Admissions Policies
- Admission
- Admissions Policies
Rushmore American School
We are committed to providing a fair and transparent admissions process, welcoming applicants without any discrimination based on academic achievement, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other possible form of bias. We invite prospective parents and their children to visit our school before registration to become familiar with our environment and ethos.
Admissions Policy Principles
- Open Invitation: We welcome applications from all students living in the UAE, prioritizing students from Sharjah, especially Emirati students. We are dedicated to ensuring Emirati nationals are given priority admission.
- Non-Discriminatory: No student will be denied admission based on their status, providing we believe we have the facilities and provision to meet the needs of the individual child. We embrace the inclusion of students with learning difficulties and special educational needs (SEN) in regular classes, providing appropriate support to help them achieve their best.
- Support for Chronic Health Conditions: We do not withhold admission from students with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart diseases, epilepsy, and obesity, providing we believe we have the facilities and provision to meet the needs of the individual child. We offer appropriate support as per each student's needs.
Process Follows By
Admission Process for Emirati Students
Emirati students will receive priority and will not be placed on a waiting list, providing seats are available and the student meets the entry requirements as per the Admissions Policy.
School Readiness
We recognize that many children may not be ready to start school due to various developmental issues. We define school readiness as a broad range of skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for future progress. We focus on language and literacy, thinking skills, self-control, and self-confidence, with a significant role for parents in nurturing these areas.
School Readiness Assessment
At the admissions stage, students will be assessed for their readiness to join Rushmore American International School by a qualified academic team member, supported by the Learning Support Team. Assessments vary by grade level:
- KG1, KG2: Development checklists, observation during play and story time.
- Grades 1-2: 1:1 dialogue, practical number assessments, book sharing observations, reading to an adult.
- Grades 3-5: School readiness assessments in mathematics and English, free writing, EAL assessments.
- Grades 6-10: CAT4 tests (reasoning with words, numbers, shapes, and designs).
- Grades 11-12: Free essay, EAL assessments.
Admission of SEN Students
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and balanced outcomes for all students, including those with mild to moderate special educational needs. These students will be integrated into our education system with targeted support to ensure fair access.
Waiting Lists
Once at full capacity, prospective students will be placed on a waiting list, managed on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to siblings of current students, Emirati students from Sharjah, and children of school employees.