Admissions Policy
The International School of Amsterdam exists to serve the educational needs of a diverse international community. Admission is open to all students who seek a challenging, international, university preparatory, English language education and exhibit respectful, responsible behaviour.
ISA offers an academically balanced and socially nurturing learning programme which fosters growth and provides meaningful opportunities for all our students. We are committed to promoting a safe and supportive learning environment in which all learners can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
The following admission requirements and grade placements are adhered to at ISA. Exceptions to these guidelines are made rarely and only upon careful evaluation of the applicant by the Admissions Committee and at the discretion of the Director.
| Grade | Age before 31 of August | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery* | 2 | |
| Pre-school | 3 | toilet trained |
| Pre-kindergarten | 4 | |
| Kindergarten | 5 | |
| Grade 1 | 6 | |
| Grade 2 | 7 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 1 before 31 of August |
| Grade 3 | 8 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 2 before 31 of August |
| Grade 4 | 9 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 3 before 31 of August |
| Grade 5 | 10 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 4 before 31 of August |
| Grade 6 | 11 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 5 before 31 of August |
| Grade 7 | 12 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 6 before 31 of August |
| Grade 8 | 13 | Successful completion of equivalent grade 7 before 31 of August |
| Grade 9** | Successful completion of equivalent grade 8 before 31 of August | |
| Grade 10** | Successful completion of equivalent grade 9 before 31 of August | |
| Grade 11** | Successful completion of equivalent grade 10 before 31 of August | |
| Grade 12** | Successful completion of equivalent grade 11 before 31 of August |
*You can also apply for your child to join our ‘Rising Nursery’ programme from their second birthday onwards. Rising Nursery children turn 2 during the school year, and so will complete a further year of Nursery in the following school year.
**Please see below for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements and entrance to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Years
Admissions criteria
Admissions decisions are based on a committee review of each candidate’s previous school experience, social-emotional development and behaviour, and linguistic background. Alignment in values and expectations between family and school is also considered. The school seeks families that demonstrate willingness to partner with the school and support ISA’s Statement of Community.
Priority consideration for places is given to applicants with siblings currently enrolled at ISA, status as an international family, and whether the application was received prior to the application deadline, date of application, etc. Admissions decisions also take into account programme requirements of the applicant and support resources available at the school, and other relevant demographic factors to help ISA realise its mission, vision and beliefs.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ISA is committed to showing empathy and respect and promoting racial and social justice. The school believes that this approach will allow engagement with local culture in a way that supports the school’s mission, vision and beliefs and upholds and supports the principles of the school’s Statement of Community, Statement on Racism, Discrimination and Injustice and school handbook.
Inclusion Policy
ISA believes that all learners are individuals, each with their own strengths and challenges. As a result of this, ISA believes that diversity should be advocated for and celebrated in our community of learners. The school recognises that some students will need additional support to enable them to access the educational opportunities available to the fullest degree possible.
The school strives to thoughtfully manage the number of students representing a range of learning abilities (mild to moderate) and the capacity to ensure a quality and equitable education for all students.
Students with Additional Needs
While ISA has limited facilities and resources available to students with additional needs, admission may be offered to students with mild to moderate learning challenges or physical disabilities, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Applications are considered on an individual basis depending on the school’s ability to meet the specific conditions and support required. Initial screening, in-class, and group support may be provided by the school’s support faculty. Additional support services may be provided on a private tuition basis and may have associated fees.
Applicants will need to provide complete documentation of their academic history, psychological/educational evaluations, and details of extra academic or specialist support they have had or are currently receiving. Once the application is complete, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the application to determine if the school is able to offer a learning environment optimal for the child’s growth and development. Withholding information about individual needs may lead to the withdrawal of the student.
English Proficiency Requirements
As ISA seeks to serve an international community and English is the main language of instruction, the school recognises the need to support and develop students’ academic English proficiency to enable access to the programmes offered. Students may join the school without any prior English language proficiency until Grade 9. Students for entry into Grade 10 must demonstrate a minimum of intermediate proficiency in academic English. Students coming into Grade 11 must demonstrate advanced proficiency in academic English. Please note that English as an Additional Language support is not available for students in grades 11 and 12.
Entrance to Grades 11-12 (IB Diploma Programme Years)
Applicants wishing to enter ISA in Grade 11 undertake placement assessments to help determine suitable pathways through to graduation. Students wishing to enter the IB Diploma programme years must join Grade 11, and by the 1st of October at the latest, as two years are required to complete the courses. Entrance criteria for the full diploma programme and IB Diploma courses are contained in the IB Diploma Course Descriptions Guide.
For more information on our Admissions Process please contact the ISA Admissions team.