---
title: Why Class Composites Ship Separately From School Photos
description: Most schools' class composites ship to the school after January 1, once proofing and approval are complete. Learn about timing and school distribution.
---
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# Why Class Composites Ship Separately From School Photos
## For most schools, class composites ship to the school after January 1, once school proofing and approval are complete.
**Class composites are produced and shipped separately from your student's individual photo prints and photo packages. For most schools, composites do not ship to the school for distribution until after January 1.** Each composite must also complete the school's proofing and approval process before it can be printed and shipped. Your individual photos can therefore arrive well before your class composite.
## Why does the school review the composite first?
A class composite brings individual student portraits together in one class layout. The school reviews the proof before final printing so that any necessary corrections can be addressed. This review helps us prepare an accurate finished product.
## When will the class composite be printed and shipped?
For most schools, class composites do not ship to the school for distribution until after January 1. The school's proofing and approval process must be complete before the composite is printed and shipped.
**January 1 is not a guaranteed shipping, arrival, or distribution date.** This is a general timeframe for most schools, not a fixed date for every school. Exact timing varies, and completion of proofing and approval is still required. The delivery date for your individual photos is not a delivery estimate for your composite.
Shipping to the school and distribution to students are separate steps. Once the composites arrive at the school, they still need to be distributed to students. The actual handout date depends on the school's distribution arrangements.
## Can I ask for help before January 1?
Yes. The general timeframe helps explain why your composite may arrive later than your individual portraits; it does not prevent you from asking for an update. If you need information about your particular school or order, Van Gogh can help review it.
## What if January 1 has already passed?
The date alone does not confirm that your composite has shipped or been distributed. School approval, production, shipping, and distribution timing can vary. Contact Van Gogh when you need an update on the specific item you are waiting for.
Receiving your individual photos does not, by itself, tell us whether your school's composite is awaiting approval, in production, or already shipped. For an update on your particular composite, please contact Van Gogh.
## What if the school says the composites are approved or already distributed?
Please let us know so our customer service team can review the specific item you are waiting for. You can also contact us when you are unsure of the status; you do not need confirmation that school distribution is complete before asking Van Gogh for help.
There is no need to place another paid order just because the composite was not included with your individual photos. Ask us to review your original order first.
## Is a class photo the same as a class composite?
Not always. A traditional class photo is a single photograph of a group, while a composite is a layout made from individual portraits. The school-proofing process described here applies to class composites. If your order says only “class picture,” we can help identify the product and check the correct delivery information.
## Need help with your composite?
Contact us through the [Van Gogh Help Center](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/?hsLang=en). Include your order number, if available, your student's name and school, and the item you are waiting for. You can also tell us what you have already received or what the school has shared. An order number is helpful, but not having it should not stop you from asking for help.
For other items, see [why magnets and specialty products ship separately](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/specialty-products-arrive-separately?hsLang=en) or [help with an order that has not fully arrived](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/order-or-item-missing?hsLang=en).
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