Sarah’s Guide
Sarah’s Guide to Independent Schools
Straightforward answers to the questions parents ask me most.
The independent school process can feel like a lot at first. These are some of the questions I hear most often from families, along with a few things I think every parent should know as they begin.
Getting started
How do I find the right school for my child? The beauty of Toronto’s independent schools is that no two are quite the same. Each has its own culture, approach to learning, academic expectations, extracurricular opportunities, and community. The key is not to find the “best” school, but to find the school that is the best fit for your child. Read more…
The beauty of Toronto’s independent schools is that no two are quite the same. Each has its own culture, approach to learning, academic expectations, extracurricular opportunities, and community. The key is not to find the “best” school, but to find the school that is the best fit for your child.
Think about how your child learns, where they feel most comfortable, what excites them, where they may need support, and what matters most to your family. As you visit schools and learn more about them, try to look beyond reputation and ask yourself a much more important question: Can I picture my child happy, engaged, and thriving here?
Where should I start my school search? Start with school websites to get a sense of each school’s approach to learning, academic program, co-curricular opportunities, student support, and overall philosophy. From there, create a list of schools that seem to align with your child and your family’s priorities. Read more…
Start with school websites to get a sense of each school’s approach to learning, academic program, co-curricular opportunities, student support, and overall philosophy. From there, create a list of schools that seem to align with your child and your family’s priorities.
Then get inside the schools. Open Houses and tours are one of the best ways to get a feel for a school beyond its website. Pay attention to how students and teachers interact, what the school chooses to highlight, and, importantly, how your child responds to the environment. You may be surprised by which schools feel right once you experience them in person.
The application process
When are applications due? Application deadlines vary by school and by entry year, but many Toronto independent schools have deadlines in the fall for admission the following September. Some schools may continue to accept applications after their published deadline if space is available. Read more…
Application deadlines vary by school and by entry year, but many Toronto independent schools have deadlines in the fall for admission the following September. Some schools may continue to accept applications after their published deadline if space is available.
Once you have a shortlist, check each school’s admissions calendar carefully. I always recommend starting earlier than you think you need to. It gives your family time to visit schools, prepare thoughtful applications, and approach the process without unnecessary pressure.
Is financial assistance available? Yes. Many independent schools offer financial assistance or bursaries to qualifying families. The amount available and the application process vary by school, so it’s worth exploring this early in your search. Read more…
Yes. Many independent schools offer financial assistance or bursaries to qualifying families. The amount available and the application process vary by school, so it’s worth exploring this early in your search.
Each school’s website will outline its financial assistance program, eligibility requirements, application process, and important deadlines. Don’t assume an independent school is out of reach before looking into the options available.
What is an offer date? An offer date is when a school communicates its admissions decision, which may be an offer of admission, a place on a waitlist, or a decline. Read more…
An offer date is when a school communicates its admissions decision, which may be an offer of admission, a place on a waitlist, or a decline.
Some Toronto independent schools release decisions on a common offer date, while others operate on different timelines or make offers on a rolling basis. Because these dates can vary by school and from year to year, always check each school’s current admissions calendar.
What does the application process involve? Most independent schools use an online application portal where families provide basic information, upload recent report cards and, where relevant, supporting documentation. Applications also typically include questions for parents and students designed to help the school get to know the child beyond their grades. Read more…
Most independent schools use an online application portal where families provide basic information, upload recent report cards and, where relevant, supporting documentation. Applications also typically include questions for parents and students designed to help the school get to know the child beyond their grades.
This is where being thoughtful (and honest) matters. The goal isn’t to present the “perfect” applicant. It’s to give the school a genuine picture of your child as a learner and as a person so both you and the school can determine whether it’s the right fit.