The school presented during my tour is not the school I experienced after enrolling. During…read moreenrollment, everyone was welcoming and the program sounded organized, supportive, and full of opportunities. Once enrolled, my experience changed significantly. The administration, owners, and some instructors can be rude, dismissive, and unprofessional. At times, it feels more like high school than a professional vocational school, with unnecessary drama between the cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering departments.
The education is chaotic and unorganized. Rules, schedules, and expectations constantly change. One of the most concerning examples was having a CURRENT STUDENT--not a graduate, teacher's aide, or instructor--create and teach a State Board theory review. The instructors did not appear to review the material beforehand, and there were conflicting questions and answers. I did not pay tuition to have another student running class or preparing me for State Board. I was also informed that this same student was entering her own school hours while working in the administrative office, which raised concerns for me about oversight and accountability.
Favoritism and inconsistent enforcement of rules have also been extremely frustrating. Policies seem to depend on the student.
I was told I could not come to school after a doctor's appointment or after my son's graduation, forcing me to miss entire days. Meanwhile, another student was told the school would work around her doctor's appointments. I was also told I could be charged approximately $90 PER DAY if I went beyond my contract, while another student who regularly missed class was considered a "special case."
During my tour, I specifically asked about making up hours and was told makeup hours were available. About a month after I started, makeup hours were eliminated, yet some students were still allowed to make up hours on a "case-by-case" basis. Rules should apply consistently to students paying the same tuition.
Cleanliness and sanitation are another concern. This school teaches infection control and sanitation, yet I personally witnessed black-colored buildup come out of a sink. The facility does not appear to receive the level of deep cleaning I would expect from a school performing services on the public.
At one point, there was even discussion about not providing basic supplies like dish soap and hand sanitizer. Students are taught to properly wash equipment and sanitize their hands before clients, accessing cabinets, or using equipment, yet providing basic sanitation supplies was an issue. I personally donated dish soap and hand sanitizer because we needed it. With the amount students pay in tuition, basic sanitation supplies should be provided.
The location is another concern. In my experience, people who appear to be under the influence frequently roam the parking lot and nearby field, and there is often trash around the property. Students were also instructed at one point to park farther away so closer parking could be reserved for clients. To me, that prioritized client convenience over student safety and the security of our vehicles.
Overall, I feel there is a greater focus on bringing clients into the school and generating revenue than on the quality of the student experience. Students are paying thousands of dollars for an education and should receive qualified instruction, consistent policies, quality products, adequate sanitation supplies, organization, and a safe learning environment.
I was also sold on several opportunities during my tour that influenced my decision to enroll. I was told Dermalogica came frequently because this was a "Dermalogica school," that we would take field trips, attend Dermalogica trainings as a class, and learn Hydrafacial and receive certification.
During approximately six months of enrollment, Dermalogica came ONE TIME. Many of the opportunities described during enrollment did not happen as they were presented to me.
That is one of my biggest issues. I chose this school based heavily on what I was told during my tour. Had I known what my actual experience would be, I would have chosen differently.
If you are considering this school, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Talk to current students, read reviews, tour other schools, ask exactly what tuition includes, and ask about attendance, makeup hours, over-contract fees, State Board preparation, certifications, sanitation supplies, and outside training. Most importantly, GET PROMISES ABOUT TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS, FIELD TRIPS, OR MAKEUP HOURS IN WRITING before signing anything.
I will give credit where it is deserved: there are three esthetics instructors I think are great, as well as Ms. Nadine. Unfortunately, a few good staff members do not outweigh the larger issues I have experienced.
Based on my personal experience, I would absolutely research other esthetician programs before choosing California College of Barbering & Cosmetology
