FAQs

When do new classes start and how soon should I apply?

Our list of start dates for the year can be found in our School Catalog, which is accessible under the “Programs” tab on the left side of the page. We have several scheduled start dates for Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Esthetics, and Manicuring classes each year. Instructor start dates will depend on course availability. Classes tend to fill up quickly, so if you are interested in a course, please contact us as soon as possible to make an appointment with our Admissions Director.

Do you accept transfer students from other schools?

We accept transfer students from any schools that are licensed in Washington State. You will need to procure and provide an official transcript from your current/previous school, so that we can determine how many clock hours we are able to credit to you. All transfer students will be required to start with a new class and receive basic training, but may progress to live models and clients more quickly than non-transfer students, depending on their previous experience.

Is your school accredited?

Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design and Salons, Inc. has been accredited since September of 1970 by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), an agency founded by the beauty school industry to uphold high standards and principles in education. NACCAS is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national agency for the institutional accreditation of postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized schools. It presently accredits approximately 1,300 institutions that serve over 120,000 students. These schools offer over thirty (30) courses and programs of study that fall under NACCAS’ scope of accreditation. Contact information for NACCAS can be found below.

NACCAS
Address: 3015 Colvin Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 660-7600
Website: http://www.naccas.org

What should I know before my first appointment?

Each prospective student at Glen Dow Academy must first set up an appointment for an interview and a tour of the school. This first meeting will be with the Admissions Director and can be scheduled by phone. You will be given a list of materials to bring with you to your appointment. Bringing these items to the first appointment will speed up the enrollment process, by helping us to provide you with more complete details about your enrollment. During the interview, we will discuss your interest in the school/course, the enrollment process, the cost of your desired course, the equipment and uniform you will receive and use throughout your enrollment, and more. Please be on time for your appointment, and have a professional attitude! This is very much like a job interview, and can determine your admittance into the school.

Does your school offer Financial Aid and scholarships?

Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design and Salons, Inc. is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Applicants should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before applying to Glen Dow Academy, so that any receivable financial aid can be estimated prior to beginning their course. Please visit http://www.fasfa.ed.gov to start your application for financial aid. (GDA school code: #009739)

We are able to accept the following forms of financial aid (when available to the student):
-Pell Grant
-Washington State Need Grant/College-bound Scholarship (WSNG/CBS)
-Direct Student Loans
-Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
-Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Financial aid entrance counseling (required) can be completed at www.studentloans.gov. Scholarships are also available.

What are the requirements to become enrolled at Glen Dow Academy?

Prospective students should be at least 17 years of age, and possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Our application process includes a school tour, interview, and entrance exam.  Glen Dow Academy considers it a priority to ensure that every applicant will be able reach their goals during their enrollment. Your  appointment with our Admissions Director will determine the next steps of the enrollment process.

What schedules are offered for your courses, and how long do they take to complete?

During the “freshman” phase of each course, students are required to attend a full-time Monday-Friday schedule. This typically lasts for the first eight weeks of Cosmetology classes, and the first three weeks of Manicuring or Esthetics classes. After graduating from their freshman phase, students may choose between full-time and part-time schedules.
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Cosmetology:
Full-time Cosmetology schedules consist of 7.75 hours per day, from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, five days per week (Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday) for 45 school weeks.

Part-time Cosmetology schedules consist of 6 hours per day, from 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM, four days per week (Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday) for 72 school weeks.
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Manicuring
Full-time Manicuring schedules consist of 6 hours per day, from 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM, five days per week (Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday) for 22 school weeks.

Part-time Manicuring schedules consist of 6 hours per day, from 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM, four days per week (Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday) for 28 school weeks.
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Esthetics:
Full-time Esthetics schedules consist of 6 hours per day, from 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM, five days per week (Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday) for 25 school weeks. (40 school weeks for Master Esthetics)

Part-time Esthetics schedules consist of 6 hours per day, from 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM, four days per week (Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday) for 32 school weeks. (50 school weeks for Master Esthetics)
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Instructor:
Full-time schedule options consist of: Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday, 6 hours per day for 20 school weeks, 6.5 hours per day for 18.5 school weeks, or 8 hours per day for 15 school weeks.

Part-time schedules consist of a minimum of 6 hours per day and 24 hours per week (Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday).
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How will my day be structured? Will I work on real people?

During the freshman period of your course (first eight weeks for Cosmetology, first three weeks for Manicuring and Esthetics), you will learn the basic fundamentals of the course. Consider it a “boot camp” of sorts, which will prepare you to work on live models and clients. At the end of this phase, you will take a series of evaluations, and will become certified to work on actual clients in our school’s salon upon passing. After the freshman period has been completed, you will spend just one hour in the classroom each theory day (Tuesday-Thursday) and the rest getting real, hands-on experience with clients.

How do you handle job placement for graduates?

While we cannot guarantee you a job after graduation, you will be introduced to many industry professionals via guest speakers and special events like job fairs. This has proven to be a successful system for our students to network with salon and spa owners, stylists, product line reps, medical skin care professionals and makeup artists. We will also take you through a series of career development classes including resume writing, interviewing skills, retail sales and business management.

What product line does your school use?

For Hair: Keratin Complex, Goldwell, Enjoy, KMS
For Skin: Dermalogica, Jane Iredale
For Nails: OPI

Where are you located?

The Glen Dow Academy is conveniently located at 309 West Riverside Avenue in downtown Spokane, across the street from The Onion restaurant.

Where do I park?

Clients and guests of the school can park in our client lot, located on the east side of the building. Students may not use the parking lot, but will have the option between purchasing a parking pass through Diamond Parking Services, utilizing STA’s public transportation system, or using the many available street meters located near the school. Without a parking pass, All-Day parking may cost approximately 3-6 dollars per day.

When do I need to pay the $100 application fee?

The application fee may be paid at any time before enrollment. However, your start date can not be guaranteed until you pay the application fee. Because classes can fill up quickly, it is best to pay the application fee as soon as possible so that your spot in the class is reserved. If your desired class fills up before you are able to finalize your enrollment, you will have to wait for another class to start.

Where can I find information about licensing?

WASHINGTON
Department of Licensing
Business and Occupation Unit
Cosmetology Section
P.O. Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
(360) 664-6626
Washington Board of Cosmetology

IDAHO
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses Dept. of Self Governing Agencies
Owyhee Plaza
1109 Main St. (Suite220)
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 334-3233
Idaho Board of Cosmetology

MONTANA
Montana Dept. of Commerce
Professional and Occupational Licensing Bureau
111 North Jackson
Helena, MT 59620-0513
(406) 841-2300 (Business Standards Division)
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

All other states, visit www.milady.com.