Limited spaces are open in select grades. Please contact admission@cais.org directly for more information.

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STEP 1 – Determine Eligibility for Your Child

Preschool Age and Eligibility Requirements:

• No knowledge of Mandarin is necessary
• Two-year-old program (P2): Children must be two on or before August 15, 2024
• Three- or Four-year-old program (P3 or P4):  Children must be three or four years old on or before September 1, 2024. 

Kindergarten Age and Eligibility Requirements:

• No knowledge of Mandarin is necessary
• Children must be five years old on or before September 1, 2024.

1st Grade Eligibility Requirements::

• Adequate levels of oral and aural proficiency in Mandarin (but not reading and writing) are necessary to meet CAIS grade level standards.

2nd-5th Grade Eligibility Requirements::

• Adequate levels of Mandarin and English are necessary to meet CAIS grade level standards. Proof of Mandarin language proficiency is required prior to the application.

6th-8th Grade Eligibility Requirements::

• Mandarin Immersion: Adequate levels of Mandarin and English are necessary to meet CAIS grade level standards. Proof of Mandarin language proficiency is required prior to the application.
• Mandarin World Language Pathway: Mandarin proficiency is not required; only adequate level of English necessary to meet CAIS grade level standards.

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STEP 2 – Help Us Get to Know You

Please begin the process by filling out the online inquiry form. This kicks off your CAIS journey and lets us know that you’d like to be kept in the loop about upcoming events, and helpful information as you move throughout your admission process.

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STEP 3 — Experience Campus In Person

Please note that while Admission Events have concluded for this season, we encourage you to click below to see some video recordings. Please contact admission@cais.org directly if you are interested in learning more.

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STEP 4 — Request an Application

Ready to go? Please click the link below to request an application. We’ll send an email with a link to open your application portal. Once an account is created, you will be able to submit the necessary requirements to submit your application. Applications were due for our main Admission season by Tuesday, January 16, 2024, but limited spots are still available in select grades.

An important element of the application is our evaluation form. We’ve linked the recommendation forms below for your child’s preschool or current school to complete.

If you have any additional questions about CAIS or our admission process, please email admission@cais.org and a member of our team would be happy to help you.

CAIS follows the Principles of Good Practice in Admissions of the National Association of Independent Schools. More information about admission to Bay Area independent schools is available at Independent Schools of the Bay Area.