Admissions 2025–2026

Admission Policies

Our admissions policies ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive process for every family. Review the complete framework governing enrollment, decisions, and ongoing expectations at Universal School.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Universal School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletic programs, or other school-administered programs.

Admission Criteria

All Applicants

Admission to Universal School is based on a holistic evaluation of each student's readiness, potential, and alignment with our mission.

Academic readiness and potential
Social and emotional development appropriate to grade level
Alignment with school's mission and values
Availability of appropriate resources to support student needs
Space availability in requested grade
Completion of all application requirements

We Seek Students Who

Demonstrate curiosity and willingness to learn
Show respect for others and school community
Can benefit from our programs
Whose families support our educational philosophy

Age Requirements

By September 30 of enrollment year

Students must meet the following minimum age requirements by September 30 of the enrollment year.

KG1:3 years old

KG2:4 years old

Grade 1:5 years old

Grade 2+:Standard progression

Early / Late Entry

Petitions for students who don't meet standard age requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis with supporting documentation.

Application Process

Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to complete your application. Applications are processed in order received — early application is encouraged as spaces are limited.

Submit completed online application with all required documents
Pay non-refundable application fee
Complete entrance assessment
Attend parent interview
Receive admission decision
If accepted, submit enrollment deposit and required forms

Entrance Assessments

Academic Readiness

Purpose Readiness & Placement

Format Age-Appropriate

Environment Comfortable & Supportive

Assessments are designed not to exclude but to ensure student success and appropriate grade placement. Students with documented learning needs may receive appropriate testing accommodations.

Results are used for placement decisions and identifying support needs. They are not shared with families except as part of the admission decision.

Admission Decisions

Within 2 Weeks

Families receive written decisions within 2 weeks of completing all requirements. There are four possible outcomes:

Accepted

Student offered a place in the requested grade and pathway.

Accepted with Conditions

Acceptance contingent on specific requirements (e.g., summer tutoring, support plan).

Waitlisted

Strong candidate, no current space available. See waitlist policy below.

Not Accepted

School unable to meet student's needs or student not ready for requested grade.

Appeals Process

Families may appeal decisions by submitting a written request to the admissions committee within 1 week. Appeals are reviewed and responded to within 2 weeks.

Waitlist Policy

How It Works

Waitlisted students are ranked by the admission committee
If space opens, families are contacted in rank order
Families have 48 hours to accept or decline the offer
Waitlist remains active until 2 weeks after school starts

Important Note

Being waitlisted does not guarantee eventual admission. Waitlist placement does not carry over to the following year — families must reapply.

Pathway Selection

Secondary Students

Students applying for Grade 9 indicate pathway preference, but final selection is determined after a comprehensive evaluation process.

Grade 9 Entry — Selection Finalized After

Academic assessment results
Counseling session
Discussion of student goals and family priorities

Pathway Changes

Students may request pathway changes at semester breaks. Approval depends on:

Academic performance
Pathway requirements met
Space availability and counseling assessment

Transfer Students

Mid-Year Transfers Based on Availability

Credit Evaluation Transcript Review

International Transfers Case-by-Case

Transcripts from previous schools are evaluated for grade placement and, for secondary students, credit transfer. Documents from non-Lebanese systems are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Translation and credential evaluation may be required.

Re-Enrollment

Current Students

Current families complete re-enrollment forms and pay the re-enrollment fee annually. Current students have priority for the following year, provided they meet these conditions:

Good academic standing
No serious behavioral issues
Tuition account current
Re-enrollment completed by deadline

Pathway Changes

Current students may request pathway changes during the re-enrollment period, subject to the same approval criteria.

Special Circumstances

Priority Considerations

Siblings of current students receive admission preference provided they meet basic requirements
Children of Universal School alumni receive special consideration

Students with Learning Needs

Admission is considered when the school has resources to appropriately support needs, parents disclose needs honestly, relevant documentation is provided, and a collaborative approach is possible.

Beyond School Capacity

The school cannot support severe emotional/behavioral disorders requiring a therapeutic setting, profound cognitive disabilities requiring full-time 1:1 aide, or medical needs requiring nursing staff.

Enrollment Deposit & Confirmation

Upon acceptance, families must secure the student's place with an enrollment deposit. The deposit is applied toward first semester tuition, and a full payment schedule will be provided.

Enrollment deposit due within the specified period to secure place
Deposit applied toward first semester tuition
Full tuition payment schedule provided upon enrollment

Withdrawal Policy

If a family withdraws after the deposit is paid, refund eligibility depends on the timing of withdrawal. Contact admissions for specific refund policy details.

Health Requirements

All Students

Required Health Documents

Updated vaccination records meeting Lebanese Ministry standards
Health history form completed by parent
Recent physical examination

Medication & Special Needs

Students requiring medication during school hours must submit a completed medication authorization form and provide medication in original packaging for school nurse administration.

Allergies, chronic conditions, and disabilities must be disclosed for appropriate accommodation planning.

Conduct Expectations

Admission May Be Denied or Revoked For

False information on application
Serious disciplinary issues at previous school
Disrespectful behavior during admission process
Failure to meet conditional admission requirements
Parent behavior inconsistent with community values

Honesty Required

Families must accurately report student academic history, behavioral/disciplinary record, learning needs/disabilities, and special circumstances affecting enrollment.

Tuition & Financial Policies

Enrollment is contingent on adherence to the tuition payment agreement. Financial aid is available through a separate application process.

Payment Per Agreement

Financial Aid Separate Application

Aid Duration Annual (Not Guaranteed)

Default Policy

Persistent tuition non-payment may result in suspension of enrollment, withholding of records and transcripts, or referral to collections.

Parent Partnership Expectations

Admission to Universal School implies parent agreement to actively support the school community and its mission.

Support school's mission and values

Maintain respectful communication

Participate in required conferences

Ensure attendance and punctuality

Support academic expectations at home

Engage positively with community

School Reserves the Right

To decline admission or terminate enrollment when parent behavior undermines the school's mission, creates a hostile environment, violates communication policies, or prevents a productive partnership.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Student records maintained in accordance with Lebanese law and school policy; access limited to authorized personnel and parents/guardians
Application information kept confidential, used only for admission decisions and internal purposes
Reference checks: school may contact previous schools; permission included in application signature
Photos/media permission requested separately and can be declined without affecting admission

Policy Updates

Universal School reserves the right to update admissions policies as needed. Current policies are always available on this website. For questions, please contact the Admissions Office.

Our policies exist to create a fair, transparent, and supportive admissions experience. Every family deserves to understand the process fully, and every student deserves to be placed where they can truly flourish.
— Universal School Admissions Committee

Begin Your Journey

Ready to Join Universal School?

Now that you understand our admissions policies, take the next step. Our team is ready to guide your family through the application process.

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