Admission Policies
ASD welcomes students of all nationalities. The school follows a standards-based U.S. curricular program designed to prepare students for post-secondary education. ASD has a learning support program that enables the enrollment of a managed number of students needing additional learning support at each grade level.
Guiding Principles
Throughout the admissions process, decisions are made with care to ensure that all students offered admission to ASD have the potential to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. This thoughtful approach reflects our broader commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable school environment for all.
We denounce all forms of discrimination and injustice and strive to ensure that every member of our community feels seen, heard, and valued. Diversity in all its forms is embraced and celebrated at ASD, alongside a clear recognition of the impact of both historical and ongoing inequities. We remain dedicated to advancing fairness and respect for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, identity or expression, religion, age, nationality, culture, ability, or socioeconomic background.
Policies
Admissibility
We value an education that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. While academic performance - reflected in grade reports and standardized testing - is one consideration, we also place great importance on the skills and dispositions demonstrated through the Character Assessment, Teacher Recommendations, and the Introductory Video. Together, these components reflect our commitment to a holistic admissions process that looks beyond academics to understand the whole child.
Age Requirements
In alignment with KHDA policy, students applying to PreK, K1, K2, and Grade 1 must be 3, 4, 5, and 6 years old, respectively, by August 31 of the year of enrollment.
For all subsequent grade levels (Grades 2–12), placement is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include the student’s age, the number of years reflected in official school records, the time of year of arrival, and academic and social-emotional readiness. For students entering Grades 9–12, the number of credits earned also plays a key role in determining appropriate grade placement. As such, all applicants in Grades 9–12 are required to submit official transcripts or grade reports prior to enrollment so that previously earned credits may be evaluated and transferred.
School Year and Grade Level
In most cases, students transferring from schools with different academic calendars (i.e., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, India) will continue in the same grade level upon enrolling at ASD. ASD operates on a two semester calendar.
English Language Requirements and Additional Assessments
Students applying to enroll in PreK through Grade 12 who are not yet fluent in English and/or have not previously attended an English language school are required to complete an English as an Additional Language (EAL) screening at ASD.
For applicants to Grades 1-12, EAL testing is mandatory to ensure the student meets or exceeds ASD’s English language proficiency standards before an admissions decision can be made.
ASD reserves the right to request additional assessments, either on campus or through external specialists, to support the admissions process. These may include, but are not limited to, learning support screenings or psychoeducational evaluations (cognitive and/or academic).
Full Disclosure
Open and honest communication is essential to ensuring appropriate placement and support for each applicant. As part of the admissions process, ASD reserves the right to contact previous schools before making an admissions decision. Failure to disclose past or present information related to an applicant’s learning, social-emotional, behavioral, or physical needs may result in the withdrawal of an offer of admission.
Additional Documentation
To ensure a thorough and informed admissions process, families are asked to provide the following documents at the time of application. Full disclosure is expected, and these documents should be submitted proactively as part of the initial application.
- Testing results or documentation are used to determine eligibility for gifted and talented programs
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Learning Plans (ILPs), 504 Plans, or their equivalent
- Any reports or testing results related to:
- Academic or learning support
- Emotional or behavioral support
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language services
- Other specialist evaluations or services
- Psychological or psycho-educational evaluations, testing results, or reports
- Health records, including vaccination and immunization documentation
Please note: If your child is referred for evaluation, begins receiving academic, social-emotional, or behavioral support, or is assessed for any learning-related needs during the application, please inform the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
Students of Determination
ASD is committed to serving students with learning needs and providing a clear and transparent application process. Admissions decisions are based on a careful assessment of not only the applicant's needs but also the needs of our currently enrolled students. Decisions are made based on a complete application and provision of all requested information to ensure that we have a complete picture of each student’s needs and what needs to be in place to support their success at school. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.