SSAT Schools
Applying to a private school with SSAT exams
It's a four-letter word that's associated with an awful lot of nervousness among many private school applicants—SSAT. Read more
It's a four-letter word that's associated with an awful lot of nervousness among many private school applicants—SSAT. Read more
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2024 Yes, I want to attend
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"St. George's School in Vancouver offers university-preparatory program to Canadian and International boarding students from Grade 8 to 12. The School's mission: Building Fine Young Men. One Boy at a Time.
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26
"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26
"The York School is a JK-Grade 12 gender inclusive IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.
—From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "Lauremont School is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation for life." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17 Avenue SW/69 Street SW "Students develop a love of learning and discover their passions, thanks to our enriched academics and character, leadership, and wellness pillars. We proudly live by our values, “Together: Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Well."" —From the school
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Fort Erie, Ontario Central Avenue/Wintemute Street "FEIA's environment fosters global awareness and advances our student body into responsible and globally aware citizens who are well-equipped for life beyond academics." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Don Mills Rd/York Mills Rd "Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6." —From the school
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Maple Ridge, British Columbia 240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road "Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands." —From the school
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Vaughan, Ontario Major Mackenzie/400 "Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Cawthra/Lakeshore "TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. We are bilingual, coed, non-denominational and and IB World School." —From the school
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Foothills, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia "Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Yonge Street "With a tradition dating back to 1899, St. Andrew's remains the single largest all-boys boarding school in Canada. Our 126-acre campus provides our students with an ideal setting for learning and growth." —From the school
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West Vancouver, British Columbia "Collingwood’s personalized and inclusive approach fosters academic excellence and well-being as our students explore opportunities across the four strands--academics, athletics, arts and service learning." —From the school
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With knowledge, however, comes power. So, let's demystify the SSAT for you, so you can be confident about what this means, and what it does not, as you embark on the application process.
SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test. This standardized test is a popular admission requirement for private schools. Schools rely on the SSAT to assess a student's overall abilities, rather than knowledge in specific subjects.
There are several important sections of the SSAT. The multiple-choice aptitude test that evaluates:
Tests problem-solving involving math, elementary algebra, geometry, and concepts
Tests the ability to understand what is read
Students must write an essay responding to a topic statement. Essays aren't graded. However, a copy is sent to schools along with test scores.
Middle: For students currently in Grade 5-7
Upper: For students currently in Grade 8-11.
SSATs are required by almost all private schools for entry into junior and senior grades—Grade 5 and up. It's up to the individual school to determine whether it is required.
The amount of weight SSAT scores are given in the application process varies from school to school, so those requiring SSATs aren't necessarily more heavily focused on academics than those who do not.
Since many schools use various criteria to evaluate its applicants, SSATs are often the most objective tool administrators have to judge their applicants. They're also helpful when a personal interview isn't possible with an applicant.
It's important to remember that the SSAT is not an achievement test. It offers a snapshot of a student's academic capabilities, regardless of his or her current grades.
Taking the SSAT provides students and their prospective schools with an important assessment of his/her academic strengths, as well as weaknesses. This information may be particularly valuable to students taking the test in Grade 7-10, since it also provides a predicted Grade 12 SAT score.
Students write the exam at a designated test location school.
All tests are sent to SSAT headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey where they are marked. Results are sent to schools indicated by the students.
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