General Terms and Conditions
Version 1.1 dated 1 September 2025
1. WHY THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT
This document sets out the general terms and conditions for the participation in educational courses on Algonova platform. It also sets out other important things that Customers need to know.

Algonova publishes these terms along with other relevant documents and policies on our website linked to the domain algonova.school.

These general terms and conditions, along with any other terms and conditions that apply to our services, form a legal agreement (the "Agreement") between:
  • you, as a Customer
  • us, as MindLane s.r.o. at Plzeňská 3352/156, Smíchov, 150 00 Praha, Czech Republic registered in the Czech Commercial Register under IČO 23589779, hereinafter referred to as "Algonova"
Together, the Customer and Algonova are referred to as Parties.
2. DEFINITIONS
  • “GTC” are these general terms and conditions.
  • “Customer” is a person who enters into an agreement with Algonova  and represents a Participant. In the case of Participants under 18 years old, the Customer is typically the parent or legal guardian. 
  • “Participant” is a student taking part in the Course.
  • “Teacher” is a person who is authorized and certified by Algonova to deliver educational services on its behalf.
  • “Course” is a service provided by Algonova on its proprietary platform covering a series of educational classes on a specific subject following a determined study plan. 
  • “Lesson” is a meeting with a teacher, during which the teacher provides knowledge to a Participant, according to a specific methodology and rules set by Algonova.
  • “Algonova platform” is an online platform dedicated to educational course delivery in the form of special software owned by Algonova containing a dedicated virtual room through which the teacher conducts lessons.
  • “Hall of Fame” is an incorporated social network within the Algonova platform where students may publish their projects as well as watch, comment, and react to projects made by other students in the world.
  • “Registration summary” is a document that specifies key modalities of the agreement such as: the number of lessons in the course, lesson schedule, fee, promotion, and payment schedule. It can be in the form of a separate document or an email.
  • “Course schedule” is a document regulating the schedule of the Course.
  • “Offer” is a proposal made by an Algonova representative to a potential Customer containing detailed information related to the services offered and their conditions.
  • “Payment schedule” is a schedule of Payments presented in the Registration summary to which the Customer commits.
  • “Payment due date” - is the date on which the Customer has to make the payment as specified in the Payment schedule.
  • “Fee” is the price for the purchased course in the form of a price for a lesson package, or educational subscription, or installment plan.
  • “Promotion” is a time-limited marketing event during which Customers may receive preferred conditions such as discounts, or lessons for free, or other additional services. Conditions of promotions are set in separate regulations and are communicated to potential Customers at the offer stage.
  • “Introductory lesson” - a lesson that aims to provide an overview of the platform and the chosen Course. The lesson can be conducted individually or in a group setting. It may also be provided in a recorded form.
  • “Catch-up lesson” - an additional lesson of 30-60 min, conducted individually or in a group, and organized by Algonova in order to help the Participant to catch-up on the knowledge missed, e.g., due to a missed class. Catch-up lessons are scheduled by Algonova based on the availability of the teacher and the Participant.
  • “Replacement lesson” - a lesson that is added to the Course schedule following a subsequent lesson that happened due to unforeseen events.
  • “Promo lesson” is a lesson in a course that has started, in which Algonova may selectively offer free participation to a prospective Customer.
3. CONCLUSION OF AGREEMENT
The agreement for the Course is concluded remotely in one of the following ways:
  • An Algonova representative confirms the agreement in a telephone conversation with the Customer. If needed, Algonova may refer to an audio recording of the Customer's express consent to participate in the Course.
  • The Customer accepts an offer sent by Algonova via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
  • The Participant logs into the Algonova platform using credentials provided by Algonova and attends at least one lesson of the Course. Note that participation in Introductory and/or Promo lessons is not considered as finalizing the agreement."
Upon agreement conclusion, Algonova sends to the Customer a written message confirming Course registration. The message can be sent by email, WhatsApp, or SMS, or Telegram.

The agreement is concluded for a definite period, from the date of its conclusion to the date of the last lesson of the course as per the Course schedule.

Unless stipulated otherwise, every agreement is concluded for one Participant only. In the case that two Participants appear in the course, Algonova will treat this as a conclusion of an agreement for two separate Participants and will ask the Customer to pay the fee for the second one.
4. COURSE SCHEDULING AND START TIMES
Course start dates are estimates provided during the enrollment process. Actual course commencement depends on several factors that may cause delays.
Factors Affecting Start Times
  • Teacher availability and scheduling
  • Minimum group enrollment requirements
  • Age-appropriate grouping of participants
  • Seasonal demand fluctuations
Timeline Expectations
Courses typically begin within 2-4 weeks of payment, though delays may extend longer during peak enrollment periods (such as the beginning of the school year).
Algonova will make reasonable efforts to commence courses as soon as practically possible and will keep customers informed of any significant delays.

Customer Rights During Delays:
If a course has not started within 6 weeks of payment, customers may:
  • Request a full refund without penalty
  • Transfer to an alternative available course
  • Maintain their enrollment with continued updates on start timing
Delays in course start times do not affect the total number of lessons purchased.
5. AGE VERIFICATION AND PARENTAL CONSENT
Services are intended for children aged 7-17. For participants under 16 years old, explicit parental consent is required before processing personal data.

Algonova will make reasonable efforts to verify age and parental consent through:
  • Registration confirmation by parent/guardian email
  • Initial consultation with parent/guardian
  • Ongoing communication with designated parent/guardian contact
Parents/guardians may withdraw consent at any time by contacting termination@algonova.school.
6. ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY
There are no formal prerequisites for enrolling in Algonova courses. Most courses are organized by age group.

However, effective participation depends on each student's functional readiness, including sufficient reading speed, ability to follow instructions, and manage simple tasks independently.

If a student is unable to follow the course as designed, Algonova will propose alternative arrangements, such as:
  • Transfer to a simpler or more age-appropriate course
  • Switch from group lessons to individual instruction
7. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES
Algonova provides extracurricular educational services designed to supplement, not replace, formal schooling. Our courses are not part of any accredited curriculum and do not constitute regulated educational activities under applicable law.

Algonova commits to providing the number of lessons specified in the Registration summary sent to the Customer upon conclusion of the agreement.

The services are considered fully delivered once the specified number of lessons has been provided, regardless of whether the Participant attends all the lessons.

Algonova does not guarantee successful Course accomplishment by the Participant because the integral component of achieving educational results is one's own work and the involvement of each Participant in the Course.

Algonova reserves the right to change training materials, in order to adapt them to a given group of students.

Algonova reserves the right to monitor and assess lesson quality for training and quality assurance purposes through:
  • Live attendance by Teacher Manager, Methodologist, or other Algonova representatives
  • Recording and internal review of lessons
  • Automated notetaking and analysis using AI tools

The frequency and method of quality control may vary depending on the teacher's experience, course type, and student group.
Algonova also regularly collects client feedback through informal conversations and structured check-ins to support teacher development and improve the learning experience.

All recordings and AI-generated notes are used exclusively for internal quality control and teacher coaching purposes. They are never shared externally or made publicly available without additional Customer consent.

Standard Lesson Duration
  • Group lessons: 90 minutes
  • Individual lessons: 60 minutes

Small Group Adjustments
When group enrollment falls to 4 participants or fewer, Algonova reserves the right to adjust lesson duration to maintain educational effectiveness:
  • Groups of 2-4 participants: duration may be reduced to 75 or 60 minutes
  • duration adjustments are determined based on participant age, course level, and learning needs
  • the total number of lessons purchased remains unchanged
Group Dissolution
If a group cannot be maintained due to participant withdrawals and suitable alternative groups are unavailable, remaining participants may be:
  • Moved to existing groups of appropriate age and level
  • Offered alternative scheduling arrangements
Algonova will communicate any duration changes to customers in advance when possible. These adjustments ensure optimal learning conditions while preserving the educational value of the course.
8. SCHEDULE CHANGES AND TEACHER REPLACEMENTS
Algonova reserves the right to adjust the class schedule for state holidays, days adjacent to holidays, or other administrative reasons.

If a lesson is canceled by Algonova, a Replacement Lesson will be scheduled. This Replacement Lesson will be considered the next lesson in the Course.

In the case of circumstances preventing Algonova from running the Course as per the Course schedule, Algonova will offer to the Customer alternative day/time slots with the aim to find a convenient time in the Participant’s schedule to continue the Course.
9. TEACHER REPLACEMENTS AND CHANGES
Temporary Replacements. If the assigned teacher is absent (due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances), Algonova may appoint a replacement teacher for that lesson.

Permanent Teacher Changes. Algonova may decide to permanently change the teacher assigned to a group to ensure quality, availability, or appropriate group fit. Such changes are coordinated between our Teacher Manager and Client Manager to minimize disruption.

Customers may request a teacher change, which Algonova will evaluate on a case-by-case basis, though changes are not guaranteed.

Any permanent teacher changes will be communicated to the Customer in writing by an Algonova representative.
10. CATCH-UP LESSONS
If a Participant misses a scheduled lesson, Algonova will not issue a refund, regardless of the reason for the absence.

However, Algonova offers up to three (3) Catch-up lessons during the Course at no additional cost. This corresponds to one (1) Catch-up lesson for every 12 lessons purchased.

Catch-up Lesson Format
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Timing: Typically scheduled before the start of regular lessons
  • Alternative scheduling available if standard timing doesn't suit the student
Algonova may also provide a video recording of the missed lesson if it considers that the student may catch-up on the knowledge by watching the recording of the missed lesson and going through the exercises independently.

Customers can request a Catch-up lesson after an absence, or it may be suggested by an Algonova representative if the Participant is falling behind in the Course.

To be eligible for a catch-up lesson, the absence must be communicated before 12:00 noon on the day of the lesson.

If the Participant requires more than three (3) Catch-up lessons, s/he may request additional lessons that may be provided on a paid basis according to the individual offer from Algonova.
11. ALGONOVA PLATFORM AND USER ACCOUNT
Access to the Algonova platform is provided through the https://learn.alg.academy website, where the Participant’s account is set up.

Access to the Algonova platform is provided for the duration of active participation in a course or group.

Platform access automatically expires when:
  • The student completes their enrolled course
  • The student withdraws from or is removed from their group
  • The course is terminated for any reason
After access expires, student accounts and associated data is processed in accordance with our data retention policy. Students wishing to re-enroll in future courses will need to create new accounts.

Each Participant will need a username and password to log in, which are generated by the system and sent to the Customer via email, WhatsApp, or Telegram.

It is the Participant's responsibility to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information. If no updates are provided, Algonova will assume the existing information is correct.

Algonova is entitled to change the elements and functionality of its platform or services, which does not constitute a change in the agreement.

Platform service Interruptions may happen during periods of server maintenance. Algonova commits to fix them as fast as possible if those were to occur during lessons.

The Algonova platform implements enhanced safety measures for young users:
  • Proactive content moderation using both automated and human review
  • Easy reporting mechanisms for inappropriate content
  • Default privacy settings protecting children's information
  • Restricted communication features to prevent unwanted contact
  • Regular safety audits and improvements
12. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT
To ensure smooth lessons, the Participant must have access to:
Device Requirements
  • A laptop or desktop computer (tablets and mobile phones are not supported)
  • Windows 10 or higher, or macOS 10.13 or higher
  • At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • Minimum 10 GB of free disk space
  • A functioning webcam and microphone
  • Headphones to minimize distractions
Internet and Software
  • Stable internet connection with at least 30 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed
  • Latest version of Google Chrome browser
  • Administrator permissions for installing course-related software when required
Some courses may have additional technical requirements. Course-specific requirements will be communicated during onboarding. Detailed technical requirements are available at the following link.

Algonova reserves the right for technical support representatives to join the lesson. If it is necessary to take over the control of the Participant’s screen, this action will take place only with the consent of the Participant, and its scope will be limited only to actions aimed at removing technical obstacles on the Participant's computer.
13. PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT
Students are required to uphold the highest standards of conduct at all times. The use of profanity, disparaging dialogues, physical violence, racial profiling, bullying, threats, or any other form of disruptive behavior during participation in Algonova Programs is strictly prohibited. Students failing to refrain from any such behavior after proper warning may be asked to leave, and no refund is issued in such circumstances. Algonova maintains a Participant Code of Conduct that summarizes the rules and principles that apply.

While Algonova endeavors to maintain positive relationships with students, in rare cases, it may be determined that Algonova is not a compatible environment for every student.
14. ACCESSIBILITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Algonova is committed to providing accessible education for students with disabilities or special educational needs, subject to our capacity and the suitability of group learning environments.

Assessment Process: we evaluate each situation individually to determine the most appropriate educational arrangement.

Group Accommodation: where possible, students may remain in group lessons with reasonable accommodations such as modified lesson formats, additional support, or alternative communication methods.

Individual Instruction: if group participation would be disruptive to other students or ineffective for the student's learning needs, we may offer individual lesson arrangements as an alternative.

Service Limitations: in cases where we lack the specialized training or resources to provide appropriate educational support, we may be unable to accommodate enrollment. We will communicate this decision respectfully and as early as possible.

Request Process: accommodation requests should be made during enrollment or as soon as needs are identified, allowing time for proper assessment and arrangement.

Our goal is to balance individual student needs with the learning environment for all participants.
15. FEES AND PAYMENTS
The fee and payment schedule are specified in the Registration summary.

The fee may be of one of the following types: (1) lesson package, (2) installment plan, (3) educational subscription.
When the Customer purchases a lesson package, s/he purchases a defined number of lessons, up to 72 units. The larger the package, the lower the price of each lesson within the package.

When the Customer chooses an installment plan, typically offered for a full course of 36 lessons, s/he commits to the purchase of the full course, however, the payment is split in parts.

In the case of educational subscription, the Customer purchases the full course and agrees to link the credit card for monthly payments that will be drawn by Algonova as per the Payment schedule.

Fees are expressed on a gross basis and include VAT. The applicable VAT rate is determined by the Customer's country of residence.

The Customer must pay the Fee by the Payment due date as outlined in the Payment schedule. The payment is considered made on the date it is received in the Algonova account.

Payments can be made by one of the following methods:
  • bank transfer
  • payment links, e.g. Stripe, Comgate
  • PayPal
Discounts may be applicable, and they are specified in the Registration summary. Additional terms of discount and promotion policies may apply.

If the payment is not received by the Payment Due Date, Algonova may:
  • send a payment reminder to the Customer
  • suspend the Participant's access to the course and/or block access to the Algonova platform until the overdue payment is settled
If the Customer doesn't pay despite payment reminders by Algonova representative, Algonova has the right to terminate the agreement.
16. INDEPENDENT TEACHER ARRANGEMENTS
While not formally prohibited, Customers are strongly discouraged from entering into direct arrangements with Teachers outside the Algonova framework. Such arrangements undermine the coordinated delivery, quality assurance, and support structure that Algonova provides.

Teachers are likewise expected not to solicit or accept private engagements with Algonova Customers during or shortly after their cooperation with Algonova.

Any independent arrangement between Customer and Teacher falls entirely outside the scope of Algonova's services. In such cases, Teachers may not use Algonova's platform, materials, brand, or infrastructure in any form.

Algonova accepts no responsibility or liability for any direct arrangements between Customers and Teachers.
17. AGREEMENT TERMINATION
The Customer may terminate the agreement by submitting a Termination Notice. The effective Termination Date will be the last calendar day of the month following the month in which Algonova receives the Termination Notice. For example, if the Customer sends a Termination Notice on October 16th, the Termination Date will be November 30th.

Algonova is obliged to provide the service to the Customer until the Termination date. The Customer is obliged to make payments covering all lessons scheduled until the Termination date.

The Termination Notice may be tendered not earlier than the date of the first lesson and on working days only. If a Termination Notice is tendered on a weekend or on a public holiday according to the Czech public holiday calendar, it will be deemed to be received on the next working day.

The Customer is obliged to tender a Termination Notice in writing to termination@algonova.school.

The content of the Termination Notice should contain information or statements: "I terminate the agreement for the Course (provide the name of the Course), which applies to the Participant ... (provide the name and surname of the Participant)". 

In this case, Algonova will confirm the acceptance of a termination by a return email in which the following information or statements will be included: "Algonova confirms the acceptance of the notice." Other forms of providing termination of the agreement for the Course will be ineffective.

If the Customer terminates the agreement with lesson credit remaining, Algonova will calculate a pro-rated refund in accordance with our Refund Policy available on our website.
18. CONSUMER WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
EU customers have the right to withdraw from this agreement within 14 days of contract conclusion without giving a reason.

When Withdrawal Rights Expire

Your withdrawal right expires on whichever comes first:
  • 14 days after contract agreement, OR  
  • When the first lesson of your course takes place
Examples
  • If your course starts 10 days after contract agreement, withdrawal right expires when the first lesson begins
  • If your course starts 20 days after contract agreement, withdrawal right expires on day 14 (before the course starts)
To exercise withdrawal rights before they expire, send written notice to: termination@algonova.school

Additional consumer rights may apply based on your country of residence as specified in country-specific addendums.
19. HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
Algonova strives to provide the best service possible but recognizes that issues may arise. If you have a complaint, please follow these steps:
  • Contact your Client Manager, who will work to resolve the issue.
  • If the issue is not resolved, send an email to complaint@algonova.school. You will receive an acknowledgment of your complaint upon receipt.
Algonova will investigate your complaint and provide a response within a few days, though it may take up to 12 business days.

If you are not satisfied with our complaint resolution, you may have access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including:
  • European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform: ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr
  • National consumer protection authorities in your country
  • Relevant arbitration or mediation services
These options are available to EU consumers without prejudice to court proceedings.
20. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Algonova owns the rights to the intellectual property in our products (for example, Algonova platform) and services (for example, course methodology). Customers must not use Algonova intellectual property as their own, except to enjoy the learning experience with us. Customers also must not reverse-engineer any of our products or services (that is, reproduce them after a detailed examination of their construction or composition).
21. STUDENT WORK OWNERSHIP
Students retain ownership of projects they create during courses. Students may use and share their projects for non-commercial, educational, or portfolio purposes.

Algonova retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to host and display student projects on the platform and showcase selected projects for marketing purposes.
22. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Algonova's liability is limited as follows:

Algonova is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including loss of opportunity, academic results, or business interruption.

Algonova's total liability under this agreement is limited to the amount of fees actually paid by the Customer for the specific Course in which the issue arose.

Algonova is not liable for issues arising from:
  • Force majeure events (natural disasters, internet outages, regulatory changes)
  • Client-side technical limitations or inadequate internet connection
  • Student-related factors such as lack of engagement or insufficient preparation
  • Third-party platforms used to deliver lessons (e.g., Google Meet, video conferencing tools)
Algonova does not guarantee specific educational outcomes or academic progress. Subjective dissatisfaction is not a valid basis for refunds or compensation unless the service materially deviates from what was contractually agreed.

These limitations operate in addition to any statutory consumer rights under applicable law.
23. FORCE MAJEURE
Algonova shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this agreement if such failure or delay is due to circumstances beyond Algonova's reasonable control, including but not limited to:
  • Acts of God, natural disasters, or severe weather conditions
  • Power outages or internet service failures
  • Strikes, labor disputes, or civil unrest
  • Government actions, regulatory changes, or legal restrictions
  • Pandemic-related restrictions or health emergencies
In the event of force majeure, Algonova will:
  • Notify the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable
  • Use reasonable efforts to minimize the impact and resume normal service
  • Provide alternative arrangements where possible (such as rescheduling lessons)
If force majeure continues for more than 30 days, either party may terminate the agreement with written notice.
24. ENGLISH VERSION OF AGREEMENT APPLIES
For Customer convenience Algonova will aim to publish the GTC in every language in which it serves customers. However, the translation from English is for reference only, and the English version of the GTC applies to every agreement concluded with Algonova.
25. DATA PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Algonova processes personal data on the following legal bases:
  • Parental consent for children under 16 (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
  • Contract performance for service delivery (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR) 
  • Legitimate interests for quality assurance and safety (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR)
For details on data processing practices, see our Privacy Policy published on our website.
26. MARKETING TO CHILDREN
Algonova does not engage in behavioral advertising to children or use manipulative design practices. Any promotional communications are educational in nature and directed to parents/guardians.

We do not share children's data for marketing purposes or allow third-party advertising within our educational platform.
27. ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT
Customers may not assign, transfer, or delegate their rights or obligations under this agreement to any third party without the prior written consent of Algonova.

This restriction preserves the continuity and integrity of the educational relationship and avoids confusion regarding payment, scheduling, or service expectations.

Algonova may assign or transfer this agreement, in whole or in part, to another entity within the Algonova group, including in the context of internal reorganization, operational restructuring, or transfer of business functions. Such assignment will not materially affect the Customer's rights under this agreement.
28. LAW AND LEGAL ACTION
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Czech Republic. Any disputes arising from or relating to this agreement shall be resolved by the courts of Prague, Czech Republic. Where required by applicable consumer protection law, local jurisdiction and law may apply as specified in country-specific addendums to these terms.
29. ALGONOVA CAN CHANGE THESE TERMS
Algonova will only change these GTC for the following reasons:
  • if Algonova thinks it will make them easier to understand or more helpful for the Customers
  • to reflect the way Algonova runs the business
  • to reflect legal or regulatory requirements that applies to Algonova
  • to reflect changes in the cost of running the business
  • because Algonova changes or introduces new services or products that affect existing services or products covered by these terms and conditions
Algonova will inform Customers with two months' notice before making any change. Algonova will assume that Customers are happy with the change unless they tell Algonova that they want to terminate the agreement before the implementation of the updated terms.
30. HOW TO CONTACT US
A Customer can contact us in any of the following ways:

  • Reach out to  the client manager who is the primary contact as Algonova representative
  • Write to us an email to: talk.to.us@algonova.school