American International School Of Lesotho Admission

By | February 6, 2018

American International School Of Lesotho Admission

Admissions Policy
Director’s Discretion
All policies contained within this document are subject to the approval of the Director and exceptions may be granted by the Director. The Director reserves the right to make the final decision regarding admission.
General Admission Statement
Admission to AISL is open to students of any race, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity who can benefit from the educational services currently provided by AISL’s programmes. The admission policy is guided by AISL’s promise, which is to follow each child’s path to a strong academic, physical, and social foundation.
AISL is an inclusive school that is open to children of diplomatic and consular officers of foreign countries, children of employees of international organisations, children of employees of foreign companies working in Maseru and any local children who wish to study at AISL. Admission is open only to grades where space is available.
The school will maintain the international character of the school with English as the language of inclusion and instruction in order to achieve our mission and vision. To help maintain the international character of our school, AISL will aim to not exceed are large majority of any particular nationality.
Admission is considered by written application to AISL along with the submission of records and completion of a screening process. The admission process will be completed only upon meeting and completing all financial requirements and notice of acceptance by the Director of AISL.
To be accepted at AISL a student should demonstrate:

  • The capability to maintain normal progress in an international programme with support services as appropriate within AISL’s available English Language Learning (ELL) and Learning Support guidelines.
  • Proficiency or having the ability to achieve proficiency (as determined by school-administered testing) in the English language.

Application Documentation
Before an application will be considered the following records must be submitted:

  • Birth certificate of student or a copy of a foreign passport of the student and parent(s).
  • One recent colour photo.
  • Academic records for the past three years, including IEP (Individual Education Plan) from the previous school if applicable.
  • Standardised testing records. All students, applying for grade 4 and higher, will be required to provide standardised test results as part of the admission process. Students will submit records of an internationally recognised standardised test that is externally moderated that includes English language arts and mathematics. It will be at the Director’s discretion if this is waived for any local students who may not have been exposed to standardised testing.
  • Any special learning evaluations done by a previous school or outside agencies (if applicable).
  • Academic references from current school.
  • Medical records including vaccination records
  • Parent statement outlining why the family wishes to join the AISL community.
  • If company sponsored, a commercial letter of financial responsibility.
See also  Maluti Adventist College 2019 Application

It is usual that a member of the school, Director, Principal, ELL Coordinator or potential class teacher, may want to interview the student to ascertain learning needs.
Any document or school records that are not in English must be translated into English prior to submission. Both the original and translated versions must be submitted.
Withholding any of the documents above may be grounds for non-admission or continuation of attendance at AISL
Academic Process
Admissions decisions are not based on rigid lines of academic performance but on a thoughtful reflection of our available human resources, our ability to provide high quality learning opportunities for all of our students, and the student’s and the family’s support of the AISL Promise, policies, and standards.
Regular Admission Process
Upon receipt of the applicant’s records, the school determines if the academic records provide enough evidence for admission. The school will also determine financial eligibility. Additional testing may be waived when a review of the academic records and full compliance with the submission of academic documentation from an international school with similar curriculum indicates proof of acceptable academic achievement. Regular applications may be accepted, processed, and admitted by the Director.
The Admission process may take approximately five days after all documents have been submitted.
On-site Testing Admissions Process
If the school determines that additional evaluations are required before an admission decision can be made, then fees for these evaluations are the responsibility of the parent.
The following circumstance may require on site admissions testing:

  • No standardised test submitted
  • Standardised test data is older than six months.
  • Test results indicate the student is functioning a year or more below grade level. Students who have had ELL support in the previous school, or who are coming from a non-English speaking school will need an ELL assessment.
  • School reports indicate academic or behavior difficulties.
  • All students from schools with significantly different curricula or when records are unavailable must be evaluated as part of the admissions process.
See also  Admission for Teacher Training Schools In Lesotho

Admission of Students with Special Learning Differences
Enrollment for students with Special Learning Differences requiring Learning Support and ELL needs will be limited by space and resource availability. Denial of admission to students will occur if the required services or resources are beyond the school’s ability to support. AISL reserves the right to make admission decisions considering the ability of our faculty and/or facilities to accommodate. AISL will do everything in its power to accommodate a child’s need for learning.
At the completion of the evaluation process, the Director will make the final decision on enrolment.
Age and Class Size Guidelines:

Grade Level Minimum Age
Preschool 3 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Pre-Kindergarten 4 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Kindergarten 5 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 1 6 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 2 7 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 3 8 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 4 9 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 5 10 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 6 11 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 7 12 years old before September 1 of the current school year
Grade 8 13 years old before September 1 of the current school year

The Director may grant exceptions to the maximum class size of 18 under extraordinary circumstances.
Priority:
Priority will be given to native English speakers and proficient English speakers. Also foreign nationals who have limited options for schooling will be given priority. In addition, special consideration for admission will be given to siblings and children of current families, returning students, and alumni.
Communication:
The Director or representative will inform the parents of the child’s admission and grade placement.
Placement:
Questions regarding grade placement are determined by the Director.
Registration:
Returning students must register for the following academic year during the registration period, which will be established annually. The school does not guarantee space available for returning students who register after the deadline. All outstanding tuition and fees must be paid before registration for the ensuing school year occurs or a payment agreement has been arranged for and signed. Students with outstanding bills will not be re-admitted.
When class space is limited, new students may register for the following academic year beginning the third week of the registration period. The first two weeks are reserved for returning students.
Financial Process
The Director determines corporate and individual eligibility and financial responsibilities.
No students may start class unless registration and tuition have been paid or a payment agreement has been arranged. The Director may grant exceptions under extraordinary circumstances.
Student transcripts, report cards, or progress reports will not be issued at any time unless all past and current accounts are paid in full. Access to the school management system will also be denied.
Any cost of additional courses or programmes deemed necessary by the school will be responsibility of the parent.