Community:

Question and Answers for Applying to schools

The reason for considering the option of private school for my 12 year old daughter is due to very low grades. However, I am aware that many of the private schools requires the child to complete an assessment. If the results are low will this reduce the number of schools entry acceptance?

Schools use assessments and tests to make sure their school is right for your daughter. It is not about finding the best students but those students that fit with their school culture and mission the best. There are many components of how private schools decide whether a student is right for the school: interviews, tests/assessments and past report cards. It is best to be honest about how your child learns and it is important to tell the school what factors produce the greatest successes. If your daughter has a learning disability, that is an important factor. Otherwise, if your daughter needs greater one-on-one attention or extra motivation then that information is also helpful and will direct you towards finding the right school.

What questions should I ask?
Ask about any and every aspect of the school and your child's education that interests or concerns you. General questions...read more

When should I start searching for a private school?
The earlier you start, the better. At least a year in advance is recommended. You want to give yourself enough...read more

When do schools have open house events?
Many private schools hold open houses in the fall; some also hold them in the spring. They're a great opportunity...read more

Do schools only decide "yes" or "no"?
While knowing definitely one way or the other can be helpful for both families and schools, most schools do have...read more

How many schools should my child apply to?
Don't pin all your or your child's hopes on one particular school. Experts recommend applying to more than one school...read more

What is involved in the application process? How do I apply?
There may be variations among private and independent schools, but no matter the paperwork or the process, schools want to...read more

Is there a cost for each application?
Some schools request that a fee accompany your application, with the payment applied to the upcoming year's tuition if your...read more

When do I need to apply?
Start your research early—at least a year in advance is recommended—and apply as soon as you've found a school that...read more

How much is the tuition for private school?
The cost of tuition varies greatly in Canada depending on many factors, including location, academic program, staffing ratios, facilities and...read more

What is the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT)?
The SSAT is regarded by some as the gold standard of entrance exams and a number of private and independent...read more

Will my child need to take an SSAT?
Some private and independent schools require prospective students to write an entrance test as part of the admissions process. For...read more

I am interested in IB (International Baccalaureate) schools.
Our Kids Go To School has information about schools that offer the International Baccalaureate degree. You can ...read more