Compare International Schools in Waterloo, Canada

SJK is located on a 40-acre natural campus at 2201 Shantz Station Road in Breslau, Ontario, minutes from the cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Guelph. The school is approximately one hour from Toronto Pearson International Airport. A daily express bus service transports boarding students between the residence in Waterloo and the Breslau campus.

The school is divided into a Lower School (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6) following the IB Primary Years Programme and an Upper School (Grades 7-12) covering the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme also offers Focused Disciplinary Pathways in Creative Industries, Human Performance and Health Entrepreneurship, and STEM Explorations and Innovations.

SJK is an independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day and boarding school. Boarding is available for Grades 9 to 12, accommodating approximately 50 students in partnership with St. Jerome's University on the University of Waterloo campus.

The Learning Services Team includes four specialist learning support teachers across the Lower and Upper School, including a Literacy Specialist and a Math Specialist. The team develops personalised learning strategies, Learning Support Plans, accommodations, assistive technology, and progress-monitored interventions. All students may access learning support services through teacher, parent, or self-referral.

The school is a Canadian independent school, accredited by the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and a member of CIS Ontario.

The school has a Chapel of St. Margaret & St. John on campus and a School Chaplain (Rev. Judy Steers). While the school has historical Anglican roots from its founding schools, it operates as an inclusive, non-denominational institution.

A daily express bus service operates between the boarding residence at St. Jerome's University in Waterloo and the main campus in Breslau. The bus runs on weekday mornings and afternoons. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

SJK offers co-educational boarding for Grades 9 to 12, housing approximately 50 students at St. Jerome's University on the University of Waterloo campus. Each boarder has a single, private room with bed, closet, desk, and sink. Gender-specific wings separate boys and girls, with shared washrooms at hallway ends. Common areas include a lounge, study rooms, dining hall with kitchen, a games room with pool table and table tennis, and an outdoor patio. Five full-time live-in staff provide 24/7 supervision.

A full meal plan is included in the boarding fee. Breakfast and dinner are served in the residence dining hall, with lunch and morning snacks provided at school on weekdays and at the residence on weekends. Dana Hospitality prepares meals using local, fresh ingredients with a Red Seal-certified chef.

SJK is an independent, not-for-profit school governed by a Board of Governors. The school was formed from the merger of St. John's School for Boys (founded 1972 in Elora) and St. Margaret's School for Girls (founded 1975). The SJK Foundation supports fundraising and advancement.

SJK is one of only a few IB Continuum schools in Canada, offering all three IB programmes. The Primary Years Programme (JK-Grade 6) uses hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The Early Years (JK-Grade 1) incorporates a Reggio Emilia approach. The Middle Years Programme (Grades 7-10) deepens disciplinary exploration. The Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12) offers a traditional IB Diploma pathway and three Focused Disciplinary Pathways: Creative Industries, Human Performance and Health Entrepreneurship, and STEM Explorations and Innovations.

The average class size is 17 students. The school has approximately 545 students across Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

SJK achieves a 100% post-secondary admission rate. Graduates pursue programmes in STEM, business, and the arts at a range of post-secondary institutions.

The Advisor Program pairs each student with a faculty advisor for ongoing personal and academic support. The Wellness programme at SJK is accessed regularly by students and provides emotional support within an inclusive school environment.

The Learning Services Team includes four specialist teachers: a Literacy Specialist and a general Learning Support Teacher in the Lower School, and two Learning Support Teachers in the Upper School. The team identifies student strengths and growth areas, develops personalised learning strategies and Learning Support Plans, provides accommodations and assistive technology, delivers personalised interventions with progress monitoring, and collaborates with faculty on classroom-level supports. All students may access services through teacher, parent, or self-referral.

The Guidance Department offers TOEFL and ESL assistance for international students. The school hosts the SAT/PSAT testing centre for the Waterloo Region.

A Manager of Student Health & Wellbeing (Christina Yager) coordinates wellness services. A registered nurse (Kayla Bearinger) is on campus. The Guidance team provides career advice, academic support, and personal growth assistance. The Wellness programme is accessed regularly by students.

Five full-time live-in boarding staff provide 24/7 supervision. A registered nurse and certified athletic therapist are on campus. Baseline cognitive testing and ImPACT head injury management are standard for Grades 6-12.

1. 351.
2. Schedule a campus visit or attend an Open House to tour the school and meet faculty.
3. Submit a formal application for the appropriate programme: Primary Years (JK-Grade 6), Middle Years (Grades 7-10), Diploma (Grades 11-12), or Boarding (Grades 9-12). Day and boarding students follow separate application processes.
4. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting in August the year before entry, with first offers typically extended in mid-October. Admission is competitive and not all qualified applicants can be accommodated.
5. Pay the registration fee: CAD 3,000 for day students or CAD 5,000 for boarding and international day students, plus the applicable tuition deposit.

Financial assistance is available through the Affording SJK programme. The school is committed to ensuring access to students of merit regardless of means.

Admission is competitive and space availability can be very limited in some grades. The school cannot accommodate all qualified applicants.