Frequently Asked Questions

1320 Yonge St Cafeteria at Lunch

Students sitting at white cafeteria tables at lunch with artwork hung on wall in background

List of 1 items.

Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

List of 16 items.

When can I apply?

The York School accepts applications from August 1 to December 1 for the following school year. We encourage you to register with us using the “Learn More” or “Apply Now” buttons on the admissions page of our website, so that we can keep you informed of admissions updates and deadlines.
Do you accept applications after the application deadline?

Yes, we accept late applications. Late applicants will be considered based on available space, which is often limited. We encourage families to contact the admissions office directly to inquire about availability.
What are your entry years?

Our main entry years are Junior Kindergarten and Grades 1, 6, 7, and 9, but we often have limited space in most other grades.
Which grade should my child be applying for?

We determine grade placement based on calendar year (from January 1st through December 31st). For September a 2024 start:
Born in 2020 - JK
Born in 2019 - SK
Born in 2018 - Grade 1
Born in 2017 - Grade 2
Born in 2016 - Grade 3
Born in 2015 - Grade 4
Born in 2014 - Grade 5
Born in 2013 - Grade 6
Born in 2012 - Grade 7
Born in 2011 - Grade 8
Born in 2010 - Grade 9
Born in 2009 - Grade 10
Born in 2008 - Grade 11
How are applicants assessed?

We develop a profile for each applicant through interviews, assessments, and supporting documents. For the full list of application requirements, please refer to the Deadlines and Requirements page of our website.
Does The York School require Letters of Recommendation as part of the application process?

No.
Does the Teacher Assessment have to come from my child’s current teacher?

We prefer the Teacher Assessment Form to be submitted by a current teacher, to ensure the most up-to-date information.
Does The York School accept applications for Grade 12?

No, we do not accept applications for Grade 12.
What is the admission process for international students?

International applicants follow the same application process as domestic applicants. Application fees and tuition fees are the same for all candidates. Please click here for further information.
What is The York School's policy on English language proficiency?

At The York School, the language of instruction is English and we do not offer ESL support. We will accept applications to JK, SK, and Grade 1 from ELL students. Applicants to Grades 2 through 5 who have strong academic records and foundational skills in English will be considered. English language skills (reading and writing) will be assessed during the admission process. Candidates for Grades 6-11 who are not fluent in the English language must complete a language assessment (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo).
What is a Psych Ed? What is an IEP/SLP?

A Psych Ed, or Psychoeducational assessment, is a process in which a psychologist collects information about a student's functioning, from a variety of sources, in order to better understand the student's strengths and needs. An IEP or SLP is an Individualized Education Program; a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services a student needs to make progress and thrive in school. We require disclosure of these documents in order to determine whether we have the resources required to ensure student success at York.
Do you offer a Gifted program?

No. The IB program that we offer is academically challenging.
Can you accommodate students with learning differences?

We have a Learning Strategies team to support our students. We ask that when you apply, you provide us with a current Psychological Educational Assessment and an Individualized Educational Plan, so that we can assess your child’s needs and whether we are able to offer the necessary support.
Do you accept new students part way through the school year?

Very rarely and only in exceptional circumstances, if space allows.
Are any applicants given special consideration?

The York School gives consideration to sibling applications to help foster a strong sense of community within the school.
What school or program do you recommend as preparation for The York School?

We do not recommend any one school or program to prepare students for York. We admit a wide variety of students from different educational backgrounds who meet York’s academic, co-curricular and social skills criteria.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

List of 4 items.

What does tuition include?

Tuition fees cover the majority of costs involved for students to attend The York School. Fees for uniforms, textbooks, laptops, lunches and activities/trips are extra and vary by grade and degree of involvement. Please refer to the Tuition page on our website for a more detailed breakdown of fees.
Do you offer sibling discounts?

At this time, we do not offer sibling discounts.
Is Financial Aid available?

The York School is able to offer Financial Aid to qualified students who are applying for Grades 6-11. To be considered for Financial Aid, families must submit an application to Apple Financial Services in addition to their application to The York School. Apple Financial is a third-party organization that provides an unbiased evaluation of an applicant’s financial resources and makes a recommendation as to what aid a family might require to attend The York School. Financial Aid awards will be communicated along with admission offers.
Does the school offer scholarships?

The York School offers a limited amount of entrance scholarships to top candidates in Grades 6-11. All candidates are considered and there is no application for scholarships. Scholarship awards will be communicated along with admission offers.

Community

List of 2 items.

How diverse is The York School community?

The York School is committed to achieving an equitable and inclusive school climate. Click here to read our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion statement. Our community includes families from over 25 countries, and approximately 20% of our families are internationally mobile.
How can parents get involved at the school?

Our parents are very involved in our community. All parents are members of the York Parent Association (YPA), and can choose their own level of involvement. Some volunteer roles run throughout the school year (class parent) and others are one-off events (Terry Fox Run, Halloween party, etc). There are many opportunities to get involved and we welcome and encourage parents to be active members of our community.

Other Information

List of 11 items.

Does the school provide daycare or have extended hours?

We offer before and after school care to students from JK to Grade 5. Before care starts at 7:45 AM and aftercare starts after classes end and continues until 5:30 PM. The cost of Before Care is included in tuition. After Care fees are included in tuition for JK and SK, and students in Grades 1-5 pay $15/hour. We also offer a Co-Curricular Programme which allows students to sign up for age-appropriate activities of interest related to art, music, drama, sports, leadership, science, etc.
Where do the school's graduates go? What percentage of students go on to university?

The IB Diploma prepares our students to be successful anywhere! Our graduates have been accepted to more than 145 national and international post-secondary institutions. York graduates are attending elite programs within each of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. In the U.S., our students are attending Ivy League universities, the USN&WR twenty-five top-tier universities, Ivy-Plus schools and the Seven Sister Colleges. In the U.K., our students are attending some of the top research-intensive institutions within the Russell Group of Schools. Since York’s first graduating class in 1999, 100% of students have graduated and received offers to attend university.
How does the school measure individual achievement and progress?

Student progress is measured through a variety of formative and summative assessments reported regularly to parents. In addition to internally assessed oral, musical, visual, and written assignments, the IB Diploma Programme culminates with exams marked by outside examiners, providing accountability.
When is French introduced? What other languages are offered at The York School?

All York students take Core French from JK through Grade 9. We use the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) up to Grade 5 which incorporates gestures, music, dance, and theatre to help students learn. In Middle School, students have the option of taking Mandarin as an elective starting in Grade 6 and Spanish starting in Grade 7. IB Diploma Language B options include French, Mandarin, and Spanish.
What sorts of co-curriculars are offered at The York School?

We provide many opportunities for students to participate in clubs, house leagues and competitive sports. Please visit the following links to learn more.
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
What facilities does The York School have, or have access to?

As an urban school situated in the heart of midtown Toronto and steps from the subway, The York School is in a unique position to take advantage of the many facilities all around us - including the Rosedale Reservoir playing fields, the Beltline running path, and various Camps, located north of the city.
Our campus facilities include:

Junior School: gymnasium, music rooms, art room, library, cafeteria, open concept gathering places, and an innovative playground

Middle/Senior School: double gymnasium, running track, outdoor turf, outdoor patio, rooftop garden, theatre, film studio, recording studio, art rooms, music rooms, library, cafeteria, and fitness centre
Do students wear uniforms?

Yes. The Junior School and the Middle/Senior School have different uniforms. There is a separate summer and winter uniform for each, as well as an athletic uniform which is required for PE and participation in athletic programmes.
Do you provide lunch?

Yes. In the Junior School, a nutritious, balanced and tasty lunch is provided by Aramark. In the Middle and Senior School, we have a cafeteria where students can purchase food provided by Aramark and an onsite Freshii. Students can also bring their own nut-free lunch and snacks. Grade 9-12 students can choose to leave the school for lunch and Middle School grades enjoy periodic “Lunch Out” privileges throughout the year.
Do you have a boarding program?

The York School is a day school. We do not have any boarding facilities and can only consider applications from students moving to Toronto with their families/legal guardians.
Do you provide a school bus or transportation service?

The school does not provide transportation services. Some families use private school transportation services. The York School is conveniently situated right on the Yonge subway line and many students take the TTC. Moreover, both campuses have drop-off and pick-up facilities for parents/guardians who drive their children to school.
What technology is used in the classroom?

As the first laptop school in Canada, we are dedicated to providing innovative technology for our students. Please visit the following links to learn more.
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School

About the York School

The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experience Teaches.