ADMISSIONS
What is involved in the admissions process at The Sterling Hall School? When is the deadline, and what are the requirements? How does it compare to other schools? How should you factor these into your decision?
Page Contents
Facts and analysis
VISITING THE SCHOOL
Upcoming open houses will be announced here.
An open house includes a campus tour and meetings with teachers, staff, and students. Hosting open houses is a typical practice among schools.
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Why it matters
A school visit offers a firsthand look at the environment, culture, and daily life of the school. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, observe interactions, and verify your expectations directly. It's a vital part of an informed choice.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The final deadline is December 1, 2025 for Day entry at The Sterling Hall School. Mid-year entry option is also available.
Entry is typically for the beginning of the next school year in September.
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Application deadline by enrollment type(s)
Month The Sterling Hall School Other schools Fixed deadline Fixed deadline Rolling admissions September 0% 88% of all other schools have rolling admissions October Less than 1% November 2% December Day deadline: December 1, 2025
7% January 1% February 2% March 2% April 1% May 1% June Less than 1% July 0% August 1% -
Why it matters
The admissions timeline helps you plan and prepare for key milestones, including school visits, application submission, and acceptance notifications.
ENTRY GRADES
The highest number of new enrollment openings include Grade(s) JK, 1 and 5.
The highest number of openings across all other schools we cover include Grade(s) JK, SK and 7 (for the same grades offered at The Sterling Hall School).
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Breakdown by grade
Entry grade Number of openings available: Day The Sterling Hall School Average of all other schools JK 0 - 16 16 SK 2 - 6 10 Gr. 1 10 - 14 10 Gr. 2 4 - 8 8 Gr. 3 4 - 8 8 Gr. 4 1 - 3 9 Gr. 5 4 - 10 9 Gr. 6 2 - 6 9 Gr. 7 3 - 6 16 Gr. 8 0 - 1 10 -
Why it matters
Popular entry grades may offer more opportunities for peer integration and more extensive orientation programs at the school. Applying to these grades may increase the chances of admission and support a smoother social and academic transition for the student.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
35% of all applications are accepted.
Admissions at The Sterling Hall School is more competitive than the majority of the schools we cover.
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Breakdown by grade
Grade Acceptance rate: Day The Sterling Hall School Average of all other schools JK 60% 42% SK 50% 36% Gr. 1 65% 40% Gr. 2 50% 37% Gr. 3 50% 36% Gr. 4 25% 36% Gr. 5 40% 36% Gr. 6 40% 36% Gr. 7 40% 38% Gr. 8 10% 35% -
What The Sterling Hall School says it looks for in students
We admit families with a wide range of backgrounds, provided we feel confident that the boy will be successful in our program and the parents will be partners in his educational journey. During the interview process, we get to know you and your son in order to discover whether SHS is where you belong.
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Why it matters
A school's acceptance rate gives you an indication of how competitive the admissions process is. Understanding this can help you set expectations and make strategic decisions about where to apply. Please note that the acceptance rates provided here are approximate.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The admissions process may require an interview and an entrance exam.
See grade-by-grade admissions requirements at The Sterling Hall School and how they compare with other schools.
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Breakdown by grade
Grade Required by The Sterling Hall School % of schools requiring Interview SSAT SSAT (out of province) Entrance exam Entrance essay JK - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 4% SK - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 5% Gr. 1 - - - Interview: 51%, Exam: 16%, Essay: 2% Gr. 2 - - - Interview: 52%, Exam: 19%, Essay: 2% Gr. 3 - - - Interview: 53%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 21%, Essay: 2% Gr. 4 - - - Interview: 55%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 23%, Essay: 3% Gr. 5 - - - Interview: 57%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 25%, Essay: 5% Gr. 6 - - - Interview: 60%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 26%, Essay: 7% Gr. 7 - - - Interview: 63%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 28%, Essay: 10% Gr. 8 - - - Interview: 64%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 28%, Essay: 10% -
What The Sterling Hall School says about the application process
Application fee: $250
Registration fee: $7,000
Deposit: $12,000
Description:Sterling Hall Admissions Process
Step 1: Get to know us
Connecting with our Admissions Team for a Personalized Information Session, watching some Youtube videos, joining us for a tour and browsing the website are all great ways to start your journey. To do so, be sure to complete our Inquiry Form to get an SHS Admissions Account.Step 2: Apply
It is easy to submit an application through our Admissions Portal; simply follow the checklist. We ask for the following documentation to be submitted with your application:- report cards
- supporting documents that will allow the admissions team to better understand your son (for example, Psychological Educational Assessment Report and Individual Learning/Education Plan - if applicable)
- a small face shoot of your son
- a copy of his birth certificate (passport photo page if you are not a Canadian citizen)
- a one-time application fee of $200 (early submission)/$250 deadline submission
Step 3: Student Learning Snapshot and Family/Parent Interview
Once your application is fully submitted, a student Learning Snapshot and family/parent interview help our Admissions Team to better understand your son.
Family/Parent Interview
On the same day as your son's assessment or shortly after, our Director of Enrolment Management will meet you online to learn more about your family and find out how the goals envisioned for your son might align with SHS's mission and core values. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the school.
Junior Kindergarten (JK) - Grade 2 Learning Snapshots
These assessments take place in groups and consist of grade-appropriate activities that allow us to observe your son's social and emotional development, including working independently, collaboratively and following directions. We will also have the opportunity to observe his developing skills in math, language and critical thinking.
Grade 3 - Grade 8 Learning Snapshots
Along with any necessary support from the Admissions Team, your son will complete some in-house, grade-appropriate literacy and math tasks to assess his current academic level. These tasks provide insights into how well your son will manage our curriculum. Boys will also engage in casual conversation and critical thinking problem solving with a group. This is not a pass or fail test, but rather a way to gain further insight into your son's academic, learning and personal profile.Step 4: Communication
Admission offers will be made to our Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 and 2 applicants by early December. Grade 3-8 applicants will be notified by the last week of February.Step 5: Enrolment and Onboarding Activities
Registration must be returned with the first tuition instalment fee by the date indicated in order for your space at Sterling Hall to be confirmed. From April onwards, we have a number of onboarding activities for families and new boys to help ease the transition to SHS. -
Why it matters
Understanding admission requirements is crucial as you assess your fit with a school and the likelihood of acceptance. These requirements often reflect the school's educational priorities.
