Admission Policy

Admissions Philosophy

The Islamic Academy of South Jersey (IASJ) seeks to partner with families who value academic excellence, Islamic character, and a respectful school–home relationship.

Our admissions process is guided by the belief that each child deserves an educational environment where they can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Admissions decisions are made thoughtfully, with consideration for both the needs of the student and the school’s ability to provide appropriate support.

Eligibility for Admission

IASJ considers applicants based on a variety of factors to ensure a positive learning environment for all students. These may include:

• Grade-level availability
• Academic readiness and prior school records
• Student learning needs and behavior
• Alignment between family expectations and IASJ’s mission and values

The school strives to maintain small class sizes to support individualized instruction and student success.

Documentation and Records

To support appropriate placement and student success, IASJ requires submission of academic records from previous schools.

• Transcripts, report cards, and relevant student records from all previously attended schools should be submitted within 10 days of application submission.
• Based on the student interview or application review, additional records or evaluations may be requested.
• All required documentation must be received before a student is considered officially enrolled.

Students without complete transcripts, records, or recent report cards may be placed under provisional placement status. Families will be notified of this status in writing.

Immunization Records

Immunization records or approved waivers must be up to date and submitted prior to a student attending class.
Religious immunization waivers are accepted in accordance with applicable guidelines and must be submitted before enrollment is finalized.

Parent and Student Interviews

As part of the admissions process:

• Student applicants may be interviewed by IASJ staff, which may include school leadership, administration, and support personnel.
• A parent or legal guardian is required to participate in an interview, either in person or as arranged by the school.

These interviews help ensure alignment between the student’s needs, family expectations, and the school’s educational approach.

Academic Acceptance

Admissions decisions consider academic readiness and prior performance.

• Elementary students are generally expected to have been promoted to the next grade level at their previous school.
• Transferring elementary students should demonstrate satisfactory performance in core subjects, including reading, mathematics, and language arts.

Students who do not meet these criteria may be considered for provisional placement, with additional academic support or evaluation.

Students who have exhibited behavioral challenges may be required to provide additional documentation or assessment prior to admission.
Students who have been suspended or expelled from another educational institution may be subject to further review before an admissions decision is made.

Assessment and Testing of New Students

To support appropriate placement, new students may undergo assessments as part of the admissions process.

• Academic assessments in English and Mathematics may be administered as needed.
• Diagnostic testing may be used to support grade-level placement and instructional planning.
• Behavioral and socio-emotional assessments may also be conducted when appropriate.

Home School Applicants

Families applying from a home school setting are required to submit appropriate documentation.

• Transcripts, evaluations, and standardized test results maintained by an accredited homeschool provider should be submitted within 10 days of application submission.
• Parents must provide a written outline of the curriculum used, assessment results, and an evaluation of the student’s performance from the home school instructor.

Students are generally placed in the grade level indicated by official transcripts or records. Home-schooled students may also complete assessments to support appropriate placement.

Age and Promotion Requirements

IASJ follows age and promotion guidelines to support developmental readiness and academic success. Age is used as a general guide for placement; however, it is not the sole criterion in determining a student’s grade level.

Age Guidelines by Grade

Age will not be the only factor considered when determining appropriate grade placement.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are made by school administration following completion of the admissions process. Decisions are communicated once all required materials and steps have been completed.

IASJ reserves the right to make admissions decisions that support the overall well-being of students and the school community.