Frequently asked
questions

Is the Admissions Office Open during the Summer?

The Admissions Office is open throughout the summer. The team can be reached via email (admissions@ais-antwerp.be) or telephone (+32 3 543 93 00).

Does AIS have Open Days?

Every day is Open Day at AIS. Please contact the Admissions Office for further details.

Does AIS have a Parent Teacher Organization?

Yes, the school has a very active and supportive PTO.

How is Security and Safety Organised at AIS?

AIS has a closed campus, with all access gates locked after students have entered at 8:30. Security cameras are located at strategic points around the school. All visitors must report to Reception where they are issued a visitor’s badge. 

Can students who Graduate from AIS attend Benelux Universities?

AIS Graduates who would like to join Benelux universities must have obtained the IB Diploma. Those who have received a High School diploma may be asked to sit entrance exams. Please research your specific country on the IB website or request more information from the Admissions Office.

Does AIS Offer After School Activities?

AIS has an extensive Co-Curriculum Programme. Please refer to the Community and Learning pages.

Does AIS offer Lunch?

Students from Grades 1 to 12 eat in our Bistro, where they have a choice of purchasing a healthy hot or cold meal (vegetarian options available), salads, fruits or sandwiches, or eat lunch brought from home.

AIS is a nut free school.

My Child has Specific Learning Needs. What Support is AIS Able to provide?

AIS is able to provide support to students with mild or moderate learning differences. Our Learning Specialists collaborate with teachers, students and parents to develop the most appropriate programme for students who require additional support to access the curriculum.

How will my Non-English-Speaking Child Manage in an English-Language School?

When non-native English speaking students arrive at AIS, they are assessed by our English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers to determine the appropriate level of support. AIS has a buddy system, whereby an incoming student is paired with a current student in the same grade/s who speaks the same language. 

Does my Child Have to Join AIS on a Specific Date?

AIS has a rolling admissions system and students are accepted throughout the school year.

Does a Candidate for Admission at AIS Need any Medical Examinations?

When you apply to AIS, the admissions office will provide you with a health record form which needs to be completed as part of the admissions procedure. This health record document is a medical form which needs to be signed by the parents (and includes a request for a copy of immunisation record as an attachment).

Does a Candidate for Admission at AIS have to sit any Entry Exams?

After you have completed all required documentation and forwarded these to the admissions office, these will be reviewed by the admissions team. If necessary, an appointment will be made with you to have your child(ren) assessed:

• All applicants will be required to provide writing samples (Primary and Secondary School) as part of the admissions process.
• A non-verbal reasoning assessment may be required.
• Applicants for Secondary School will be invited in to sit math and English level assessment, and non-English speakers may be required to sit an additional EAL (English as an Additional Language) assessment.

Is the Application Fee Refundable?

The application fee is non-refundable, since this fee (one per family) covers the administrative costs of the application process and any necessary assessments.

Are Grants and Scholarships available?

Yes. AIS has a set budget to offer limited financial aid grants and scholarships to families who qualify. Please contact the admissions office for more information or take a look at our AIS Seeks Talent page.

Does AIS Maintain Waiting Lists?

Yes, when necessary. As an international school, AIS has a continuous turnover of students. At the moment of your application, our classes could possibly be already full. In this case, we would open a waiting list for the respective grade level concerned.

How will my Children Commute to AIS and Home?

Many students use our school bus service, others use public transportation (bus or train), some bike or walk to school and some parents drive their children to school or carpool. Please note that parking in front of the school is limited, so please calculate an adequate amount of time for dropping off your children. Parents needing to come into the school should park further along the street.

What Grade Will my Child be Placed in?

AIS admission candidates will be placed in the most appropriate level, based on age, ability and their previous education. Usually students are placed in the same corresponding grade if their English, mathematic and social competences have been adequately developed according to that grade. Once you have provided the admissions office with all necessary documents, the admissions director will confirm the grade placement with you.

Please note: The AIS school year starts in August and finishes in June. Students coming from schools which start in January or February (e.g. New Zealand, Australia) or April (e.g. most Asian countries) are usually placed in the same grade they have just completed so as to prepare them for the rigorous programme offered by AIS. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the school on a case-by-case basis for exceptional circumstances warranting the grade advancement.

What Curriculum does AIS Offer?

AIS is an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The school also offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the IB. For more information, please refer to our curriculum.

How Long is the School Day?

Classes start at 8:25 and finish at 15:30. PreSchool students attending for only a half day finish at 13:00.