If you've decided on beauty school, the next question is usually "when can I actually start?" At Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy in Santa Fe Springs, the answer is probably sooner than you think. New classes start almost every month, so you're not stuck waiting for a fall or spring semester to roll around.
Here's how beauty school start dates work at Beyond, what has to happen before your first day, and how to line up your paperwork and financial aid so you don't miss the start you want.
The short answer: when does beauty school start?
At Beyond, new cohorts for cosmetology, esthetician and manicuring start almost every month. The one exception is the holiday season: in November and December there's sometimes a single combined start date that covers both months instead of one start per month.
We don't publish a fixed calendar here because start dates shift with each catalog and class size. The fastest way to get the next real date for your program is to call us at (562) 404-6193 or book a school tour. We'll tell you the next start and whether there's still room in it.
Why beauty school starts every month (and college doesn't)
California beauty programs are built on clock hours, not semesters. To sit for the State Board exam you need a set number of hours: 1,000 for cosmetology, 600 for esthetician and 400 for manicuring. Because the program is measured in hours you complete on the floor and in theory class, a school like Beyond can bring in a new group every few weeks and move each student through the same hours on their own timeline.
Many community college programs follow an academic calendar, so their start points are tied to the semester. That's not better or worse; it just means fewer chances to start each year. If you're ready now and don't want to wait months for the next term, a monthly start schedule is a real advantage.
Pick your program and schedule first
Your start date depends on which program and which schedule you choose, because not every schedule runs for every program. Here's what Beyond offers:
- Cosmetology (1,000 hours, $17,560 including kit): daytime only. Part-time is about 12 months, Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 am–12:30 pm. Full-time is approximately 8 months, Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 am–3:00 pm. There is no night cosmetology option.
- Esthetician (600 hours, $11,206.50 including kit): the only program with both day and night. Day part-time is 7.5 months (Tue–Sat, 8:30 am–12:30 pm), day full-time is 5 months (Tue–Sat, 8:30 am–3:00 pm), and night part-time is 7.5 months (Tue–Thu, 6:00–10:00 pm, plus Saturday 8:30 am–5:00 pm).
- Manicuring (400 hours, $5,595 including kit): one schedule, about 5 months. Tuesday–Thursday, 6:00–10:00 pm, plus Saturday 8:30 am–5:00 pm.
If you work days, esthetician night and manicuring are built for you. If you need to be done by early afternoon for school pickup, part-time cosmetology or day esthetician fits better. Compare all three on our programs page.
How long does it take to go from first call to first day?
For most students, it's a few weeks, not months. The exact time depends mostly on how quickly you get your documents together and, if you're using federal aid, how fast your FAFSA gets processed. Here's the usual order:
- Call or fill out a form. We'll ask which program you're interested in and when you'd like to start.
- Tour the school. See the classrooms and student salon, meet staff, and ask your questions. Bring a parent or partner if they're helping you decide.
- Gather your documents. See the list below. This is the step that most often pushes a start date back.
- Financial aid (cosmetology and esthetician). Submit your FAFSA and complete any follow-up our financial aid office asks for.
- Enrollment paperwork. Sign your enrollment agreement and choose your schedule.
- Start day. You get your kit and begin your hours.
If you're aiming for a specific month, start the process at least a month ahead. If a start is close to full, earlier is better.
Documents you need before you can start
Every program at Beyond requires the same three things:
- High school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED or California High School Proficiency Exam certificate). Can't find yours? Read do you need a high school diploma for beauty school in California for what counts and how to get a copy.
- California ID or driver's license.
- Social Security card or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, see going to beauty school with an ITIN.
Ordering a replacement diploma or Social Security card can take weeks, so start on those right away if you need them. If you're wondering whether you're old enough to enroll, our guide to age requirements for beauty school in California covers it.
FAFSA timing: don't let financial aid delay your start
Cosmetology and esthetician at Beyond are eligible for federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant for students who qualify. Manicuring is not; the program is too short for federal aid, so plan to pay for nails another way. Our financial aid page explains your options.
A few timing facts to know:
- Each FAFSA covers one award year, which runs July 1 to June 30. Depending on when you start, you may need the 2026–27 form, the 2027–28 form, or both if your program crosses July 1. Our financial aid office will tell you which.
- Processing is usually fast. According to Federal Student Aid, most FAFSA forms are processed immediately, though some take one to three days. After that, it usually takes a few days for your school to receive your information. You'll see your FAFSA Submission Summary on your StudentAid.gov dashboard.
- Follow-up can add time. If your FAFSA is selected for verification or needs a correction, answer those requests quickly. Waiting on missing paperwork is a common reason start dates slip.
- Use Beyond's school code. List Beyond on your FAFSA so we receive your information. Our financial aid team can walk you through it at your tour.
If you're not sure where to begin, file the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov before your tour so we can review your aid estimate with you in person.
Common questions
Can I start beauty school in the middle of the year?
Yes. Because Beyond starts new classes almost every month, there's no "wrong" time of year to begin. Summer, fall and spring starts are all normal.
Is there a start date in November or December?
Usually, but the holiday months are the one time we sometimes combine two months into a single start date. If you want to begin before the new year, call early to confirm the date.
How soon can I start if I enroll today?
It depends on which start still has openings and how quickly you finish your documents and, for cosmetology or esthetician, your financial aid file. Students who already have their diploma, ID and Social Security card or ITIN in hand usually move fastest.
Do esthetician day and night classes start on the same date?
Not necessarily. Ask for the next start for the specific track you want, day or night.
What if I miss a start date?
You'd join the next one, which is usually about a month later. That's the benefit of monthly starts: missing one doesn't cost you a whole semester.
Get the next start date for your program
The quickest way to lock in a start is to see the school and get your questions answered in one visit. Schedule a tour or call us at (562) 404-6193. We're at 13640 Imperial Highway, Suite 7, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, an easy drive from Whittier, Norwalk, Downey and La Mirada.
Bring your questions, and if you have them, your diploma, ID and Social Security card or ITIN. You could leave knowing your exact first day.
