International School of Estonia Admissions Procedure
May 2018
ISE Mission – who we are and what we do ● ● ● ●
Develop inquirers, communicators, risk-takers and leaders Provide an environment of creativity, innovation and care Foster intercultural understanding and respect Empower students to implement positive change in the face of future challenges
Our Core Values – the qualities that must be in place and actively followed in order for ISE to accomplish its Mission In all that we do, we value – ● ●
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care and compassion – We believe that we have an obligation to listen thoughtfully to others, to consider their points of view and to treat them with kindness and empathy. the pursuit of high quality – We set high but realistic standards for everything at ISE. We regularly assess how we are progressing towards those standards and constantly seek to improve. We encourage asking, “How can we do that better the next time?” inquiry-based learning – “Why?” is our favorite question. We see ourselves as life-long learners, and developing a joy of learning is essential to what we do. taking action – We are committed to making a difference. Therefore, we work hard to connect learning to service. We look beyond ourselves and seek to make genuine, positive changes in the world around us.
Our Vision – ISE is internationally recognized as a school that develops and empowers future innovators and leaders.
As guided by the Mission of the School, The International School of Estonia (ISE) is internationally recognized as a school that develops and empowers future Innovators and Leaders. The ISE is a diverse and challenging learning environment for students aged 3–19. Admission is non-discriminatory and open to all students without regard to race, sex, religion, physical ability, and sexual orientation, gender expression, national or ethnic origin. The ISE Admissions Committee determines admission and continued enrollment in ISE. When making their recommendations, the Admissions Committee takes into account the following: ● ● ● ●
The potential of the applicant to benefit from ISE’s educational program, which follows the International Baccalaureate – PYP, MYP, DP Curricula and/or the ISE CIS/NEASC accredited high school diploma; The ability of the School to meet the educational needs of the applicant; The ability of the applicant to meet the academic, attendance and behavioral expectations of the School; Fulfillment of the School’s financial and medical requirements.
All new students enter a probationary period during the first 4 weeks of school to determine whether or not ISE can meet the needs of these students. If the school is not able to meet the needs of the applicant, ISE reserves the right to ask parents to withdraw and seek alternative schooling for their children.
Admissions Application There is no general admissions test. However, to ensure that ISE can meet a student’s learning needs, comprehensive information must also be provided along with the Admission application. This information is to include: ● Confidential Teacher Reference Forms ● Progress Reports for the last two years ● Completion of Health and Data Form ● Evidence for any educational support needed or required All documents required must be in English as the medium of instruction at ISE. ISE (with parental permission) may contact the previous school of applicants with specific questions as to the child’s performance. Should any further questions arise from this process, ISE reserves the right to require additional documentation. This may require additional testing by a certified and approved practitioner. For students with special needs, please see our Student Support Needs/Inclusion policy.
Entrance Age Verification of age (passport or certified birth certificate) is required for all students entering ISE. Primary Years Programme (PYP) Preschool Ages 3 to 4 Student must be 3 to 4 years old on or before September 1st; Parents must fill out a questionnaire included with the Admissions Application. Reception Student must be 5 years old on or before September 1st; Grades 1-5 Students are placed in the grade compatible with their age or successful completion of the
preceding grade. A student who meets the Grade 1 age requirement but has had no previous schooling may be placed in Reception. Middle Years Programme (MYP) MYP 1-5 (grades 6-10) Students are placed in the grade compatible with their age or successful completion of the preceding grade. Grade placement is determined by evaluating a combination of the following: previous school records, teacher/counselor recommendations and information from parents. The School understands that in certain, special, circumstances, teacher/counselor recommendations may not be available. In these instances, a meeting with the section Principal Coordinator/Director is required prior to the admission recommendation being made. Diploma Programme (DP) Grades 11 and 12 For students new to ISE, a WIDA English proficiency test will be given to those non-native English speaking students wishing to enroll in the Diploma Programme. If the student is not able to communicate effectively in English, it will be required that the student first completes MYP Middle Years Programme Year 5 (Grade 10) at ISE before progressing into Grade 11 and the Diploma Programme. Students who wish to transfer into ISE’s Diploma Programme from another school in which they had been studying in the DP will be given consideration on a case-by-case basis. However, it should be noted that the courses the student was previously enrolled in should match those offered by ISE. Students who wish to transfer into ISE’s Diploma Programme after the first quarter of the first year will need to wait until the following academic school year, and will be admitted into MYP 5 (grade 10) for the current academic year.
English Language Proficiency Primary Years Programme (PYP) Grades 1-5 Non-native English speakers will undergo an English as an Additional Language evaluation (WIDA testing) after the admission has been confirmed. Depending on the assessment results, a student will be placed in the School’s ELL programme. Middle Years Programme (MYP) MYP 1-6 (grades 6-10) Upon admission, assessment of the student’s English language proficiency will be completed, and programs prescribed as necessary. All non-native English speaking students applying for Grades 6-10 will be assessed for their English proficiency through WIDA testing. Depending on the assessment results, a student may be required to enroll in the School’s ELL programme and/or placed in a different grade than the one for which they applied. Diploma Programme (DP) Grades 11-12 At this stage English is a prerequisite in order for satisfactory completion of the IB programme. Entry to the Diploma Programme For students currently enrolled at ISE, satisfactory progress in their MYP 5 (grade 10) courses and successful completion of the Personal Project are required (grade 3 or higher). However, exceptions may be made, and the final decision will be determined in consultation with the MYP 5 (grade 10) teachers, advisory teacher and DP Principal Coordinator.
For students new to ISE, an English proficiency exam will be given to those non-native English speaking students wishing to enroll in the Diploma Programme. If the student is not able to communicate effectively in English, it will be recommended that the student first completes MYP 5 (grade 10) at ISE before progressing into grade 11 and the Diploma Programme. If the student is interested in attempting only the ISE Diploma, the admissions team (Director, Principal, Student Support Service Coordinator/Counselor, DP Coordinator) will provide a final decision on grade placement. Students who wish to transfer into ISE’s Diploma Programme from another school in which they had been studying in the DP will be given consideration on a case-by-case basis. However, it should be noted that the courses the student was previously enrolled in must match those offered by ISE. Students who wish to transfer into ISE’s Diploma Programme from a school that did not offer the DP after the first quarter will need to wait until the following academic school year, and will be admitted into MYP 5 (grade 10). For students with special needs, please see our SEN/Inclusion Policy.
Admissions Committee The Admissions Committee shall meet to agree upon the enrolment of students who have applied to ISE. The Admissions Committee is comprised of the Director, Admissions Officer, PYP, MYP, DP Principals, Student Support Coordinator/Counselor, Dean of Students and when deemed necessary the ELL Teacher. An Application Form facilitates student admission. This form requires that the child’s parent or legal guardian accept the school’s General Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. There is a 600 Euro non-refundable fee upon admission.
Special Educational Needs Admissions (SEN) ISE currently only offers learning support services to Mild SEN students. These are identified students who need some support/accommodations. Typically, these students have a range of achievement from on or above grade level to below grade level by about one year. Under exceptional conditions, moderate needs may be considered on an individualized basis. Please note the Admissions Committee will consider applications throughout the year, however during the summer Admissions of SEN students may be delayed until August or until the Committee has a chance to meet when school begins. We do not serve students who require one on one full-time pullout. There is no general admissions test. However, to ensure that ISE can meet a student’s learning needs, comprehensive information must also be provided along with the Admissions application. This information is to include: ● Confidential Teacher Reference Forms ● Progress Reports for the last two years ● Completion of Health and Data Forms ● Identified ELL or SEN needs ● Individualized Learning Plan (IEP/ILP or appropriate educational plan) ● Psycho-Educational reports All reports required must be in English as the medium of instruction at ISE. ISE (with parental permission) may contact the previous school of potential student(s) with specific questions as to how the child functioned. Once these documents have been received, the Admissions Committee reviews the Application.
There may occasionally be circumstances under which we: ●
Decline admission to students where the School determines that their needs cannot be met. This includes students with severe cognitive and developmental disabilities, students who are more physically challenged than we can manage safely, students with severe emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric disorders, or students who consistently disrupt the learning of other students as a result of their behavior. The Admissions Committee always has the right to decline admission if ISE will not be a place where the student can be successful;
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Require parents of current students to seek alternative schooling for their children where the school determines that their needs can no longer be met or where parents or students have not complied with formal written recommendations of the school
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Decline admission where parents fail to disclose during the admissions process all relevant information about their child’s learning needs and submit all requested documentation
Please note the following expenses may also be incurred: If individual Tutor support is required, parents are responsible for paying Tutor fees. If a “Shadow Assistant” is required, parents are responsible for paying for the Shadow Assistant. Please be advised the school shall assist families in finding an appropriate Assistant for the student.