Admission Philosophy
At Academyati, we are committed to a holistic, inclusive, and child-centered approach to education. Our admissions process ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive within our progressive, bilingual (Arabic/English) learning environment, while also embracing Islamic values and Qatari culture. We aim to select families that share the school’s vision and values, ensuring a mutually beneficial educational partnership.
Admission Criteria
At Academyati, we believe in a holistic approach to education that considers both age-appropriate development and academic readiness.
Age Requirements: To ensure a developmentally appropriate learning environment, Academyati follows specific age-based guidelines for student admissions.
Pre-3 Grade: To be eligible for admission into Pre-3, students must be 3 years old by September 30 of the academic year.
Stage Age Chart: Academyati uses the following age chart to guide eligibility for each stage:
Stage Level | MOEHE Grade Level | Age Requirement |
---|---|---|
Al-Dibran (Stage 1) | Pre-3 | 3 |
Pre-4 | 4 | |
KG | 5 | |
Al-Hilal (Stage 2) | 1 | 6 |
2 | 7 | |
3 | 8 | |
4 | 9 | |
Al-Badr (Stage 3) | 5 | 10 |
6 | 11 | |
7 | 12 | |
8 | 13 | |
Al-Tair (Stage 4) | 9 | 14 |
10 | 15 | |
11 | 16 | |
12 | 17 |
These age guidelines help create balanced, age-appropriate classrooms and support the developmental needs of our students.
Admission Readiness Criteria
Early Years (Pre-3 & Pre-4):
Pre-3 & Pre-4 admissions are based on a child’s developmental readiness rather than strictly academic assessments. The admissions process includes:
- Observation of social and emotional readiness, including interaction with peers, basic independence, and adaptability to new environments.
- Language and communication abilities, both receptive and expressive.
- Motor skills, focusing on fine and gross motor development.
- Toilet Training: All students entering Pre-3 and Pre-4 must be fully toilet trained. This is a necessary part of their independence and readiness for the school environment.
KG students may be assessed for:
- Early literacy and numeracy awareness.
- Ability to follow instructions and engage in group learning.
Upper Grades (Stage 2 and beyond):
For students applying to stage 2 and beyond at Academyati, the following academic eligibility criteria must be met:
- MAP Testing:As part of the admission process, students applying to upper grades (Grade 1 and above) will undergo the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test in Math and English. This assessment helps us ensure that students are academically prepared to succeed at Academyati. The results of the MAP test will be used to guide placement decisions and tailor learning support if necessary.
- Passion/Interest Project Presentation:
As part of the admissions process, each applicant (10 years & older) will present an informal presentation to the admissions committee about a personal passion or interest project. This presentation provides the student with an opportunity to showcase creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm for a subject or project they are passionate about, giving further insight into their unique talents and learning style.
These combined elements will ensure that students entering the upper grades at Academyati are well-prepared both academically and personally to succeed in our progressive learning environment.
Selection Criteria
- Social and Emotional Readiness (Pre3, Pre4, KG): For younger applicants, such as those entering Pre3, Pre4, and Kindergarten, a key selection criterion is the child’s social and emotional readiness to engage in group learning and interactions with peers.
- MAP Test Results (Grade 1 and Above): For students applying to Grade 1 and above, performance on the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests will be considered as part of the academic assessment.
- Attendance and Behavior Records: Past attendance and behavior records from the applicant’s previous school will be reviewed to assess consistency, responsibility, and suitability for the school environment.
- Parental Alignment with Educational Philosophy: Preference is given to families who share the same educational philosophy as Academyati, valuing progressive learning approaches, and who demonstrate an open-minded attitude towards the school’s innovative methodologies.
- Competitive Admission Process Due to Limited Spots: Admission to Academyati is highly competitive, given the limited number of spots available each year. Meeting the above criteria increases the chances of securing a place but does not guarantee admission.
Learning Support
Families are required to disclose any services that the child has received or will require for a successful educational experience at Academyati. Transparency in these disclosures helps ensure that the school can meet each child’s specific needs. (e.g., individualized learning plans, psychological evaluations, or diagnosis reports) and any relevant evaluation reports (speech, occupational therapy, etc.)
Admissions Priority
Admission priority will be given in the following order:
- Current Siblings of Academyati students
- Children of Academyati, PUE staff and EEC
- Children of Qatar Foundation staff
- General public applicants
Admissions priority may not guarantee a place, as logistical and strategic factors also play a role in the final admissions decision.
Admission Process
Thank you for your interest in Academyati.
We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know your family throughout our admission process.
For information regarding availability in school year 2025-2026 and any admissions questions please call us at 44546390 or email academyati.admissions@qf.org.qa
Application
Applications are submitted online through our admissions platform, at https://ail.openapply.eu/. Parents must create an account to submit and monitor the status of their child’s application. Once the application is submitted, parents can track the progress and receive updates directly through the platform.
The following documents are required:
- Recent passport-sized photo of the child
- Child’s passport and QID copies
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parents’ passport and QID copies
- Immunization card
- Behavior & Attendance record
- Confidential school report (for children 7 and above)
- Last three year-end academic reports (for children aged 7+)
- Medical form signed by the child’s doctor
Should any documents be missing, families will be notified via email, with instructions on how to complete the application.
Student Screening & Assessment
- Students Observation: Children aged 3-5 will be invited to the school for a few hours for observation, where they will have the opportunity to interact with staff and current students. A social and emotional screening will be conducted as well to evaluate the children’s readiness for school, with particular attention to fine and gross motor skills, eye contact, attention span, and foundational literacy and numeracy abilities.
- MAP Assessment: Children aged 6 and older are required to take the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests in both English and Math. This assessment helps us ensure that students are academically prepared to succeed at Academyati.
Parents Interview and Students Presentation
- After completing the application and screening/assessment process the families will be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee. The purpose of the interview is to align expectations, further discuss the child’s needs, and ensure a mutual understanding of educational practices.
- Children aged 10 and above are required to attend the meeting with their parents. Children will also be invited to present an informal, friendly project or passion presentation, demonstrating their interests and creativity. This presentation will allow the admissions team to better understand the child’s potential contribution to the Academyati community.
Decisions
Admissions decisions are made thoughtfully, based primarily on the family’s and school’s vision alignment in terms of educational approaches and practices. The decision will be emailed to you within 2 weeks from the date of the interview.
Enrollment
After you receive the acceptance offer, you have one week to accept the offer and complete the enrolment process The following documents are included in your acceptance that you will need to read carefully, sign, and upload to complete the enrolment process and pay the enrolment fee of 3000QR.
- Parents’ Agreement.
- Photo consent.
- Acceptable use of Technology.
Withdrawal Process for QF Schools
To begin withdrawing a student from a QF school, the parent/guardian is requested to submit an online withdrawal form (click here). The school will process the request within three working days.
Please note that the parent/guardian and the student will be invited to attend an exit interview meeting with the school director to discuss the withdrawal. The parent/guardian and the student are required to attend this meeting to complete the formal process.
Fees and Payment Structure
- Parents are required to check the approved Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) fee structure published on the school’s website for full details.
- An application fee of 500 QAR, which is non-refundable, applicable to students applying for Grade 1 and above.
- A one-time registration fee of 3000 QAR is payable at the time of registration/ enrollment.
- Additionally, a 5,000 QAR seat reservation fee is to be paid at the end of each school year, which will be deducted from the first term fees of the following academic year.
- Food service fees are not included in the approved school fees and are paid separately. Parents may opt out of the school’s food service should they prefer to make alternative arrangements for their children.
School Uniform
At Academyati, being a progressive school, we embrace individuality and personal expression, which is why we do not enforce a school uniform as part of our admission policy. We believe that allowing students the freedom to choose their attire fosters creativity, self-confidence, and a sense of personal responsibility. Our policy reflects our commitment to nurturing each student’s unique identity while promoting a respectful and collaborative community.
At Academyati, we strive to create a nurturing environment where children can flourish as individuals and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our admissions process reflects our commitment to fostering a learning environment that is inclusive, diverse, and supportive of each child’s unique needs and potential.