Frequently Asked Questions (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 sophomores, 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. We also work with a number of educators and partners to highlight our programs.
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 the online registration form.
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 (3.0 GPA).
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.
What program is right for me?
This website 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?
Unless otherwise noted on the website, 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 Mar. 15
What is the tuition cost of Presidential Classroom programs?
Prices change from program to program. Please visit the program page on the website and begin the registration process to see the price of specific programs.
What is included in the cost of the program?
Six nights lodging at the Georgetown University Conference Center
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, DC
Transfers between Georgetown University Conference Center and two area airports Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Union Station train station
Planned sight-seeing and admission to special events
Transportation within Washington, DC
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.
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.
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 the student?
A representative from Presidential Classroom will meet students until 4 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 polo shirts or sweatshirts with "Presidential Classroom" on the front. They will also have a large "Presidential Classroom" sign.
What is the refund policy?
If you must cancel, please notify us immediately. We can refund the tuition balance only as indicated below. We will not refund tuition for students who are dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons nor for those who leave for medical reasons.
Refund Schedule:
Prior notification: Prorated refund:
90 - 120 days before start: 100% refund*
31 - 89 days before start: 50% refund
30 days or fewer days before start: No Refund
* Application fee is non-refundable
I have special needs (physical, dietary, religious). What do I need to do?
Make sure that everything is outlined on your online application in the medical section. Include additional details in writing if there is not enough room. Student Services may call you to discuss details and to clarify everything.
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 refundable in accordance with the published refund schedule (see Refund Policy). We can roll the deposit/tuition over to a later week or the next year if you have not graduated. The application fee is non-refundable.
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 any monies paid over to the next program year. You can let us know about this change by e-mailing info@presidentialclassroom.org.
I need to arrive a day early, what do I need to do?
Presidential Classroom does not provide accommodations or transportation before or after the registered program week. Please call the Student Services office at 1-800-441-6533 for more details.
What if I arrive in DC later than scheduled?
If you arrive close to 4 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 1-800-441-6533 and our staff will help you through the process. This applies to any student who arrives later in the evening also.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Please complete the program application online and submit the following materials:
A written recommendation from the teacher or a guidance counselor (letter to 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.
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?
All applications are reviewed by the scholarship committee and you will receive written notification. We also encourage you to start the fundraising process as soon as possible!
Do I have to pay a deposit if I'm applying for financial aid?
Yes, you will submit your online application with paid deposit and submit the required scholarship documents. The financial aid review process will begin after the deadline. Once the financial aid decisions are made, you will receive written notification and an acceptance form. At that time, you decide whether you want to accept the award or not. If you accept the award, you must sign and return the acceptance form.