Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 2025
Website: www.GemstoneAcademy.com
Operated by: The United States Gemological Institute (USGI)

1. Our Commitment to Privacy
At The Gemstone Academy, we care deeply about your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information from visitors, parents, and students who use our website and educational services.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and positive online learning environment for children and families.

2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

• Parent or Guardian Contact Information: such as name, email address, and payment details for course enrollment.

• Student Information: such as first name, age, and learning progress (only with parental consent).

• Technical Data: including browser type, device information, and IP address, collected automatically for security and analytics purposes.

• Cookies: small data files used to enhance your experience on our site.

We do not collect personal information directly from children without verifiable parental consent.

3. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:

• Process course registrations and payments

• Deliver learning materials and certificates

• Communicate with parents and students

• Improve our educational content and website performance

• Comply with legal and safety requirements

We never sell or share personal data with outside companies for marketing purposes.

4. Protecting Children’s Privacy
Because our courses are designed for young learners, we comply fully with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

• Parents or guardians must register and approve any account created for a child.

• Children cannot publicly post or share personal information on the site.

• We do not display advertising targeted at children.

Parents may review, update, or delete their child’s personal information at any time by contacting us directly.

5. How We Protect Your Information
Our website uses SSL encryption, secure servers, and trusted payment processors to protect your data.
We regularly update our systems to maintain the highest level of digital safety.

6. Third-Party Services
Some parts of our site use third-party services such as payment gateways, email systems, and analytics tools.
These partners only receive the data necessary to perform their function and are required to maintain strict privacy standards.

7. Your Privacy Choices
You can:

• Request a copy of your personal data

• Ask us to delete your or your child’s account

• Opt out of email communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@usgemology.com.

8. Updates to This Policy
We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
The Gemstone Academy / United States Gemological Institute (USGI)
Email:info@usgemology.com
Mailing Address: United States Gemological Institute, PO Box 1727, Helotes, TX, 78023