Missoula International School

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Important Dates and Deadlines for
Enrollment in the 2012/2013 School Year

October 1, 2011 - January 28, 2012	Tours of MIS, contact the Assistant Head of School, Jeff Kessler, at jkessler@mismt.org
October 15, 2011 - February 1, 2012	MIS admissions applications accepted (applications available online at www.mismt.org/apply.html)
November 1, 2011	Financial aid applications accepted at http://sss.nais.org/
January 10, 2012 or January 17, 2012	Open Houses from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at MIS
January 13, 2012	Informational meeting at the Missoula City County Library Small Meeting Room at 11:30 a.m.
January 24, 2012	Evening informational meeting at MIS at 6:30 p.m.
February 3, 2012	Deadline to submit new applications (available online at www.mismt.org/apply.html) to MIS and financial aid applications to SSS at http://sss.nais.org.
February 3 - February 28, 2012	Class visits and family interviews
March 2, 2012	Decision letters mailed
March 11, 2012	Tuition deposits/Contracts due to confirm enrollment

AN APPLICATION AND FEE MUST BE RETURNED TO MIS IN ORDER

FOR A CLASS VISIT AND FAMILY INTERVIEW TO BE SCHEDULED.

MIS follows the principles of good practice for admissions as outlined by the National Association of Independent Schools.

The Missoula International School offers an international, interdisciplinary, Spanish immersion education for students in preschool through eighth grade. Three-year-old preschool is the primary year of entry into MIS’s Spanish immersion program. Children must be three by September 10th and toilet trained to be admitted to MIS.

MIS is interested in students and families who share its vision to create internationally minded lifelong learners. MIS seeks students who, along with their families, support the values of the school community. A successful MIS student will participate fully in the opportunities the school provides and face our challenging, internationally focused program with confidence and enthusiasm.

The MIS admissions process is comprised of school visits, family interviews, admissions assessments and academic and social recommendations. MIS admissions process is designed to create a diverse community of learners who operate in an environment of appreciation and respect. MIS is committed to socioeconomic diversity. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Admissions priority is given to currently enrolled students and their siblings.

The admissions committee makes recommendations for individual student placements to the Head of School, who has ultimate authority and sole discretion in the decisions whether or not to admit or re-enroll a student.

When there are more qualified candidates than openings available, the school establishes an unranked waiting list.

The Missoula International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or national origin.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Financial aid is available to MIS students and is based on family need. Each financial aid application is considered on an individual basis. MIS utilizes Student and School Service, a processing division of National Association of Independent Schools for all financial aid requests. Financial Aid request forms (Parent Financial Statements) and the $20 processing fee need to be returned by the deadline on the admissions calendar.

Mid-Year Enrollment

Mid-year enrollment at all grade levels is subject to availability and special consideration by the admissions committee, because of the Spanish immersion curriculum and in consideration of the small class size and social dynamics of each group. All students seeking admission after the enrollment deadline must meet with the Head of School prior to the submission of an application. Tours and/or follow up interviews will be arranged for mid-year enrollment after approval by the Head of School and upon receipt of a completed application form.

Tuition Information

The Missoula International School is a nonprofit independent school. As such it relies on tuition as a significant source of income to deliver its engaging and challenging program. As with most independent schools, tuition covers approximately 80% of the cost of educating an MIS student. Tuition is maintained at affordable levels to allow the greatest number of families to enroll in the school. Contributions from parent, grandparents and community members provide the bridge needed to fund operating expenses and keep costs to families manageable.

Tuition may be paid in four ways:
1. Full annual tuition paid in August.
2. Two payments of one-half full tuition paid in August and January.
3. Monthly tuition payments spreading the annual tuition over the 9.5 month school year. First payment is due on August 1.
4. Monthly tuition payments spreading the annual tuition over a 12 month calendar year. First payment is due on July 1st.

Apply to MIS

The Missoula International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs or any other school administered programs.