Admission Requirements
Everything you need to know about joining our school community
General Requirements
At St. Francis of Assisi Private School, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate academic potential and good character. Our admission process is designed to ensure that each student is a good fit for our educational environment and that we can meet their individual learning needs.
The following information outlines the general requirements and specific criteria for each educational level. Please review these requirements carefully before submitting your application.
Required Documents
For All Applicants
- Completed application form
- Birth certificate (original and photocopy)
- Four passport-sized photographs
- Immunization records
- Copy of parent/guardian ID or passport
- Application fee payment receipt
Additional for Transfer Students
- Academic records from the previous two years
- Transfer certificate from previous school
- Recommendation letter from previous school
- Most recent report card
- National examination results (if applicable)
- Disciplinary record (if required by the school)
Age Requirements
| Grade Level | Age Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Class | 2-3 years | Child must be 2 years old by January of the enrollment year |
| Pre-KG (Middle Class) | 3-4 years | Child must be 3 years old by January of the enrollment year |
| Kindergarten (KG3) | 4-5 years | Child must be 4 years old by January of the enrollment year |
| Grade 1 | 5-6 years | Child must be 5 years old by January of the enrollment year |
| Grades 2-12 | Varies | Age appropriate for grade level, typically advancing by one year per grade |
Note: Age exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the child's developmental readiness and previous educational experience. Such exceptions require additional assessment and approval from the admissions committee.
Requirements by Educational Level
Early Childhood (Baby Class - KG3)
Admission to our Early Childhood program focuses on developmental readiness rather than academic achievement. We look for children who can benefit from our play-based learning environment.
Admission Criteria:
- Age-appropriate developmental progress
- Basic communication skills
- Readiness for a school environment
- Toilet trained (except for Baby Class)
Admission Process:
- Parent and child interview
- Informal observation during a play session
- Review of any previous school experience (if applicable)
- Basic health screening
Primary School (Grades 1-7)
Admission to our Primary School requires evidence of academic readiness and good behavior. Students must demonstrate grade-appropriate knowledge and skills.
Admission Criteria:
- Age-appropriate academic skills
- Good conduct record from previous school (if applicable)
- Basic English proficiency
- Satisfactory performance on admission assessment
Admission Process:
- Review of academic records
- Grade-appropriate entrance assessment
- Student and parent interview
- Recommendation from previous teacher (for transfer students)
Secondary School (Grades 8-12)
Admission to our Secondary School is competitive and requires strong academic performance, good character, and a demonstrated commitment to learning.
Admission Criteria:
- Strong academic record (minimum average of 60%)
- Excellent conduct record
- Proficiency in English and Mathematics
- Successful performance on entrance examination
- Grade 9 certificate (for Grade 10 applicants)
Admission Process:
- Comprehensive review of academic records
- Subject-specific entrance examinations
- Student and parent interview
- Teacher recommendations from previous school
- Review of national examination results (if applicable)
Special Considerations
Students with Special Educational Needs
St. Francis of Assisi Private School is committed to inclusive education and welcomes students with mild to moderate learning differences who can thrive in our supportive environment with reasonable accommodations.
Parents of children with special educational needs should disclose this information during the application process. Additional documentation such as educational psychologist reports, individualized education plans (IEPs), or medical diagnoses may be required to determine if our school can provide appropriate support.
International Students
We welcome students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. International applicants must submit the following additional documents:
- Copy of passport and visa/immigration status
- Translated academic records (if not in English)
- English language proficiency assessment (for non-native English speakers)
Mid-Year Admissions
We accept mid-year applications subject to space availability. The admission process remains the same, but additional academic support may be recommended to help students transition smoothly into our curriculum.
Admission Decision Factors
Our admissions committee considers multiple factors when reviewing applications:
Academic Readiness
Student's academic performance, test scores, and readiness for our curriculum.
Character & Behavior
Student's conduct, attitude toward learning, and personal values.
Family Alignment
Family's commitment to our educational philosophy and willingness to partner with the school.
Ready to Apply?
Now that you're familiar with our admission requirements, we invite you to begin the application process.
If you have specific questions about the admission process, please contact our Admissions Office at
+260 977 123 456 or admissions@stfrancisschool.edu.zm