Admissions evaluates Early Learning / Primary School applicants upon completion of the online application and receipt of school records and supporting documents, with additional consideration of these criteria:

• Age of applicant
• Class size and availability
• English language proficiency
• Previous school records and recommendations
• Observation visit / English Language Support and/or Learning Support testing (if applicable)
• Student and family interviews (if necessary)

Secondary School applicants may also be invited to complete placement assessments in the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• English
• Foreign Languages (if necessary)
• Sciences (IB Diploma Programme applicants)
• English Language Support placement

Additionally, Secondary School applicants are considered based upon:

• Age of applicant
• Class size and availability
• English language proficiency
• Previous school records and recommendations
• IB Programme experience (IB Diploma Programme applicants)
• Overall academic ability
• Student and family interviews (if necessary)

After careful review and consideration of the applicant’s online application, school records and recommendations, supporting documents, and additional assessments and/or interviews an Admissions decision made and communicated to the applicant. Please note:

• TISA reserves the right to determine placement of the applicant in the grade level or subjects deemed most appropriate for the student’s age and school experience.
• Acceptance to TISA does not guarantee student enrolment beyond the initial year.  Continued enrolment at TISA may depend upon maintaining acceptable levels of academic progress, school attendance and behaviour.
• TISA reserves the right to decline admission due to inadequate or incomplete school records or online applications; determination that TISA’s academic program will not benefit the applicant; or if admission may negatively impact TISA’s responsibility to serve our current students.

Online applications are accepted throughout the year.  Please note that the TISA school year runs from mid-August to mid-June annually, and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible as availability of space in various class levels may be limited. Successful applicants can be enrolled and start at any point during the school year.

The application review process is generally completed within two weeks. Applications made during the summer vacation period (mid-June to mid-August) are most often processed within two weeks of the start of the new school year (mid-August).  The application review process may be extended if additional assessments are required.

Applications to the IB Diploma Programme (DP1 and DP2) will only be considered if made before the start of the academic year or if a student is transferring from an equivalent IB Diploma Program.  Diploma Programme applicants will be contacted by the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator to arrange an online or telephone interview.

Applicants in Azerbaijan applying for the upcoming school year, or applicants transferring from another school in Baku are encouraged to apply by May of each year.

English language proficiency is essential for academic success at TISA. Admissions to TISA for students with limited English proficiency may be subject to availability of space in the EAL program and the age/grade level of the applicant.  Students are expected to cope with the increased English language proficiency demands of classes in all subject areas by the start of M4 (Grade 9).

When possible, the EAL Coordinator will conduct a pre-enrolment evaluation with results communicated to parents, including information about placement. In the case that it is not possible to conduct a pre-assessment, EAL students will be assessed on the first day of school in Primary and during the first week of school in Secondary.

EAL students will not attend World Language classes until a final decision on EAL placement has been made and communicated to parents and the relevant teachers.

If possible the EAL Coordinator will conduct a pre-enrolment evaluation with results communicated to parents, including information about placement. In the case that it is not possible to pre-assess, EAL students will be assessed on the first day of school in Primary and during the first week of school in Secondary.

Students will not attend World Language classes until a final decision on placement has been taken and communicated to the relevant teachers.

TISA is an inclusive  international school and welcomes students with learning differences. TISA offers Learning Support for students with mild to moderate learning differences across a range of abilities.  Learning Support is provided through a combination of differentiated instruction, in-class and pull-out Learning Support, and Individual Learning Plans designed to maximize inclusion while providing the most effective Learning Support approach.

Please note that TISA may not have the facility or resources to provide for students with severe learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

In order to determine the school’s ability to meet the individual Learning Support needs of each student, parents are required to provide all available special education and learning support documentation for review by Admissions and Learning Support Coordinators.  In this way, the school can develop an Individual Learning Plan to meet the  individual needs of a student within the differentiated classroom setting and/or within the guidelines of the TISA Whole School Learning Support Policy.

Learning Support students will not attend World Language classes until a final decision on Learning Support services is made and communicated to the relevant teachers. If a student requires full-time (1:1) learning support, then parents are expected to hire a TISA-approved Learning Support Assistant / Independence Facilitator. This Learning Support Assistant / Independence Facilitator must be approved by the TISA Learning Support Coordinator and vetted by the Human Resources Department as per Child Safety procedures.