If your child is preparing to apply to private secondary schools in the Vancouver area, summer vacation shouldn't wait until school starts. Many school applications involve transcripts, references, SSAT, in-school tests, interviews, group assessments, and the child's compatibility with the school.
Below, we'll briefly explain what parents and children should prepare during the summer for each school.
1. St. George’s School
St. George’s applications typically include an online application, transcripts, character references, group assessments, and, for shortlisted candidates, an interview and test materials. The school website also states that references should preferably come from a classroom teacher, coach, or club leader, rather than family friends or one-on-one tutors.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Organizing transcripts, identifying references in advance, understanding the application checklist, and avoiding uploading additional materials not requested on the official website.
Children should prepare by:
Practicing for the SSAT, English expression, interviews, and cooperation, communication, and leadership skills for group assessments.
Official website reference:Day Applicants | St. George's School BC
2. Crofton House School
Grade 8 is an important application year for Crofton House. The application process typically includes an application form, SSAT, in-school assessment, family interview, and supporting documents. There are usually fewer spots in higher grades, so earlier planning is needed.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Confirming if there are openings for the application grade, organizing transcripts and application materials, and paying attention to SSAT and interview dates in advance.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for the SSAT, in-school tests, interview expression, and reflecting on why they are a good fit for a girls' school environment.
Official website reference:Key Dates - Crofton House School
3. York House School
Grade 8 is the main application year for York House. The official website states that applicants for Grades 8–12 typically require the SSAT and Character Skills Snapshot, and Grade 8 applicants will also have a group assessment and interview.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Planning for the SSAT, Character Skills Snapshot, and application materials in advance, and paying attention to official website deadlines.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for the SSAT, group assessment, interviews, and expressing personal interests, leadership, and school compatibility.
Official website reference: Apply | York House School | Vancouver
4. WPGA
The WPGA website states that applicants for Grades 8–12 require the SSAT and Character Skills Snapshot, and shortlisted candidates will participate in an in-person group activity. The school also emphasizes that additional materials beyond the checklist should not be uploaded.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Organizing application materials in advance, confirming SSAT dates, and strictly following the official website checklist.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for the SSAT, English communication, group activities, and interview expression. WPGA does not offer an ELL/EAL program, so English proficiency is very important.
Official website reference:Apply to West Point Grey Academy: Admissions & Enrolment
5. Collingwood School
Collingwood applications for Grades 8–11 typically involve an in-school entry assessment and a student/parent interview. Some international or out-of-province applicants may need to submit SSAT or MAP reports.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Preparing materials required for the Veracross application system, transcripts, and determining whether SSAT/MAP is needed.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for the in-school assessment, interview, English expression, and math fundamentals.
Official website reference:Collingwood School | Apply Now
6. Mulgrave School
Mulgrave's website indicates that applications for the 2027–2028 academic year will open on July 2, 2026. Applications include an online application, photos, document uploads, teacher observation forms, and parent interviews. Older students may also have a group discussion or math placement test.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Starting promptly after applications open in July, preparing student photos, family photos, transcripts, proof of identity, and teacher observation forms.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for IB-style interview expressions, math fundamentals, group discussions, and demonstrating learning interests.
Official website reference:Admissions Information - Mulgrave School
7. St. John’s School
St. John’s is an IB school. The official website states that applicants for Grades 8–11 require the SSAT. The SSAT is part of the overall review, with no minimum score required, but it cannot be replaced by other standardized tests.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Confirming the application grade, preparing for SSAT registration and score submission, and organizing transcripts and reference forms.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for the SSAT, English reading and writing, interview expression, and the spirit of inquiry and reflection valued by IB schools.
Official website reference:
Admissions FAQ - St. John's School
8. Vancouver College
Vancouver College's main intake years include Kindergarten, Grade 4, Grade 7, and Grade 8. Applicants for Grades 7 and 8 typically require a literacy and numeracy assessment, and Grade 8 applicants will also have a group assessment.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Organizing transcripts, identity documents, proof of residency, reference letters, and faith-related materials required by the school.
Children should prepare by:
Preparing for literacy, numeracy, video interviews, and group assessments, demonstrating maturity, cooperation, and self-discipline.
Official website reference:Admissions Procedures - Vancouver College
9. Little Flower Academy
Little Flower Academy is a Grade 8–12 girls' school in Vancouver, and also a Catholic school. The official website states that Grade 8 is the main entry grade. Although there may be vacancies for Grades 9–12, spots are usually very limited. Grade 8 applications include complete application materials and an Entrance Exam. The school considers various factors for admission, such as whether the student genuinely wishes to attend LFA, their potential to adapt to LFA's academic program, and Entrance Exam scores.
Parents should prepare during the summer by:
Understanding LFA's Catholic school background and girls' school environment in advance to confirm if the child is suitable; organizing transcripts and application materials, and paying attention to the opening and closing dates for Grade 8 applications.
Children should prepare by:
Focusing on preparing for LFA's Entrance Exam, English reading and writing, math fundamentals, and interview expression. Children should also be able to clearly explain: why they want to attend LFA? Why are they a good fit for a girls' school? How will they thrive in an environment that balances Catholic values and academic challenges?
Overall Summer Preparation Checklist
For children, the summer focus is on four things:
First: Participate in various outdoor activities and travel, gaining life skills and experience, and learning to build relationships with different types of people.
Second, prepare for the SSAT.
Many schools require or consider the SSAT, especially during the secondary school application phase.
Second, practice interview expression.
About interests, strengths and weaknesses, challenging experiences, learning styles, and why they are a good fit for the school.
Third, prepare for group assessments.
Many schools observe children's cooperation, listening, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a team.
For parents, the summer focus is also on four things:
First, establish an application timeline for each school.
Second, organize transcripts, identity documents, references, and application materials.
Third, communicate with teachers in advance for reference forms or teacher observation forms.
Fourth, assess whether the school and child are truly compatible.
Fifth, compile personal stories.
Applications are not just a list of awards; they should show the child's character, potential, and direction of growth to the admissions officers.
How can Hillhouse Education help?
The challenge of applying to private schools in Vancouver isn't filling out forms, but planning ahead.
Hillhouse Education can help families by:
Organizing application timelines and material checklists according to the official requirements of target schools;
Systematically preparing for the SSAT, in-school assessments, group assessments, and interviews;
Helping children organize their personal growth experiences, interests, and school compatibility to write unique essays that impress admissions officers; and establishing a comprehensive growth plan from English writing, math fundamentals, academic performance, activity planning to long-term application strategies.
If your child plans to apply to Vancouver private schools for the 2027-28 academic year, summer is the most crucial preparation window.
Welcome to contact Hillhouse Education, comment or private message "private school application", or scan the QR code below to add us on WeChat. We will help you plan every step clearly in advance.
