Admissions

While inclusive and celebratory of differentiation throughout its programmes, the school has chosen to offer a dynamic and intense academic preparation through the AIA curriculum. Such programmes demand a high level of enthusiasm, motivation and perseverance from students. Depending on certain factors, but especially in later grades where a student may be changing from a different education model or language of instruction, the school reserves the right to refuse admission should it be determined that a student’s needs will not be adequately supported throughout their time at AIA

AIA is determined to offer a programme of study which specifically emphasises language learning, experiential and service learning, and inquiry-driven research and imagination. AIA prepares its students for an international education and not specifically for re-entry into any particular national educational system.

The school is designed to serve the needs of a highly mobile, international community, but also offers an alternative education model to local families in the area.

Admission to AIA is through an application process and the submission of application documentation implies acceptance of the general terms and conditions of the school mission, vision and admissions policy.

When otherwise demand may outweigh space availability, resulting in some successful candidates being placed in a waiting pool, the school may take into consideration various factors, such as the student’s background/experience in an International programme, their linguistic profile or their learning support needs in attributing the places that may become available in the future. All other things being equal, siblings of students at AIA are given a priority in space attribution.

There is no general admissions test or required interview for applicants. However, in order to ensure that AIA can meet a student’s learning needs, additional information may be requested, and an interview or language test may be a part of the admissions review process. When an in-person interview is not possible, a Zoom/virtual meeting, phone call or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) option may be proposed. For students seeking entry to Standards 10 – 12, an interview is quite often proposed as a manner to ensure clear communication regarding school and family expectations, and the specificities of the IB preparation for higher education.

Owing to the expansive model of student differentiation in place at AIA which is able to take into account a wide variety of learning styles, strengths and needs, grade placement is based on the student age as of 1 September . In the exceptional case that a student’s age, development, or previous school experience or performance supports compatibility with a grade outside of that determined by the school cut-off date, this decision is evaluated through the Admissions Committee and promptly communicated to the family. Students whose age at high school would exceed 19 years old would not normally be enrolled in the school. Students who are candidates for the Early Years section of the programme (Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) will not be accorded exceptions based on age or prior school experience.

All Early Years candidates must be fully and reliably toilet trained before school begins, and able to feed and dress themselves reasonably independently. Fluency in English is not a criterion for entry, with the exception of candidates applying for Grades 10, 11, or 12, in which cases a certain level of English is required. In Early Learners to Grade 9, the number of students with no prior exposure to English may be limited to any one grade.

Re-enrolment at AIA is an annual process, and families must inform the school during the re-registration period of their intention to re-enrol their child(ren) for the upcoming academic year. Re-enrolment requires submission of a registration contract and a non-refundable reservation deposit. Re-enrolment is contingent upon : (i) the school being able to continue to adequately address a student’s needs; (ii) student behaviour in accordance with the school values and guidelines and (iii) all financial accounts current and in good standing. Should a family not inform the school of their intention to re-enrol a student by the deadline for the re-registration period, the school reserves the right to offer the space to a prospective family seeking enrolment.

AIA believes in a virtuous cycle of transparency, support and constructive collaboration amongst its staff, students and parents. The admissions process is an opportunity to share accurate and meaningful information with our transition specialists in order to support student academic, social and emotional well-being. On the rare occasion where key information is knowingly withheld or obscured, the school reserves the right to refuse admission or withdraw a place already offered. In the event that student or parent behaviour directly violates the values of the  AIA community. The  school reserves the right to request the withdrawal of the individual(s) or family(ies) concerned.

AIA will review on a bi-annual basis its Admissions Policy to ensure alignment and coherency with the school’s Guiding Statements and High Quality Learning Definition, and reserves the right to modify the policy, as appropriate. The latest version of the Admissions Policy may be consulted at all times on the school website or through internal electronic archives.

AIA adheres to best practice legislation and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as it regards the protection of personal information. Through written request, a family or student may request removal of personal details from the school database or revoke photo permissions previously accorded during the registration process. All members, prospective or current, are encouraged to read our Privacy Policy on our website, and to contact the school with any questions or concerns about how AIA processes and protects personal data.