Admissions

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• Q: How do we begin the application process?

  The first step in applying to GNS is made by completing the online Inquiry Form and submitting a non-refundable application fee of $250. The How to Apply page outlines additional details about our application procedures. Families are strongly encouraged to book a campus tour or attend an Open House—an important step in the admissions process. This tour provides you with an opportunity to observe our internationally recognized programs and experience our community—its energy and culture. GNS offers in-person and virtual Open Houses where families can connect and learn more about our school.

• Q: What is the deadline to submit an application?

  Applications are accepted from August 15 onwards of the year prior to entry.
  

  • Applications for our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes are due by October 1.
  • Applications for Grades 1 to 12 are accepted and processed throughout the academic year or until the class is at capacity.
  • Once a class has reached capacity, applications will be accepted for our wait pool only.

• Q: Is there an admissions test?

  Once an application and all required documents have been submitted, the applicant will be invited to complete our admissions assessment. Assessments typically take place beginning in mid-October and run throughout the school year.

  • Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants will be required to complete a group or individual readiness assessment conducted by one of our teachers.
  • Grade 1 to 12 applicants will be required to complete a standardized, multiple-choice admissions test, consisting of reading, writing, and math.
  • Grade 6 to 12 applicants will also be required to complete an interview with a member of our Admissions Office.

• Q: How will I know if my child has been accepted?

  If there is no further information required from our Admissions Committee, you will receive your decision within two weeks of the applicant completing their assessment.

• Q: Do you offer boarding programs?

  Yes, we have two unique boarding programs for students in Grades 9 to 12: Family Boarding Homestay Program and Gryphon House Boarding Program. Students applying to Grade 8 may be considered for the Family Boarding Homestay Program.

• Q: Do you offer scholarships or other financial assistance?

  Yes, through the generous support of GNS current and past families, alumni and friends, funds are provided for bursaries and entrance scholarships.
  
  

  Learn more about Tuition & Financial Support at GNS

• Q: Do you have waitlists?

  GNS does not keep a hierarchical list of students for grades that are at capacity. Instead, we have a wait pool of candidates that we draw from should a space become available. These wait pools are comprised of mission-appropriate candidates that have successfully completed the admissions process. When a space becomes available, we will select a candidate from the wait pool that best complements the current make-up of students in the grade.

• Q: Do you offer bus service?

  Yes. Information about our city-wide routes can be found on our School Bus Service information page.

• Q: What languages do you offer?

  French is offered from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. The option to take Spanish and Mandarin is introduced beginning in Grade 6.

• Q: Do you offer ESL?

  GNS does not offer the traditional ESL program, Instead, we offer English Acquisition (EA), which is a specialized English language course for students whose first language is not English. The GNS English Acquisition program empowers students with language skills and creates academic gain for students across all their subjects. EA is available for students applying to Grades 8 to 10. For students younger than Grade 8, availability for support will be determined upon application. Please check our International Applicants page for more information.