The 50-page review of St. John's-Kilmarnock School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"SJK is the leading independent school in Waterloo Region, offering enriched JK–Grade 12 education through the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. As the only IB World Continuum School in Southwestern Ontario, SJK inspires students to discover their passions through meaningful, student-centered learning. With 100% university admission, our graduates are confident, well-rounded, and prepared for success in post-secondary and beyond."
Extensive co-curricular programs in athletics, arts, leadership and community service
Outdoor experiential learning
Beautiful 36-acre natural campus
Fresh and healthy daily dining
Supportive, connected community
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Passionate, forward-thinking teachers guide learning through the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP continuum curriculum. In addition, our picturesque 36-acre campus...(more)
"Passionate, forward-thinking teachers guide learning through the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and DP continuum curriculum. In addition, our picturesque 36-acre campus connects students to a natural environment. SJK offers a rich co-curricular program with opportunities in the arts, athletics and leadership. With an average class size of 17 students, small classes are where big ideas live."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"The ideal SJK applicant is a student who enjoys school, wants to make the most of the their school experience by becoming involved in a range of co-curricular activities, is...(more)
"The ideal SJK applicant is a student who enjoys school, wants to make the most of the their school experience by becoming involved in a range of co-curricular activities, is respectful toward peers, educators, and the learning environment, and contributes positively to their school community. The culture at SJK fosters risk-taking, balance, inclusion, reflection, and self-discovery."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"SJK is the only CAIS accredited school in the region, and it is one of the few IB Continuum Schools in Canada. SJK is a small community where strong relationships are fostered....(more)
"SJK is the only CAIS accredited school in the region, and it is one of the few IB Continuum Schools in Canada. SJK is a small community where strong relationships are fostered. Both curricular and co-curricular programming provides opportunities for students to collaborate, learn and play together. SJK provides an enriched academic experience with opportunities for experiential, project-based learning. 100% of graduates earn admission to best-fit post-secondary opportunities."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Visitors to SJK always remark on the beauty and tranquility of our 36-acre natural campus, with its pond, forest trails, varsity playing fields, and safe, rural setting. Families...(more)
"Visitors to SJK always remark on the beauty and tranquility of our 36-acre natural campus, with its pond, forest trails, varsity playing fields, and safe, rural setting. Families may not realize the opportunities for learning that exist in the natural landscape around us. Tending to a vegetable garden, studying the flora and fauna in our natural landscape, tapping the maple trees, canoeing or engaging in our invasive species removal project—learning in nature is an everyday experience at SJK."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Ours is a diverse, inclusive community of learners who enjoy school and make the most of the many opportunities available to them inside and outside of the classroom. SJK is a...(more)
"Ours is a diverse, inclusive community of learners who enjoy school and make the most of the many opportunities available to them inside and outside of the classroom. SJK is a place where students will feel supported and safe, able to take risks and try new things. Students often tell us that they tried things at SJK that they never would have tried in a larger, less supportive environment. SJK is a place where you will discover your areas of passion and strength and feel supported."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"SJK opened the new Art, Design and Media Centre in September 2023. In summer 2024, SJK acquired a three-acre rural property next to our campus, which includes office space,...(more)
"SJK opened the new Art, Design and Media Centre in September 2023. In summer 2024, SJK acquired a three-acre rural property next to our campus, which includes office space, programming space, green space for outdoor programming, and workshop/storage, enhancing our facilities department. These are just the two most recent enhancements, but when families visit our campus, they can easily see the many impactful recent capital developments, such as the Boathouse and Newton House, which includes the Dining Hall and Learning Commons."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Watch our St. John's-Kilmarnock School Q&A discussion with Kate (Alum), Hannah (Alum), Sacha (Alum) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
Gr. 1 (current),JK (current) — Both of our children are in the Lower School and are having a happy and enriched experience at SJK. They both enjoy their teachers, homeroom, and specialty teachers alike. The smaller class sizes allow for personalized learning and extra experiences. Our daughter's class approached the Head of School for approval to find space on campus to plant a pollinator garden during their Honey Bee Unit. The garden is now thriving and this is a special memory for my daughter and her friends. The Outdoor Educational Experience class is a favourite with lots of time outdoors and on the beautiful campus, building shelters learning about animals, and making maple syrup in the spring. Both kids have made lovely friends and continue to grow friendships. Of course, being in the lower school they enjoy the playground facilities and field games during recess with a much-used Gaga ball pit. There are plenty of co-curricular activities after school that keep our children busy and engaged, Lego club and Ukulele club as favourites.
I feel so fortunate to be on such a beautiful campus.” St. John’s-Kilmarnock School is located on 36 acres of land in rural countryside nestled between Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge. “When I drive to school in the morning I drive through farmers fields and I see the mist and I see the crops."
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