Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does ISI begin enrolling students?

• ISI Pre-Elementary School (3 Years Old – Kindergarten) is a full-day academic program for three-, four- and five-year-olds.
• Children must be 3 years old by September 1 of that enrollment year, and must be potty-trained (no pull-ups).
• The Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms are full-immersion classrooms, divided into three language tracks French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.
• ISI accepts new students at any grade level.

How does IsI select the students it admits?

• We evaluate applicants based on their academic abilities and their character.
• We consider student maturity, attitude towards learning and behavior.
• We also seek evidence of independence, involvement and concern for others.

What is required for admission?

• Application for Admission and $50 Processing Fee: Candidates should complete the ISI Application for Admission form.  The application is to be accompanied by a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • ISI_Application.pdf
• Transcripts or Report Cards: The Transcript Release form should be completed and given to the student’s current school. Transcripts should then be sent directly from the sending institution. Transcripts for the previous academic year and first semester of the current academic year, attendance records, teacher's comments and standardized testing results should be included.
  • Transcript Release.pdf
• Individual Testing/Entrance Exam: Depending on the age level, either a readiness assessment or standardized exams help us determine whether ISI will be the best environment for a student.
• Letters of Recommendation: Teachers provide us with great insights into prospective students' strengths and weaknesses.
  • ISI_Recommendation_Form.pdf
• Pre-Entry Visit/Shadow Day/Interviews: Observing interaction with peers helps us to learn about prospective students.
• Please visit the section of your child's grade level for further information.

Does my child need to take a test for admission?

• Candidates for Grade 9 are required to submit standardized testing results from ERB os ISTEP.
• If these are not available candidates are required to take the ISEE exam (Independent School Entrance Examination).
• Registration forms are available at the Admissions Office or online at http://www.iseetest.org.
• Registration should be completed at least 3 weeks before the desired testing date.

Can prospective students and/or parents sit in on a class?

• Yes, by appointment. 
• Please contact Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock in the ISI Admissions Office at +1.317.923.1951 or admissions@isind.org to schedule your visit.

When should we schedule our family tour and visit?

• There's no better way to see what ISI can offer your child than to see it in person. 
• Tours are by appointment.  Please contact Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock in the ISI Admissions Office at +1.317.923.1951 ext. 369 or admissions@isind.org to schedule your visit

How do I arrange a shadow day for my child?

• Appointments are required for the shadowing program and can be made by contacting Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock in the ISI Admissions Office at +1.317.923.1951 ext. 369 or at admissions@isind.org.

Can my child apply after the application deadline?

• ISI does not have an admissions deadline.  We operate on a Rolling Admissions process.

When will we know if our child is accepted at ISI?

• We start to mail enrollment packets in January. 
• You will receive an enrollment packet in the mail within two weeks of a request.

How can I receive a brochure/application for ISI?

• Please contact Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock in the ISI Admissions Office at +1.317.923.1951 ext. 369 or admissions@isind.org.  We also have the ISI brochure and an application for admission online.

What expenses are there beyond tuition?

• Parent Association Dues - $25 per student
• Administrative Fee - Family on automatic direct electronic payment and email statements - $50 per family; Family pays by cash or check or receives paper statements $200 per family
• Activity Fee* - Varies by grade level
• Enrichment Classes (detail classes and fees listing provided each semester) – Varies per student
• Before/After School Care** (provided for students in 3YO – Grade 3) - $5.25 per student/per hour (provided for students in Grade 4 – Grade 8) - $4.25 per student/per hour
• Athletic Participation Fee (Grades 5 – 8) - $125 per student/per sport
• Athletic Participation Fee (Grades 9 – 12) - $150 per student/per sport
• Athletic Kit Fee (Grades 5 – 12) – Varies per student
• Other Extracurricular Activities (varies year to year by student interest) – Varies per student
• AP Test Fee – varies per student

What options are available for financing an ISI education?

•     Annual, bi-annual, and quarterly payment plans
•     ISI financial assistance
•     Limited merit scholar awards

What is ISI’s Financial Assistance Policy?

• The purpose of the ISI Financial Assistance Program is to provide access to a quality education by helping families with the financial issues that they may face. 
• We believe deeply that an investment in the future of a child is an investment in our community. 
• As such, we are eager to share the cost of education for families with a demonstrated financial need.

What is “demonstrated need” and how is it determined?

• “Demonstrated need” is the calculated difference between fees and the amount a family can be expected to contribute to the cost of annual tuition. 
• Demonstrated need is determined by the ISI Financial Aid Committee after thorough review of the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS, a standard form of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid) and the family’s Income Tax Form 1040.
• All information required for the financial aid process is held in strictest confidence.

What factors are considered when determining financial assistance?

• Income, assets, taxes, family size, unusual expenses and circumstances, the age(s) of the parent(s) and number of family members in tuition-bearing schools are among the many factors used to determine financial assistance.
• Generally, we encourage you to apply.  At the very least, call the Admissions Office for a preliminary confidential conversation.

Is there a fee for applying for financial aid?

• The School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) charges a fee for processing the form. 
• ISI does not charge a fee for applying for financial aid.

How do I get a financial assistance application? ?

• Personal Financial Statement (PFS) forms are available in the business office beginning in January. 
• Forms may also be completed on line at  http://sss.nais.org .
• Parents may call the admissions office and ask to have a PFS form mailed to their home.
• PFS forms should be completed and mailed before the close date to School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). 
• The ISI school code is 4138.
• There is an application fee payable to Scholl and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS).  
• The application fee is slightly less for on-line submissions.

What is the deadline for the financial aid application?

• The deadline is in early spring.

If we have more than one child applying, do we have to complete two forms?

• No, one form is enough.

If I apply for financial aid, will it affect my child's chances of being accepted?

• No, definitely not.

What if my tax information is not available at the time of the application deadline?

• You can submit your PFS form. 
• Your tax information can be submitted to validate your papers separately when you receive it.

When will our family be notified of our financial aid award?

• Financial aid awards are usually made in late spring. 
• Your child must be accepted and enrolled before being considered for financial assistance. 
• If the financial aid award is insufficient for your needs, your enrollment deposit will be refunded.

Will we receive aid every year?

• Because family financial circumstances are subject to change, we require reapplication for financial assistance every year. 
• If financial circumstances remain the same, a family may expect a continuation of the same level of aid.

How does the process work for separated or divorced parents?

• ISI considers the assets and earning potential of both custodial and non-custodial parents prior to awarding financial aid. 
• Parent Financial Statement (PFS) forms and federal income tax forms are required from both parents each year. 
• If either parent has remarried, the needs analysis considers the assets and earning potential of the stepparent as well.

Is there a tuition discount for multiple children who attend ISI?

• No, but siblings have priority enrollment.

How much homework do students have each night?

• The amount of homework varies by grade level. 
• Homework does not start until Grade 1.  
• In Grade 1 – Grade 3, minimal homework is given over the weekends. 

Do ISI students wear uniforms or is there a dress code?

• There is a dress code for 3-Year-Old students through Grade 7.