The assessment process varies depending on the grade level your child is eligible to enter.
Please note that an application and/or an admissions assessment does not guarantee a seat.
Assessments for Entry
Kindergarten 1 (4 years old by September 1)
Applicants sit a one-on-one, age-appropriate assessment which measures numeracy, language skills, motor skills and conceptual understanding. This assessment is designed to measure readiness for the Kindergarten 1 program at ASD.
Kindergarten 2 (5 years old by September 1)
Applicants sit a one-on-one, age-appropriate assessment which measures numeracy and literacy, motor skills and conceptual understanding. This assessment is designed to measure readiness for the Kindergarten 2 program at ASD.
Grade 1 (6 years old by September 1)
Applicants sit a one-on-one, age-standardized assessment in English (reading and writing) and math. This assessment is designed to measure readiness for the Grade 1 program at ASD.
Grades 2-8
Applicants sit a set of standardized tests (NWEA MAP) in math, reading and language usage. Additionally they will complete a writing sample and an interview at the school. The standardized tests (MAP) are adaptive tests, meaning "by dynamically adjusting to each student’s responses, MAP creates a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures performance." This testing enables the Admissions Committee to make the most successful placement for each individual student.
Overseas candidates are encouraged to either submit current standardized test scores or complete MAP testing at an available local school. Remote assessments are not common but have been offered in some circumstances. Applicants will complete the interview portion of the assessment online before the file is reviewed for admission.
Grades 9-12
Applicants submit standardized test scores taken within six (6) months of the application. If no test scores are available, the applicant will sit the MAP. Teacher recommendations, writing sample and/or an interview may also be required.
Selection Criteria
ASD welcomes applications from students of all nationalities who are able to meet the demands of an academically challenging American curriculum. In making admissions decisions, places are offered to those applicants whose experiences and records indicate that they will succeed in our school’s academic program.
ASD seeks to ensure an appropriate match between a prospective student and family and the mission and philosophy of the school.
We give priority to applicants who have siblings already enrolled in the school, while also considering the gender mix in the grade level, which helps achieve a diverse student body.
Selection for entry is based on a combination of academic criteria and the potential of each individual child.
Admissions decisions are made after careful review of the student file and assessment results by the ASD Admissions Committee.
While ASD staff are well-trained, differentiate inside the classroom and offer interventions to support individual student needs to the best of their ability, unfortunately we are unable to accept students who require significant special education support or services. This includes students whose applications indicate significant behavioral, social, emotional or academic needs.
If upon receipt of school records or present observations and testing it becomes apparent that a student requires special services that ASD does not provide, parents will be notified. The school reserves the right to exclude a child for failure to satisfy entrance requirements of this policy.
ASD does not offer a gifted/talented program.
Admission Status
After the assessment process is completed, the applicant status will either be:
- Accepted: The successful applicant will be advised of the next steps to follow for enrollment at ASD.
- Wait List: The applicant is successful. However, due to high demand of seats, a place is not currently available. As a seat becomes available, the applicant will be advised. The student will remain on the wait list until a seat becomes available, or until the school is advised to remove the name.
- Declined: based on the Admissions Committee review, ASD is unable to offer a seat to the applicant.