Admissions Policy

DIA is an International Baccalaureate World School implementing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 6 – 10.

Please note that all students must be enrolled in the MYP for a minimum of two (2) years and participating in all subjects in order to have fulfilled the requirements for completion of the program.

a. If DIA finds that its resources are insufficient to meet the child’s needs

b. If a student is admitted on a conditional or provisional basis and DIA finds that either the child or the parents/guardians are not meeting stipulated requirements

c. If a student is not meeting the DIA behavioral requirements

Please note that sufficient time will be given to the parent/guardian to find an alternative school and if the student displays no behavioral issues they may be allowed to complete the academic year.

*Please be advised that the Executive Committee makes the final decision on all admission and discharge cases, decisions will be based on the well being of the child as well as the school.

a). Submission of a fully completed application form

b). Submission of at least two (2) year report cards, including the most recent as well as any transfer certificates or documents from previous school. Please note, these must be submitted in English

c). Submission of Vaccination Records, Birth Certificate copy, or Residence Permit Copy of applying student

d). Submission of Confidential Report completed by previous school

e). DIA highly recommends all applying students undergo hearing and vision tests before commencing school

f). Application Fee of USD200

Kindergarten to Grade 5: Maximum 18 students per class*

Grades 6 – 10: Maximum 15 students per class

* Up to one (1) additional seat may be made available in each PYP/MYP class, this will be a decision made by the Executive Committee. The creation of an additional seat is rare and will only be added on to accommodate a family that DIA feels it can uniquely serve.

In order to gauge the academic and social level of students applying to DIA all applicants will be given an initial assessment, which includes reading and comprehension, writing and mathematics. A verbal interview is also conducted to assess verbal ability and language skills, as well as assessing independence and adaptability to new surroundings.

Parents/Guardians will also go through an informal interview process when submitting their child/ren’s application. All required documentation must be submitted before acceptance is decided upon. Acceptance and grade placement will be decided upon within 3 working days.

If parents/guardians would like more information on curriculum or information about specific grades, please request for an appointment with the respective Coordinators.

Due to DIA’s facilities and resources, we cannot admit students with moderate or severe special educational needs. Students with mild special educational needs will be considered. The decision will be made following discussions between the SEN Coordinator, subject teachers and the respective Coordinators. Information from relevant professionals (e.g. previous teachers, psychologists, doctors etc.) will be considered.

The term mild SEN is used in this case to describe students with behavioral, emotional or learning difficulties, but who are capable of reaching the curriculum objectives, with special assistance** from DIA, such as help from the SEN coordinator, if necessary.

In order to be eligible for admission, the student must be capable of reaching certain objectives in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Students who are unable to meet all objectives may be admitted on a conditional or provisional basis (please refer to Categories of Admission)

English Language Learner applicants must show evidence that they were performing at an average to high academic level at their previous school. The grade level that the student is applying for will also be considered.

A student with foundation English and mild SEN may be admitted into the PYP and Grades 6 or 7 of the MYP. It is unlikely that English Language Learners with SEN will be admitted into Grades 8, 9 or 10, or Admission Policy that English Language Learners who are not at a high level of proficiency will be admitted into Grades 9 or 10 – however decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

*If your child/ren fit(s) into the above category please request to see the complete DIA SEN Policy document.

**Special Assistance or support may be offered within class times in Language and possibly Mathematics. However it may still be recommended that the student receive at-home tuition beyond this, based on their ability to meet objectives.

Unconditional Acceptance – meets all criteria for acceptance.

Conditional Acceptance – extra support and at-home tutoring may be recommended in certain subject areas. Parents/Guardians must ensure a tutor is found and complete the necessary form with contact details and information about the tutor. All tutors will be required to maintain regular contact with the school. Recommendations that are not followed may result in the discharge of the child from DIA. Please refer to the Discharge of Students clause.

Provisional Acceptance – student will be admitted on a maximum two term provisional basis (only in Terms 1 and 2). During this period it will be assessed whether the child is able to meet objectives of the mainstream curriculum with special assistance and at-home tuition. Regular feedback will be given to the parents/guardians. At the end of the provisional period the terms of acceptance will be re-assessed. If it is found that the requirements have not been met this may result in the discharge of the child from DIA.

Dar es Salaam International Academy is an IB World School & authorized for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education - that we believe is important for our students. 

Please note this programme is implemented from KG - Grade 5. Students within DIA’s Grade 5 class will be required to sit an assessment during the academic year to ensure they meet the requirements to enter the Middle Years Programme. Parents/Guardians will be informed in advance if the DIA MYP cannot cater for their child/ren once they have completed Grade 5.

 For further information about the IB and its programmes visit http://www.ibo.org