Entry Requirements

• English Language assessments will be conducted for students applying to Grade 1 and above. Mathematics assessments will be conducted for students applying to Grade 3 and above. However, the results will not be used for admission or enrollment decisions.
   
• Entry tests are not required for admission. In cases where documentation is missing or more information is needed, we may request to meet with the applicant and/or family.
   
• If learning support services have been provided or such services may be needed, further meetings/interviews may be required.
   
• Principal Interviews are conducted for Early Years applicants (Nursery, Prep1, and Prep2).
   
• In the Early Years, we admit toilet trained children only.

Placement

Placement in a grade level is determined by the student’s age and/or by the last grade they completed in their previous school. A September 1st birth date is used as a guideline for placement for all grade levels. 
A September 1st birth date is followed explicitly for placement in the Nursery (3 year old), Prep One (4 year old), and Prep Two (5 year old) classes. Students must turn the required age prior to September 1st.

In higher grades, factors such as maturity, educational background, and achievement level are also taken into consideration to ensure each child can be successful at VIS. New students from Grade 6 through Grade 12 will have a general admissions assessment which is used to place students in courses appropriately. Parents are requested to provide the school with educational records demonstrating the educational background and achievements of the student. It is particularly important that the school be given all of the records documenting any special educational needs as VIS is only able to provide a program for students with mild learning difficulties.
 

ELA (English Language Acquisition)

In our diverse population many children speak languages other than English as their Mother Tongue. VIS provides an English Language  Acquisition (ELA) support program to assist these students to be successful. Students who may require English support will be assessed during the admissions process to determine the level of support required. Enrollment at a particular time may be dependent on the availability of appropriate support within the limitations of the resources.

• Students applying to Grades 6–9 whose first language is not English and/or who have been enrolled in an English Language Acquisition (ELA) program will take an English Language Placement Assessment and a Mathematics Placement Assessment.
   
• Students applying to Grades 6–9 whose first language is English and/or who have been enrolled for several years in schools where English is the primary language of instruction will take an MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment for Reading and Mathematics. If the student has taken MAP assessments at their current school within the past six months, those results will be accepted instead of taking the assessment again.
   
• Students applying to Grades 10–12 are expected to demonstrate an advanced or proficient level of English in order to successfully access the academic curriculum. Applicants may be required to complete additional assessments and/or provide evidence of English language proficiency as part of the admissions process.
   
• Students whose first language is Lao will take a Lao language placement assessment.
   
• If learning support services have been provided or such services may be needed, further meetings/interviews may be required.
   
• Students applying for admission to Grade 11 or 12 must meet with the secondary admissions team to determine pathway options.

Placement

Placement in a grade level is determined by the student’s age and/or by the last grade they completed in their previous school. A September 1st birth date is used as a guideline for placement for all grade levels. 

A September 1st birth date is followed explicitly for placement in the Nursery (3 year old), Prep One (4 year old), and Prep Two (5 year old) classes. Students must turn the required age prior to September 1st.

In higher grades, factors such as maturity, educational background, and achievement level are also taken into consideration to ensure each child can be successful at VIS. New students from Grade 6 through Grade 12 will have a general admissions assessment which is used to place students in courses appropriately. Parents are requested to provide the school with educational records demonstrating the educational background and achievements of the student. It is particularly important that the school be given all of the records documenting any special educational needs as VIS is only able to provide a program for students with mild learning difficulties.
 

ELA (English Language Acquisition)

In our diverse population many children speak languages other than English as their Mother Tongue. VIS provides an English Language  Acquisition (ELA) support program to assist these students to be successful. Students who may require English support will be assessed during the admissions process to determine the level of support required. Enrollment at a particular time may be dependent on the availability of appropriate support within the limitations of the resources.