Requirements

Parents of students hoping to attend Tianjin International School should familiarize themselves with the admission requirements and procedures. Be aware that TIS does not usually enroll grade 11 and grade 12 students. Students in these grades wishing to enroll must request a special ad relief process. TIS does not admit children who are citizens of the People's Republic of China, per Chinese law.

General

Students must meet the following admission requirements: 

• Demonstrate adequacy in the English language

• Have a basic level of educational aptitudes and skills as determined by interview, examination and educational records

• All new students and returning students in grades 5 and 9 must complete a physical exam in order to attend the first day of school. 

Foundation Class

Students must be three years old by September 30 of the enrollment year. No testing is required; however, students must be evaluated by the Early Childhood Center principal and/or teacher to determine school readiness.

Junior Kindergarten

Students must be four years old by September 30 of the enrollment year. No testing is required; however, students must be evaluated by the Early Childhood Center principal and/or teacher to determine school readiness.

Senior Kindergarten

Students must be five years old by September 30 of the enrollment year and demonstrate that they are ready to attend school. A child may be refused admittance if an evaluation determines they are not ready. 

Grade 1

Students must be six years old by September 30 of the enrollment year and have been promoted from Kindergarten at TIS. If the student has not been promoted from Kindergarten, they must complete a TIS teacher evaluation and receive approval from the principal.

Grades 2 - 3

Students must demonstrate grade level English fluency determined by a school administered exam, as well as interview with a grade level teacher. They will also take the MBA(Mini-Battery of Achievement) test. Final approval will be determined by the principal.

Grades 4 - 12

Students must demonstrate grade level English fluency determined by a school administered exam, as well as interview with a grade level teacher. The applicant will also take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Final approval will be determined by the divisional principal.

Learning Disabilities

TIS is not able to meet the needs of students with severe learning disabilities. Parents should inform the school if their child has a known learning disability. TIS will make every effort to meet the needs of each child it admits.

Parents' Presence

We believe that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children. Cooperation between the school and the home is necessary to ensure that students reach their fullest potential. As a result, and in the best interest of the student, TIS has established the following guidelines concerning residency of parents:

At least one parent or guardian must have full-time residency in Tianjin or a nearby community. Guardians are only permitted to function in lieu of parents in unusual circumstances with the permission of the school administration.

Enrollment Priority

Tianjin International School adheres to the following enrollment priority policy:

1. Children of LDi staff and associates
2. Brothers and sisters of students already attending TIS
3. Children who speak English fluently
4. Children who do not speak English fluently

Waiting Lists

If a student meets the necessary requirements, but there is no space available, he/she may be placed on a waiting list. Students will be added to this list according to the enrollment criteria. This waiting list 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. TIS encourages parents to look for other educational options while their child is on the waiting list.