Terms of Service

Effective date: September 7, 2026

Last updated: September 7, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern access to and use of the Clear Step Math website, booking system, and tutoring services (collectively, the "Service"). The Service is operated by Ashley Williams, a Minnesota sole proprietor doing business as Clear Step Math ("Clear Step Math," "we," "us," or the "Tutor").

By creating an account, submitting a booking, purchasing or using a package or credit, or otherwise using the Service, you (the "Client") agree to these Terms and acknowledge the Privacy Policy and Cancellation Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

1. Eligibility, Adult Accounts, and Authority

1.1. You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a contract to create an account or book a session. Children may not create or control an account.

1.2. If you book for a student under 18, you represent that you are the student's parent or legal guardian, or that you have authority from the parent or legal guardian to arrange tutoring and provide the student's information. You authorize us to use that information as described in the Privacy Policy.

1.3. Tutoring is not childcare. A parent or guardian remains responsible for transportation, timely pickup, emergency contact availability, and the student's supervision before and after each session. For an in-home session, a responsible adult must remain at the location for the entire session when the student is a minor.

2. Accounts and Account Security

2.1. You must provide accurate, current, and complete information, including your name, email address, phone number, and your relationship to any minor for whom you book.

2.2. You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials and for activity under your account. Do not share credentials or permit a child to use your account independently. Notify us promptly at ashley@clearstepmath.com if you suspect unauthorized access.

2.3. We may require reasonable verification before changing account ownership, disclosing account information, or processing a privacy or recovery request.

3. Tutoring Services

3.1. Clear Step Math provides supplemental mathematics tutoring for elementary, middle, and high school students. Sessions may be individual or small-group and may take place:

• at the Tutor's location or the Cambridge Public Library, with the exact location provided in the booking confirmation;
• at an approved Client residence within the service area (an "In-Home Session"); or
• online using Google Meet or another service identified in the booking details.

3.2. In-Home Sessions are limited to locations within 10 miles of the Cambridge-Isanti, Minnesota area. A new Client's initial session takes place at the Tutor's location, the Cambridge Public Library, or online unless the Tutor expressly agrees otherwise.

3.3. Individual sessions are currently 60 minutes, with a one-hour minimum. The calendar places a 15-minute buffer between individual sessions; booking two consecutive sessions therefore provides two hours of tutoring over an elapsed period of two hours and 15 minutes. Group sessions have a two-hour minimum and a maximum of four students unless the booking page states otherwise.

3.4. Current duration, capacity, scheduling window, location, cancellation cutoff, and price are displayed during booking. The session-specific details shown when you submit the booking control for that session if they differ from general marketing copy.

3.5. We do not guarantee a particular grade, test score, admission result, or other academic outcome. Tutoring supplements, but does not replace, the student's school instruction, special-education services, counseling, medical care, or other professional services.

4. Booking and Confirmation

4.1. Available times are shown in Central Time (America/Chicago). You are responsible for checking the date, time, duration, location, student, subject, and rate before submitting a booking.

4.2. Submitting the online booking flow places the appointment on the schedule subject to payment and these Terms. A website or email confirmation records the appointment details; it does not by itself establish that payment was received or waive any payment requirement.

4.3. Unless the booking is covered by a valid package or session credit, payment is due in full at booking. A booking that remains unpaid, has a failed or reversed payment, or cannot be verified may be cancelled and the time may be released without issuing a refund or session credit.

4.4. We may decline or cancel a booking because of inaccurate information, scheduling error, unsafe conditions, service-area limits, nonpayment, suspected fraud, repeated no-shows, or another reasonable operational or safety concern.

5. Rates, Discounts, and Payment

5.1. The price displayed in the final booking review is the price for that session, subject to any valid package, session credit, or coupon shown there. Rates may change prospectively, but a later rate change does not alter the price already recorded for a completed purchase.

5.2. Payment process. Payment is due in full at booking. Payment is made through our online checkout, which is processed by Stripe under Stripe's terms and privacy practices; you authorize the charge shown at checkout. Clear Step Math does not collect or store your payment-card number; we receive transaction identifiers, status, amount, and limited payment metadata only. In occasional cases we may agree with you in advance to another payment arrangement, and we will record the resulting sessions or package on your account by hand.

5.3. Confirmation. A session paid through online checkout is confirmed only after Stripe reports a successful payment. A booking whose payment fails, is reversed, or cannot be verified is not confirmed, and that time may be released to other clients.

5.4. Coupons and promotional rates may have eligibility dates, use limits, session restrictions, or other conditions displayed when issued or redeemed. They have no cash value, may not be sold, and may not be combined unless we expressly allow it. We may end or modify a promotion prospectively, but will honor a valid discount already applied to a completed purchase unless it was obtained through error, misuse, or fraud.

5.5. Except where a refund is required by law or expressly approved by us in writing, all sales are final. Individual sessions and prepaid packages are non-refundable. The contractual remedy for an eligible cancellation is the package restoration or session credit described in Section 6.

5.6. Packages must be paid in full before use, are tied to the purchasing account and applicable location tier, and expire six months after purchase. Packages apply to eligible individual sessions and do not cover group sessions unless expressly stated. Unused sessions expire without cash value. Package sessions may be used for another child in the same immediate family under the same adult account, but a package may not be resold or transferred to another household.

5.7. If you believe a charge is incorrect, contact us promptly so we can investigate. Initiating a chargeback does not create a right to a refund, credit, or continued service, and we may suspend an account while a payment dispute is pending. Nothing in this section limits rights that cannot lawfully be waived.

6. Cancellations, Credits, and No-Shows

6.1. The Cancellation Policy is incorporated into these Terms. The cancellation cutoff currently displayed by the Service is 24 hours before the scheduled start time. The exact cutoff recorded for the booking controls.

6.2. If an eligible, paid individual or group booking is cancelled at or before the applicable cutoff:

• a session paid from an active package is returned to that package when the package remains usable;
• a session paid with a valid credit has that credit restored when it remains usable; and
• another eligible paid session receives one replacement credit for the same session category and location tier.

No credit is issued for an unpaid, failed, reversed, or otherwise uncleared payment.

6.3. A session cancelled after the cutoff, a no-show, or a session missed due to the Client's late arrival is forfeited. The scheduled end time does not automatically extend because a Client or student arrives late.

6.4. Session credits:

• are valid for one session in the same individual/group category and location tier for which they were issued;
• are normally applied to the next eligible booking selected by the Client;
• expire six months after issuance;
• have no cash value and are not refundable or redeemable for money;
• may be used for another child in the same immediate family under the same adult account; and
• may not be sold or transferred to another household.

6.5. A request to move a session is not effective until the Tutor confirms the new time. Unless a reschedule is confirmed, the original time and cancellation cutoff remain in effect.

6.6. If the Tutor cancels, an eligible package session or credit will be restored, or a replacement session credit will be issued. We will make reasonable efforts to offer another time. Except where applicable law requires otherwise, that restoration or credit is the contractual remedy for the cancelled session.

7. In-Home Sessions and Safety

7.1. For an In-Home Session, you represent that the address is accurate, within the service area, reasonably safe, and suitable for instruction. You must disclose material access or safety concerns in advance, including uncontrolled animals, known contagious illness, or conditions that could reasonably place the Tutor or student at risk.

7.2. The Tutor may refuse to enter, pause, or end an In-Home Session if she reasonably believes the location, conduct, or circumstances are unsafe or materially unsuitable. Whether a credit is issued depends on who caused the condition, the timing, and applicable law.

7.3. The Client is responsible for property access and for obtaining permission from the property owner or occupant. Clear Step Math is not responsible for loss or damage caused by undisclosed hazards, animals, or inaccurate access instructions, except to the extent caused by the Tutor's negligence or other liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

8. Online Sessions

8.1. The Client is responsible for a compatible device, a reasonably stable internet connection, and a quiet and appropriate environment. Third-party video services may have their own terms and privacy practices.

8.2. Neither party may record a session without the prior knowledge and consent of the other party and, for a minor student, the parent or guardian. Clear Step Math does not ordinarily record tutoring sessions.

9. Uploaded Materials

9.1. You may upload homework, assignments, tests, or similar reference images ("User Content") to help the Tutor prepare. Upload only what is reasonably necessary and remove unrelated personal information where practical.

9.2. You represent that you have permission to upload the User Content and that doing so does not violate law, school policy, confidentiality obligations, or a third party's rights. Do not upload another student's information, government identification, financial information, health records, or unlawful or harmful material.

9.3. You grant Clear Step Math a limited, non-exclusive license to store, view, copy as technically necessary, and use User Content solely to operate the Service and provide tutoring. We do not acquire ownership of User Content.

9.4. We may reject or delete User Content that is unnecessary, unsafe, unlawful, technically harmful, or inconsistent with these Terms. Retention and deletion are described in the Privacy Policy.

10. Communications

10.1. By providing an email address or phone number, you agree to receive transactional communications reasonably related to your account, bookings, payment status, safety, schedule changes, and requested support. Standard carrier charges may apply to calls or texts.

10.2. Transactional communications are not marketing. If we later send optional marketing communications, we will provide any opt-out mechanism required by law.

11. Acceptable Use and Security

You may not:

• use the Service unlawfully or to harm, harass, exploit, or endanger another person;
• access or attempt to access another person's account, booking, files, or administrative functions;
• submit malware, automated traffic, spam bookings, fraudulent payment information, or misleading identity or student information;
• probe, scan, or test the Service for vulnerabilities without written authorization;
• scrape, copy, reverse engineer, or interfere with the Service except where applicable law expressly permits it; or
• use the Service in a way that disrupts availability or imposes an unreasonable burden on the website or Tutor.

We may preserve relevant records and cooperate with service providers or lawful authorities when investigating suspected misuse.

12. Intellectual Property

The Service's branding, design, text, graphics, and software, excluding User Content and third-party materials, are owned by or licensed to Clear Step Math. Subject to these Terms, you receive a limited, revocable, non-transferable right to use the Service for personal tutoring-related purposes. No other rights are granted.

13. Third-Party Services and Availability

13.1. The Service relies on third parties such as Render for hosting, Google Workspace and Google Meet for communications, and Stripe for payment processing. We do not control their networks, availability, or independent privacy and security practices.

13.2. We may modify, suspend, or interrupt website features for maintenance, security, provider outages, or operational reasons. We do not promise uninterrupted or error-free website availability, but an outage does not remove our obligation to provide a paid tutoring session or the applicable remedy under these Terms.

14. Disclaimers

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE WEBSITE AND ITS BOOKING FEATURES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." CLEAR STEP MATH DISCLAIMS IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE WEBSITE WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT TUTORING WILL PRODUCE A PARTICULAR ACADEMIC RESULT.

Nothing in these Terms excludes an express commitment made in writing or a consumer right or warranty that applicable law does not permit us to disclaim.

15. Limitation of Liability

15.1. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CLEAR STEP MATH AND ASHLEY WILLIAMS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, OR LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY, ARISING FROM THE SERVICE OR A TUTORING SESSION.

15.2. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING FROM A CLAIM WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT THE CLIENT PAID CLEAR STEP MATH FOR THE SESSION OR PACKAGE GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM OR (B) $100.

15.3. These limitations do not apply to liability that cannot lawfully be limited, including liability for fraud, willful misconduct, gross negligence, personal injury caused by negligence, or violation of non-waivable consumer rights.

16. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to defend and indemnify Ashley Williams d/b/a Clear Step Math from third-party claims, damages, and reasonable costs arising directly from your unlawful User Content, your material breach of Sections 1, 7, 9, or 11, or your fraud or willful misconduct. This section does not require you to indemnify us for our own negligence, misconduct, or breach of these Terms.

17. Suspension, Termination, and Account Deletion

17.1. We may restrict or terminate access for material breach, nonpayment, fraud, safety concerns, abusive conduct, or repeated misuse. Where practical, we will provide notice and an opportunity to address the issue.

17.2. You may stop using the Service or request account deletion by contacting ashley@clearstepmath.com. Deletion is subject to the Privacy Policy and does not erase payment, tax, dispute, safety, or other records we are legally entitled or required to retain.

17.3. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination—including payment obligations, ownership, disclaimers, liability limits, dispute terms, and record-retention rights—will survive.

18. Events Beyond Reasonable Control

Neither party is liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond reasonable control, such as severe weather, utility or internet failure, government action, provider outage, epidemic, or emergency. This section does not excuse payment already due and does not eliminate any restoration or credit expressly promised under Section 6.

19. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms prospectively. If a change is material, we will post the updated date and provide notice by email or through the Service when reasonably appropriate. Changes do not retroactively alter a completed purchase unless required by law or agreed by both parties.

20. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

20.1. Minnesota law governs these Terms, without regard to conflict-of-law rules, except where federal law or another jurisdiction's non-waivable consumer law applies.

20.2. Before filing a claim, each party agrees to send a written description of the dispute and make a good-faith effort to resolve it for at least 30 days. This requirement does not prevent either party from seeking urgent injunctive relief or filing an eligible small-claims action.

20.3. Subject to any non-waivable venue right, a court proceeding relating to these Terms must be brought in a Minnesota state court serving Isanti County or the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and each party consents to personal jurisdiction there. These Terms do not require arbitration and do not waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action.

21. General Terms

21.1. These Terms, the Privacy Policy, the Cancellation Policy, and the session-specific details shown at booking are the entire agreement regarding the Service. If they conflict, session-specific price and schedule details control for that booking, and these Terms control on all other matters.

21.2. If a provision is unenforceable, it will be limited to the minimum extent necessary and the remaining provisions will remain in effect. Failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. You may not assign your account or these Terms without our consent. We may assign these Terms as part of a lawful sale or reorganization of the business, subject to the Privacy Policy.

21.3. Headings are for convenience only. "Including" means "including without limitation." Electronic notices and records satisfy any writing requirement to the extent permitted by law.

22. Contact

Questions, notices, or disputes may be sent to:

Clear Step Math — Ashley Williams

Email: ashley@clearstepmath.com

Phone/text: 507-720-5190

Service area: Cambridge-Isanti, Minnesota