YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME VISIT OUR CAMPUS!
There’s no better way to get a sense of what it’s like to be a part of the community than experiencing it first hand. Your visit to will include a Guided Campus Tour and an Admission Information Session led by an admissions staff member.
At all of our events, we talk about the full community. This helps set the stage for where you might find your fit globally, academically, and personally. We want you to leave campus with an understanding of the distinctive education experience that offers. Your ability to visit campus and learn more about the admissions process is sure to make a difference in your academic search.
CHECK IN AT THE GATE
In the interest of school security, visitors are required to check in with our school guards and our receptionist. You will receive a visitor’s badge from our guards to be worn while on school property.
INFORMATION SESSIONS & TOURS
Just about any day of the week, you can visit to meet with admissions staff and take a tour. Sessions take about two hours. Spots do fill up, so please register in advance.
Holiday Hours: The campus will be closed for all local holidays and does observe some western holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please see the campus calendar for a more extensive list of upcoming holidays.
GROUP TOURS
Group tours are generally available when classes are in session. We do not conduct group tours during final exam periods, campus events, or academic breaks. Tours include an information session with an admissions official and a campus tour. For information about group tours please contact
admissions@iswuxi.com
GETTING ENROLLED
New Students
The school considers the following as essential for admission:
- The student must possess a foreign (non-Chinese) passport or permit of residency in a foreign country. As per Chinese law, we cannot admit children who are citizens of Mainland China. At least one parent and the student must also have a foreign passport, which must be presented at the time of application.
-. If a family is a resident of a Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong or Macau), Taiwan, or has an overseas green card, the student and both parents must provide proof of residency and go through an additional admissions step per local Wuxi law. - Demonstrate age-appropriate adequacy in the English language and educational skills as determined by an interview, examination, and/or educational records.
- Students are required to self-report current and previous health conditions.
- All forms and paperwork must be completed. Note: All documents must be in or translated into English.
- Teacher and administrator recommendations submitted
- Registration fee must be paid before students are placed on the class roster.
- Meet with the teacher and/or principal if deemed necessary
Returning Students
- Demonstrate age-appropriate adequacy in the English language and educational skills as determined by an interview, examination, and/or educational records.
- Complete admissions form.
- Pay all re-enrollment fees by the date specified on the finance invoice.
Waiting Lists
Enrollment is based on a first-come basis, but in the event of close submissions, priority is given to:
- Children of staff and associates
- Eligible siblings of students already attending
- Students with higher levels of English abilities
If a student has passed the necessary admission requirements, but there is no space available, he/she may be placed on a waiting list. Students will be added to this list according to the enrollment priority listed above. This waiting list is dissolved at the end of the school year and parents need to re-apply if they wish to be considered for enrollment for the following school year. International School of Wuxi encourages parents to look for other educational options while their child is on the waiting list.
Non-Discrimination
The school does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnic origin or gender in its admissions or in any school programs.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
ACADEMIC TESTING AND INTERVIEW
Once a test date is decided upon, a student will undergo a series of reading, written, spoken and listening tests to determine if the student is academically and socially ready for the grade level being applied for. This written assessment will measure the ability of a student to read and write in English, and the interviews will measure the student’s ability to listen and speak in English. Both parts of the admissions assessment may require other academic skills as well. After the admissions assessment is completed, the parents will be informed of the results via email and phone. Upon acceptance, any ELL recommendations and placements will be made as necessary. The school does not practice acceleration of students (skipping a grade) in cases of high achievement. New students who are non-native English speakers may be placed at a lower grade level at the Principal’s discretion. Students will not be placed in a certain grade, class, or level based on the parent’s preference for a certain teacher.
REQUIRED ENTRANCE TESTS
ECC
Readiness Assessment (30-45 Minutes)
GRADES 1 – 5
Interview & Language Assessment (1-1.5 Hours)
GRADES 6-12
Interview & Language Assessment (1.5 Hours)
GRADE PLACEMENT
Students are ordinarily placed in the appropriate grade indicated by their previous schooling. If a question regarding placement arises, the following factors are considered in parent/school discussions: 1. School records 2. Chronological age 3. Evidence of maturity
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Students must meet the required age by August 31st of that school year to be admitted to the class and demonstrate readiness to begin school (as evaluated by the entrance assessment). Regardless of age, a child may be refused admittance if evaluated as not ready.
E1 - MINIMUM AGE: 3 years old
E2 - MINIMUM AGE: 4 years old
E3 - MINIMUM AGE: 5 years old
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students must meet the required age by August 31st of that school year to be admitted to the class.
GRADE 1 MINIMUM AGE: 6 years old
The student must have been promoted from Kindergarten at ISW. If the student has not been promoted from ISW's Kindergarten, they must pass an assessment and receive approval from the principal.
GRADES 2-5: Provide proof of successful completion of the prior.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
GRADES 6 AND ABOVE: Provide proof of successful completion of the prior grade and educational fluency determined by a school-administered test.
Exception to the September 1st cutoff rule is as follows: If a child’s birthday is after September 30th but before November 30th of the year they wish to enroll, the child may be admitted if school readiness is demonstrated. These students’ re-enrollment for the following school year into Pre-Kindergarten will be dependent on the enrollment aptitude test and displayed behavior. If they do not pass the test with acceptable aptitude or have not shown readiness in social/behavioral interaction (as observed by the Foundation teachers), the students will be required to repeat the Foundation Class.
ISW strives to provide an excellent education to all students, supporting each individual’s needs. As such, it is vital that we understand the specific needs of the student, in order to prepare and teach effectively. ISW asks that parents inform the school if there are any known learning disabilities. It is important that ISW confirms the ability to meet the needs of those with disabilities prior to admissions. In some situations, the school may not have the resources necessary for successful learning. In these instances, parental communication will take place regarding if admissions is possible or how to obtain the needed resources.
ISW does not offer boarding or home stay facilities for students. We believe that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children and that cooperation between the school and the home is necessary to ensure that students reach their fullest potential. As a result, and in the best interest of the student, ISW has established the following guidelines concerning parental care:
- Guardians are only permitted to function in lieu of parents in unusual circumstances with the permission of the school administration.
- If both parents of a Grade 9-12 student must leave Wuxi during the school year but would prefer to leave their child(ren) in the school until the end of the semester, an appropriate guardian must be appointed and school approval must be obtained as soon as possible.
- An Ayi does not constitute an appropriate guardian for a child.
Still Have Questions?
Have a look at our answers to our most frequently asked questions.