Enrollment and Admissions Process
Although enrollments at Balance take place throughout the year, there are two Open Days (Be Balanced) where prospective parents have a chance at meeting the leadership teams, enjoying informative presentations about the school and taking school tours. There is a set process to the Enrollment and Admissions Process which is as follows:
1. Pre-Enrollment Information
a. Information Sessions and Open Houses:
- Be Balanced Days: These are 0rganized events where prospective students and parents can visit the school, meet staff, and learn about the school’s programs and culture. They usually take place in December, February and April.
- Information Sessions: Presentations by school’s Management Team and teachers about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and school policies.
b. Marketing and Outreach:
- Website and Brochures: Comprehensive information about the school, including admission criteria, curriculum details, and contact information can be found on the school website and when coming in to see the Admin Office.
- Community Engagement: Mostly happen through the Thai Culture events together with other whole school events.
2. Application Submission
a. Application Form:
- Paper Form: A detailed form collecting student information, family details, previous educational history, and other relevant data.
- Supporting Documents: Birth certificate, immunization records, previous school reports and any supporting documentation.
b. Application Fee:
- Processing Fee: A non-refundable fee to cover the administrative costs of processing the application.
3. Screening and Assessment
a. Academic Assessment:
- Entrance Exams or Placement Tests: Assessments to determine the student’s academic level and readiness for the school’s curriculum. This is done through the Cambridge CEM Tests. There is no pass or fail score, but rather an aptitude score. These tests are taken for Year 1 – Year 10 and are taken in English, Maths and Science. The Early Years students have a play-based observational time with teachers filling out an evaluation form.
- Aptitude Language Tests can be conducted using the Bell English Test for those students requiring Language Support Classes.
b. Interviews:
- Student Interview: A meeting with the student to understand their interests, motivations, and academic background. This is conducted with the teachers.
- Parent Interview: A discussion with parents to understand their expectations, concerns, and support they can provide. THis is conducted with the school Management Team.
4. Review and Decision-Making
a. Review Committee:
- Admissions Committee: A team of school administrators and teachers review applications, assessments, and interviews.
- Holistic Review: Consideration of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and the student’s overall fit with the school.
b. Decision Notification:
- Acceptance Letter: Official communication informing the student and family of their acceptance, including details on the next steps.
- Waitlist Notification: Information for students who are not immediately accepted but may be offered a place if one becomes available.
- Rejection Letter: Communication for students who did not meet the criteria, often including feedback or recommendations.
5. Post-Acceptance Procedures
a. Enrollment Confirmation:
- Deposit Payment: A non-refundable fee to secure the student’s place in the school needs to be paid to Balance by a set date.
- Enrollment Agreement: A signed contract outlining the terms and conditions of enrollment. This is encompassed into the Schools Parent Contract.
b. Orientation and Onboarding:
- New Student Orientation: Programs to help new students acclimate to the school environment, meet teachers, and make new friends. These are divided into two sections. Firstly, the Bridging Course which is available to students not coming from other international schools. This starts in May and concludes at the end of the academic year. Details to follow.
- Parent Orientation: Information sessions to help parents understand school policies, communication channels, and ways to support their child. This will be done the week prior to opening of the new academic year.
6. Integration into the School Community
a. Class Placement:
- Homeroom Assignment: Placement into appropriate homeroom groups are based on age, year level, and assessment results.
- Class Schedules: Distribution of class schedules, including information on teachers, classrooms, and subjects.