For Administrators, Trustees, Faculty, Parents and Alumni
The following principles reflect the ethical and professional guidelines and conduct expected of the administrators, trustees, faculty, parents, and alumni who constitute the membership of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools. Understanding, appreciating, and adhering to these guidelines will help ensure orderly and professional admissions procedures.
A school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethical origin in the administration of its admissions policies.
Each school recruits those students who meet its particular missions and admissions criteria via objective advertisements, recruitment materials, open houses, interviews, etc. Parents and students interested in a particular school should be referred immediately to the director of admissions. Trustees, faculty, coaches, parents, alumni, and students should speak accurately and comprehensively about the strengths of their own institutions and not allege weaknesses in other schools. Especially in talking with parents and students enrolled at other independent schools, “recruiting” should be avoided. One may speak with pride about one’s school without recruiting or unduly influencing another parent or student. Stating a “first choice” of schools should not be required of potential families.
Right of Visitation and Preliminary Discussions
A school will recognize the rights of its students or families to visit and consider other schools without notifying the present school. The parent and/or student should direct all initial inquiries regarding the school or its programs to the director of admissions.
The School’s Admissions Policies
The director of admissions shall be responsible in conjunction with the head of the school for establishing and disseminating admissions policies to its constituents (trustees, administrative staff, faculty, parents, alumni, and friends of the school) and for making clear to all applicants the admissions procedures, dates, and complete costs.
Each candidate for admission will be required to give adequate documentation of family financial resources in order to be considered for financial aid. All financial aid awards are based on need. Such awards will not exceed the demonstrated need of the family. Financial aid applicants will be notified in writing no sooner than the time of parent notification of admissions.
The Submission of Truthful, Accurate, and Complete Information
Throughout the admissions process, the applicant and his/her family will provide truthful, accurate, and complete information regarding academic performance, conduct, and reasons for leaving a school. The applicant will agree to communicate in writing any changes that occur in academic and conduct performance after the application has been submitted and/or after the applicant has been accepted. Upon the discovery of any inaccuracy of information or the omission of information requested, the school reserves the right to revoke the applicant’s acceptance.
Transcripts/Confidentiality of Information
Upon written request and as promptly as possible, a school will send a transcript (or its equivalent) and other pertinent information to another school to which a student has applied. A school will not offer a place to a student without first receiving an official transcript (or its equivalent) from the student’s present school. A school will not knowingly enroll a student who is indebted to another school for educational services rendered. Such indebtedness demonstrates a lack of financial responsibility. A school will take all responsible and lawful measures to maintain the confidentiality of reports and information exchanged among schools concerning students and parents.
Trustees, administrators, heads of parent and alumni organizations, coaches, advisors, and benefactors will adhere to the principles of good practice by not exerting undue influence on the director of admissions or the admissions committee or by implying their influence to candidates. Any recommendation should be based on actual knowledge of the student’s academic achievement, potential, or character.
Schools agreeing to common AAAIS calendar dates will adhere strictly to those dates.