NIS Admissions Policy
Nagoya International School (NIS) serves the educational needs of the bicultural, international and internationally-minded community of Nagoya, Japan. As an inclusive school, NIS enrolls students with diverse gifts, talents and dreams who both benefit from the programs we offer and have the opportunity to achieve the objectives of our mission.
Consistent with our internationally-minded school community, we believe all students have both the right and the responsibility of global citizenship. NIS celebrates diversity and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarships, and other school-administered programs.
To enroll, applicants must have an appreciation of our mission and philosophy, and demonstrate the potential to succeed within our English-based curriculum. Equally, parents or guardians of applicants must demonstrate a willingness to work in partnership with the school in support of their child.
While the admissions process at NIS is guided by an inclusive philosophy, the needs of each applicant are considered carefully while also evaluating the ability of the school to deliver equitable access to the mission for all enrolled students. This includes a consideration of the applicant’s readiness to access the curriculum, the extent to which individualized support is available, and the extent to which the applicant’s family is aligned to the mission and philosophy of the school. The final decision to accept or deny an applicant for admissions rests solely with the school’s administration. The school is not obligated to release admission test results to applicants, nor to elaborate beyond the initial written communication in the event applicants are unsuccessful in gaining admission.
Applicants must fully complete the application process to be considered for admissions, including submission of all required documents, and agree to the terms and conditions listed under the ‘Parent Admissions Agreement’ found within the application form which indicates their understanding of and agreement with the expectations of families at NIS.
Applicants who are offered a place at NIS will be invited to proceed to registration and enrollment provided that all financial obligations are met, including any additional fees for student services provision.
Admissions Guidelines
The Admissions Process
Choosing a school is an important decision, and it is a process that should not be rushed. The application process is an important way for both the applicant’s family and the school to ensure an appropriate match between the applicant and our mission and objectives, as well as the applicant’s family and our school community.
The Admissions & Development Office coordinates the application process with the Admissions Committee, and parents can request information, schedule a tour, and apply online at the NIS Admissions Portal (creating a user-name and login password is required). All required application materials are needed (either digitally or paper in hand) at least three weeks prior to an admissions interview. The process outlined below requires a minimum of two weeks, although this may be longer if additional testing is required:
1. Review NIS Admissions Policies: Parents should be familiar with policies on admissions, placement, EAL support and other learning challenges.
2. Submit ALL Admissions Forms & Materials, and Pay the Application Fee: The applicant will be considered for admission by the Admissions Committee only after ALL application materials have been received and the application fee has been paid. Applicants can request this fee to be included in initial tuition and fee billing.
3. Coordinate Testing (if required due to language/other needs): Applicants may require onsite testing, which requires an additional appointment prior to an interview. This will depend on the individual applicant, their enrollment timing and educational background.
4. Schedule Admissions Interview: If NIS is considered a good fit for your child, a family interview will be arranged. Applicants may be asked to complete a writing sample.
The Admissions Interview
After submitting all application documents, an interview will be scheduled. The interview is conducted in English; parents can arrange to bring a translator if they feel it is needed. It is expected that both parents attend the interview, as it is an important, final part of the admissions process and also the beginning of the transition process for the applicant, the family and the school.
The Admissions Decision
After the admissions process has been completed, which includes any testing and the interview, the school will determine admissions eligibility, grade placement, whether additional support is needed, the appropriate level of support, and, ultimately, whether or not we are confident that the student can succeed at NIS enough to maintain satisfactory progress.
Admission will not be granted to students who demonstrate difficulty in being able to adequately access the NIS curriculum in their projected grade level, even with additional support. Such students will be asked to withdrawal their application, with no refund of the application fee.