Canadian International School - Lakeside Campus

Entry requirements

Students must meet CIS’ entry requirements in order to be eligible for admission. Our Admissions Executives will happily answer any questions you might have about your child's eligibility.

Rolling admission

We accept students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 throughout the year, although places are subject to vacancy. Entry into Grades 9 and 10 is open until the last Monday in February each school year, while entry into Grades 11 and 12 (the IB Diploma Programme) is only open to Grade 11 students during the first two weeks of the school year.

Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) approval

In accordance with Singapore law, students aged 6 or older who are Singapore Citizens (by either birth or registration) must be granted approval by the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) to study at CIS. Children aged 2 to 5 (Nursery to Senior Kindergarten) do not require MOE approval. Our Admissions Department will submit the necessary applications to the MOE before a place at CIS has been formally offered.

English language requirements CIS English language proficiency requirements vary depending on a student’s grade. The English Language Learner (ELL) programme is mandatory for students in Grades 1 through 10, if, after English proficiency assessment, CIS determines that the student requires this support programme. Both students and parents, by enrolling their child before or after assessment, agree to participate in the ELL programme as directed by the School.

ELL grade level requirements

Kindergarten

Students entering Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, or Senior Kindergarten programme are not formally assessed for English proficiency prior to admission. They are immersed in an English-speaking environment inside the regular classroom. Homeroom teachers are oriented to the needs of young children who are not speakers of English and can consult with a member of the English Language Learner (ELL) Team on a case-by-case basis for assistance.

Grades 1 to 5

Students entering Grades 1 through Grade 5 whose first language is not English are formally assessed at CIS for English proficiency either prior to admission or during the initial weeks of school. Assessment procedures vary by grade level so that they are appropriate to the age of the student.

Grades 6 to 10

Students entering Grades 6 through Grade 10 whose first language is not English, or who are coming from a school where the language of instruction is not English, will be required to sit for an English proficiency test determined by CIS.

Aptis Teen is an innovative English assessment tool designed by the British Council that assesses students’ English proficiency in four areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The cost for the test is S$95 inclusive of GST (for tests conducted in Singapore).

Students are placed into one of six phases of language acquisition (where 1 is a beginner and 6 is proficient) after they have been tested. Since the application fee is non-refundable, applications should only be submitted when it is clear that your child meets the English entry requirement level.

Grades 11 and 12 

Students entering Grade 11 must be proficient in academic English, as there is no ELL programme or support for students in Grades 11 or 12. Applicants whose first language is not English, should only apply if they have exited from an English language support programme by the end of Grade 10.

Chinese-English bilingual entry requirements

Places in CIS’ Chinese / English Bilingual Programme are subject to availability. Entry requirements are outlined in the grid below. Students applying for Grades 2 to 6 may be required to sit English and/or Chinese proficiency assessments in order to determine eligibility.

French-English Bilingual entry requirements

Entry requirements for the French-English bilingual programme are outlined below. Please note that these are subject to change.

Students entering the Secondary School Foundation programme will be required to submit past transcripts, school reports, testimonials and recommendations (3 years’ worth of records are typically required).

Students are also required to demonstrate a basic required level of English proficiency to enter the Foundation programme and to determine level placement. Applicants must undertake the British Council Aptis test in order to ascertain they meet the minimum English requirements which are outlined below:

Learning support

Although CIS provides limited assistance for students with learning challenges (from Grade 1 onwards) who meet our admissions criteria, it is expected that all students are able to function and enjoy learning in our regular classes and programmes with minimal assistance or accommodation. If your child is currently receiving special services such as remedial teaching, speech/language therapy or an enrichment programme, please inform us at the beginning of the application process.

Compulsory nature of support programmes

Applications are reviewed, and whenever possible, any support services that will be required by a student are communicated before a decision regarding acceptance is made.

CIS support programmes (Learning Support and English Language Learning) are compulsory if the outcome of an assessment determines it is necessary. Graduation from support programmes is determined by the School.

Application process

The application process begins with the submission of an application form, payment of the application fee, and submission of supporting documents

Complete the application form

Applications can be submitted using the soft copy of the application form, or by submitting an application online. All applications must be accompanied by the compulsory non-refundable application fee.

Submit the supporting documents to our Admissions Department

The following documents must be sent to our Admissions team after you submit your application. All original documents must be produced in order to verify their authenticity.

• All current and past transcripts, school reports, testimonials and recommendations (3 years worth of records are required)*.
• Photocopy of all relevant psycho educational or special education evaluation reports* (if applicable).
• 3 passport size photographs (approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm). Please write student's name on the back of the photographs.
• Photocopy of student's passport(s).
• Photocopy of student's birth certificate.
• Photocopy of student's immunisation records.  Diphtheria and Measles immunisation is compulsary by law in Singapore.
• Photocopy of each parent’s passport.
• Photocopy of each legal guardian’s passport (if applicable).
• Original deed, will or court order to indicate guardianship/custody (if applicable).
• Photocopy of the representative form (if applicable).
• Photocopy of the caregiver form (if applicable).
• Photocopy of the caregiver’s passport (if applicable).

These documents must be supplied to the Admissions Department in English. Documents which are not in English will need to be translated. Translations must be carried out by a Notary Public, a Translation Agency or your own National Embassy.

Acceptance to CIS is based on a comprehensive review of all compulsory and/or requested documentation. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Consideration of a student's age and/or the most recent grade level completed.
• Successful school report cards review.
• Student profile considerations such as behaviour, social skills, work ethic, attitude, English proficiency level and additional learning support needs, if any, required by the student at the current school.

CIS may require assessments, and/or permission to contact teachers at the student’s current school.

Upon acceptance of a place at CIS, execute the CIS Student Contract

The CIS Student Contract must be executed by both parties (if the parent is agreeable to the terms and conditions of the contract) within 14 days from the issue date of the contract to confirm a student’s enrolment.

The Student Contract is a legal document that protects and assures the rights and conditions of the Student whilst enrolled at a Private Education Institution (PEI), in this case, the Canadian International School (CIS).

Why do I need to sign a student contract?

It is a legal requirement that all Students must enter into the Student Contract. The Student Contract is a critical document that helps to minimise future disputes, therefore, it is essential that it be completely understood by the Student (parents/legal guardians where a student is younger than 18 years of age) prior to enrolment.

CIS 2018/2019 Student Contract

Terms and conditions

In addition to the student contract, all families who apply to CIS need to read and agree to the CIS Standard Terms and Conditions.

CIS 2018/2019 Terms and Conditions

Supplemental Contract

Once the student contract has been signed, a simpler supplemental contract must be signed on an annual basis.

Supplemental student contracts for existing students who have already signed the original student contract must be signed by March each school year. If the supplemental contract is not signed by the necessary deadline, a student’s enrolment for the following school year will not be confirmed.

If you have any queries regarding the CIS Student Contract, our Terms and Conditions, or the Supplemental contract, please contact our Admissions team at contracts@cis.edu.sg.

Pay the confirmation fee

An invoice will be issued for the confirmation fee after the student contract is signed.

Submit final documentation before school starts

Students may start school as soon as all of these documents have been submitted to the Admissions Department:

• Photocopy of Student’s Dependant's Pass / Student's Pass / NRIC – Singaporean and Permanent Resident* (whichever is applicable).
• Photocopy of Parent's / Legal Guardian's Employment Pass / Dependant's Pass / NRIC - Singaporean and Permanent Resident* (whichever is applicable).
• Student Medical Form.

*For Permanent Residents (PRs) please provide a copy of the Re-Entry Permit indicating the PR Number and the Re-Entry Permit Expiry Date.