Punctuality and attendance are important. There is an attendance sheet in each class, and absences will impact students’ grades. Students are responsible for catching up on all relevant course work missed during any absences. Any subject withdrawal must be authorized by the administration, without which an automatic subject failure will be incurred. Withdrawal from required courses could place the student’s certificate in jeopardy.

Students must bring all of their own materials to every course, and they must respect the school’s materials as well as those of other students. The school does not take any responsibility for any personal items left in classrooms. It is not permitted to eat in the classrooms, nor in the buses when excursions take place. Respect for teachers, classmates and PAA personnel is expected at all times. For health reasons, it is forbidden to smoke or drink alcohol inside the school.

All work demanded must be submitted on the set date. A lack of attendance or submission of assignments on time will result in points off or in incomplete grades. Students in this situation will need to speak with the administration to determine their future standing at the Academy.

Assessments vary according to the class, and may take the form of weekly exercises, oral and written assignments, portfolios, and the construction of objects or garments. The different criteria used to assess grades may include areas such as participation and motivation, creativity and individuality, spirit of initiative and responsibility. Missing classes or failing to submit homework on time will result in grade penalties. Students concerned about their grades must make appointments with their professors to discuss their situation, to see if extra work may be done.

PAA provides plenty of opportunities for students to be involved in events, activities, and issues related to the school. A blackboard at the entrance to the school is used for communicating information about such events, as well as other important information related to classes, schedule changes, or locations. It is the duty of the student to check the board and know about such changes. Some information may also be communicated via email, particularly in the case of outside classes and events.

When students are living in apartments and studios organized by PAA, they must behave and conserve the apartment as they would in their own home. The lodgings must be kept clean at all times, with respect given to roommates and their personal items. Be careful not to change wall colors or damage walls, ceilings, floors, or windows. Any kind of damage will be charged to the student. Be careful with keys and with closing doors and windows properly upon leaving. It is not permitted to make excessive noise, nor ANY NOISE after 10pm (this is French law). Upon the student’s departure, an inspection will be conducted of the apartment, at which point all personal items must be removed, the keys returned, and there must be no garbage or food remaining inside the fridge.