For the past couple of months now, I have been trying to look for a new school for my kids. The past four years they have spent in their present school has been a wonderful experience for them and for me as well. It is especially nice knowing that I also studied in their school many years ago as a toddler. We have collected so many nice memories in their school that we will forever treasure in our hearts. I have seen my kids grow in that school, not only mentally but emotionally and spiritually as well. For all those things, it breaks my heart to have to transfer them to another school by June.
The time has come, however, for them to experience big school especially since Zoe will be an incoming fourth grader and Ziya will be an incoming third grader next school year. Like other moms, I don’t want them to be complacent about life. I want them to learn to explore and spread their wings and so that started the search for a suitable big school for them.
Through the process of elimination, we have zeroed in on one school that we think will be a good fit. We are already in the middle of processing requirements in order for them to be scheduled for an entrance exam. Through this process, I learned that it is not easy finding a good school but that it is extremely helpful for parents to always have copies of common requirements for admissions. Besides, these pertinent documents can also be used somewhere else, like in processing passports, etc.
Based on my research of schools for Zoe and Ziya, I find that these are the most common grade school requirements for admissions:
- Duly accomplished Application Form
- Birth Certificate (NSO Certified and photocopies)
- Baptismal Certificate (Original and photocopies, applicable to Catholic schools)
- Recent I.D. pictures (make sure you have both 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 sizes)
- Copy of latest Report Card
- Certificate of Good Moral Character from the Principal and/or Guidance Counselor
- Recommendation Letters from the Teacher Adviser and Guidance Counselor
- Copy of Immunization Records
There are some cases wherein the school also requires documents to show that the parent is an alumnus/alumna of the school. Also take note that these are requirements for Filipino applicants only. There is usually a separate set of additional documents required for foreign students. Once these documents are submitted, you will usually be asked to pay an application fee in order to have your child scheduled for an entrance exam.
I suggest that parents always keep copies of the above documents in order to be prepared whether they will be used for school applications or not. You never know when you’re going to need them.