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:11/03/2023

  Type:Product 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.

  The business has poor communication practices, and the admissions process is unclear. They do not follow the process advertised. I attended an open house in April, applied the same day of the tour, and paid the $50 application fee. I was told parents of current students had until May 1 to decide if they wanted to re-enroll and then outside students would be considered. On May 17, I inquired about the status of my application with the admissions officer. I was told my daughter was included in the count for kindergarten and the next step was testing. I was also given a list of additional forms to submit including medical documents that required a $15 fee for the pediatrician to complete, and was asked to pay a $65 fee to have her tested. My daughter was tested on June 14. On June 27, I emailed the admissions officer to inquire about the test results and to schedule an interview. I received no response to that email. On August 3, I again inquired about the status of the application with the admissions counselor since school was starting on August 21. We went to their office where I was told there were two spots left and they were still waiting on decisions from current parents despite the May 1 deadline and confirming earlier in the summer that my daughter had been included in the count for the upcoming school year. We verbally discussed the test results and they proceeded to schedule an interview with the Director. We set a date of August 7. On August 4, I requested to reschedule because of an unanticipated medical appointment at the same time. I explained this via email but never received a response. I decided not to follow up. I still haven't heard back from the school, not even a communication to say thank you for applying but your child was not selected to attend. Unfortunately, I know three other parents who had the same experience.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/03/2023

  The appropriate business name is Grace Christian Academy of Maryland, not Grace Brethren Christian School

  Business Response

  Date: 12/01/2023

  To Whom It May Concern:
  
  My name is ***************************, and I am the Director of School here at Grace Christian Academy of Maryland.  ******************** has not been the head of school for over 15+ years.  I apologize for the delay as this just came to my attention.  After speaking with our Admission Director, we are issuing ************************* a refund in the amount of $80.00 for her testing fee and for the pediatrician.  The $50 application fee is non-refundable, and **************** was informed that this fee was non-refundable. 

  We consider this matter closed at this junction.

  ***************************, Director of School

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/11/2023

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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,
  
  ****** ******