Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to The Sterling Hall School
Education at The Sterling Hall School
Applying at The Sterling Hall School
1. What are your entry years?
We accept applications at all grade levels. Places become available in two ways.
Our natural entry points are JK, SK, Grade 1, and Grade 4. Typically, we have the following openings:
- Junior Kindergarten: 16 places
- Senior Kindergarten: 2 places
- Grade 1: 14 places
- Grade 4: 4 places
Attrition is historically experienced in Grades 3, 5, and 7:
- Grade 3: approximately 5 - 10 places
- Grade 5: approximately 3 - 5 places
- Grade 7: approximately 5 - 10 places
Places may also become available through attrition in Grades 2 and 6.
2. Can we apply for acceptance during non-entry years?
Yes, we accept applications at all grade levels.
3. How do I apply?
Submission of the Application Form initiates the six-step application process, which is designed to help you get to know SHS, and to help us evaluate your son to ensure that SHS is the ideal fit for him. You can obtain the Application Form by downloading it from the site or by requesting a Prospectus.
4. When is the application deadline?
We accept applications throughout the year. However, we aim to begin reviewing the applications in November, so it is best to submit your son's application at this time. Please see Important Dates for this year's recommended application deadline.
5. What do you look for in an applicant?
We look for interesting boys who have a positive attitude towards learning and life and who will be successful working through our curriculum. We encourage boys from all backgrounds to apply, as well as boys with a range of learning styles and interests.
6. When will I hear about a place?
Offers for Admission to JK, SK, and Grade 1 take place towards the end of February. For all other Grades, responses are made after our re-registration process is complete at the beginning of March. Applications received after March 1 will be processed as places are available.
7. What is your fee structure?
There is a basic annual tuition, which is the same for students at all grade levels. New students must pay an additional non-refundable $3,000 Admissions Fee, which is used for capital expenditures to enhance the school and the opportunities for its students.
You may choose to pay the tuition in three installments or monthly. You may also pay in full at the start of the school year and receive a discount.
Please see the Fees page for this year's tuition.
8. Do you have financial aid?
We currently have no financial aid available.
Education at The Sterling Hall School
1. What is your typical class size?
Our maximum class sizes are: JK: (16), SK: (18), Grades 1 to 3: (16), Grades 4 to 8: (18).
2. Is there before and after school care?
Students can be dropped off and will be supervised outdoors from 8:00 am. We provide options for After School Care (3:45-5:45 pm, at a daily charge) for JK-Grade 6, and Study Hall (3:45-4:30pm, free of charge) for Grades 3-8. As well, there are more than 30 teams and many clubs in which students can participate before or after regular class hours.
3. Is there a bus service available for students?
Our school is serviced by two private bus services. Parents may contact these services directly for information. Kerler Transportation: 416-451-1177 or The Fun Bus: 905-417-5559.
4. What kind of extra-curricular activities are available?
We encourage all boys to participate in our many clubs and sports teams, as extracurricular activities are an important part of the learning and development process. We offer a range of clubs to appeal to boys of all interests and at all levels. Boys may participate in either competitive or non-competitive sports teams. There are generally 20-30 different clubs and athletic teams offered each term.
5. Do you have resource help available?
Our Resource team is here to facilitate the learning of all the boys in the school, whatever their educational needs. The team spends regularly scheduled time in the classrooms, coaching students and suggesting learning strategies based on each student's unique learning style. They also provide extra support outside the classroom for students of varying abilities to enrich the educational experience.
6. How long does your Faculty typically stay for?
We pride ourselves on having a dedicated, loyal, and enthusiastic Faculty. We follow a careful recruitment process to select only the best candidates, and provide ample professional development opportunities for Faculty and Staff. As a result, our turnover is very low - approximately 2½% per year.
7. Where do most of your graduates go after SHS?
Most boys continue on in independent schools. Historically, over 95% of our Grade 8 graduates move on to their #1 choice of secondary school.
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