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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.
The first step in applying to GNS is made by completing the online Inquiry Form and submitting a non-refundable application and testing fee of $250. The How to Apply page outlines additional details about our application procedures. Families are warmly invited to arrange to have a tour of GNS—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.
All applicants are assessed in an age-appropriate manner and sometimes this involves a written exam. The methods of assessment are outlined on our How to Apply page.
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.
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 gone through the assessment 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.
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 ideal Family Boarding profile would be a GNS family or a GNS staff member. This ensures the utmost quality and standards are met as there is an understanding of shared values and goals. However, we will evaluate alternative options on a case-by-case basis.
To provide a safe, caring, comfortable and friendly home;
To include student(s) in family activities;
To provide a private furnished room, study space (desk) and closet;
To provide students with nutritious food for all meals and snacks;
To provide transportation to and from school and extra-curricular activities;
To be sensitive to cultural differences;
To provide the same care and attention you would for your own family members!
The above is a list of general requirements; detailed requirements, expectations and guidelines are outlined in The GNS Family Boarding Host Handbook available from the Family Boarding Coordinator.
The first step in applying to become a host for the Family Boarding Program would be to complete the online form or contact our Family Boarding Coordinator, Vasi Urvanova, via email (family-boarding@mygns.ca) or phone (250.370.6838).
The Family Boarding Coordinator will be able to answer any specific questions you may have. The application process is, understandably, very thorough: it is of the utmost importance that the match between family and student is as thoughtful and complementary as possible.
GNS defines a Family Boarding home as a safe and inviting place where students from outside of Victoria can enjoy living, as they share fully in the daily life of a Canadian family.
The Family Boarding home is an important part of the GNS community; it’s a program that takes the commitment inherent in being an IB World and a Round Square School one step further by living and sharing these values in an actual home.
A full-length family boarding program is a 10-month program inclusive of holiday time. Generally, Family Boarding students go home for the Christmas holidays, but that is not always the case.
Individual arrangements—which might involve another family—are possible, but they would involve a surcharge.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Family Boarding Coordinator to ensure that there is a clear understanding between host family and Family Boarding student—before the school year begins—with regard to travel plans during holidays.
Questions About Family Boarding?
Review our Frequently Asked Questions or fill out the inquiry form to learn more about our Family Boarding Program.