The Bishop Strachan School vs The York School

	T The Bishop Strachan School Toronto, Canada	T The York School Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$500 - 86,000	Fees / year CA$45,065
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 950	Pupils 750
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1867	Opened 1965
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1X2, Canada	Location The York School has two campuses in midtown Toronto, located on Yonge Street near St. Clair Avenue. The Junior School (JK–Grade 5) is at 1639 Yonge Street. The Middle & Senior School (Grades 6–12) is at 1320 Yonge Street.
Stages	Stages JK–Grade 12	Stages JK–Grade 12
School type	School type Private all-girls day and boarding school	School type Independent, co-educational day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The York School has families from all over the world, reflecting a diverse international community.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Specialists provide individualized academic support; School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support; Learning Resource Centre (LRC) offers accommodations for students with IEPs, assistive technology, language resources and skill-building support, plus drop-in tutoring.	Additional learning support Student Learning Plans (SLP) outline individualized supports; English language learners (ELL) support is not offered.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): CAD 10,000 for all students (day and boarding). - Continuing deposit (refundable): CAD 500. Tuition fees by student type — academic year 2026/27 - Day students (annual tuition): CAD 43,800. - Canadian boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 82,200. - International boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 86,000. - Health insurance for non-Canadian residents (annual): CAD 694 (applies to international boarders/residents where noted). Per-term amounts and year-group detail - The published fee schedule lists the annual tuition amounts above for the 2026/27 school year; the school's standard fee references are given as annual totals. - Junior School note: lunches and snacks for Junior School students are included in the Junior School tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is charged once and is non-refundable; the continuing deposit is refundable as stated above. - Detailed billing schedules, payment deadlines, and the enrolment-related billing communications are provided to families through the school's enrolment and parent communications/portal during the acceptance and re-enrolment process. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding tuition is presented above as a single annual figure for Canadian boarders (CAD 82,200) and international boarders (CAD 86,000); the listed boarding totals reflect the published annual charge for boarders for 2026/27. Health insurance for non-Canadian residents is CAD 694. Other costs and typical additional fees - School uniform: CAD 300–800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used; uniforms are purchased through the school's General Store. - Additional variable costs: field trips, textbooks, course-specific materials, technology-related items and certain extracurricular activity costs may be charged in addition to tuition and will vary by grade and program. - Summer and short-course programs have separate fees and stated refund terms specific to those programs (examples: some Summer Academy course fees are refundable prior to program-specific deadlines, subject to administrative fees). Refund information - Continuing deposit: refundable (CAD 500). - Program-specific refunds: Summer Academy and other short-course tuition refunds are handled under program-specific deadlines and administrative fee conditions (for example, some summer programs permit refunds prior to May 1 or June 1 with specified administrative deductions). Fee payment options - The school provides families with payment instructions and the available payment methods as part of the enrolment and billing communications through the school's parent/enrolment portal and finance communications. Payment arrangements and schedules are managed through those enrolment/billing channels. Notes relevant to budgeting - Annual tuition amounts shown above are the published totals for the 2026/27 academic year. Uniforms, field trips, textbooks, technology, and certain course or trip fees are additional and vary by grade and program; Junior School tuition includes lunches and snacks. Continuing deposit and registration-fee conditions are as stated above.	Fee details Application and Admissions Fees - Late application fee: CAD 300, payable online at the time of submission and non‑refundable. - Online entrance/assessment fee (for applicants required to write an assessment, e.g., Grades 7–11): CAD 125. - Registration (one‑time) fee on acceptance of an offer for new students: CAD 10,000, non‑refundable. Tuition (annual and instalment structure) - Annual tuition for Grades JK–12: CAD 45,065 (annual rate). - Instalment / timing details: - A first, non‑refundable tuition instalment of CAD 7,500 is required to hold a student's place. - The remaining balance of tuition may be paid in two instalments due at the end of April and at the end of August, or by monthly instalments (monthly instalment plan available by direct debit). - The school treats an enrolled place as reserved for the full academic year and parents/guardians are contractually responsible for all fees for that year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Statements of account are posted and additional incidental charges (for items such as cafeteria, supplies, co‑curricular activities, trips, and York Parents' Association membership) appear on statements and are due on receipt. Interest is charged on unpaid statement balances at 1.25% per month (15% per annum) where applicable. Students with unpaid fees at the end of a term will not be permitted to return unless payment arrangements are made. - Sample instalment approach (school practice): the school offers multi‑installment schedules and a monthly direct‑debit instalment plan for the larger instalments; a nominal fee for the monthly plan may apply. Boarding / Residence - The York School is a day school only and does not provide boarding facilities or homestay arrangements. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and typical additional fees - Junior School lunch service is provided and included in tuition for Junior School students; Middle and Senior School students may incur cafeteria charges for purchased meals. Additional incidental charges can include supplies, field trips and outdoor education fees, co‑curricular activity or team costs, instrument or music program fees (where applicable), and York Parents' Association membership. These charges are billed as incurred. - Uniform / spirit wear: the school operates a uniform/spirit‑wear program; costs for required uniform pieces and optional spirit wear are additional and are paid by families. (Uniform items and purchasing details are provided through the school's uniform guidance and parent communications.) Refunds and withdrawal policy - The school's withdrawal and tuition refund policy includes non‑refundability of the initial deposit/first instalment and staged refunds for later withdrawals; for example, under the published schedule for the prior academic year: the first instalment was non‑refundable after the first instalment due date; a partial refund (one‑half of the second instalment) was possible for withdrawals within a specified spring window; and after the final instalment date there was no refund of tuition. Fees may be prorated at the school's discretion in cases where enrolment is terminated by the school. Interest and outstanding incidental balances remain the family's responsibility. Accepted payment methods and payment processing - Standard bank bill‑pay: families may set up The York School as a payee through most major banks using the student account identifier. - Wire transfer: available by contacting the Finance Office; families are responsible for any bank transfer charges. - Monthly instalment plan: available via direct electronic bank debit (nominal service fee may apply). - Credit card payments: accepted through a third‑party processor (Plastiq) for most major cards; a service fee (e.g., 2.9%) applies to credit card transactions processed this way. - Cheque: accepted in limited circumstances (drop off or mail) though electronic payments are preferred. Notes on responsibility and collections - The school reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for reasons the Head of School deems appropriate; parents/guardians remain responsible for fee obligations in cases of suspension, dismissal, withdrawal, or absence unless otherwise determined by the school. Interest on overdue balances and restrictions on re‑enrolment for unpaid accounts are enforced.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered for Grade 8–12; boarders live on campus in boarding residences; boarders come from around the world. There are 70 boarders living on campus, 12 countries represented, and 100% of boarders are accepted to their university of choice.	Boarding arrangements The York School is a day school. There are no boarding facilities or homestay arrangements.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students wear a school uniform, which can be purchased from the BSS General Store; the uniform cost ranges from CAD 300 to CAD 800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used.	Uniform requirement All students wear a uniform. The Junior School and the Middle/Senior School have different uniforms, with separate summer and winter versions. An athletic uniform is required for PE and athletics; York Spirit Wear is included in the uniform.
Food options	Food options Boarders' Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Junior School lunches and snacks are included in tuition.	Food options Lunch is provided in the Junior School by Aramark and included in tuition. In the Middle/Senior School, a cafeteria offers full meals and grab-and-go options by Aramark; dietary needs are accommodated. Students may bring nut-free lunches; Grade 9-12 students may leave for lunch, and Middle School students have Lunch Out privileges.
House system	House system —	House system The house system comprises four houses: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors that directs the core strategic plan, and a Board of Trustees that manages the Endowment and Foundation initiatives.	Governance and ownership The York School is a not-for-profit corporation led by a Board of Directors comprising 18 members. The Board is supported by committees (Governance, Finance, Risk, Premises, and Advancement) and operates under CAIS governance standards.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Junior School extends and enriches the Ontario Curriculum with a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, enabling hands-on, inquiry-based learning where language, mathematics, science, social science, design technology, engineering, design thinking and research are integrated. Learning is supported by dedicated teachers for core subjects, with specialist instruction in French, music and physical education, plus access to the Junior School Learning Commons and Design Technology Lab. Grades 1–6 emphasize interdisciplinary connections, collaboration and real-world contexts to build foundational skills and confident learners. Grades 7 and 8 provide a broad preparation: humanities (English, history and geography), STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), French, physical education, visual arts and band/strings; accelerated math and French allow early Grade 9 credits, and a built-in Options program enriches the Ontario curriculum with additional experiences. Outdoor education is integrated, Chapel is held weekly, and social-emotional learning is emphasized through advisory structures and leadership opportunities. Grades 9 to 12 offer a comprehensive Ontario-based program with more than 100 credit courses, electives in business, technology and visual/media arts, and enrichment that elevates the Ontario curriculum; Advanced Placement is available (14 AP credits and AP Capstone Diploma), with university counselling guiding post-secondary planning; 100% of graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities.	Curriculum details The York School offers the International Baccalaureate program from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and a Personalized Pathway Program. The Diploma Program is part of Senior School, and graduates can earn both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma. Languages include Core French from JK through Grade 9 (AIM used through Grade 5), with Mandarin available as an elective from Grade 7 and Language B options in the IB for French, Mandarin, and Spanish. The Middle School curriculum covers nine core subjects (English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, French, Physical Education, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts, Technology) with electives such as Mandarin, Coding, Drama, and Learning Strategies in Grades 7–8. The Integrated Canadian Experience is a Grade 9 interdisciplinary course in Senior School. The York School is the first English‑speaking school in Canada to offer the full IB program, and the continuum supports a pathway toward the IB Diploma and OS diploma together.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Class sizes vary from 16–18 in JK/SK to 18–22 in Grade 4 and above, with an average class size of 18 students. Instruction is delivered by Core Teachers, with support from Specialist Teachers, Learning Resource Teachers, and Associate Teachers.
Exam results	Exam results strong results in AP courses	Exam results 100% of graduates have graduated and received offers to attend university, with graduates accepted to more than 145 national and international post‑secondary institutions. The IB Diploma Program culminates in external exams marked by outside examiners.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression All graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities. University Counselling uses a personalized approach beginning in Grades 7–8, with ongoing guidance as students tailor their post-secondary plans and prepare applications to Canada, the United States and beyond.	Higher education progression The York School has a dedicated University Counselling team. Each student is matched with a university counsellor in Senior School, who provides one‑on‑one guidance, helps with course selections for Grades 11–12, identifies suitable universities, offers feedback on essays, tracks deadlines, and assists with applications and offers.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Advanced Placement offered with 14 AP credits and the AP Capstone Diploma; accelerated math and French programs in Grades 7–8.	Gifted and talented There is no Gifted program; extension opportunities exist within the IB program.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Well-being is essential for learning and flourishing and is integrated into BSS from JK through Grade 12. The program is rooted in positive psychology and emphasizes agency, connection and resilience. It includes Circle of Care and a Tiered Support system to address students' needs, and is organized around seven well-being domains: Adaptable Mindset; Empathy and Compassion; Gratitude; Mindfulness; Self-Regulation; Kindness and Connection; and Character Strengths.	Social & emotional learning The York School fosters social and emotional learning through a wellbeing-centered approach. The homeroom and advisor programs promote meaningful discussions on identity, current events, and self-management strategies. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing provides a dedicated hub that connects wellbeing initiatives to daily life. The community emphasizes belonging, inclusivity, and respectful communication, helping students develop empathy, resilience, and collaborative skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Specialists provide individualized support. The Learning Resource Centre enhances learning skills, offers accommodations for students with Individual Education Plans, provides assistive technology and language resources, runs skill-building workshops, and includes a drop-in peer tutoring program.	Special educational needs (SEN) The York School does not provide any ELL support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language resources are available through the Learning Resource Centre to support language development.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction. The school accepts entry for Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 with limited English but strong foundational skills; Grades 2–6 require solid English. Students in Grades 7–11 must demonstrate English language proficiency as the school does not provide ELL support, with proficiency assessed during admissions and tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for non-native speakers. French begins in Junior Kindergarten and is mandatory through Grade 9; Mandarin may be studied from Grade 7 and Spanish or Mandarin from Grade 10.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Well-Being Counsellors are experts in the social and emotional life of girls and provide one-on-one support and development of relevant programs. The School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support. Well-being is addressed across academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing and Belonging is a core focus at The York School. The curriculum promotes safe and inclusive learning experiences, with homeroom and advisor programs facilitating discussions on identity, current events, and self-management strategies. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing serves as a hub for these practices and related support services. A wellbeing and learning strategies team provides individual and collaborative support to students, reinforcing a culture of care and belonging.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Circle of Care centers the child in education and relies on continuous communication among parents and educators to support students' journeys. It responds to students' diverse identities and needs with parents integral to the network.	Safeguarding Safety and inclusion are integral to York's culture. The school communicates in linguistically and culturally responsive ways and engages social workers to promote student wellbeing and inclusion. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing supports safeguarding by providing safe spaces and access to wellbeing resources; the community prioritizes representation, respect for differences, and a welcoming environment for all students and staff.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus blends a 105-year-old building with gleaming modern learning spaces. The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Two state-of-the-art theatres anchor the campus. The athletics footprint includes a Royal Gym with two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field.	Facilities overview Two midtown Toronto campuses serve JK–Grade 5 and Grades 6–12. The Junior School at 1639 Yonge Street offers a playground, an art room, a music room, classrooms, a cafeteria, a kindergarten area, an outdoor classroom, and a gymnasium. Renovations began in summer 2025 to expand STEAM spaces, enlarge the dining hall and learning commons, add a second gym, and create Grade 6 classrooms and a Leadership and Community Lounge, with completion planned for August 2026. The Middle & Senior School at 1320 Yonge Street includes classrooms and labs, a gymnasium, an athletic commons, a drama room, a music room, a cafeteria, turf, a library, and specialized rooms for film and STEAM learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Royal Gym includes two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field. The turf field enables extended seasons for field sports and provides a high-level training and competition space. A climbing wall supports PE programs.	Sports facilities Junior School includes a gymnasium. Middle & Senior School features a gymnasium, an athletic commons, and a turf field to support physical education and team sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Junior School spaces are light-filled and ideal for collaborative, hands-on learning. The Learning Commons provides a large collection of books and learning resources for JK–12.	Academic facilities The Middle & Senior Campus houses classrooms and labs, a science lab, a library, and specialized rooms for film and STEAM learning. The Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing, a drama room, a music room, and a cafeteria support academic and creative programs. The Junior School renovation adds STEAM spaces and learning commons, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning. These facilities provide spaces for interdisciplinary learning across both campuses.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Arts and Athletics programs include Junior School Athletics, Middle and Senior School Athletics and the High Performance Athlete Program. Collaboration Commons hosts activities, learning and events throughout the year. Two state-of-the-art theatres support performing arts, and a climbing wall enhances physical activities.	Extra curricular facilities A wide array of co-curricular activities is offered. Co-curricular clubs and experiential education are part of the program, supporting wellbeing and a sense of belonging across the school. The York School provides the full International Baccalaureate program, including the Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Personalized Pathway Programs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History On the first day of school in 1867, The Bishop Strachan School opened its doors to educate girls and prepare them to lead. Rev. John Langtry founded the school as a Church School designed to provide a curriculum co-extensive with first-class schools and within reach of people of moderate means. There were 31 students in the first year. The school moved to the city's growing locations around College and Yonge, and later to its current property. Today, more than 150 years after its founding, BSS has over 900 students.	History Founded in 1965 by Barbara Christie as a modest Montessori program in a small rented space in midtown Toronto. The Toronto Montessori School was renamed The York School in 1993–1994. The York School was the first in Canada—and the fourth in North America—to be accredited to offer the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs. Today more than 750 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 study at two urban campuses on Yonge Street: the Junior School at 1639 Yonge Street and the Middle and Senior School at 1320 Yonge Street. The York School celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025.
Community	Community The school has a Parent Association that builds a welcoming community for all BSS families. Parent volunteers come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They are dedicated to enhancing school spirit and involvement and coordinate a broad program of inclusive initiatives and events across the school, involving students, employees, families and alumnae. News, events and volunteer opportunities are shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and involvement can be initiated by contacting communityengagement@bss.on.ca. 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1X2 • (416) 483-4325.	Community The York School has two midtown Toronto campuses: the Junior School at 1639 Yonge Street (JK–Grade 5) and the Middle and Senior School at 1320 Yonge Street (Grades 6–12). The Terry Fox Run has been a school community event since 1994. In 2021, the Junior School Playground and Leigh Family Centre for Wellbeing were created with community support.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Association serves as the school's primary parent organization, bringing together families, staff and alumnae to support BSS. The group relies on active parent volunteers who contribute to school life and ensure broad involvement across grade levels. It organizes inclusive initiatives and events throughout the year, engaging students, employees, families and alumnae in learning and community life. Information about opportunities to get involved is shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and inquiries can be directed to communityengagement@bss.on.ca. The school's address and main contact details are listed for inquiries via the Parents page.	Parent teacher association York Parents Association (YPA) promotes a strong, cooperative and welcoming community and oversees events that increase spirit and camaraderie. Every parent and guardian is a member of the YPA, which is led by an Executive team and features fifteen elected positions and many volunteers. The 2025/2026 YPA Executive Team includes positions such as Past President, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and School Co-Chairs for the Senior, Middle, and Junior Schools. Grade Parent Reps act as liaisons between the school and their class. For involvement, contact ypa@yorkschool.com.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union. Co-curricular opportunities include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops with Harvard Student Agencies. These activities foster collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual DECA, Model UN and the VEX Robotics Competition are part of The York School's co-curricular program. The MITMUNC Model United Nations Conference hosted at MIT and participation in the Ontario DECA Provincial Championships show a strong emphasis on competitive academic experiences. York robotics teams regularly compete in the VEX Robotics Competition, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. These activities complement the IB program by providing real-world contexts for inquiry, collaboration and critical thinking.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The arts are integrated from JK to Grade 12 with opportunities to learn a musical instrument, join a dance class, sing in a choir or take a role in a stage production. Arts programs cultivate creativity, critical thinking, resilience and well-being and connect with other subjects through interdisciplinary projects. In the Junior School, vocal and percussion skills are taught through Grade 5; Grade 6 adds instrumental music; the Junior Choir and the Fun Plus program offer opportunities for vocal, musical theatre and dance performances. A Director of the Arts leads a comprehensive program across the school with facilities that include theatres, studios and media and design labs.	Arts & creative Drama, music, visual arts and film are offered at the Senior School within the IB framework. The Senior School mounts a major play or musical each year and showcases student performances through assemblies, concerts, coffee houses and festivals. The IB Diploma music program includes performance ensembles and composition opportunities, with travel and performance experiences as part of the program. Visual arts courses cover drawing, painting, digital media, printmaking and sculpture, with gallery visits and cross-cultural arts experiences.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Global learning provides leadership opportunities through trips and events that emphasize belonging, cultural competency and ethical citizenship. Reciprocal language exchanges and language immersion with Ermitage International School in France, along with virtual exchanges with partner schools, broaden linguistic and cultural understanding. Co-curricular experiences include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops. Past local and global experiences include language, culture, history and arts explorations in Spain, performing arts trips to New York, Ireland and other locations, and cultural explorations in London and Paris.	Cultural & language An IB-focused environment promotes global-mindedness and international contexts, with students encouraged to collaborate with peers around the world to address global challenges. The York School emphasizes inclusivity and the value of diverse perspectives within the learning community. Middle School Co-Curricular Clubs include Mandarin Club and Jewish Culture Club, reflecting language and cultural engagement.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are 40 student-led clubs across the school giving students diverse options beyond class. Clubs include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and a range of topics from poetry to video production to photography. Community groups include Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Peer Connections, Moral Courage Task Force, Gender Sexuality Alliance and Spectrum, the school newspaper.	Social & hobbies Co-Curricular Clubs cover a wide range of interests. Middle School clubs include Public Speaking, Debate, Current Events Club, Game Society, Maker/Programmer's Club, Dance Team, Mandarin Club, Choir, Lego Club, Concert Band, Chess Club and Robotics, among others. The program is staff- and student-led, with student facilitators developing leadership skills as they run clubs.
Community & service	Community & service Service learning is a powerful, often life-changing experience and a core part of BSS culture. Student-led service initiatives increase accessibility, justice and equity for marginalized groups, with projects such as food and clothing drives, peer tutoring and Pride Week. In the Junior School, Grade 5 and 6 students tutor younger peers; in Middle and Senior School, students turn classroom learning into action through service initiatives and community projects.	Community & service Service learning is a core component of Middle School and Senior School programs. Middle School Service Learning provides meaningful service and community outreach, with examples such as Library Program volunteering, Daily Bread Food Bank Drive, clothing drives and campaigns, and Walk/Run events. The York School strongly recommends that students in Grades 9 and 10 perform a total of 40 hours of volunteer service over those two years, with CAS requirements for the IB Diploma guiding senior-year service. Online systems and school coordinators help students log hours and reflect on their experiences.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership centers student voice; leadership is learned through training and workshops and practiced across councils, clubs and teams. Senior students can be elected or appointed to formal leadership roles, including Head Prefect, Head Boarder, Grad Prefect, House Prefect and various Council and Academic Team leadership positions. The Leadership Retreat provides development for senior student leaders, and Councils (Arts, Academics, Athletics, Boarding, Business, Chapel, Communications, Events, Environment, Global Awareness, Grad, and others) support student leadership and initiative. Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union.	Leadership & professional Co-Curricular Clubs are staff- and student-led, providing leadership development opportunities for student facilitators and reflecting The York School's emphasis on student-driven programming. The University Counselling team guides students in post-secondary planning, helping with course selections, school matches and application timelines to support leadership and career-ready pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics is a powerful tool for personal growth, fostering mental well-being, confidence and resilience. BSS offers 80+ athletic teams across 21+ sports with a focus on progress, perseverance and teamwork. Facilities include a turf field, two gyms, a pool, dance studios, a rock-climbing wall and a fitness centre. The High Performance Athlete Program provides academic advising and mentorship for advanced athletes, and the Lang Scholar Program offers leadership development opportunities while well-being is supported through Circle of Care, Tiered Support and seven domains of well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The York School runs a broad athletics program across Junior, Middle and Senior School with 48 competitive teams in the Middle and Senior School. Junior School Athletics introduces students to a variety of sports and offers Sport Development Clinics for JK–Grade 3, helping develop motor skills and teamwork. Middle and Senior School Athletics emphasize teamwork, fair play and personal bests within a healthy, supportive environment. The York Storm, adopted in September 2025, represents the school's team spirit and energy, with Bolt the peregrine falcon as the mascot.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French is taught in the Junior School by specialist teachers; in the early grades, French introduces everyday vocabulary through stories, songs and games. From Grade 1 onward, French emphasizes conversational fluency and writing; by Grades 4 to 6, instruction includes writing, question formation and storytelling, with ongoing conversational practice and interpretation of texts in Grade 6. Spanish is offered through the Global Learning program with Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish in iEARN virtual exchanges; there is also a Spain language, culture, history and arts experience to broaden language exposure.	Language provision The York School uses English as the language of instruction. Core French is compulsory from JK through Grade 9, taught with the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) through Grade 5. In Middle School, Mandarin is an elective starting in Grade 7. IB Diploma Language B options include French, Mandarin and Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Reciprocal language-immersion exchanges are maintained with Ermitage International School in France. A Spanish language exchange is conducted through iEARN with partner schools for Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish via virtual conversations. A language, culture, history and arts experience in Spain supports language exposure in real-world contexts.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The BSS Volunteer Service Award — recognizes outstanding volunteerism by parents or alumnae, with up to three recipients each year. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — program for Grades 9–12 offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Renata McCARTHY '59 Grade 7 Citizenship Award — endowed Grade 7 citizenship award. The Michele WATT Cassidy '75 Award for the Pursuit of a Dream — endowed award fund. The Award for Teaching Excellence — endowed fund under Endowed and Named Funds.	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Apply online. The Bishop Strachan School uses an online application via MyBSS; create an account and complete the online application form, including the parent and student questionnaires; you can pause and resume your application before submitting. Early Bird and Day School deadlines apply: Early Bird Deadline November 1, 2025 ($250) and Day School Deadline December 1, 2025 ($300). 2. Assessments. Junior School applicants (JK/SK) participate in small-group activities; Grades 1–6 complete a math and English test, plus group activities and games. Middle and Senior School assessments evaluate numeracy, literacy and interpersonal skills with an age-appropriate math assessment and a written task based on a reading passage; there is no need to study or prepare in advance. Grade 7 and 9 applicants are hosted on campus in December 2025 and January 2026, with international students able to complete the assessment virtually on one of two available dates. 3. Admissions decisions and boarding options. Admissions decisions are communicated by email; the Admissions Decision Day for the 2026 cycle is February 20, 2026. Boarding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, space permitting. 4. Financial assistance and scholarships. The deadline to apply for Financial Assistance and Scholarships is January 5, 2026.	Admissions 1. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are being accepted; the deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. This ensures families have adequate time to prepare materials and complete the admissions process. 2. To begin, submit an inquiry using the 'Register to Learn More or to Book a Tour' form or click 'Apply Now' to create a YorkNet family portal account, which is used to receive admissions updates and deadlines. 3. For Grades 7–11, entrance assessments are online (fee $125) and are delivered through a collaboration with Crescent School and Royal St. George's College; a single assessment covers applications to any of the three schools, and you can take it at The York School, Crescent School, or Royal St. George's College. 4. The admission process includes an interview, assessment, a teacher reference, and supporting documents such as report cards; Letters of Recommendation are not required. 5. Assessment dates by grade include: Grade 7 on November 15, 2025 or December 13, 2025 at The York School; Grade 8 on January 13, 2026 at The York School; Grade 9 on November 15, 2025 or November 29, 2025 at The York School; Grades 10–11 on January 13, 2026 at The York School. Out-of-province/international applicants for Grades 7–11 will write the assessment virtually from their location, with the date and time provided later. 6. International applicants follow the same application process as domestic applicants; application fees and tuition fees are the same; international families may need to arrange a Study Permit depending on status. 7. The main entry years are Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 7, and Grade 9; grade placement is determined by the calendar year. 8. Language and English proficiency: The language of instruction is English; The York School does not provide ELL support; JK–SK–Grade 1 may be admitted with limited English, but Grades 2–6 require strong English; Grades 7–11 must demonstrate English proficiency, with language assessments (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) if needed. 9. If you have questions, or need additional information about the admissions timeline or requirements, the admissions team can be contacted through the YorkNet process.
Scholarships	Scholarships Financial assistance and merit-based scholarships are available for students entering Grade 6–12. A completed scholarship application form is required. The deadline to apply for all scholarships for the 2026–27 school year is January 5, 2026.	Scholarships Financial Aid is available for qualified students in Grades 9–12 based on demonstrated financial need; families must submit an Apple Financial Services application in addition to The York School application by the deadline of December 1, 2025; any Financial Aid awards are communicated along with admission offers. Tuition costs cover the majority of attendance; uniforms, textbooks, laptops, lunches, and activities/trips are extra and vary by grade and level of involvement; for a detailed breakdown of fees, refer to the Tuition information.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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