Admissions FAQ

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 warmly invited to book a tour of the GNS campus—an important step in the admissions process. This optional tour will provide you with information about our internationally recognized programs, and our community—its energy and culture. GNS also offers in-person and virtual Open Houses where families can connect and learn more about our school.

Applications are accepted from August 1 onwards of the year prior to entry. The GNS Admissions office has a 'rolling admissions policy,’ and applications will continue to be accepted until all the available places are filled. Once a grade has reached capacity, an applicant will be applying for our wait-pool only.

All applicants are assessed in an age-appropriate manner, which includes a written component for students entering Grade 1 to 12s.

Within two weeks of applicants completing the admissions assessment, we will inform you of the admissions decision. All aspects of the admissions process are considered to confirm that GNS is the right school for the student.

Students who wish to attend GNS but live outside Victoria may take part in our unique Family Boarding Program where they live with members of the GNS community, including current families, teachers and staff members. Beginning in September 2021, they also have the option to apply for a place in our new Gryphon House boarding program.

GNS does not keep a hierarchal 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 students that have successfully completed the admissions process. When a space becomes available, we will select a student from the wait-pool that best complements the current make-up of students in the grade.

Yes, GNS has a partnership with St. Michaels University School to share transportation services. Information about our city-wide routes can be found on our School Bus Service information page.

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

GNS does not offer the traditional ESL program, Instead, we offer English Acquisition, 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. Please check our International Applicants page for more information.

The school has a progressive sibling discount: the eldest child currently enrolled incurs full fees; the second child currently enrolled is entitled to a 5% tuition fee reduction; the third and any other children currently enrolled are entitled to a 10% tuition fee reduction in fees.

After School Care is available throughout the school year from 3:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday for Junior School students. The cost for After School Care is $23 per day.

Yes. Families wishing to use pre-authorized debit should download and complete our PAD Agreement.

Families wishing to apply for financial support must complete the Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available via the Apple Financial Services website. Apple Financial Services is a member of the organization of Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS), and uses a consistent, objective and professional analysis of a family’s resources to make recommendations directly to GNS. GNS's Financial Aid Committee reviews these results in accordance with school policy, and issues decisions directly to the applicant. The maximum bursary award is 40% of tuition fees.

• A record of outstanding academic achievement confirmed by report cards from the candidate’s previous school and supplemented by academic references;
• A demonstrated commitment to fine arts and/or athletics confirmed by relevant references;
• The candidate’s performance on the GNS entrance exam (should be equivalent to an ‘A’ standing); and
• An interview with the Director of Admissions, Principal and/or Head of School.

• Recipients are expected to contribute meaningfully to the school by taking advantage of opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics and citizenship.
• Families are required to submit a complete application for financial assistance each year by the specified due date. If a family's financial circumstances have not changed, they will receive a similar percentage of assistance as the previous year.
• To the best of their ability, both parents should contribute to the cost of tuition, even in the cases of divorce or separation.
• It is expected that both parents will be gainfully employed. If a spouse chooses not to work, this is factored into the income calculations for evaluation.
• Certain circumstances, such as caring for a disabled or elderly parent, a child under age 5, or a child with a long-term disability, may exempt a family from this policy. These situations are individually reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• GNS treats requests for assistance with the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality, and expects that families will do the same with the results.

Current Families

• December 11, 2021: Final day to submit completed FACS forms for current families.
• February 5, 2022: Financial aid award confirmations provided to families who met the December 11, 2021 deadline.
• February 12, 2022: Deadline for re-enrolment deposit payments for 2022/2023.

New Families

• Incoming families submit FACS forms as part of the application process.
• March 1 through June 30: Financial assistance awards are communicated to newly admitted applicants.