Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Raise The Stars platform ("Platform"), operated by Raise The Stars Inc., a corporation registered in the Province of Ontario, Canada. By creating an account, accessing the Platform, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform. These Terms constitute a binding legal agreement between you and Raise The Stars Inc.

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable laws of Canada, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (Ontario), the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 (Ontario), and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Platform" means the Raise The Stars website, mobile application, and all associated services available at raisethestars.ca.
• "Parent" or "Family User" means an adult (18+) who registers on the Platform on behalf of a minor child.
• "Tutor" means an independent contractor who registers on the Platform to provide tutoring services.
• "Minor" or "Student" means a child between Grades 5 and 12 (approximately ages 10–18) on whose behalf a Parent registers.
• "Session" means a scheduled, in-person or facilitated tutoring engagement booked through the Platform.
• "Host Home" means a verified private residence where Sessions may take place.
• "We", "us", or "Company" refers to Raise The Stars Inc.

3. Nature of the Platform — Marketplace Model

IMPORTANT: Raise The Stars Inc. operates as a technology platform and marketplace that connects Parents with independent Tutor contractors. We do not directly provide tutoring or educational services. Tutors are not employees, agents, or representatives of Raise The Stars Inc.

As a marketplace operator, Raise The Stars:

• Facilitates introductions and bookings between Parents and Tutors;
• Provides scheduling, communication, and payment infrastructure;
• Establishes and enforces minimum safety and conduct standards;
• Administers background screening processes for Tutors;
• Is not responsible for the educational outcomes, conduct, or session-level decisions of any Tutor.

Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or franchise relationship between Raise The Stars Inc. and any Tutor.

4. Eligibility and Account Registration

4.1 Parents and Family Users

To register as a Parent, you must: (a) be at least 18 years of age; (b) have legal authority to consent on behalf of the Minor student; (c) provide accurate, complete registration information; and (d) agree to these Terms on behalf of yourself and your Minor child.

4.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. You agree to notify us immediately at legal@raisethestars.ca of any unauthorized use of your account. Raise The Stars is not liable for losses arising from unauthorized account access resulting from your failure to maintain credential security.

5. Booking, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

5.1 Bookings

Sessions are confirmed only upon receipt of payment through the Platform. Raise The Stars uses a third-party payment processor compliant with applicable Canadian payment regulations.

5.2 Cancellations by Parents

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours before a scheduled Session: full refund to original payment method.
• Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours before Session: 50% refund or Platform credit.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before Session: no refund. Platform credit may be issued at Raise The Stars' sole discretion.

5.3 Cancellations by Tutors

If a Tutor cancels within 24 hours of a Session, the Parent will receive a full refund and a Platform credit for the inconvenience.

5.4 Ontario Consumer Protection

Nothing in this cancellation policy limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (Ontario), including your right to a cooling-off period of 10 days for future-performance agreements with a value exceeding $50.

6. Payments and Fees

All fees are displayed in Canadian dollars (CAD). Applicable taxes, including HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) at the Ontario rate, will be added to all transactions as required by law.

Raise The Stars retains a platform fee from each transaction. The specific fee structure is disclosed at the time of booking. Tutors receive 80% of the session fee net of platform charges, as set out in the Tutor Agreement.

7. Safety, In-Person Sessions, and Host Homes

7.1 Parent Responsibilities

Parents who elect to host Sessions at their residence (Host Home) agree to:

• Provide a safe, appropriate, and distraction-free environment;
• Ensure an adult is present on the premises for the duration of each Session involving a Minor;
• Not permit unauthorized third parties to be present during Sessions without prior notification to the Tutor;
• Comply with Raise The Stars Host Home Guidelines, as updated from time to time.

7.2 Drop-Off Sessions

If a Parent arranges for their child to attend a Session at another verified Host Home, the Parent acknowledges that: (a) the Host Home has been verified by Raise The Stars; (b) they retain parental responsibility for their child at all times; and (c) Raise The Stars does not provide supervision, transportation, or childcare services.

7.3 Session Monitoring

Sessions are subject to real-time check-in protocols. Raise The Stars reserves the right to suspend or terminate any Session that violates safety standards.

8. Child Safety and Protection

The safety of minors is a paramount obligation. All Tutors must complete mandatory background checks and child protection training prior to their first Session. Details are set out in our Safety & Trust Policy.

Parents and Tutors must both report any safety concern immediately to Raise The Stars and, where legally required, to applicable child protection authorities. Reporting obligations under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (Ontario) apply to all adults who interact with minors on the Platform.

9. Prohibited Conduct

Users of the Platform must not:

• Provide false information during registration or booking;
• Engage in harassment, abuse, or inappropriate communication with any Party;
• Attempt to circumvent the Platform by arranging direct payments with Tutors for Services booked through Raise The Stars;
• Share or misuse personal information of Minors, Tutors, or other Users;
• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose;
• Reproduce, resell, or redistribute Platform content without written consent.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including curriculum materials, course designs, branding, text, graphics, and software, is the intellectual property of Raise The Stars Inc. or its licensors. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited and may constitute infringement under the Copyright Act (Canada).

11. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

11.1 Platform Disclaimer

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY ONTARIO AND FEDERAL CANADIAN LAW, RAISE THE STARS INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11.2 Educational Outcomes

Raise The Stars makes no guarantee regarding specific educational outcomes, grade improvements, or academic performance as a result of using the Platform.

11.3 Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Raise The Stars' total liability to any User for any claim arising from use of the Platform shall not exceed the total fees paid by that User in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11.4 Consumer Rights Preserved

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be excluded under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (Ontario) or other applicable mandatory laws.

12. Dispute Resolution

The parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to mediation administered by a mutually agreed mediator in Toronto, Ontario.

If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Toronto, Ontario under the Arbitration Act, 1991 (Ontario), except that either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

These Terms are governed by and construed under the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

13. Amendments

Raise The Stars may amend these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by email or Platform notice at least 30 days before the change takes effect. Continued use of the Platform after that date constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms.

14. Termination

Either party may terminate their account at any time. Raise The Stars may suspend or terminate accounts for material breach of these Terms, safety violations, or fraudulent activity. Prepaid session credits will be refunded upon termination except where termination is for cause.

15. Contact

For legal inquiries: hello@raisethestars.com

Raise The Stars Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada