School programs · Each independent school

Independent (private) school admissions in Metro Vancouver

Most Metro Vancouver independent schools take applications in the fall for the next September. For 2027 entry, many deadlines fall between October 29 and December 3, 2026.

☆ Save to my child's plan
Grades
K–Grade 11
Format
Online application, report cards and references, then assessments and interviews at the school.
Cost
Application fees were $50–$350 at the schools we checked. Annual tuition for 2026–27 ranged from about $11,250 to $37,400.
Official site
www.stgeorges.bc.ca

Key dates

  • ConfirmedEarliest 2027-entry deadlines (WPGA JK–Grade 1, St. George's)October 29–30, 2026
  • ConfirmedCollingwood, Crofton House Grade 8 and Southridge Kindergarten deadlinesSun, November 1, 2026
  • ConfirmedSSAT paper test datesOctober 10, November 14 and December 12, 2026, then January 9, January 30 and March 13, 2027
  • ConfirmedVancouver College and Mulgrave deadlinesTue, December 1, 2026
  • ConfirmedGrade 8 decisions at several schoolsWed, February 17, 2027
  • ConfirmedKindergarten decisions at several schoolsWed, February 24, 2027

What it is

Independent schools run their own admissions. Each school has its own deadline, tests, interviews and fees.

Most schools have main entry grades, often Kindergarten (or Junior Kindergarten) and Grade 8, with only a few spaces in other grades.

For September 2027, applications opened in September or October 2026. Many deadlines fall in late October to early December 2026, and most decisions come out in mid to late February 2027.

Many schools ask Grade 6–12 applicants to write the SSAT. Others use their own assessment or a different test such as the CAT4. None of the schools we checked asks for the ISEE.

A good fit if: Families considering an independent school for Kindergarten, Grade 8 or another entry grade in September 2027.

How to register

  1. Go to open houses in October and November and make a list of schools.
  2. Check each school's deadline for your child's grade. Some schools give a lower fee for applying early.
  3. Apply online, upload report cards and send reference forms by the deadline.
  4. If the school asks for the SSAT, book it early. The SSAT can be written at home in Canada, at a Prometric test centre, or at a paper test centre. Some schools host their own session.
  5. If you need financial aid, apply at the same time. Deadlines are often November or December.

How to prepare

  • Start in the spring or summer before. That gives time for visits and SSAT practice.
  • Keep report cards from last year and this year ready to upload.
  • Ask a teacher early if a school needs a teacher reference or observation form.

For grade-by-grade options see Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11.

Common questions

When should I apply to private school in Vancouver?

In the fall, almost a year before your child would start. For September 2027, many deadlines fall between October 29 and December 1, 2026.

Do Vancouver private schools require the SSAT?

Many do for Grade 8 and up, including St. George's, Crofton House, York House, WPGA, Southridge and St. John's School. Mulgrave, Collingwood (for local applicants), Stratford Hall and Little Flower Academy use their own assessments or another test.

When do private schools in Vancouver send acceptance letters?

Most send decisions for main entry grades in mid to late February. For 2027, several schools announce Grade 8 decisions on February 17 and Kindergarten decisions on February 24.

What comes next

School programs

Vancouver mini schools (Grade 8 entry)

Enriched Grade 8 programs at Vancouver secondary schools. Grade 7 students register with the district in November–December, then apply to each program separately.

Grade 7Free to applySchool programs

Vancouver kindergarten registration

Register at your catchment school between November 1 and January 31 for priority. Children must turn 5 by December 31 of the year they start.

KindergartenFree

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.