Short version: We collect only what we need to run Focus Area. We do not sell your data. We are not responsible for third-party services you connect to. We are a youth-led tutoring program and we handle your information with care.
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Next Gen Studios US ("Next Gen," "we," "us," "our"), through its Focus Area tutoring program, collects, uses, and protects information about you when you use our services — including joining the waitlist, enrolling in the program, and accessing the APLS curriculum and ALT system.
By using Focus Area, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
- Account information: Name, email address, and password when you register.
- Student data: Grade level, assignment submissions, ALT scores, proficiency results, and progress within the APLS curriculum.
- Payment information: Billing details are collected and processed by third-party payment processors. We do not store payment card numbers.
- Waitlist information: Email address submitted through the waitlist form.
- Communications: Messages sent to us via email or contact forms.
- Usage data: General information about how you use the platform (pages visited, features used) for the purpose of improving the service.
We collect only what is necessary to operate Focus Area. We do not collect sensitive personal information beyond what is required for the service.
3. How We Use Information
Information we collect is used to:
- Create and manage your account and subscription
- Deliver the APLS curriculum and track student progress
- Administer the ALT and calculate proficiency scores
- Issue transcripts and letters of recommendation where applicable
- Process payments and manage billing
- Communicate with you about your account, updates, and support requests
- Improve and develop the Focus Area platform and APLS curriculum
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not use your data for advertising purposes and we do not build advertising profiles based on your activity.
4. We Do Not Sell Your Data
Focus Area does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party for any commercial purpose — ever. Your data is used only to operate and improve the Focus Area program.
This applies to all users including students, parents, guardians, and institutional customers.
5. Third-Party Services
Focus Area relies on certain third-party services to operate, including hosting providers, payment processors, and communication tools. These providers may receive data necessary to perform their services. We do not control the privacy practices of third-party providers and are not responsible for their handling of your data.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party service you interact with through or in connection with Focus Area.
6. FormSubmit
Focus Area uses FormSubmit (formsubmit.co) to process waitlist sign-ups and contact form submissions. When you submit a form, your data is transmitted to FormSubmit's servers and forwarded to our email. FormSubmit has its own privacy practices — please review their policy at formsubmit.co. We are not responsible for FormSubmit's data handling beyond forwarding to our inbox.
7. AI & Grading Data
Focus Area uses AI-assisted tools to grade ALT assessments and calculate proficiency scores. Student submissions used for grading are processed through these tools for evaluation purposes only. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that AI grading is fair and free from racial, sexual, or religious bias.
Student submissions and scores may be retained to support future improvements to the grading system. We do not use student work to train third-party commercial AI models without explicit consent.
8. Children's Privacy (COPPA)
Focus Area serves students of all ages, including children under 13. We are committed to complying with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.
Parents or legal guardians must provide consent for students under 13 to use Focus Area. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information promptly. Contact us at support@nextgenstudiosus.com to request removal.
9. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. After account termination:
- Account data is typically deleted within 90 days of account closure upon request.
- Transcript and letter of recommendation records may be retained for a longer period to support future verification requests.
- We retain records of transactions and communications as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
To request deletion of your data, contact support@nextgenstudiosus.com.
10. Cookies & Tracking
Focus Area may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain session state, remember preferences, and analyze usage. Our website platform (Webador) may also place cookies as part of its standard operation — please refer to Webador's privacy policy for details on platform-level cookies.
We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking pixels for marketing purposes.
11. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Request that inaccurate data be corrected.
- Deletion: Request that your data be deleted, subject to any legal retention obligations.
- Objection: Object to certain uses of your data.
- Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@nextgenstudiosus.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
12. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no internet-based service is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data.
If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at support@nextgenstudiosus.com.
13. Youth-Led Disclosure
Next Gen Studios US is a youth-led project. The founder and primary operator is a minor under Delaware law. Data collected through Focus Area is managed responsibly and with parental/guardian involvement where required. This disclosure is made in the interest of full transparency and does not reduce our commitment to protecting your privacy.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. When changes are made, the effective date at the top of this page will be updated. Continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
15. Contact
For any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy:
Email: support@nextgenstudiosus.com
Project: Next Gen Studios US — Focus Area
Governing Jurisdiction: Delaware, USA
