AMERICAN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ACADEMY ADMISSIONS POLICY

Introduction

At American University Research Academy, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse educational environment that aligns with the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This policy outlines our admissions criteria and procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in the enrollment process.

Equal opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Equal Opportunity: We provide equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their background, nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or disability.

Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against
any applicant based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected status.

Admissions Requirement

Grade Levels: We offer the IB program at specific grade levels (Middle Years Program for grades 9 and 10, and Diploma Program for grades 11 and 12). Admissions criteria may vary by grade level.

Available Spaces: Admissions are subject to the availability of spaces in the relevant grade level.

Applicant Age: Applicants must meet the age requirements for the specific grade level as determined by AURA.
Middle Years Programme; At least 13-15 Years old at the time of enrollment
Diploma Programme; At least 16-19 Years old at the time of enrollment

Academic Readiness: Applicants will be required to demonstrate academic readiness through previous academic records, standardized test scores, or assessments.

Interviews and Assessments: We will conduct interviews with prospective students and their parents, and students will undergo assessments as part of the admissions process to assess an applicant's suitability for the IB program.

Priority Groups

Siblings: Priority may be given to siblings of current students already enrolled at AURA.

Employee Members' Children: Children of AURA and AUHS staff/faculty members may receive priority in the admissions process.

Application Process

Application Period: Applications are accepted all year round, for the beginning of the next quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring). Prospective students and their families can submit applications any time.
Application Form: Applicants must complete and submit the official application form provided by AURA and found on the AURA website (auracademy.org.)
Supporting Documents: Applicants must provide all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts, recommendations, and any other materials requested.

List of Forms and documents to be provided:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Enrollment Agreement
3. Release of Information
4. Release Waiver
5. Technology Agreement
6. Medical Information
7. Emergency Contact Information
8. Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgement
9. Prior school transcripts
10. Immunization Record
11. Academic Honesty Policy Acknowledgement
12. New Student Information Sheet
13. Proof of age; Birth Certificate, or US Passport.
14. Exit grades from previous school. (If enrolling during the school year)
15. Legal/Other Documents (only if applicable):

• If you have a restraining order against any person, involving this student, please present this restraining order so that a copy can be placed in the student’s records.
• Please provide a copy of any custodial papers pertaining to your student at the time of registration. We can only enforce parental rights with legal documentation.
• Please provide a copy of foster placement or guardianship papers. o Students must be registered under their full legal name.

Selection Process

Admissions Committee: An admissions committee (a team of available faculty members and administrators) will review all applications and make selections based on the enrollment list.

Notification: Applicants will be notified of admission decisions within 10 business days.

Appeals Process

Appeals: Applicants have the right to appeal an admissions decision if they believe it was not made in accordance with the stated criteria or process. It will be then reviewed and to be decided by the Administration.

Enrollment

Acceptance: Accepted students and their families will be provided with information on the enrollment process, including fees, required documentation, and other relevant details.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP)

All students in grades 11 and 12 are automatically Diploma program students. All students are encouraged to attempt the full IB Diploma to benefit from the educational experience it provides. In case any student is struggling by the end of grade 11, teachers may initiate a conversation with administration to provide options for students to choose to enroll in individual course certificate subjects if it is more aligned with their abilities and future career pathways. All students must enroll in at least one Diploma program course.

Review of Policy

Regular Review: This policy was first written collaboratively in October 2023 by the policy steering committee and reviewed by the leadership team in December 2023 and again in February 2024 and April 2024. This policy will be reviewed annually and as required to ensure its alignment with IB principles and to reflect changes in legislation or best practices in admissions.