2201 Shantz Station Road, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario, N0B 1M0, Canada
1080 Rue St-Pierre, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 1L3, Canada
2201 Shantz Station Road, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario, N0B 1M0, Canada
1080 Rue St-Pierre, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 1L3, Canada
1972
0
520
50
JK to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Traditional
16 to 20
10 to 12
$20,490 to $47,655
$4,600 to $7,250
$75,840
Yes
Yes
8%
0%
JK to 12
None
$8,000
$0
35
3
8%
0%
0%
Not available
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
SJK presents as a very traditional school, an impression granted by the name, the uniforms, the size of the campus. In fact, the school is both younger and more progressive than it might initially seem. Founded in 1972, it has taken all of the more modern educational concepts to heart: small class sizes, student-directed instruction, before- and after-school care from JK to grade 6, and an extensive busing program. The dining hall menu is built around locally sourced, non-GMO food. Academically, the program is intended to challenge learners who need to be challenged, and is comprised of IB programme from JK through grade 12. The intention is to address the whole child, providing strong academic and social support. The school has grown over the years, and is also in the midst of a 5-year development plan, to complete in 2020. While the physical plan is still quite new, the current development is around community and instruction (rather than buildings and infrastructure) including an ongoing dedication to experiential learning, values-based instruction, and community connections. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, and who can benefit from a vibrant, diverse educational and social environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of St. John's-Kilmarnock School
information not available
SJK presents as a very traditional school, an impression granted by the name, the uniforms, the size of the campus. In fact, the school is both younger and more progressive than it might initially seem. Founded in 1972, it has taken all of the more modern educational concepts to heart: small class sizes, student-directed instruction, before- and after-school care from JK to Grade 6, an extensive busing program. The cafeteria menu is even built around locally sourced, non-GMO food. Academically, the program is intended to challenge learners who need to be challenged, and includes IB programs from JK through Grade 12. The intention is to address the whole child, providing strong academic and social support. The school has grown over the years, and is also in the midst of a 5-year development plan, to complete in 2020. While the physical plan is still quite new—it was completed in 1990—the current development is around community and instruction (rather than buildings and infrastructure) including an ongoing dedication to experiential learning, values-based instruction, and 20th century literacies. The ideal student is one operating at the top of his or her peer group, and who can benefit from a vibrant, diverse educational and social environment.
View full reportLocated in the warm and welcoming suburban community of Orléans, Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is a distinguished private school dedicated to developing young individuals who excel academically and in all aspects of life. The diverse curriculum, featuring French, music, and STEM programs, is part of a broader faith-based educational approach, in light of the school being a member of the Accelerated Christian Education network. Understanding the varied educational needs of families, the school offers flexible learning options, including full-time, home school, and part-time pathways. Committed to a low student-teacher ratio and individualized learning approach, the school focuses on each child's academic, social, physical, and spiritual development. In the heart of a community-oriented suburb, Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is dedicated to raising future leaders in collaboration with families and the local community.
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"The large variety of extracurriculars adds many exciting experiences to student life at SJK."
Laura Armstrong - Parent (Aug 28, 2023)
Both of our children are in the Lower School and are having a happy and enriched experience at SJK. ...
View full review
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"SJK is the leading independent school in Waterloo region. The School is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus offering enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 through its International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. SJK is proud to be the only accredited IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario. At SJK, students discover their passions and unique gifts through meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities. SJK students build confidence through risk-taking, overcoming challenges, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Their specialist teachers provide personalized support, community building, and genuine care. Project-based learning, design-thinking, and collaboration equip SJK students with skills that will make them successful globally-minded citizens. SJK students graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals fully prepared for post-secondary education and life beyond SJK. Our graduates earn 100% university admission rates and many go on to elite post-secondary programs in a range of disciplines including STEM, business, and the arts. The journey begins here. Experience the difference, discover the possibilities and go beyond at SJK School."
"Ottawa Victory Christian Academy is a private school for children in Kindergarten through grade 12. Our staff and teachers work with every student and their family to achieve success academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. Our comprehensive well-rounded curriculum includes French, music, and STEM. Our curriculum is faith based curriculum using the King James version of the Bible. Full time, home school, and part-time options are available. Call us, and come in for a tour. We would love to meet you."
"Passionate, forward-thinking teachers guide learning through the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP continuum curriculum. In addition, our picturesque 36-acre campus connects students to a natural environment. SJK offers a rich co-curricular program with opportunities in the arts, athletics and leadership. With an average class size of 17 students, small classes are where big ideas live."
"One aspect of our educational approach that families particularly value is the opportunity for mixed ages to work together. Our multi-grade classrooms create a dynamic learning environment where older students mentor younger ones, fostering empathy, collaboration, and leadership skills. This intergenerational interaction not only enriches the academic experience but also promotes social and emotional growth, preparing students to navigate diverse relationships and perspectives in the real world."
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"SJK is the only CAIS accredited school in the region, and it is one of the few IB Continuum Schools in Canada. SJK is a small community where strong relationships are fostered. Both curricular and co-curricular programming provides opportunities for students to collaborate, learn and play together. SJK provides an enriched academic experience with opportunities for experiential, project-based learning. 100% of graduates earn admission to best-fit post-secondary opportunities."
"Families appreciate the family like environment, and holistic approach to education and student development. We know each and every students strengths and weaknesses, and challenge them to excel. Our low student-to-teacher ratios, enable us to deliver individualized attention, tailor instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and cultivate strong relationships between students and educators."
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"Visitors to SJK always remark on the beauty and tranquility of our 36-acre natural campus, with its pond, forest trails, varsity playing fields, and safe, rural setting. Families may not realize the opportunities for learning that exist in the natural landscape around us. Tending to a vegetable garden, studying the flora and fauna in our natural landscape, tapping the maple trees, canoeing or engaging in our invasive species removal project—learning in nature is an everyday experience at SJK."
"The school's faith-based values are sometimes under-appreciated. While some schools offer religious education as an add-on or elective, at OVCA, Christian principles permeate the entire curriculum and school culture. It can easily be taken for granted, but families appreciate how our faith-based approach not only nurtures their child's spiritual development but also serves as a guiding framework for ethical decision-making and character formation."
"Ours is a diverse, inclusive community of learners who enjoy school and make the most of the many opportunities available to them inside and outside of the classroom. SJK is a place where students will feel supported and safe, able to take risks and try new things. Students often tell us that they tried things at SJK that they never would have tried in a larger, less supportive environment. SJK is a place where you will discover your areas of passion and strength and feel supported."
"Families often find two things surprising: 1. The breadth of opportunities available, given the size of the school. Rather than solely relying on traditional teaching methods, we prioritize hands-on activities, project-based learning, and community engagement initiatives both inside and outside of the classroom. 2. How flexible and supportive the school community is. We work with each family and student to meet their needs at school, online, and at home."
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As a well-established and fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School, we prepare your children for the future, providing the foundation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, students engage with modern facilities and the School's beautiful 36-acre campus, which sets the stage for stimulating learning environments where knowledge, innovation, and internationalism are expressed and valued.
SJK is the only school in our region to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the continuum of three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the university preparatory Diploma Programme. We are one of only five schools in Ontario to achieve this distinction.
Our qualified and talented faculty ensure that learning and teaching focuses on the development of well-rounded and confident individuals; IB represents an enriched framework for personal and social development as well as skills for life, but also a competitive academic and professional qualification alongside the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students engage in a balanced range of classroom and course offerings; co-curricular, leadership and service activities; as well as international perspectives and experiences.
The SJK community is grounded in a sense of respect for oneself, each other and our environment as local and global citizens. Students are challenged to GO BEYOND the given, to the possible.
The best way to get to know the School is to come for a visit, experience the energy, explore the facilities and campus, and see firsthand the warm and friendly environment our school has become known for.
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Traditional
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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SJK has a long history of academic excellence, with an unwavering commitment to student engagement. We know that an integrated approach and a love of learning are the best ways to meet the needs and expectations of our students. Our International Baccalaureate Programmes provide a solid academic foundation for our students right from Junior Kindergarten through to the end of Grade 12. Student self-management, critical thinking, creative expression, organizational skills and ethical decision-making are integrated into challenging, yet supportive programming. Students are encouraged to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and real world experiences, as well as become critical and reflective thinkers. Students in Grades 11 and 12 are exposed to a broad-based education through the IB Diploma Programme. The wide range of courses allows each student to build a personalized program that is best suited to their interests, strengths and goals. With its academic breadth, depth and rigour, our students develop skills of research, time management, problem-solving, communication and collaboration, which prepare them for the world beyond SJK as independent, globally-minded learners.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Not applicable
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Not applicable
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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MYP individuals and societies encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments. It encourages learners, both students and teachers, to consider local and global contexts. In this subject group, students can engage with exciting, stimulating and personally relevant topics and issues. Many sensitive and personally challenging topics require careful consideration in the context of a safe and responsible learning environment characterized by respect and open-mindedness. The study of individuals and societies helps students to appreciate critically the diversity of human culture, attitudes and beliefs. Courses in this subject group are important for helping students to recognize that content and methodology can be debatable and controversial, and for practising the tolerance of uncertainty.
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The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Not applicable
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Academic
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
We offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This program, alongside the Ontario curriculum, helps students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through a trans-disciplinary approach to learning while making holistic connections across traditional subjects. Students learn in a dynamic, inquiry-based learning environment, where they are actively engaged, and teachers understand and value individual learning styles and strengths. Academic instruction is balanced with a robust after school co-curricular program, which begins in Junior Kindergarten and results in the nurturing and development of the whole child.
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
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A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
JK - 12
8%
0%
$8,000
$0
0%
Not available
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Jan 01, 1970
Rolling
Jan 01, 1970
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
Yes: grades 5 - 12
No
No
No
SJK is committed to enrolling students who value community, are well-rounded, naturally curious and are committed to personal growth in all facets of school life. Our goal is to ensure your child can be happy and successful during their educational journey at SJK. We want our students to find both their place and themselves here. The best way to get to know more about our vibrant learning community is to come for a personalized family tour. We invite you and your family to come and experience SJK.
SJK begins to accept applications on August 15 for the next academic year. We encourage families to apply early as we typically receive more applications than we have available places.
Please apply online.
