Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using OpenClass (“the Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use OpenClass. These terms apply to all users including students, teachers, and visitors.

2. What OpenClass Is

OpenClass is a marketplace platform that connects independent teachers with students seeking to learn new skills. OpenClass does not employ teachers, own teaching venues, or provide instruction directly. Teachers are independent contractors solely responsible for the content, quality, and delivery of their classes.

3. Teacher Requirements

To teach on OpenClass, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Submit a complete teacher application and receive approval from OpenClass
• Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
• Complete an Checkr background check if teaching students under 18
• Create and maintain a free Stripe account to receive payments
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
• Provide accurate and truthful information in your application and class listings
• Hold classes in approved public venues only — private residences are strictly prohibited

4. Platform Fee

OpenClass charges a 20% platform fee on all class registrations. This fee covers payment processing, marketing, platform maintenance, and administrative services. The platform fee is added on top of the teacher's stated price and is paid by the student. Founding Teachers may be eligible for a reduced fee during their introductory period as specified in their teacher agreement.

5. Payments and Taxes

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Teachers receive payouts directly to their connected Stripe account. OpenClass is not responsible for any tax obligations of teachers or students. Teachers are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on their earnings. Stripe may issue 1099-K forms to teachers who meet IRS reporting thresholds.

6. Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations and refunds are governed by our Cancellation Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Service by reference.

7. Prohibited Content and Classes

The following are strictly prohibited on OpenClass:

• Classes of a sexual or adult nature
• Classes promoting illegal activities
• Classes involving weapons or dangerous materials
• Multi-level marketing or pyramid scheme promotions
• Religious conversion or political campaigning
• Classes held in private residences
• Any content that discriminates based on race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or age
• Misrepresentation of qualifications or experience

8. Safety and Minor Protection

The safety of minors is our highest priority. The following policies apply to all classes involving students under the age of 18:

• All teachers working with students under 18 must complete an Checkr background check and receive explicit written approval from OpenClass before any class involving minors may be listed or conducted.
• Teachers may never communicate directly with minor students. All communication must be directed to a parent or legal guardian only.
• A parent or legal guardian must register on behalf of any student under 18 and provide digital written consent prior to participation.
• Students under 13: A parent or legal guardian must remain present for the full duration of every class. No exceptions.
• Students ages 13–15: A parent or legal guardian must remain present for the full duration of every class. No exceptions.
• Students ages 16–17: Written parental consent is required. Students may attend independently ONLY if the parent or guardian has provided written confirmation that the student will be driving themselves or has their own confirmed transportation. Parents must provide the vehicle make, model, color, license plate number, and student's driver's license number at registration. The teacher will visually confirm the student has reached their confirmed vehicle before concluding their supervisory responsibility. If no transportation confirmation is provided, a parent or guardian must accompany the student for the full duration of class. Teachers must still communicate only with the parent or guardian — never directly with the student.
• Teachers are not licensed childcare providers and are not authorized to supervise, transport, or release minors to any adult other than the registered parent or guardian.
• OpenClass teachers are not responsible for the supervision or custody of minors before or after class sessions.

OpenClass reserves the right to deny or revoke teaching privileges based on background check results or any violation of these minor protection policies at its sole discretion.

9. Teacher-Student Communication

Once a student registers for a class, teachers and adult students (18+) communicate directly regarding class details, schedules, materials, and logistics. For students under 18, all communication must go through the registered parent or legal guardian only — never directly with the minor student.

OpenClass is not responsible for the content of teacher-student communications. Any disputes between teachers and students should first be directed to openclassfun@gmail.com.

10. Solicitation Policy

Teachers agree not to solicit OpenClass students for private instruction or services outside the platform for a period of 90 days following initial contact through OpenClass. This protects the integrity of the marketplace and the trust of our student community.

11. Quality Standards and Removal

OpenClass maintains quality standards for all teachers and class listings. Teachers whose average rating falls below 3.0 stars may have their classes suspended pending review. Teachers who receive two quality warnings, violate these Terms of Service, or engage in conduct harmful to students or the platform may be permanently removed. OpenClass reserves the right to remove any teacher or class listing at its sole discretion.

12. Limitation of Liability

OpenClass is a marketplace platform and is not responsible for the actions, content, or conduct of teachers or students. OpenClass does not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of any class listed on the platform. Your use of OpenClass is at your own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law, OpenClass shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform.

13. Intellectual Property

All content on the OpenClass platform including logos, text, graphics, and design is the property of OpenClass and may not be reproduced without written permission. Teachers retain ownership of their class content and materials.

14. Privacy

Your use of OpenClass is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Service by reference.

15. Changes to Terms

OpenClass reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Shelby County, Tennessee.

17. Contact

Questions about these Terms of Service? Email us at openclassfun@gmail.com. We personally read every message.