Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the American School of Doha (ASD). We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know your family throughout our admission process.

ASD’s Admissions Committee reviews applications on a “rolling admissions” basis, and therefore we do not have an application deadline. Candidates are invited for assessments based on our Board prioritization sequence. Assessments may take place throughout the year as seats become available, and/or during the Spring of each academic year. The initial admissions assessment does not guarantee a seat to be held. Admission to ASD is based upon previous school records, confidential recommendations, work/learning habits, and a standardized academic admissions assessment. Newly qualified or wait-pool candidates will be admitted according to our prioritization sequence (see step three).

Please Note:- 

• Note: Pre-K (3) candidates must be three years of age by August 31 of the year in which they are applying.
• Note: Pre-K (4) candidates must be four years of age by August 31 of the year in which they are applying.

STEP ONE: Make an Online or On-Campus Visit

Our website offers detailed information about our school and the admissions process. From the home page, you can select and view information about each division (Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School). You can also find information about curriculum, programs offered, photo galleries, student/parent handbooks, and more.

On-campus visitors can schedule a tour, or visit our Office of Admissions.

One of the best ways to gain a feel for our community is by visiting our campus. For this reason, we encourage families to schedule a trip to Doha. During your visit, we will refer to the application contents and explain the application process, as well as our school programs, services, and daily routines. We also welcome any questions you may have before, during, and after your visit about ASD and our school community.

STEP TWO: Complete and Submit ASD Application Forms

Online application forms must be completed and submitted in full in order for a file to be considered and/or processed. This includes the paid application fee of QR 500. Completed applications will be electronically time-stamped. All records and documents must be submitted in English. Translated/certified copies of records must show an official stamp from the translator. Applicants seeking admission to ASD are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, as applications are accepted beginning on August 1 of each year. 

*Records from local government schools may be submitted in Arabic.

STEP THREE: Admission Evaluation and Assessment

Candidates apply to ASD from many different countries with a wide range of educational systems and curriculums. Therefore, the candidate’s age, previous academic report cards, admissions assessment, and a review of all pertinent educational documentation are used to ensure that the candidate is a match for our school, as well as placed in the appropriate grade level. Applicants are invited for an admission assessment based on our Board prioritization sequence and seat availability. The initial assessment does not guarantee a place at the school nor that a seat will be held for any student.

Admissions Prioritization Sequence

Admissions at ASD is based on the following prioritization:
All children are required to meet minimum qualifications assessed in line with the grade of entry. The following prioritization is subject to grade level caps of (i) 20% Qatari passport holders, and (ii) 20% for students requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL) support:

Priority

1. Children of ASD-sponsored employees, US Embassy staff, and Corporate Sponsors.
2. Siblings of currently enrolled students who are children of:
   1. Active-duty command-sponsored US Military, or
   2. American and/or Qatari passport holders who also hold an American or Qatari passport.
3. Children of active duty command-sponsored US Military.
4. American and/or Qatari passport holders and children of Qatari passport holders.
5. Other siblings of children enrolled at ASD.
6. Children of diplomatic personnel stationed in Qatar. 
7. Children of ASD Alumni.
8. Other qualified children as space permits.

**Within each of the above categories, first in line is based on date/time of payment of application fee. However, ASD retains the right to make admissions decisions in the best interest of the school.

Grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2

After the Office of Admissions makes an initial review of the completed application, Pre-K (3) through Grade 2 candidates are invited to participate in an entry screening based on our prioritization sequence. These face-to-face screenings which take place during the spring of each year, as well as throughout the academic year, aim to gauge a candidate’s readiness for the appropriate grade level. 

Grades 3 through Grade 12

Candidates applying for Grade 3 through Grade 12 are invited (based on our prioritization sequence) to take the Measurement of Academics Progress (MAP) assessment. Candidates will be assessed in both reading comprehension and mathematics, as well as asked to submit a written essay. Candidates may also submit current standardized assessment scores, which may be used in place of an on-site admission assessment.

Tenth and eleventh-grade candidates applying to enter our IBDP program will follow the admissions process as well as an interview with the IBDP Coordinator.

High School IBDP Admissions Guide

Please note that an invitation to a screening/assessment does not guarantee seat availability.  In the event that your child qualifies for admission, there is a possibility that they will become part of our qualified wait pool.

STEP FOUR: Wait Pool/Offer of Placement

If a candidate meets all admission criteria and qualifies for acceptance in a grade level or program that has reached capacity, then he/she will be placed in a waiting pool for that particular academic year. The Director of Admissions will send a written notification to the parents.

Due to the school’s admission prioritization sequence, an applicant’s position in the wait pool may change as subsequent applicants qualify and are placed into the waiting pool based on our prioritization sequence and date of application.

When a seat does become available, parents will be notified and will receive a formal letter of acceptance from the Director of Admissions.

Applications must be kept active with submission of any new reports cards, standardized assessments, and teacher recommendations until there is seat availability. Applicants that fail to submit new documentation or do not respond to requests for updated materials will be considered closed. Inactive applications can be reactivated at no additional fee, but the place in the wait pool will be based on the new reactivation date.

Decision to Deny Admission

The school may decide to deny admission to a candidate when there are concerns about behavior, achievement, social/emotional stability; and/or when a candidate’s English language proficiency is not commensurate with the grade level for which they are applying. Admission may also be denied when the school is unable to offer a program to adequately meet an individual student’s learning needs. Notification of the decision to deny admission will be sent to the parents from the Director of Admissions.

Note: The American School of Doha reserves the right to contact schools previously attended in order to validate the records provided and/or inquire about the student(s) in question.

The Office of Admissions is committed to making every effort to assist and guide your family through our process, and to ensure that the experience is a valuable, informative and enjoyable one for both you and your child(ren). Please don’t hesitate to contact us,  email [email protected] or phone +974 4459 1511.

ASD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or natural or ethnic origin in its admission policy and administration of its school programs.

We hope to see you on campus soon!