Privacy Policy

Last updated June 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy and Notice (referred to as the “Privacy Policy”) outlines how 4wardED, Inc. (“4wardED,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our Services, as defined in the Key Terms section.

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to our Terms of Service and consent to the processing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the Services. Please note that our website(s) and application(s) may include links to third-party websites that we do not own or control. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. We recommend reviewing the terms of use and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

If you are a parent or guardian, please refer to the “Children’s Information” section for additional details.

For United States residents or individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, please review the following sections at the end of this Privacy Policy or access them via the provided links:

• Additional Disclosures for United States Residents

• Additional Disclosures for Data Subjects in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us using the information in the “Contact Us” section below.

Privacy & Cookies Notice: This site uses essential cookies to operate our secure subscription platform, support member logins, and protect your account. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. By continuing to browse or sign up, you agree to our use of these functional cookies. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Key Terms

We use specific terms throughout our Privacy Policy to ensure clarity as you review the information: • Customers: Refers to Learners and their Parents, Educators, and Partners. • Learners: Minors (18 years old or younger) who participate in 4wardED activities. • Parents: The parents or legal guardians of the Learners. • Educators: Independent contractors, either individuals or organizations, who offer classes through 4wardED’s platform. • Partners: Third-party companies we collaborate with, such as schools, technology vendors, employers, or non-profit organizations, that are not categorized as Educators. • Services: Includes 4wardED’s online marketplace for education and engagement, encompassing our website(s), application(s), devices, and other offerings, such as classes and activities. • Classes: Courses developed and taught by Educators, whether individuals or organizations. • Activities: Groups, challenges, and other forms of engagement available through or in partnership with 4wardED, which may be paid or free. • Personal Information/Data: Refers to any information linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual.

Information About Children

This Privacy Policy and Notice (“Privacy Policy”) outlines how 4wardED, Inc. (“4wardED,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you access our Services, as defined in the Key Terms section below. By using our Services, you agree to our Terms of Service and consent to the processing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue using the Services. Note that our website(s) and application(s) may include links to external websites not owned or controlled by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party websites. We recommend reviewing their terms of use and privacy policies before interacting with them. If you are a parent or guardian, please review the “Children’s Information” section below for important details. For residents of the United States or data subjects in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, additional information is provided in the following sections, which can be accessed at the end of this Privacy Policy or through the links below: • Additional Disclosures for United States Residents • Additional Disclosures for Data Subjects in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and United Kingdom If you have any questions, please contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section. A. Note to Parents We are committed to protecting children’s personal information (typically under age 13 or the age specified by applicable laws). We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the United States’ general data privacy and advertising laws, and other global regulations. Additionally, we assist schools in meeting their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). B. Collection, Use, and Sharing of Children’s Information For users identified as children, we provide limited features on our website(s) or application(s) to restrict the collection and sharing of children’s data and to prevent interactions with adults. As part of the parental consent process, Parents may allow us to collect and use their child’s personal information internally while opting out of disclosures to third parties, except where such sharing is essential to providing our Services. In compliance with applicable laws, we may collect, use, disclose, and process children’s personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. If we discover that we have collected information from a child in violation of applicable laws, we will promptly delete it. Children’s personal information is retained only as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and is securely deleted afterward to prevent unauthorized access or use. Please refer to the “Information Collection,” “Use of Information,” and “Information Disclosure” sections for further details. C. Parental Rights and Consent Parents of children with registered accounts have rights under COPPA and other privacy regulations to manage their child’s information. At any time, a Parent may: 1.Manage their child’s access to the Services through their parent account. 2.Review or correct their child’s personal information. 3.Discontinue the collection, use, or disclosure of their child’s personal information. Parents may also request the deletion of their child’s account by contacting us as outlined in the “Contact Us” section. To comply with COPPA and GDPR, we require parental consent before collecting children’s personal information and verify the identity of the consenting individual through methods such as credit card verification. We may also take additional steps to confirm a Parent’s identity when responding to requests to review or delete a child’s information or to cease further data collection. For more details, please see our Children’s Privacy Notice and Learner’s Privacy Guide.

Collection of Information

A. Information You Provide We collect information you provide directly when using our Services. This may include data that personally identifies you, either alone or in combination with other information. Below are the categories of information we have collected in the past twelve (12) months: Account Information When you join 4wardED, we collect credentials (e.g., usernames, passwords, and other security information) and profile details such as your name or publicly displayed name from a linked account (e.g., Facebook, Google, or Apple), email address, phone number, and postal address. We also gather data about your interests, preferences, and the Classes and Activities you participate in as an Educator, Parent, or Learner. Learners are required to submit a video recording for account verification and participation in Classes. All live Classes are recorded, and cameras must be on for safety purposes during part of the Activity. Some accounts may also require a separate contractual agreement. Content Information We collect data related to your engagement with Classes, Activities, and Services, including uploaded content like drawings, photos, videos, and audio. This also includes your history of interactions with 4wardED, feedback, reviews of Classes or Educators, and communications with customer support. We may collect and display chat content to facilitate user interactions. Demographic Information If you register for optional surveys or quizzes, we may collect demographic data such as your age, birth date, gender, pronouns, household income, and location. Payment Information When making purchases, we use third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay) to collect payment details, including your name, payment method, billing address, and transaction information. 4wardED does not store or process this data directly. If payments are made to you (e.g., via PayPal), we collect financial account details and payment information, such as reasons or history of payments. Payment information is also used for fraud detection and prevention. Referral Information We collect data related to referrals, including referral codes and invitations sent to others to join the Services. Promotional Information For participation in sweepstakes, contests, or other promotions, we may request details such as your email address, screen name, name, and mailing address. If required for tax purposes, we may collect your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Survey Information We may collect feedback through online surveys to improve our Services, gather visitor insights, and provide better recommendations. Customer Support Information When contacting customer support, you may provide details such as your name, phone number, email address, and other relevant data. This information helps us verify your identity, respond to inquiries, and improve our services. Sensitive Information Depending on the jurisdiction, certain data (e.g., child-related information, race, ethnicity, financial details, or health information) may be considered sensitive. This data is processed only when necessary, with consent, or as required by law. Sensitive information may also include proof of identity, such as birth certificates or government-issued IDs, for verification purposes. Background Check Information Educators and potential employees must provide background check details, including criminal history, professional qualifications, and work experience. Separate notices and consent forms are provided for this process. B. Information Collected Automatically We automatically collect certain data when you interact with our Services. Below are the categories of information collected over the past twelve (12) months: Service Usage Data This includes details about the features you use, products or services viewed and purchased, browsing times, search terms, interactions, and error messages. Device and Configuration Data We collect information about your device, including its type, browser, operating system, IP address, regional settings, and push notification preferences. Video Data To participate in Classes and Activities, Learners may need to activate their device cameras. Videos may be recorded for safety purposes, and access may be denied if video requirements are not met. We only use video data to provide services, ensure safety, or comply with legal obligations. Tracking Technologies We use various technologies, such as cookies, log files, clear GIFs, and location-based tools, to gather data on user interactions, preferences, and location. For more details, refer to the “Technology Integrations and Social Media” section. C. Information from Other Sources We also collect data from third parties, including Customers, Partners, and Vendors. Below are the categories of external sources from which we have gathered information in the past twelve (12) months: Partner Information Partners, such as schools, non-profits, and employers, may share data with us to facilitate your participation in Classes or Activities. These organizations may provide privacy notices regarding how they manage your information. Vendor Information We may acquire data from vendors for marketing or operational purposes. For example, we may use mailing lists to target specific audiences or enhance user data for improved services. Third-Party Information When logging in through linked accounts (e.g., Facebook, Apple, or Google), third parties may share additional information. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies to understand what data they share with us. Generated Information We create inferences about your interests and preferences based on collected data, such as class subjects you might be interested in or your approximate location based on your IP address. By using our Services, you agree to the collection, use, and sharing of information as outlined above. If you decline to provide certain data, you may not be able to access all features or functionalities of our Services.

Use of Information

Potential Uses of Information • To operate, manage, and provide our Services Contact Data, Credentials, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Content, Information Collected Automatically • To perform services requested by you, including responding to inquiries and providing support Contact Data, Information Collected Automatically • To send technical notices, updates, security alerts, policy updates, and administrative messages Contact Data, Information Collected Automatically • To prevent and address fraud, policy breaches, and potential threats or harm Contact Data, Credentials, Profile Data, Information Collected Automatically • To monitor and analyze trends, usage patterns, and activities Contact Data, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Information Collected Automatically • To process and fulfill purchases Contact Data, Payment Data, Information Collected Automatically • For internal research and demographic studies to improve Services, marketing, and products Contact Data, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Information Collected Automatically • To deliver tailored advertisements for our Services or other offerings Contact Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Information Collected Automatically • To verify eligibility and deliver prizes for Promotions Contact Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Content, Information Collected Automatically • To fulfill other business or commercial purposes disclosed to you, or with your consent Contact Data, Credentials, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, Content, Information Collected Automatically Additional Note: We may use publicly available information or data that does not identify you (e.g., de-identified or aggregated data) for any lawful purpose. For details on your rights and choices regarding how your information is used, refer to the Your Rights & Choices section.

Information Disclosure

A. Information Disclosed in the Last 12 Months We share information about you as described in this Privacy Policy. Below are the categories of entities to whom we have disclosed information over the past twelve (12) months: Educators When Parents sign up for Services, Educators may receive specific personal data about Parents and Learners, such as classes taken, requests, or needs. Educators are independent contractors, not employees or agents, and are required to adhere to 4wardED’s guidelines regarding the use of personal data. In some cases, classes are taught by organizations or teams of instructors, and recordings may be accessed by the entire organization. Educators may also involve additional personnel for assistance. Other Customers Members of a class or activity can see and hear interactions among participants, including Parents, Learners, and interpreters, unless a Learner private messages an Educator. 4wardED prohibits the involvement of unauthorized individuals in classes or activities. Educators Using Third-Party Tools Educators are encouraged to use tools or sites that are COPPA-compliant, but they may occasionally choose tools not reviewed by 4wardED. Parents should review these tools and notify 4wardED or the Educator if they do not consent. 4wardED maintains an updated list of pre-approved third-party tools and conducts regular reviews. Parents can decline to use these tools, although it may impact Learner engagement. Partners 4wardED works with partners such as schools, employers, and non-profits to provide funding or access to Services. Information about Learner engagement may be shared with these partners. Additionally, information may be shared for co-branded services, joint marketing, or distribution. Examples of shared information include Contact Data, Credentials, and Profile Data. Service Providers We disclose information to third-party Service Providers who assist in operating our platform, such as hosting (e.g., AWS), communications (e.g., Google, Intercom), video hosting (e.g., Zoom), and payment processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and to maintain its confidentiality. Shared information includes Contact Data, Payment Data, Credentials, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, and Content. Vendors We disclose data to vendors, such as those involved in marketing, advertising, and analytics. Vendors may act as Service Providers or determine how to process your information independently. They are required to meet privacy standards and process information according to 4wardED’s instructions. Shared information includes Contact Data, Credentials, and Profile Data. Information Disclosed at Your Request You may voluntarily disclose information to third parties, such as through messaging, uploading personal data to your profile, participating in classes, or engaging in public forums. We expect all users to respect privacy and comply with 4wardED’s policies, including avoiding harmful disclosures about others. B. General Information Disclosures Merger or Acquisition In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy, or similar event, your personal data may be disclosed to involved parties. Shared data may include Contact Data, Credentials, Demographic Data, Payment Data, Profile Data, Contacts, and Content. Legal and Security Requirements We may disclose information to comply with legal obligations, respond to public authority requests, or investigate fraud, harassment, or violations of our policies. Disclosures may also protect the rights, property, or safety of 4wardED, its users, or third parties. Shared data may include Contact Data, Payment Data, Credentials, Demographic Data, Profile Data, Contacts, and Content. Consent-Based Disclosure With your consent, we may share your information for additional business or commercial purposes. Aggregated or De-Identified Data We may share aggregated or de-identified data that does not identify you for any purpose, except where prohibited by law. For more details on your rights and choices regarding the disclosure of your information, refer to the Your Rights & Choices section.

Information Retention

We will retain your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Additionally, we may retain and use your information as required to comply with applicable laws, resolve disputes, address regulatory investigations, or enforce our legal agreements and policies. We also retain usage data related to the Services for internal analysis. This data is typically retained for a shorter period unless it is needed to enhance the security or functionality of the Services, or if we are legally required to retain it for a longer duration.

Social Media & Tech Integration

We offer parts of our Services through various websites, locations, platforms, and services operated, owned, or controlled by separate entities. In addition to this, we integrate technologies owned or controlled by third parties into our Services to enhance your experience. Some examples include: • Links: Our Services include links to websites, platforms, and other services we do not operate or control (e.g., Zoom, Facebook). We will retain your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Additionally, we may retain and use your information as required to comply with applicable laws, resolve disputes, address regulatory investigations, or enforce our legal agreements and policies. We also retain usage data related to the Services for internal analysis. This data is typically retained for a shorter period unless it is needed to enhance the security or functionality of the Services, or if we are legally required to retain it for a longer duration.

Advertising & Analytics

Global Information Transfers

We are based in the United States, and our service providers process personal information in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where many of our Educators are located. Additionally, our third-party analytics and advertising vendors operate in these countries, as well as in regions such as the European Union, South Korea, and Japan. We also have support services based in Kenya. This list is not exhaustive, and not all personal information is processed in every country mentioned. If you access the Services from outside the United States, please be aware that information collected through the Services may be transferred across borders, including from your country or jurisdiction to the United States and other countries worldwide. Data protection laws in these regions, including the United States, may differ from those in your country of residence. By using the Services, you consent to the transfer, processing, use, sharing, and storage of your information, including Personal Information, in the United States and any other jurisdiction where 4wardED operates or provides services. For data collected in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland, we ensure appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, are in place to maintain an adequate level of data protection during data transfers.

Your Choices & Rights

A. Jurisdictional Rights In accordance with applicable data protection laws, you may have certain privacy rights related to the Personal Information we process about you, depending on your jurisdiction. These rights may include the ability to: • Request confirmation that we are processing your Personal Information. • Request a copy of the Personal Information we hold about you. • Request that we update or correct any inaccurate or incomplete Personal Information we hold about you. • Request the deletion of your Personal Information. • Restrict or limit the way we use your Personal Information (e.g., if we have no legal basis to continue using it, or if the data is inaccurate or unlawfully held). • Object to our processing of your Personal Information based on your specific circumstances. If we process your Personal Information for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time. • Withdraw your consent for us to process your Personal Information at any time. • File a complaint with the relevant data protection authority regarding our handling of your Personal Information. To exercise these rights, please submit your request through our online Data Subject Request Portal. As required by law, we will verify your identity before responding to your request. You may be asked to provide sufficient information to confirm that you are the individual whose personal information we collected or an authorized representative. Our response to your request may be subject to limitations permitted by applicable law. Any additional data collected for verification will be retained for legal purposes (e.g., proof of the requester’s identity) in accordance with this Privacy Policy. B. Reviewing and Updating Account Information Access and Control If you have a registered account, you can review or update your Personal Information at any time by logging into your account and navigating to the Account Settings tab within your profile. Instructions for Parents or Legal Guardians If you are a Parent or Legal Guardian and wish to delete information related to your child, please submit your request via our online Data Subject Request Portal. Keep in mind that deleting your account may impact all associated Learners. If you do not specify a particular Learner in your request, all linked accounts will be deleted. Once deleted, the information cannot be reinstated. C. Posted Content You retain ownership of your Personal Information and any content you create. While you maintain copyright ownership over such content when shared with us or posted on our platform, you grant 4wardED a limited license to use this content for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and in accordance with our Terms of Service.

Information Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to safeguard the personal information we collect against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of any information you provide to us. You play a vital role in maintaining the security of your account credentials. To protect your information, never share your password, and take steps to secure your username, password, and other login details to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. Additionally, avoid reusing the same username and password across multiple services. To further enhance your account security, you can manage your profile settings. This includes the option to use a password when switching between the Learner Space and the Parent Space, allowing you to control who has access to your account.

Legal Compliance & Policy Incorporation by Reference

4wardED complies with all applicable country, state, and regional privacy laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. This includes, but is not limited to, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and various state laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), as well as privacy regulations in Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado (ColoPA), Connecticut (CTDPA), Utah (UCPA), Texas (TDPSA), and other relevant federal and state laws in the United States. Additionally, 4wardED adheres to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), along with similar laws in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and other applicable national privacy regulations. Each of these legal frameworks and compliance requirements is incorporated by reference into this Privacy Policy regarding any mandatory compliance obligations. This Privacy Policy is intended to include and align with all required elements of these regulations. In the event of any conflict between this Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements, the relevant laws and regulations shall take precedence.

Updates to This Privacy Policy & Notice

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will take effect immediately upon posting the revised Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about any updates. Your continued use of our Services signifies your acceptance of the Privacy Policy in effect at that time. If required by law or if significant changes are made, we will provide notice or seek your consent as necessary.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or comments about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to us at: If you have any questions or comments about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to us at: 4wardED 108 Drexel Street Palestine, Texas, 75803 USA Email: admin@4wardlearning.com

Additional Notices

Please refer to our supplemental notices for additional privacy-related details specific to the following: • Additional Privacy Disclosures for United States Residents • Additional Disclosures for the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, and Switzerland (“EEA+”) • Children’s Privacy Notice If your region is not listed, feel free to contact us for further information.