Purpose

This Admissions Policy is established so that it is consistent with the mission of the school and responsive to the needs of the community within the framework of educational effectiveness and available resources.

Only when all documents are received will admission decisions be rendered. Decisions are based on a careful examination of each student’s ability to achieve success in an atmosphere of high expectations and within the context of an English language-learning environment. In making this assessment, SIS will evaluate each candidate’s English language proficiency, demonstrated academic achievement and developmental and social/behavioral history. This may include an interview. Parents should note that current class size/space availability, ESOL guidelines, and parents’ priority status also affect admission recommendations.

First Priority: Founding Members

First Priority includes any child who carries an expatriate passport with at least one parent having an expatriate passport (here and after referred to as nationality criteria) and whose parent works for BP, Phillips China or CACT.

Second Priority: Subcontractors

Second Priority includes any child who meets the nationality criteria above and whose parent is a subcontractor to BP, CACT or Phillips China or works for other oil operators or Wal-Mart.

Third Priority: Other

Third Priority includes any child who meets the nationality and age criteria.

Provisions

Special Criteria for Admission to the ESOL Program

The ability to learn English is essential for academic and social success at SIS.  Therefore, the school has additional admissions criteria and procedures for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program for grades KG -12.  These requirements are meant to ensure that a child is placed in an appropriate educational program and to ensure reasonable progress for him or her through the school’s educational programs.

Admission to the ESOL program is based on:

• English language assessment results (Students in grades 6 through 12 are expected to possess a minimum of a low intermediate level of English proficiency in order to enroll.)
• Projected rate of language acquisition
• Space availability (The balance of English language learners to fluent English speakers in a class and the student’s degree of fluency in relation to his/her age/grade are considered.)
• Academic potential.

After reviewing the special criteria, SIS may also request an interview with the prospective ESOL student and family, and/or may enroll the student conditionally. Further, continuing enrollment at SIS will be based on progress in English language acquisition.

If a student is denied admission due to English language proficiency level, he/she may retake the assessment test (RMB800) prior to the start of the next term.  This appointment can be arranged by contacting the school office.

Exceptional Learners Policy

SIS cannot provide for specialized staff to meet the needs of exceptional learners while maintaining challenging grade level academic and behavioral standards. At the time of application, parents must supply all materials related to the unique needs of their children. All tests should be done in the home country in the child’s native language and then translated into English. (See translation requirement under “Application Procedures”). Appropriate materials should also include previous teacher and counselor comments regarding the ability and potential of the student. 

SIS reserves the right to request any additional testing and evaluations necessary during the academic year for any student. These tests are at the expense of the family and could influence that child’s enrollment at SIS. These students will be admitted only after review of all materials and with the understanding of the family that SIS does not have the ability to modify academic curriculum for these learners.

Consideration is given to maintaining a balance of English language learners to fluent English speakers within each classroom. If any First or Second Priority student has met the admission criteria and their targeted class of entry has reached the maximum size, the class will be expanded to accommodate the student or an additional class will be considered. 

The priority system does not guarantee admission in the case of an exceptional learner.

Typically, students arriving in the early part of the school year (by December) from southern hemisphere schools or schools with vastly different school year calendars (i.e. January to November vs. August to June) will be placed in the grade level which they are currently attending.  Above-described students arriving after December 1^st will be placed in the grade they have just completed, providing they meet the admission requirements.

Grade Level Placement Policy

To ensure an educational program suitable for all SIS students, students are placed in grade levels after due consideration of age (primary consideration), grade level at previous school, emotional, developmental and physical maturity, and academic level. Any or all of the following may be considered in determining proper placement: evaluation of previous school records, academic testing, results of screening by a counselor and/or trial placement in an age appropriate grade level. There may be times when a student excels beyond the grade level standard in a particular subject. In this case, SIS will provide a program to ensure that the student is appropriately challenged. The final placement decision is made by the Director.

Early childhood learning center placement policy

At the Early Childhood Learning Center we believe that children learn best in environments suited to their ages and stages of development. 

The ECLC has three age groupings:

Nursery for children whose ages range from two to three and a half *

*Children may start school on the day of their second birthday.

ECLC 1 for children whose ages range from three to four and a half. *

ECLC 2 for children whose ages range from four to five and half. * 

*For ECLC 1 and 2 we adhere to a November 1^st cutoff for birthdays.  For example children must be 3 before November 1^st to enter ECLC1.

Grade Placement Using Age—General Guidelines

**Kindergarten students applying new to SIS may enroll if turning age five before November 1^st.  This date applies only to students enrolling after the date of adoption of the policy.