1. Introduction

California Cosmetology Academy ("Academy," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, prospective students, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with us through our website at www.calicosmo.org, enroll in our programs, or communicate with our staff.

Please read this policy carefully. By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described herein.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:

Full name, date of birth, and government-issued ID information
Contact information: address, phone number, email address
Enrollment application data and program selection
Emergency contact information
Financial information related to tuition payments and financial aid
Social Security Number (where required by state licensing or financial aid regulations)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

IP address and browser type
Pages visited and time spent on our website
Device type and operating system
Referring website or source

2.3 Communications Data

If you communicate with us via text message, email, or phone, we may retain records of those communications including message content, timestamps, and contact information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

Processing enrollment applications and managing student records
Communicating with you about your application, enrollment status, and program updates
Sending appointment reminders, tour confirmations, and follow-up communications
Complying with state licensing, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements
Processing tuition payments and managing financial records
Improving our programs and services
Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
Sending text messages to which you have consented (see Section 5)

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

4.2 Permitted Disclosures

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

State licensing boards and regulatory agencies (e.g., California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology) as required by law
Accreditation bodies and auditors as required for program compliance
Service providers who assist us in operating our business, subject to confidentiality agreements
Financial aid processors and lenders with your consent
Law enforcement or legal proceedings when required by law or court order

4.3 FERPA

Student education records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We will not disclose student education records without written consent except as permitted by FERPA. Students have the right to inspect and request corrections to their education records.

5. Text Messaging and SMS Communications

5.1 Consent

We will only send you text messages if you have affirmatively provided your phone number and consented to receive SMS communications from the Academy. Consent may be provided verbally during enrollment, via a web form, or on a paper consent form.

5.2 Types of Messages

Text messages from the Academy may include:

Enrollment follow-up and program inquiry responses
Tour scheduling confirmations and reminders
Student appointment and schedule reminders
General student communications

5.3 Opt-Out

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from the Academy. After opting out, you will receive a single confirmation message and no further texts. To opt back in, contact the Registrar directly.

5.4 Message Frequency and Rates

Message frequency varies based on your enrollment status and interactions with the Academy. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our student management platform uses encrypted data storage and role-based access controls to limit data access to authorized staff only.

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of data transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

7. Data Retention

We retain student records for the period required by California state law and applicable regulatory requirements. Student enrollment records are generally retained for a minimum of five (5) years following program completion or withdrawal. Communications records are retained as needed for operational and compliance purposes.

8. Your Rights (California Residents)

As a California resident, you may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other applicable laws, including:

The right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used
The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
The right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 10.

9. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Material changes will be communicated to enrolled students via email or posted notice on our website. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

California Cosmetology Academy — Registrar's Office

1760 Fremont Boulevard, Ste F2, Seaside, CA 93955

Email: registrar@calicosmo.org

Website: www.calicosmo.org