ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy)

2. Baptismal Certificate (Photocopy)

3. Two (2) Recent & Colored 1x1 pictures

4. Good Moral Certificate

5. Form 138 (Report Card)

6. ESC / SHS Voucher Certificate

7. NCAE Result (SHS)

8. JHS Certificate of Completion (SHS)

Purpose:

1.   To officially enroll eligible learners in accordance with school policies.

2.   To ensure proper placement of students based on their previous education and qualifications.

3.   To ensure that all learners with special needs have access to appropriate educational services.

Coverage:

The admission of new students and transferees in applicable during the enrollment period set by the school.

Terms and Definitions:

1. Early Childhood Education - refers to the formal and informal educational programs designed to support the holistic development of children from birth to age five.

2. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Test - it is a measure of a person's reasoning ability.

3. Otis Lenon School Ability Test (OLSAT) -is a standardized, multiple-choice assessment used to evaluate students' cognitive abilities, particularly their verbal and nonverbal reasoning skills. The test is often used to identify students who may be gifted or talented.

4. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) - is an official document issued to foreign nationals residing in a country, serving as proof of their legal registration and immigration status.

5. Learners with Disabilities - refer to all learners in the general early and basic education system, in whatever program, who require additional support and related services and pedagogic methods due to their long or short-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others to develop them to their maximum capability;

6. Inclusive - refers to a process where all learners, regardless of their background and abilities, are given an equal chance to play, learn, and interact together in the same learning environment and the community. It is an approach where every learner is valued, supported, and given access to equal opportunities and learning experiences within a school setting, and the community;

7. Student with Special Needs - a learner with special needs is defined as an individual whose educational requirements cannot be met through regular instruction and assessment practices alone. (e.g. exceptionalities such as behavioral, intellectual, physical, giftedness or other learners needs for special accommodation; learners can have more than exceptionality (taken from ISO 21001:2018)

Students with Special Needs (also referred to as Students with Additional Needs)

Students with special needs are defined as learners whose educational requirements cannot be fully met through regular instruction and assessment practices alone, and who may require reasonable accommodations, differentiated instruction, modified assessment, or specialized support services.

In alignment with ISO 21001:2018, Department of Education policies, and audit recommendations, this definition explicitly recognizes diverse learner profiles, including but not limited to:

• Physical and Health-Related Needs

°   Learners with medical conditions, chronic illnesses, sensory impairments, or other physical conditions requiring health-related accommodations or monitoring.

• Cognitive and Learning Needs

°   Learners with academic learning difficulties, mild intellectual challenges, language processing differences, developmental delays, or those undergoing developmental or psycho-educational assessment.

• Behavioral and Psychosocial Needs

°   Learners exhibiting at-risk behaviors, emotional regulation difficulties, attention-related concerns, social adjustment challenges, or observable behavioral and psychosocial concerns.

• Language and Cultural Needs

°   Non-native speakers of English and/or Filipino, learners from diverse cultural, racial, or ethnic backgrounds who may require language support or 

culturally  responsive instructional strategies.

• Religious and Values Diversity

°   Non-Catholic learners or learners from diverse faith traditions whose beliefs require respectful consideration in school activities, instruction, and formation programs.

• Giftedness and Exceptional Talents

° Learners who demonstrate advanced abilities, talents, or high potential requiring enrichment, acceleration, or differentiated learning opportunities.

• Gender and Identity Considerations

o    Learners whose gender identity or expression may require sensitivity, protection, and inclusive practices to ensure safety, dignity, and full participation in school life.

Learners may present more than one exceptionality or need, whether permanent or temporary, and support shall be responsive, flexible, and developmentally appropriate.

Reference Material:

• Student Handbook

• Registrar’s Manual

• DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2025 (Revised Basic Education Enrolment Policy)

• RA 11650 s. 2022 (Inclusive Education Act)

• DepEd Memorandum 43 s. 2025 (Dissemination of the Implementing Rules and Regulations

• (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11650, otherwise known as Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act)

Detailed Guidelines:

Admission to St. Mary’s Academy is granted with a clear understanding that the child and his parents or guardian agree to comply with the school’s academic standards, its rules and regulations and all the policies in the Handbook.

The school reserves the right to treat violators in accordance with the Christian system of discipline and guidance. The right to dismiss any student for poor academic standing or undesirable conduct unbecoming of a Catholic student is also reserved to the school authorities.

The school adheres to the Inclusive Learning and is committed to providing quality education for all learners, regardless of ability, gender, culture, socio-economic status, or learning needs.

1. ADMISSION GUIDELINES

A. Kindergarten

The Registrar and Admissions Team shall admit students to Kindergarten under the following conditions:

• The child shall be five (5) years old on or before October 31, as per DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2025.

• If the child turns five between November 1 and December 31, the Registrar shall require:

o A Certificate of Completion or Attendance from an accredited Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) center.

o A passing result in both oral and written assessments administered by the Guidance Counselor and Kindergarten Teachers.

o The child shall demonstrate:

-  Proper pencil grip

-  Ability to identify letters, numbers, shapes, and colors

-  Ability to write his/her name

-  Ability to follow directions and respond to interview questions

B. Grade One

The Registrar shall admit students to Grade One under the following conditions:

• The child shall be at least 6 years old within two months after the start of the school year.

• The child shall present a Kindergarten Certificate of Completion.

• The child shall:

o Know basic letters, numbers, shapes, and colors

o Write his/her name legibly

o Follow test instructions

o Identify initial sounds and read simple words (CVC)

o Pass the Entrance Test

o Respond to interview questions

• If the child is only 5 years old but has completed Kindergarten and passed the test, the Registrar shall evaluate the case for special consideration.

C. Grades 7 and 8

The Registrar and Admissions Committee shall admit students to Grades 7 and 8 who meet the following:

• Must present a Report Card with no failing grades

• Must pass the Entrance Test (IQ or HSAT) and the Interview

• Must demonstrate reading comprehension and critical thinking during the test

• If the student fails, the Guidance Center may admit him/her only after the parent signs a conditional agreement stating that failure to meet academic standards will result in non-re-admission the following year

D. Grades 9 to 12

The Registrar and Screening Committee shall admit students to Grades 9–12 who:

• Pass the Entrance Test (OLSAT) and the Interview

• Demonstrate reading comprehension and critical thinking

• Have a General Average of 83% or above, with no Conduct/ESP grade below 80%

• If the student fails, the Guidance Center may admit him/her only after the parent signs a conditional agreement stating that failure to meet academic standards will result in non-re-admission the following year

E. Students with Special Needs

The Registrar and Guidance Center shall admit students with Special Needs who meet the following:

• Passed the initial interview and screening

• Must present a written medical / psychological assessment/report from Specialist with a recommendation that the learner is suitable in a mainstream/regular school

• Must seek approval from the Directress-Principal

• Subject to continuous assessment and review 

• Must pass the Entrance Test (OLSAT/IQ/ HSAT) and the Interview

2. Admission Requirements

A. New Students and Transferees

The Registrar shall require the following:

• SMAG Entrance Test and Interview results

• Form 138 (Report Card) with passing marks in all subjects

• Deportment grade of at least 80%

• Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate

• Photocopy of Baptismal Certificate

• For incoming Grade 6 or 10 students from another province, the Principal shall convene a Deliberation Committee

B. Aliens and Students with Foreign-Sounding Names

The Registrar shall require the following:

• Copy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)

• PSA Birth Certificate for Filipino citizens with foreign family names

• Photocopy of student’s visa or passport

• Previous school records

• Entrance test and interview results

C. Students with Special Needs

• SMAG Entrance Test and Interview results

• Form 138 (Report Card) with passing marks in all subjects

• Medical evaluation and diagnosis from Licensed Medical Specialist (mental, intellectual, emotional-behavior, learning and physical (if applicable) disorder/disabilities)

Placement shall be made through the following:

• proper assessment and consultation with school administrators and parents or guardians.

• accommodate in the regular educational environment to promote participation, inclusion and meaningful learning.

The school shall provide the following:

• reasonable accommodations, interventions, and support services to ensure equal access to quality education.

• monitored and reviewed to address the learner’s progress and changing needs.

D. Inclusive Learners

D.1. Non-Catholic Students

The Registrar shall inform all non-Catholic students that they shall attend the following activities:

• Christian Living or Values Education Classes

• Holy Masses

• Recollection and Retreat

• Vigils

• Other school religious activities

D.2. Socio-Cultural

The Registrar shall require the following:

• Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate (if available)

• Barangay Certificate

• Certificate from Tribal Chieftain/Indigenous People (IP) Leader

• Affidavit of Undertakings

• passed the entrance test (culture fair intelligence test) and interview

D.3. Gender Identity

The student shall adhere to the following provisions:

• proper dress code regardless of gender identity

• proper hair cut

• present appropriate behavior as prescribe by the school (e.g. no wearing of make-up, indecent behavior, cross-dressing etc.)

E. Re-admission to SMAG

The Registrar and Principal shall re-admit students under the following conditions:

• Students who fail in one or two subjects may be re-admitted if they:

o    Pass the subjects during summer

o    Have no disciplinary records

• Students who fail in three subjects shall be retained in the same year level. If retained two consecutive years, the school shall refuse re-admission.

• Students who receive a Conduct grade of 75 or below in 2 or more quarters shall be refused re-admission. However, the Principal may dismiss a student within the school year upon recommendation of the Discipline Committee.

• Re-admission may be denied based on recommendations from the Class Adviser and Subject Teachers concerning the student’s academic and behavioral records.

• Students who left SMAG for valid reasons may be re-admitted the following school year, provided they:

o    Have no failing grades

o    Have no record of disciplinary sanction

o    Take and pass the entrance test and interview

• Dismissed students seeking re-admission after one or two years may be re-admitted only upon deliberation by the Admissions Committee.