The purpose of the IISA is to provide the best possible education, based on international curricula and practices, for ICARDA, expatriate and Syrian children residing with their families in the Aleppo area. The school attempts to ensure a smooth entry from and transfer to other schools which have an international curriculum and program. Emphasis is placed on preparation for higher education, and the medium of instruction is English. The school makes every effort to accept all qualified students who apply, subject to limitations placed by the Syrian Government and IISA School Policy on enrollment of Syrian citizens.

The school reserves the right to exclude students, or to require special supplementary measures at parent expense, if the student’s goals or abilities significantly impede academic and social achievement. The SMC reserves the right to limit enrollment as well as to exclude students at any time. The following guidelines for exclusion of students will be observed by the School Head:

1. Students who require special classes (intensive remediation or compensatory education) because they are mentally impaired, physically or emotionally handicapped.
2. Students not benefiting from the academic program due to lack of interest or effort, persistent behavior problems, or failure to maintain a satisfactory level of performance.
3. Students who do not adhere to the policies, rules, regulations and Student Discipline Code of IISA.

Admission is denied to students who fall into one of the following categories:

1. Those who cannot function in a regular classroom because of physical handicaps.
2. Those who, in the professional judgment of the school, cannot function in a regular classroom due to emotional problems.
3. Those whose performance on required testing does not indicate past nor potential educational achievement.
4. Failure to pass required testing as determined by IISA.

If a student has already been admitted to the school and it is subsequently determined that the school does not have an appropriate program for that child, the School Head (in consultation with the parents, the High School, Middle, or Elementary School Principal, counselor and teachers) will decide the length of time that the school can adequately serve the educational needs of the child. Parents may be required to provide extra services, such as tutoring, at their expense. The parents of students enrolled who do not show improvement will be advised to seek suitable educational institutions to meet their children’s specific needs.

Students Dismissed From Other Schools

IISA reserves the right to refuse enrollment to students who were dismissed from other schools for academic, disciplinary, or other reasons. Students failing to reveal such a record at the time of enrollment may be subject to expulsion when school officials learn of the record.

Probationary Enrollment

The Elementary or Secondary School principals may grant probationary enrollment to a student on a term-by-term basis. When a student is admitted on probation, the reasons for the probationary status will be given in writing. A student who does not meet the terms of the probation, may be dropped from enrolment at IISA or placed on continued probation.

Post-Graduate Year – Grade 13

Students may apply for one year of post-graduate study at IISA. Admission is not automatic. It is intended for IISA graduates only, primarily for those who wish to sit for IB exams in a post-graduate year. The following will be taken into consideration when deciding admission of the student:

1. Prior academic record;
2. Prior school citizenship record, and
3. One of the following three needs:
   • time to complete the full IB diploma, or re-sit IB exams;
   • A demonstrated desire for an additional year of high school to strengthen a transcript through the study of advanced courses, or
   • A desire to return to a national system where the pre-college program is based on thirteen years of schooling.

Students of Limited English Ability

Students of limited ability in English, who are otherwise qualified, may be admitted to the school at the discretion of the School Head. The following may be required:

1. Students who, after testing, are not capable of functioning in an English speaking school may be admitted to the intensive English-as-a-Second-Language program (ESL). No student will be retained in an ESL program longer than two years. They shall be admitted to the regular program as they demonstrate adequate functioning in an English speaking school.
2. Students admitted to the regular IISA program may be required to attend special ESL classes for as many periods a day as the school can provide until the School Principal determines they are able to participate fully in the regular academic program.
3. Parents may be required to provide additional English language instruction, at their own expense, outside school hours.
4. Upon achieving English language proficiency, students will be assigned to grades according to their performance capabilities as demonstrated by standard aptitude/achievement tests and teacher judgment. Parents will be advised that the time required for their children to achieve English language proficiency may result in their falling behind in grade levels which they would otherwise have attained in their own countries.
5. If upon placement in a regular classroom and after intensive ESL, a student does not achieve, enrollment in this school will be reconsidered.

Local Admissions

In addition to all school requirements, admission of a Syrian or someone eligible for Syrian citizenship requires permission from the Ministry of Education.