Frequently Asked Questions about the
Elementary School Admissions Process
How old does a child have to be to enter FAIS?
A student’s grade level is determined by his or her date of birth. A child must be potty-trained and three years of age by September 1st to enter into preschool, four years of age to enter prekindergarten, five years of age to enter kindergarten, and so forth. Oregon law puts the cutoff date at September 1st and we adhere to that date. The French government places the cutoff date at Dec. 31st of each year. Children who are French nationals who have already been placed in the school system in France according to the French cutoff date may continue in the same grade upon entering FAS.
How many openings are available each year?
The number of openings varies from year to year. Generally there are thirty-four spaces in preschool, ten to eighteen spaces in prekindergarten, and four or five spaces in kindergarten. Spaces in grade one (CP) through grade five (CM2) vary based on the year.
Do you require an entrance exam?
We do not require an entrance exam for elementary school. If you enter our program after kindergarten, an entrance assessment will be required.
Do you require interviews?
For young children, a simple assessment is conducted to determine their readiness for preschool. This is done very informally during our family meeting, which includes the student applicant, the parents, the Elementary School Division Head, and the Admissions Director. This meeting will help assess the family’s interest in FAIS and the student’s readiness for the program. The meeting includes coloring, playing with puzzles, looking at books, and similar activities.
How does the school make admissions decisions?
FAIS seeks students of average to above-average ability who can contribute to and benefit from its challenging and rewarding curriculum. The school strives to admit students whose families value the advantages of an internationally-oriented curriculum in a small class environment.
Students are selected for admission to the school on the basis of:
- academic potential;
- developmental maturity;
- school achievement and qualifications; and
- academic readiness for the school’s program.
Other criteria may include:
- diversity and gender balance;
- affiliation with the school; and
- appropriateness of the match between the family and the school.
Where it is appropriate, testing and/or interviewing are used as tools to provide information to assist in the assessment of each candidate. In all cases, the school retains the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission or to re-enroll a student. The admissions committee makes recommendations to the Head of School, who has ultimate authority and sole discretion in admissions and re-enrollment decisions.
FAIS admits students of any race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. FAIS does not discriminate against any student on the basis of a disability which is unrelated to the ability of a student to enjoy the benefits of the school’s programs. All persons are encouraged to apply.
Is there a waiting list?
When the school cannot offer a place to a child, we are eager to offer counsel on other schools that may be able to accommodate the student. When there are more qualified candidates than openings available, the school establishes an unranked waiting list; if any openings occur, the admissions committee decides which candidate(s) will be offered a place based on such factors as the overall profile of the class and the match between the needs of the school with the needs and qualifications of the student.
Does the school offer financial aid?
FAIS is pleased to offer a financial aid program to its current families. Financial aid is intended to enhance cultural and socioeconomic diversity in the student body. All financial aid is based on economic need. Allocation of available funds is made to the greatest number of families possible, though preference is given to returning families. Applications for financial aid are available from the Business Office. Admission to FAIS is considered separately from financial aid considerations.
