Please read the following if you would like to know about some of our Frequently Asked Questions:
Registration Process
What is the tuition fee?
The tuition for month-long Summer Academy credit courses is $1295. Books, field trips and school supplies are not included in the cost.
The tuition for the one-week Summer Skills and Enrichment Programs is $375. Books, field trips and school supplies are not included in the cost.
What do I need to include in my application to register for a credit course?
Summer Academy applications can be filled out online but in order to be completely registered you will be required to print the supplementary form and send it in with a copy of your most recent report card and transcript.
Please note that on the supplementary form there is a space for a signature from your school’s Principal or your Guidance Counsellor which you will need to obtain before submitting your forms.
What do I need to include in my application to register for a Skills or Enrichment program?
Summer Skills and Enrichment Program applications can be filled out online but in order to be completely registered you must send in a copy of your most recent report card.
When is the deadline for registration?
We do not have a deadline. As long as a course is running and there is room in the class, you are welcome to register before the first day of classes.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis so it is best to register as early as possible.
I read that courses only run with “sufficient enrolment.” What does that mean?
We aim to have a minimum of six students before we declare a course will run during the summer.
When do we find out if a course is definitely running?
Once we have declared that a course will definitely be offered, we will mail out a confirmation package to you. Most courses are confirmed in late April or early May but decisions can happen as late as June.
When do we find out if a course is not running?
We aim to let people know by the end of May or early June if we do not think we will get sufficient enrolment to run a course.
Academic Life
What are the dates of the summer courses?
Month-long Summer Academy credit courses run from July 3 to July 27, 2012. ** Please note the online courses will begin on July 2, 2012.
The Summer Skills Programs run during various weeks in July and again from August 20 to 24. The Summer Enrichment Programs take place from August 20 to 24. Click, here to see the schedule.
What are the class hours?
Classes run from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. There is a 10-minute break in the morning and a 40-minute lunch.
How big are the classes?
We aim to keep our classes small so that students receive individualized attention. Last year our average class size was nine students though many classes were much smaller. Several classes had only seven students. We guarantee that no class will be larger than 20 students though a class of that size is rare in our Summer Academy.
Is extra help available?
Teachers hold tutorials every day from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm so students can get extra help with the necessary skills or content.
Are textbooks provided?
No, students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks. Course texts should be ordered through CSBE (Please note: The Summer Academy Bookstore will not be available until June 2012). You will receive the details on how to order your textbooks in your information package.
I heard that BSS is a laptop school. Do I need a laptop to take a credit there in the summer?
Laptops are not required. All Summer Academy students do, however, have access to laptops for use at BSS during the school day and access to the BSS network. Non-BSS students are asked not to use their own laptops on the BSS network.
When are exams for the credit courses?
Exams and summatives will take place on July 25 and 26 and will be returned on July 27.
How do online courses work?
In our online courses the class works together through the course in a designated time frame. Students are expected to be online every weekday to complete daily tasks. There will be assignment deadlines and tests throughout the month of July. Any exams will be written at BSS or if a student is not in the Toronto area, the student may arrange for an exam to be proctored in an alternate location. Please note: The online HSP2Me course will begin on July 2.
General Information
BSS is an all-girls school. Are the summer programs only open to girls?
No! Both the Summer Academy and the Summer Skills and Enrichment Programs are open to boys and girls from public and independent schools.
What are my options for lunch?
Our Student Centre has hot and cold food available for purchase during the lunch break each day. Snacks are also available for purchase during the morning break.
BSS is also located a very short walk from Forest Hill Village where there are several take-out options available.
What facilities are available at BSS?
In addition to the Student Centre and beautiful grounds, students have access to our newly renovated Learning Commons (Library) as well as online library resources.
All Science students have daily access to Science labs to allow for hands-on learning where appropriate.
Is there are dress code during the summer?
While there is no formal dress code, students are required to wear clothing appropriate to an academic environment. Shorts must be an appropriate length. Girls are asked to refrain from wearing tank tops with spaghetti straps.