

Each year the income level of successful applications varies. It is based on the number of applications we receive and the amount of funds we have available. The actual income amount will not be determined until we evaluate all financial aid applications, after the deadline.

What happens after I send my financial assistance application in?

If we receive your completed application more than four weeks before the scholarship deadline, you will receive written notification. We encourage you to start the fundraising process as soon as possible!

Do I have to send a deposit if I'm applying for financial aid?

No. Once the financial aid decisions are made (after the deadline), you will receive written notification and an acceptance form. At that time, you decide whether you want to attend the program or not. At that time you will return the acceptance form with your $150 deposit.

If I decide not to attend after I send in my deposit, will it be refunded?

All deposits are non-refundable once you are accepted into the program. We can roll your deposit over to next year if you have not graduated. However, even if the deposit is used for next year it is nonrefundable. For other refund policies refer to the student handbook.

How much financial assistance will I receive

Need-based financial assistance ranges from $100 - $600.

When will I be notified about financial aid?

You will receive written notification approximately 4 weeks after the financial aid deadline.

Will I get my first choice?

Your first choice is not guaranteed. We only have a limited number of funds available for each week. We encourage you to indicate your top three choices. If we cannot put you in one of those choices you will be contacted.

What if I am unable to attend the week that I received a financial assistance for?

If you have not returned your acceptance form, please call Presidential Classroom. If you have already returned your acceptance form and paid your deposit you may change to another program based on availability. You must send your request in writing, along with a $25 change fee to:

Presidential Classroom Admissions
119 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Do you have college scholarships?

No. Our scholarships are only for students to attend Presidential Classroom.