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Enrollment Guidelines
ISQ is excited to welcome your family to join our community here in Qingdao. Applications for the 2023-24 school year are currently being accepted. ISQ has a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. Interested families may submit your application now. Grades 2, 3, 8, and 11 are near max capacity.
enrolling
Criteria for New Students
Applicants looking to join International School of Qingdao (ISQ) must have a foreign passport to meet the eligiblity requirements set out by the Qingdao Education Bureau for schools for children of foreign nationals.
We consider each candidate holistically, reviewing academic growth, social and behavioral backgrounds as well as English proficiency. Each candidate's application is reviewed by our enrollment team, which consists of the Admissions Team, Principals, and English Support Director.
In ECC (Foundations, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) grade assignments are made primarily by birth date, assessment, and questionnaire.
From first grade onwards, assignment to a grade level is based on previous school records, interview, admissions assessment, and within the below age requirements.
2023-24 Grade Level Placement
| Date of Birth | Our Grade Level | Other School Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2019 - Sept 30, 2020 | Foundations | Nursery (UK), and Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2018 - Sept 30, 2019 | Junior Kindergarten | Reception (UK), Preschool (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2017 - Sept 30, 2018 | Kindergarten | Year 1 (UK), Prep (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2016 - Sept 30, 2017 | Grade 1 | Year 2 (UK), Year 1 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2015 - Sept 30, 2016 | Grade 2 | Year 3 (UK), Year 2 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2014 - Sept 30, 2015 | Grade 3 | Year 4 (UK), Year 3 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2013 - Sept 30, 2014 | Grade 4 | Year 5 (UK), Year 4 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2012 - Sept 30, 2013 | Grade 5 | Year 6 (UK), Year 5 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2011 - Sept 30, 2012 | Grade 6 | Year 7 (UK), Year 6 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2010 - Sept 30, 2011 | Grade 7 | Year 8 (UK), Year 7 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2009 - Sept 30, 2010 | Grade 8 | Year 9 (UK), Year 8 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2008 - Sept 30, 2009 | Grade 9 | Year 10 (UK), Year 9 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2007 - Sept 30, 2008 | Grade 10 | Year 11 (UK), Year 10 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2006 - Sept 30, 2007 | Grade 11 | Year 12 (UK), Year 11 (Australia) |
| Oct 1, 2005 - Sept 30, 2006 | Grade 12 | Year 13 (UK), Year 12 (Australia) |
Amongst equally qualified candidates, our enrollment team gives priority enrollment to returning students, those with siblings currently enrolled at ISQ, children of staff members, and candidates with higher English proficiency. A shared alignment of our 3 Commitments and iSC 9 Qualities between families and ISQ is also considered.
Admissions decisions also balance our current student body English language learners and other relevant demographic factors to ensure we have a diverse community of students.
In grades or programs for which there are more applications than spaces available, suitable applicants within the following categories may also be offered priority enrollment:
- Children of ISQ staff
- Eligible siblings of a student alreading attending
- Students currently attending other iSC schools
- Applicants who are returning ISQ or iSC students
- Applicants with higher levels of English proficiency
If a student has passed the necessary admission requirements, but there is no space available, he/she may be placed in a waiting pool. This waiting pool 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. We encourage parents to look for other educational options while their child is in the waiting pool.
Our education philosophy places a high priority on parents actively involved in their child's future. Families at ISQ need at least one parent living in Qingdao with their child/children.
Preparing Documents
To create for a smoother enrollment process, please prepare:
- Your child's previous school's report cards. We consider report cards essential for applicants applying to Grades 2-12.
- We will also need transcripts for continuing high school students.
- Your child's immunization records are also important so please ensure you pack it before moving to China.
Assessment & Interview
Applicants will be interviewed and assessed after completing their application. ISQ is looking for students who demonstrate age appropriate English language or the minimum English level needed to receive English Language Support (ELS), age appropriate behaviors, and fit with ISQ's student body and a shared alignment of our 3 Commitments and iSC 9 Qualities between families and ISQ is also considered.