WELCOME
Our Philosophy:
We believe in the process of inquiry-based learning in an experiential, hands on environment. Our integrated curriculum reaches across disciplines and age levels where students are motivated to achieve their highest potential, meet academic and social challenges with openness, and willingness to become productive citizens.
503 Oak Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734-221-2400
Fax: 734-221-2403
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3 Jul
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June 30—July 3: GLC No SchoolDate: Jul 3Calendar: YIES External Calendar
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21 Aug
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Elementary Student/Parent Orientations 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMElementary Student/Parent OrientationsDate: Aug 21Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: YIES External Calendar
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2 Oct
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National Custodian Appreciation DayDate: Oct 2Calendar: YIES External Calendar
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Calendar
Admissions Process 2025-26
*Before enrolling, click here for age eligibility guidelines for your student: YCS Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines
Click to download the PDF of the 2025-26 Admissions Process
2025-26 YIES Application
Thank you for your interest in Ypsilanti International Elementary School. This is the 2025-26 Kindergarten through 5th Grade Application.
If your student attended YIES for the 24-25 school year, you do not need to fill out a new enrollment application (current students fill out the re-entry student confirmation 2025-26 form). This application is only for NEW YIES students.
Ypsilanti International Elementary School is an application school. Applications are accepted through August 15, 2025. If we have more applications than slots available, a lottery will be conducted, and a wait list established by grade level
YIES Enrollment Priorities
Kindergarten-5th Enrollment Priority
Sibling Priority-Scholars whose siblings are currently enrolled at YIES, and have a confirmed placement for the requested school year, pending space availability.
YCS Employee Priority-Scholars whose legal guardian is currently employed by Ypsilanti Community Schools (a lottery will be held if necessary).
Resident Priority-Scholars who live within the boundaries of Ypsilanti Community Schools (a lottery will be held if necessary).
School of Choice (SOC)- Scholars who live outside of the boundaries of Ypsilanti Community Schools (a lottery will be held if necessary).
FEBRUARY 2025
February 5th
Complete the YIES 2025-26 Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form for current YIES students only located at: 2025-26 Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form.
This survey is required for EACH child currently attending YIES to reserve an enrollment slot for the 2025-26 school year. Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form is open February 5th-March 1st at 11:59pm. If we do not receive a Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form for your child, we will not reserve an enrollment slot for the 2025-26 school year.
*5th Grade Students Do Not Complete a Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form.
February 5th
YIES Sibling Interest Survey is open February 5th-March 1st at 11:59pm. This form is NOT for students who currently attend YIES. This survey is for sibling enrollment priority for the 2025-26 school year, which allows families a greater opportunity for their children to attend school together. This is only an interest survey. Completing this survey helps us project how many slots we will have available for each grade level. This is not an application for admissions, or placement. Once the 2025-26 application for admissions is open, the parent/guardian will need to fill out the new student application to be considered for placement. NON-YIES 2025-26 Sibling Interest Survey
February 18, 2025
Kindergarten Open House: 503 Oak Street, Ypsilanti, MI @ 4:45pm-5:45pm
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme and Curriculum for elementary students.
Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2025-26 for K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2025. Visit our website for more information Ypsilanti International Elementary School
MARCH 2025
March 1, 2025
This re-enrollment survey will close at 11:59pm on March 1st. If parents/guardians do not submit a re-enrollment survey for their child(ren), YIES will not reserve an enrollment slot for the 2025-26 school year, which means the student(s) will be removed from the YIES enrollment roster for the 2025-26 school year.
March 20, 2025
Kindergarten Open House: 503 Oak Street, Ypsilanti, MI @ 5:00-6:00pm
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme and Curriculum for elementary students.
Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2025-26 for K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2025. Visit our website for more information Ypsilanti International Elementary School
APRIL 2025
April 1, 2025
YIES 2025-26 application opens for any additional slots available. Click on link for Website and Application:
● Ypsilanti International Elementary School Webpage
● YIES Kindergarten-5th Grade 2025-26 Admissions Application (link goes live April 1st)
MAY 2025
Process early notification applicants and determine slot projections for the 2025-26
JUNE 2025
June 1, 2025
Deadline to submit a K-5 application for early notification is June 1, 2025. Deadline to submit a YIES sibling application for priority placement, June 1, 2025.
June 6, 2025
Lottery (if necessary) for all slots available. Time TBA
A live streamed lottery will be held. A link to view the live streaming will be posted closer to the date.
June 30, 2025
Accepted and waitlist communications emailed to parent/guardian.
*If slots remain, the enrollment application will remain open until August 15, 2025.
AUGUST 2025
Date TBA
Kindergarten Readiness Assessments for registered incoming kindergartners. This assessment is in-person and by appointment only. Staff will contact accepted applicants to schedule.
August 16, 2025
Application for 2025-2025 admission closes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What type of school is YIES?
We are a public, non-tuition, K-5 International Baccalaureate(IB) authorized school offering a whole child emphasis, exceptional academic standards, mission-centered curriculum and 21st-century skill-based assessments. All YIES courses are designed to meet the Primary Years Programme (PYP) International Baccalaureate standards.
- Free K-5 public school
- K through 5th Grade International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Option, and priority enrollment to WIMA, a public consortium, International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle School.
- Spanish classes for all grades
- Unified Arts for all grade levels: Music, P.E., Art, Spanish, Science
- Kids Clubs: Student Council, Legos Club, Girl Scouts, YMCA, EMU Bright Futures, and more!
- YMCA-Ann Arbor Before and After School program off site (bus transportation available to and from YIES.)
- A full range of Special Education Services in the least restrictive environment
- Family and CommunityEnvironment
- Caring, Dedicated, and Highly Qualified Staff
2. Can students entering K-5th grade apply to YIES?
Yes, but space is limited and based on returning enrollment.
3. What if we do not have access to a computer or the internet, in order to complete the application?
If you do not have internet access, or need assistance completing the admissions application, call the main office at 734-221-2401. Leave a detailed message, including your name and contact number, and a YIES staff will return your call to support you with the application process.
4. Does YIES offer sports?
YIES students are able to play sports through Ypsilanti Community Schools. Please visit http://ypsigrizzlies.com/, for more information.
5. Does YIES offer any extra curricular activities?
YIES currently offers a variety of before and after school programs:
● Kids Clubs: Before school FREE tutoring program, Student Council, Legos Club, Girl Scouts, and more!
● EMU Bright FuturesAfter School program on site (program availability is based on staffing and application demand).
6. What languages does YIES offer?
Spanish is the only world language currently offered at YIES.
Gallery created by Mrs. Fisk
This is an extensive collection of artwork created by students during distance learning.
Ypsilanti International Elementary School
503 Oak Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734-221-2400
Fax: 734-221-2403
Ally Cardona, Secretary
acardona5@ycschools.us
Dr. Cassandra Sheriff, Principal
Grade Levels
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Start and End Time
9:20 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Early Dismissal
9:20. a.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Paul Garrett
Director of Dining Services
734-221-1024
Join Us For Breakfast
Guaranteeing that students receive nutritious meals is an essential part of fostering education and overall well-being.
Vision
Ypsilanti International Elementary School facilitates the development of lifelong learners who:
- Are creative problem solvers with a broad perspective of the world around them
- Are respectful, moral individuals who take pride in their national heritage
- Are equipped to participate in the community as team players and effective leaders
Mission
The mission of Ypsilanti International Elementary School is to strive to create a peaceful world by empowering students to be compassionate, innovative and reflective lifelong learners. We are a community that promotes, respects and values cultural diversity and open-mindedness. Through exemplary International Baccalaureate instruction we ensure that every YIES student becomes a culturally literate, inquirer and knowledgeable citizen.
Purpose Statement
At YIES we are committed to creating lifelong learners who are open-minded, caring, and responsible members of a global society. Understanding that every student is unique, we offer diverse opportunities in academics to cultivate students who are inquiring and knowledgeable thinkers. We demonstrate our passion for education through high expectations for our staff and students.
Our purpose is to create a safe and caring community where ALL students can grow socially, emotionally and academically. We work as a village of parents, teachers, students and community members to produce successful citizens.
