Admissions
PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY
Consult the “admissions” sections of your chosen schools’ websites to learn more about their admission processes.
For preschool and elementary school, registration typically occurs in the fall, or during the winter before school begins. However, certain schools that offer preschool and elementary education have waiting lists – in these cases, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible since they generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Elementary schools host open houses in the fall or winter. Attend open houses with your child in the year before they are due to start school for the opportunity to meet staff members, get acquainted with school facilities, and ask questions to make sure that the school suits the needs of your child and your family.
To consult open house dates for the schools in your area, click here. If the school you are interested in is not hosting an open house or if you are unable to attend, you can arrange a private visit instead.
The admissions process is relatively simple: you will need to fill out an application form either in-person on the day of your visit or via the school’s website. You may be charged an application fee, the cost of which varies from school to school.
In certain cases, parents and children may be asked to sit down for an interview with school administrators, or your child might need to take an entrance exam. Theses teps are intended to get to know your child even better before the school year begins.
The school will then get in touch with you regarding the application’s acceptance or refusal.
If you accept the school’s offer to enrol your child, the law requires the school to provide you with an annual educational services contract that you must read and sign. A maximum of $200 in registration fees will apply.
Congratulations! Your child is now enrolled at an independent school. Your ongoing support and encouragement are incredibly important throughout your child’s educational journey. Getting involved in school activities is also a great way to better understand your child’s preschool or elementary school experience.
Attend open houses with your child in the year
before they are due to start school
HIGH SCHOOL
Consult the “admissions” sections of your chosen schools’ websites to learn more about their admission processes.
Registration takes place in the fall before school begins. However, certain schools accept late applications if more spots open up or if they decide to add new courses.
Once your child reaches 5th grade, start attending open houses hosted by the schools that interest you. This preliminary introduction can serve as a pre-selection process to determine the schools that best suit your child. High school open houses usually occur at the beginning of the school year, either in September or October. To consult open house dates for the schools in your area, click here. This is also an opportunity to register your child for entrance exams or interviews. The majority of independent schools also provide the option to register online.
In certain cases, parents and children may be asked to sit down for an interview with school administrators, or your child might need to take an entrance exam. These steps are intended to get to know your child even better before the school year begins.
Placement tests evaluate students’ 5th grade skills, specifically in languages and mathematics. A fee of $50 will be charged to open a file for your child, which will also give them access to tests or interviews, depending on the school.
If your child has specific needs, it is recommended that you inquire with your desired school’s admissions officer about the accommodations they offer during entrance exams. Some independent schools receive many more applications than they have available spots: in these cases, schools conduct entrance exams or selection interviews.
The school will then get in touch with you regarding the application’s acceptance or refusal.
If you accept the school’s offer to enrol your child, the law requires the school to provide you with an annual educational services contract that you must read and sign. A maximum of $200 in registration fees will apply.
The majority of independent schools have enough spots to enrol every student that applies. However, it is possible that the school will refuse to admit a student if they require services that the school is unable to provide. These cases are rare – most independent schools offer professional services to support students with specific needs.
Some independent schools receive more applications than they have available spots. In these cases, siblings are generally given priority, then general selection begins. This process can be conducted via random draw or based on academic results and entrance exam scores. If you enrol your child in a school that is known to be “selective,” it is important to accompany them through the process to make sure that rejection is not seen as a personal failure, and that they will not doubt their ability to succeed academically in the future.
For more information, consult the following documents and webpages (only available in French):
Mon enfant entre au secondaire. Comment l’accompagner dans le choix de son école?
Les examens d’admission en première secondaire
Succès scolaire : Guide pratique sur le tutorat
SPECIAL EDUCATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Students that attend independent schools that focus on special education are almost always referred by their school board. The admission process can vary: in some cases, the school board will send the student’s file to the school, while in other cases, it is the parents’ responsibility. Generally speaking, registration occurs at the end of the school year.
Sometimes, independent schools that focus on special education have spots available to enrol students that are not referred by a school board. Visiting school websites to learn more about whether they are able to accommodate your child’s needs is recommended. In all cases, you must notify the school board in your area.
YOUR CHILD
IS UNIQUE!
Find a school that provides a welcoming,
engaging environment where your child
can flourish and reach their full potential.
