Q: If I am an international applicant do I require a Visa?

A: International students typically require either a Study Permit or a Temporary Resident Visa. These are issued by the Visa Office at the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the country in which you are living. If you are from the U.S.A. you can apply at a Canadian Port of Entry. Once a student is accepted to BSS and has paid the tuition fees, the School will issue a letter in support of your application for either a study permit or temporary visa. It is then your responsibility to submit all the required documentation to attain the authorization to study in Canada. For more information on how to get a visa, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website, here.

Q: If I am unable to visit the school, can I still apply? Can an interview be conducted over the phone?

A: Students apply to BSS from all over the world! We encourage all applicants to visit the school, but understand that a trip to Toronto is not always possible. If that is the case, we invite you to visit our website, ask us as many questions as you can think of, and we are happy to conduct a telephone interview once we have received your application. Please note that throughout the year members of our Student Recruiting team travel to various locations on recruiting trips and are always thrilled to meet families!

Q: What are the required tests? Is there a minimum score required for admittance?

We require all of our Boarding applicants to write either the SSAT exam or the TOEFL exam (TOEFL option only for those whose first language is not English), and to complete internally created math and English placement tests (visit www.ssat.org for details and to register).

We use the above assessments, along with report cards and other application materials, to develop an understanding of an applicant in order to ensure her learning is supported and she will thrive in the BSS environment.

Q: Do I have to speak English fluently?

A: Our courses are academically challenging and students must be able to participate fully in our program. As such, all students will require strong oral and written English skills in order to be able to access the curriculum. An English as an Additional or Second Language support (EAL or ESL) course is available to provide some extra support to students in our Boarding program.

Q: I noticed that BSS is an Anglican school. Do I have to be Anglican to apply? Is everyone required to attend chapel?

A: Though we are based in the Anglican tradition and have Chapel as part of our daily routine, we are a multicultural and multi-faith community. All Senior School students attend Chapel as a community gathering. Our students work to organize services that reflect the many religions and beliefs represented in our community and to think about how they can be active participants in the world.

Q: Can Boarders leave the campus? Are there weekend activities?

A: Our student handbook outlines the various activities in which our Boarders can participate. The girls are permitted to sign-out of residence after school and on weekends. Our Boarders take advantage of our proximity to ‘Forest Hill Village’ just down the street to escape for a treat, to do some banking and to do a little shopping as well. Each weekend a variety of activities are planned for Boarders based on our comprehensive Boarding Program. Students are free to sign up to participate in the activities that are of interest to them. There is always quiet time on weekends during which students can relax or get homework or studying done. In addition, we provide a weekday and weekend fitness program, organized by a certified trainer.

Q: How many staff live in residence? Supervision? Evening routines?

A: We have 8 staff members who are devoted to maintaining the safety and security of the Boarders. Seven of the staff members live in the residence. The staff members also monitor the academic progress of the Boarders and make sure that they have a little fun while they are here too! After classes end on a school day, students may participate in school activities or enjoy some free time. Each evening there are at least 3 staff members on duty, supervising and assisting the students. Dinner is from 5:30 until 6:30, and there is a quiet study period each week night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Bedtimes vary by grade.