Frequently Asked Questions

What is New City Education?

New City Education is an online platform offering interactive STEM learning in English for children and teens. We run small-class sessions with real tutors in coding, math, science, and technology, so students can learn from home without borders.

What ages are your courses designed for?

Courses are generally designed for ages 5 to 16, with a recommended range on each program. For example, Scratch Programming is often suited to ages 5–10, while C++ Programming is often suited to ages 9–16. Please check the relevant course page for the latest age guidance for that program.

What subjects do you cover?

We offer programming (Scratch, Python, C++, Java, Roblox), game development (Minecraft, Unity), AI, cybersecurity, 3D design with Tinkercad, web development, mobile apps, and Mathematical Olympiad preparation. New topics are added from time to time—browse the course pages for the current catalogue.

Are the courses suitable for beginners?

Yes. Most courses are beginner-friendly and use a progressive level structure, starting from Level 1 and building skills step by step. No prior experience is required unless a course page says otherwise.

What makes your courses unique?

Live small-class sessions with real tutors, hands-on projects, and instruction in English. The focus is practical STEM—coding, AI, game design, and similar skills—rather than pre-recorded videos.

Are the tutors qualified?

Yes. Sessions are taught live by carefully selected tutors who guide students through projects and adjust the pace to the group.

Can I choose which tutor teaches the class?

No. You cannot request a specific tutor. Our tutors work as a team and may cover one another’s classes when needed. We still aim for as much consistency as we can, and we assign a well-suited tutor to each session.

Do you offer courses in languages other than English?

Courses and teaching materials are in English. We may try to accommodate individual language preferences where practical, but English remains the standard.

When are lessons held?

Monday to Sunday, typically 11:00–21:00, with most slots available subject to timetable and tutor availability. Hours during statutory holidays and special periods may differ and can change without prior notice.

Why are class times so flexible?

Our approach is similar to the Kumon method. Tutors adjust depth and pace to each student’s progress. Each student follows a personalized set of assignments, independent of others in the same session. Classes can often be arranged on a daily, every-other-day, or weekly basis, subject to the timetable.

How many students are in each class?

We keep classes small. The typical tutor-to-student ratio is about 1 to 2–6 students. Actual numbers may vary with enrolment and operational needs. One-on-one lessons can sometimes be arranged; regular small groups already allow close individual attention.

How often do students attend, and how long is each lesson?

Programming courses may be scheduled daily, every other day, or once a week, depending on the student’s availability and our timetable. Preferred times are accommodated on a reasonable-effort basis and are not guaranteed.

Each course level is 7.5 instructional hours in total. Families usually choose either 1.5-hour lessons (5 sessions) or 2.5-hour lessons (3 sessions).

Are classes live or pre-recorded?

All classes are live online sessions with real tutors—not pre-recorded video courses.

Can I confirm one class date and decide the rest later?

Yes. All paid classes must be scheduled and completed within 180 days from the date payment is received. Parents or students are responsible for contacting us to book any remaining unscheduled sessions. Unused classes after that 180-day period are forfeited. No refunds, credits, transfers, or extensions are provided for unused or forfeited classes, except as described in our refund policy below.

How do I enrol?

Start with a free consultation through our online form so we can match a course to your child’s age and interests. You can then book a trial lesson. If it is a good fit, purchase the full course level on the relevant course page.

What is a trial lesson?

A trial lesson is a paid single session before you commit to a full level. It is the best way to see whether the course and tutor style suit your child.

How much do courses cost? Are there discounts?

Prices and any current promotions are shown on each course page and at checkout. Please refer to those pages for the latest figures rather than older listings or screenshots.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payments are processed securely through our online checkout, including major credit cards. Available methods are shown at checkout.

Do you customize courses for individual needs?

Yes. The free consultation is used to match courses to your child’s interests and level. Small classes and flexible scheduling also allow tutors to adjust pace during live sessions.

What device should my child use?

For coding lessons, we strongly recommend a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop. iPads and other tablets are not recommended for most programming courses. An exception is App Inventor / mobile-app courses, which typically need a computer plus a mobile phone.

What else is needed technically?

A stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone, plus access to the video platform we specify after enrolment. No special software is usually required in advance unless a course page says otherwise.

Can students get help with homework or extra topics?

Tutors can give guidance during live sessions. For extra or custom help, raise it in the free consultation or contact us before you enrol.

Can we access materials outside class?

The core of each course is the live session. Tutors may share resources during class. For a preview, read the course description or book a trial lesson.

Do you provide certificates?

Certificates are not a standard part of every course. Completing levels builds a skills foundation. Contact us if you need written confirmation of participation.

What do students gain from the programs?

Practical STEM skills, confidence, and project experience (for example games and apps). Families often value the live, small-class format. Parent comments appear elsewhere on the site; you can also ask about this in a consultation.

What is your refund policy?

Payments for courses, programs, registration, and related charges are non-refundable once received, except in the limited cases below and only at our discretion.

Centre-related failure: If we cannot deliver the purchased course or scheduled classes within a reasonable period, and no suitable alternative can be arranged, we may offer a full or partial refund or credit.

Extreme personal circumstances: Serious, unforeseeable situations that prevent attendance for an extended period (for example a significant medical condition supported by verifiable written proof, such as a certificate from a licensed healthcare professional) may be considered case by case for a possible full refund, partial refund, or credit.

Requests must be made in writing with supporting documents within a reasonable time. We may ask for more information and verify documents. Our decision is final. A trial lesson is the recommended way to assess fit before buying a full level.

Can class times be changed or missed lessons made up?

Please refer to the Terms & Conditions accepted at checkout. In general, rescheduling is possible but not encouraged. If a change is necessary, you must allow ample notice. We may accommodate on a best-effort basis, especially for genuine extenuating circumstances, subject to timetable and tutor availability. The wording in the Terms & Conditions at the time of your order prevails over this FAQ.

How can I contact you?

Use WhatsApp, the WeChat QR code, LINE, email, the on-site chat button, or the Contact page. Those channels are listed in the site footer.