Sage School of Massage
Training in Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork & Movement
Dream it....Learn it...Live it!
* (formerly Bear Mountain, same great programs & instructors)
On This Page
Prerequisites to Admission
Before You Apply
How to Apply
Schedules & Calendar
Recognized Holidays
Schedules and Hourly Requirements
Payment Options & Financial Details
Value in Education
Financial Aid Tools & Options
Payment Plans
Work Study
Free Spirit Scholarship
Discounted Massage Equipment & Supply Package
Education Loans
School of Massage is committed to responsible lending.
Administrative and Special Enrollment Polices
Enrolling with Advanced Standing
Late Enrollment
Transfer of Credits
Auditing a Class for no Credit
Challenging a Course & Testing Out
Postponement of Starting Date
Unexpected Closures and Cancellations
Attendance Policy
Academic Progress Policy & Academic Probation
Conduct Policy & Disciplinary Probation
Dismissal
Student Grievance Procedure
Grading System
Grade Reports
School Refund Policy
Student Withdrawal, Voluntary or Involuntary, & School Closure
Refund Formulas
Nondiscrimination Policy
Confidentiality of Records & Privacy Statement
After Graduation: Alumni Resources
Placement Assistance
Alumni Membership
Prerequisites to Admission
All Students are required to…
1. Be 18 by the first day of classes *
2. Submit documentation for HS graduation or GED or get permission from Director
3. Be able to read, write and comprehend the English language
4. Be physically able to perform massage and be on your feet for 1 1/2 hours at a time
5. Present social security card
6. Present driver’s license or state photo ID or military ID
7. Have received at least one professional massage within the last year. If you have not, schedule a massage with Sheryl at a special price or a therapist of your choice.
* If the student is under 18 and currently in high school, they will need to need to submit:
a. Submit 2 letters of recommendation from current high school counselor, teacher, or principal
b. Submit a letter from the school registrar stating expected date of graduation
c. Have a parent or legal guardian sign the application section pertaining to the minor applicant and attend all interviews and enrollment activities with the minor student
Before You Apply
Before you schedule your preliminary admissions interview or submit your application:
Look over and explore which program interests you and why?
Ensure you meet the minimum requirements and start gathering the required documentation.
Start thinking about how you will pay for school. Begin to determine your maximum down payment amount and how much you will pay per month.
Think about who you will ask to be a reference for you. You will need 2 total; 1 personal references that are aware of your desire to study massage, they can be friends or family and 1 professional/educational references; they can be teachers or employers who are able to comment on your professional and educational skills.
How to Apply
There are 2 levels of acceptance for admission to Sage School of Massage programs.
Level 1-Preliminary: based on application only
Level 2-Secondary: based on interview
Once you are certain you are ready to begin your application process:
1. Thoughtfully fill out your application
2. Submit your application with the $50 fee (good for 6 months)
3. Upon level 1 preliminary acceptance schedule an application interview with Sheryl and discover which program is best for you, finalize payment, and register for classes
4. Upon level 2 secondary acceptance and prior to the start of classes attend orientation to prepare for the school term. Your support network is also encouraged to attend part of orientation. You will then be well prepared to succeed in school, learn, grow and get lots of massages… seriously; your homework is to get lots of massages.
Finally, you graduate –YIPPEE! - start working, earning and helping your community as a massage therapist professional.
School of Massage Recognized Holidays
Schedules & Calendar
There are no classes scheduled during a recognized holiday. Practical hours may be open if there is a need, coverage is available, and will be optional attendance for students to do their practical sessions. The holiday hours will be clearly posted. Students will be allowed to make-up work for religious holidays not on our list.
Years Eve, New Years Day, Valentines Day, Memorial Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas
Schedules and Hourly Requirements
General Weekly Schedule
The full time massage program class schedule is 15 hours a week for class and 3-4 hours for practical hours. The part time massage program class schedule is 10 hours a week and 2-3 hours for practical hours. Sage School of Massage does not have set start and times that are the same every year. Since we are an intimate class of 4, we wait until there are 4 individuals ready to start and then we set the final schedule. The final schedule will be customized to fit the class’s needs after final enrollment is completed and within the given parameters. A detailed and specific class schedule will be added to every enrollment agreement after detailed and specific student availability is received from every student enrolled in the class. The final schedule will meet the availability requirements each student included in their enrollment agreement. Once the schedule is set, it is fixed and unchangeable. We pride ourselves for having small classes for the best possible student-instructor relationship and learning experience and the lowest tuition for a program of this superior quality. This scheduling process is one way we are able to offer these great programs, with amazing instructors at such a reasonable cost to the student.
Open Schedule: Class by class may be the only way some students can attend school. Any combination of classes is acceptable as long as prerequisites are met. There is no guarantee of when classes will be offered In the future and there is no guaranteed completion date. The director will make sure you are on the right track.
Additional Program Schedules: Other programs are scheduled as required and do not follow a set routine like the core massage programs. Schedules will be posted on line as each program, individual continuing education classes, and community classes are scheduled throughout the year. Be sure to be on notification lists if you are interested in the other programs or courses.
Payment Options & Financial Details
Value in Education
Along with having excellent tools to assist students with the money matters of school, we start the financial assistance by having superior value in massage education. You get more for your money at Sage School of Massage; superior instruction, contemporary healing programs, and quality equipment and supplies. Sheryl and the staff of Sage School of Massage are committed to uplifting and supporting every student as they pursue their personal vision while offering the best value for your education. It’s understandable that cost can sometimes be the most frustrating thing about starting school. Sage School of Massage is here to help you find the most effective use of your resources, financial and otherwise. We offer financial assistance options and financial resource education while maintaining an objective, supportive, and optimistic attitude. Often, it can be difficult to visualize graduation and freedom when personal or financial stress blocks the view.
Financial Aid Tools & Options
We are continually looking for and evaluating financial tools and options for our students. Many options may be combined to meet every individual students needs. Upon acceptance, students who need financial aid should schedule a financial needs analysis meeting with Sheryl. Together we will evaluate your current situation and choose the most cost effective programs available. Our goal at Sage School of Massage is that your attention be on learning and growing, not distracted by finances. Because the economy has forced many private education lenders to put a freeze on adding new schools, Sage School of Massage is unable to offer any outside financing and we have no relationships with outside financing institutions. We will, however, work with you in determining just how much you need to borrow, help you get the paper work in order, and see which payment plan might fit your needs best so you borrow as little as possible and pay as little interest as possible. Combining our payment plans with loans and gifts will give you the best price possible in addition to the freedom of mind to enjoy your learning experience to it’s fullest without the bother of worrying about finances.
Payment Plans
All students are eligible to apply.
Sage School of Massage requires a minimum $800 down payment on supplies and registration fees. Obviously the more you put down, the less you pay per month. The remaining balance is then divided out for the length of your program into equal payments. Cash or Check incurs no additional fees while credit card payments done online through email have an additional charge of 3% per transaction.
Free Spirit Scholarship
In memory of Sheryl’s mother, Betty Lou Daniel, Sheryl has created the Free Spirit Scholarship that may cover part of the cost for supplies and/or part of tuition. Betty Lou has always been an energetic and inspiring supporter of personal growth, used natural healing, and a great support of Sheryl’s “Free Spirit”. Her mother always called Sheryl her “little free spirit” and in her honor Sheryl is pleased to offer this gift.
*This is a need based gift
*There are a limited number available
*Proof of financial need, analysis, essay and an interview are required
*All students with financial need are eligible to apply
Discounted Massage Equipment & Supply Package
All students in good standing are eligible.
Professional supplies and equipment discounts if purchased through the school during school and after graduation. These could include: hot stone massage set, spa paraffin dip set, roller stools with back support, exercise balls, bolsters, sheet sets, massage chair, spa treatment supplies like parafango mud paraffin wrap, herbal and mud wraps, sugar and salt scrubs and more!
Education Loans
Sage School of Massage is committed to responsible lending.
Our belief is that you should not borrow unless you have no choice. Don't be talked into loans for school and expenses if you can do it without them. It is very difficult to repay education loans and build a practice. You still have to pay back loans and if you borrow $15,000 you may pay back $20,000. Essentially your education cost is significantly increased. Just because you qualify for a loan doesn't mean it is a good idea. Graduate debt free or with manageable debt. Let us help you figure out what loans make sense for this profession.
Personal Education Loans
Go to your own bank and investigate private education loans.
Be sure to ask about deferred payment while you are in school.
Other Loan Options
New opportunities are always presenting themselves ask for news.
Administrative and Special Enrollment Polices
Enrolling with Advanced Standing
If you already have some massage training we will evaluate what will transfer and where you might start in the program that will be a compliment and continuation of your learning. If the applicant already has a 500 hour massage certificate all transferable hours will be evaluated on an individual basis. Transfer fee rate of $1.00 per hour transferred or the equivalent will apply. Students may also be required to audit a class and pass tests if knowledge is not documented or if it is necessary to expose the student to the school’s philosophy to prepare for success in future courses.
Late Enrollment
Students may be accepted and enrolled up to 2 days missed for any given class with director and instructor approval. Tuition and fees are the same for all late enrollments with one exception; some supplies may be slightly higher in cost if the student’s enrollment happens after the actual supplies have been purchased thereby missing any bulk purchasing discounts. Upon admittance, it is the responsibility of the student to meet with the instructor and catch up on all material missed. There may be hourly fees associated with this for instructor compensating. Instructor time is billed at $30 per hour, payable to the instructor. These extra expenses are not included in any financial/enrollment agreement with Sage School of Massage and education loans may not pay for it. Students will know if this is necessary prior to admittance.
Transfer of Credits
Every credit transferred for credit is evaluated on an individual basis. The director will make all final decisions. Each school evaluates credit eligible for transfer independently; therefore we can not guarantee transferability of any of our classes to other schools unless there is a written agreement with another institution. Transfer fee rate of $1.00 per hour transferred or equivalent will apply. Granting credit for previous training will not affect the refund policy. No credit will be transferred to SSOM that is more than 5 years old. Exceptions are only those subjects that relate directly to your current profession, that you have used those skills everyday, and can provide supporting documentation. Our courses are very massage specific so even the most basic courses may not transfer because of the massage information you will need to succeed is lacking.
Auditing a Class for no Credit
Any person who wishes to take course for no credit may do so provided they meet the requirements for eligibility. The cost of the course is the same and all supplies are required. Class participation and policies are identical to credit classes, with the only exception being classes taken for audit do not require you to take or pass exams or tests, and the student will not be given a grade. Prerequisites may not be waived for a course audit if safety is not an issue. Students may elect to take exams for feedback. If at a later date the student wishes to receive credit for this class and the prerequisite requirements have been met, the student will have one year after the class is over to decide if they want to test for credit. The may do homework assignments and take the exams for the class and pass to receive credit and a grade if the program requirements have not changed.
Challenging a Course & Testing Out
Any person who wishes to test out of a course may do so provided they meet the prerequisite requirements, can document study in the subject area, the course is not for a foundational perquisite course and justify a reason for the challenge in writing to the director. The director and a challenge committee made up of instructors will then meet and decide if this is appropriate and the rest of your education will not suffer from not having the classroom experience. The committee may also decide to grant the test out and require some attendance in the course for the purposes of standardizing the student’s education, demonstrating practical proficiency, and preparation to move forward in the program. The cost to test out of the course is the same as if you are taking it, including supplies. Students must pass to receive credit and a grade. If the test is not passed and the student opts to take the course-a testing fee may apply that will be in relation to the time and complexity of the challenge test and will not be more than the original cost of the class.
Postponement of Starting Date
Postponement of starting date, whether at the request of the school or the student, requires a written agreement signed by the student and the school. The agreement must state:
1. Whether the postponement is for the convenience of the school or the student
2. A deadline for the new start date, beyond which the start date will not be postponed.
3. If the course is not commenced, or the student fails to attend by the new start date set forth in the agreement, the student will be entitled to an appropriate refund of prepaid tuition and fees within 30 days of the deadline of the new policy.
Unexpected Closures and Cancellations
Students will be notified as soon as possible by phone or by email if there is an unexpected closure or cancellation due to inclement weather, instructor illness, etc... Students must give a phone number for cancellation purposes and are encouraged to call the school and check email for information.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to arrive on time for class with proper materials. If a student is not in class when it begins they are considered late. An overall attendance rate of at least 90% is required. Instructors may request your withdrawal from a course or program if absences or tardiness exceed 90% or become problematic. Students will be notified if they are in danger of expulsion and may be placed on disciplinary probation. Students who are unable to continue classes for medical reasons or severe personal problems will be required to take a leave of absence until they are able to return to class. The refund policy may not apply if a student is expelled for attendance reasons. Proper documentation will be required to substantiate a student’s withdrawal.
Academic Progress Policy & Academic Probation
Students need to maintain a minimum 70% grade point average. Those who do not will be placed on academic probation until the end of the class. During the probationary period students should strive to raise their grade average to passing or higher. The student may be terminated if grades are not satisfactory at the end of the probationary period. Termination shall be at the school director’s discretion, with input from the involved faculty. The director has final authority and shall notify the student of the final decision. Students who fail a class may not proceed to classes that require the failed course as a prerequisite without the instructor and director approval. Students may re-take the failed course the next time it is offered and continue when it is passed. The new grade will replace the old grade on the student’s transcripts. Students are responsible for paying for the retaken class. It is important to mention that financial aid may be affected by grades, attendance, and conduct and is not guaranteed by Sage School of Massage. Re-admittance after academic probation dismissal may be considered if the student shows demonstration that they have taken steps to ensure success. For example a student may take some remedial classes in comprehension, writing, received tutoring for a specific subject, or possibly sought our learning disability testing and training to overcome the original academic challenge. The director, with instructor input, will determine if the actions of the student are enough to ensure future success.
Conduct Policy & Disciplinary Probation
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature, professional, respectful, and considerate manner with all staff, faculty, students, clients and professional associates of Sage School of Massage. Students may be placed on disciplinary probation for any reason that involves violations of this school policy that are not academic in nature. Attendance, behavioral conduct not in a professional and considerate manner, violence, physical or verbal abuse, harassment of any kind, dishonesty, scope of practice violations, property damage, and theft are just a few of the reasons this might happen and will not be tolerated in any way. The terms of probation will vary depending on the offenses committed. A meeting will be scheduled with the director and all relevant parties to determine the conditions of continuance in the program or total expulsion. The results will be given to the student as soon as possible. The refund policy may not apply if a student is expelled for disciplinary reasons. Depending on the reason why the student was dismissed, re-admission may be possible. This will be decided in the initial probationary terms. Possession of weapons, illegal drugs and alcohol are not allowed on school grounds at any time. Any violation of school policies may result in permanent dismissal from school.
Dismissal
Any student may be dismissed for violations of the rules and regulations of the school, as set forth in the school catalog, student handbook, and other published material. A student also may be involuntarily withdrawn from classes if he or she does not prepare sufficiently, neglects assignments, or makes unsatisfactory progress. The director, after consultation with all parties involved, makes the final decision. The director may temporarily suspend students whose conduct is disruptive or unacceptable to the academic setting. After appropriate counseling, students who demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and participate in school standards of conduct, may be allowed to resume attendance. The director will review each case and decide on re-admittance. The refund policy may not apply if a student is expelled for disciplinary or academic reasons.
Student Grievance Procedure
Student complaints should be brought to the attention of the school director to attempt resolution immediately. Formal complaints must be in writing and all complaints will be documented. It is the director’s desire to be aware of even the smallest problem before it can get out of control and become irresolvable. Many students, staff, and clients are hesitant to complain mainly because they don’t want to “rock the boat”. Keep in mind if you don’t tell the director or someone you trust on staff that there is a problem, we may never know about it and can not help resolve the situation. The staff relies on all the individuals in our school community to be accountable, responsible, courageous and forthcoming if you are having difficulty with anything. In some cases the issue is simply the adjustment to school and the way we do things. Massage and healing school is a unique environment and letting the staff know you are unhappy is the only way we can resolve the issue in the best interest for all concerned. Chances are the individual student is not the only one who is struggling with the same issue and resolution can help many individuals, not just the one who brings it to light. Anonymity will always be honored if at all possible.
Complaints which cannot be resolved by direct negotiation between the student and the school may be filed online with the Division of Private Occupational Schools of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, at www.state.co.us/dpos or (303) 864-2960. All student complaints submitted to the Division must be in writing and shall be filed within two years after the student discontinues training at the school.
Grading System
Sage School of Massage’s grading system involves a mixture of written assessments of knowledge, practical evaluations, participation, observed and demonstrated skills in class and in the field, projects, and homework. Each instructor chooses their method of assessment based on their style and subject matter and what best suits the material. The specific grading system will be on the individual class syllabus that students will receive for each class.
Grade Reports
Grades are private information, only available to the individual student, their designated recipients, which may include financial aid sources, other instructors for the purposes of instruction and success, and the director. Grades may be reported in several different ways. Sage School of Massage will officially report grades in person or by email. Grades can be expected within 5 business days after the end of each class provided all work has been turned in. If a student is not passing a class they will be notified as soon as possible. If that course is a prerequisite for another course a failing grade may jeopardize progression through the program. Upon completion of the entire program of study (yippee!) an official transcript will be included in the student’s graduation packet. Additional transcripts will always be available at request for a nominal fee. All work must be turned in and all fees paid in full before any transcripts or certificates will be issued.
School Refund Policy
Student Withdrawal, Voluntary or Involuntary, & School Closure
Students not accepted to the school are entitled to all moneys paid except the application fee. Students who cancel the enrollment contract by notifying the school within three business days are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and supply fees paid if they have not started their training. Students, who withdraw after three business days, but before commencement of classes, are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and non-applied fees paid except the maximum cancellation charge of $150.00 or 25% of the contract price whichever is less. In the case of students withdrawing after commencement of classes, the school will retain the cancellation charge plus a percentage of tuition and fees, which is based on the percentage of contact hours attended in the Program/Stand Alone Course, as described in the table below. The refund is based on the official date of termination or withdrawal. The date of termination is the signed student termination form or if there are more than 10 days or two weeks of consecutive absence with no contact the official date of termination is the 10th day after the last documented day of actual attendance. The official date of termination or withdrawal of a student shall be determined in the following manner: The date on which the school receives notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the training program; or the date on which the student violates published school policy, which provides for termination. Should a student fail to return from an excused leave of absence, the effective date of termination for a student on an extended leave of absence or a leave of absence is the earlier of the date the school determines the student is not returning if there is no communication from the student for 5 business days after attempts have been made to contact them or the day following the expected return date. The student will receive a full refund of tuition & fees paid if the school discontinues a program/stand alone course within a period of time a student could have reasonably completed it, except that this provision shall not apply in the event the school ceases operation. If a program is canceled or the school closes students will be fully refunded any money paid and unearned. All legitimate refunds will be made within 30 days from the date of termination.
Refund Formulas
Student is entitled upon withdrawal or termination:
Within first 10% of program, Refund: 90% less $150 cancellation charge
After 10% but within first 25% of program, Refund: 75% less $150 cancellation charge
After 25% but within first 50% of program, Refund: 50% less $150 cancellation charge
After 50% but within first 75% of program, Refund: 25% less $150 cancellation charge
After 75%, if paid in full, cancellation charge is not applicable, NO Refund
Nondiscrimination Policy
All are welcome! Sage School of Massage does not discriminate against employees or students based on race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, physical handicaps, religion or national origin. With that in mind, remember, massage is a physical profession and all students need to be able to be on their feet at least 1.5 hours at a time and be able perform some light stretching and movement. IF you are concerned about your physical condition talk to Sheryl and we can see how creative we can get.
Confidentiality of Records & Privacy Statement
Your privacy is important to us, and maintaining your trust and confidence is one of our highest priorities. We respect your right to keep your personal information confidential and understand your desire to avoid unwanted solicitations. We hope that by taking a few minutes to read on, you will have a better understanding of what we do with the information you provide us and how we keep it private and secure. We collect certain personal information about you – but only when that information is provided by you or is obtained by us with your authorization. We use that information for the enrollment and education process for Sage School of Massage. Examples of sources from which we collect information include: interviews and phone calls with you, letters or e-mails from you, applications filled out by you, financial and medical history questionnaires. As a general rule, we do not disclose personal information about our students or former students to anyone. However, to the extent permitted by law and any applicable state Code of Professional Conduct, certain nonpublic information about you may be disclosed in the following situations: 1. To comply with a validly issued and enforceable subpoena or summons. 2. In the course of a review of our school’s practices under the authorization of a state or national licensing board, or as necessary to properly respond to an inquiry or complaint from such a licensing board of organization. 3. As a part of any actual or threatened legal proceedings or alternative dispute resolution proceedings either initiated by or against us, provided we disclose only the information necessary to file, pursue, or defend against the lawsuit and take reasonable precautions to ensure that the information disclosed does not become a matter of public record. 4. To provide information to affiliates of the school and non affiliated third parties who perform services or functions for us in conjunction with our services to you, but only if we have a contractual agreement with the other party which prohibits them from disclosing or using the information other than for the purposes for which it was disclosed.
After Graduation: Alumni Resources
Placement Assistance
SSOM will offer to students in good standing a place in Sheryl's office or "graduate clinic" from which to launch their massage career as space allows. Graduates will be allowed to use a fully furnished, beautiful space, and pay a reasonable fee for the space only when they use it. This will allow graduates the opportunity to build a clientele without the pressure of taking on full office rent until they are ready.
SSOM offers employment assistance to graduates consisting of actively collecting and making available all employment information including: leads, office space, business development, state licensing, as well as refreshers and support for employment skills development. This information is not only available to new graduates, but to alumni as well. This information is a phone call away and will be available by email if requested. The staff of Sage School of Massage promises our continued support for your business, now and always. While we will help in any way we can in your job search, we can make no guarantee, expressed or implied, of future employment. Current law prohibits any school from guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students. Mentoring and coaching by Sheryl and the other instructors may be offered for professional graduate placements whether they are in her office or elsewhere and graduated in good standing.
Alumni Membership
Graduates and students of Sage School of Massage will have an opportunity to join the “Alumni Organization”. Currently in its development phase, the goal of the AO is to foster community among healers, offer discounts on business growing products, member services, and continuing education classes. Membership dues will be donated to the “Free Spirit” scholarship fund.
