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Academic Skills and Confidence for Private School Admissions Success

Our curriculum is based on the three major components of private school applications: the SSAT/internal exam, student statements/essays, and group assessments. Our levelled-based classes are tailored by KEY’s professional education team to match each child’s current abilities, close skill gaps, and prepare efficiently.
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WHO IS IT FOR:​

Families with children aged 8 to 15:

  • Students aiming for top US and Canadian day or boarding schools;
  • Those seeking to boost academic performance and achieve high SSAT scores; and,
  • Families who want to prepare strong student essays and excel in group assessments.
Proven Track Record of Success

Our Results

Every year, KEY students receive offers from top private schools and universities across Canada, the United States, and abroad. Our results reflect the strength of our personalized guidance, academic preparation, and strategic application planning that help families turn their educational goals into reality.
2021-22 results
Why Families Choose KEY Education

Benefits

Levelled Classes to prepare for the SSAT

Our comprehensive entry assessment evaluates academic performance, placing students into our levelled class. We help students to improve their weak areas, and refine test-taking strategies to achieve efficient and measurable SSAT improvement.

Crafting Customized Application Statements

Our education team helps strengthen writing skills, while admissions advisors develop tailored application themes and recommend extracurricular activities to build a rich pool of statement materials. Finally, our writing coach provides one-on-one guidance to create personalized application essays that speak directly to target private schools.

Group Assessment Simulation to Maximize Assessment Performance

Leveraging years of data from private school group assessments and student interviews, we accurately recreate scenarios and question types, allowing students to adapt to real testing conditions in advance and to perform at their best during the actual assessment.
Comprehensive Guidance From Start to Finish

Program Components

Our program is designed to guide families through every stage of the admissions journey. From initial assessments to post-acceptance onboarding, we combine academic preparation, interview coaching, and application strategy to ensure your child is confident, prepared, and ready to thrive at their new school.

    SSAT Preparation

    This program is divided into two main areas, Math and English, covering all four sections of the SSAT. Through assignments, interactive activities, and practice tests, students will learn how to identify and solve both the common and non-standard style of questions that are typical of SSAT questions in all four components.

    Unlock Your Soft Skills – Advanced

    Simulating the environment and process of private school group assessments, our program helps students adapt to the setting, manage nerves, and demonstrate their full potential during evaluations.

    Unlock Your Soft Skills – Foundation

    In scenario-based lessons, students develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while building habits of confidence and mutual respect, preparing them for the advanced level of soft skills training.

    Immersive English (I)

    Designed for students who speak English but are not yet at grade level, our course strengthens grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Once proficiency is achieved, students can progress seamlessly into Immersive English (II) for more advanced learning.

    Immersive English (II)

    Building on a strong grammar foundation, students learn to construct complex sentences and organized essays, while group activities and writing tasks foster critical thinking and communication skills, preparing them for SSAT success and advanced academic work.

    Vocabulary Enrichment

    Using root, prefix, and suffix analysis, contextual inference, and visual mapping, students learn strategies for quickly understanding new words. The course not only improves SSAT vocabulary scores but also strengthens reading comprehension, expression, and creative thinking.

    Math Concepts

    Our accelerated math program introduces concepts beyond standard grade-level expectations, including number sense, mental math, symmetry, sequences and series, and rates of change. This builds a strong foundation for the SSAT Math module and advanced math studies.

    Advanced Reading

    Through close reading and critical analysis of various text types, students sharpen their reading comprehension and analytical thinking to exceed grade-level expectations, standing out in both the SSAT and private school applications.

    Foundation Writing

    For students not yet at grade-level English proficiency, this course establishes a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary while introducing the structure of paragraphs, essays, and narratives, preparing them for advanced writing courses.

    Advanced Writing

    Expanding on foundational writing skills, students learn to plan, revise, and proofread with precision. They explore diverse writing styles and strategies to meet the high standards of private schools, producing writing that is clear, persuasive, and impactful.

Let’s Get Started
With a Free Assessment

Our educator will evaluate your child based on private school assessment criteria. After the assessment, a report will be provided to help you understand your child's readiness for private school assessment.
Explore More Ways We Can Help

You Might Also Be Interested In:

Families often pair our admissions guidance with other KEY programs to strengthen skills, boost confidence, and prepare for the next stage of learning. Here are a few related services you might find valuable.

    Early Years Private School Admissions Guidance

    Comprehensive admissions consulting for younger applicants, from school selection and application strategy to document preparation and interview coaching. We guide families through every step of the process.

    Primary & Secondary Private School Admissions Guidance

    Strategic planning and guidance on every part of the admissions process,including school selection, application narratives, interview prep, and private school onboarding.

    Little Scholars After School Enrichment Program

    A leveled program built around early-years private school admissions criteria, with a focus on strengthening three key areas: language expression, academic foundations, and social-emotional development. 

    Junior Scholars Academic Support Program

    Designed according to private school assessments, our leveled courses strengthen language comprehension, logical thinking, and oral expression, while also training written and interview skills to comprehensively tackle entrance requirements.

    LaunchPad Academy

     A preschool program designed specifically to prepare children for private elementary school admissions. Our curriculum is aligned with private school evaluation standards, ensuring our students are fully prepared for entrance assessments and interviews, and a smooth school transition.

    Junior Scholars Academic Advising

    To ensure students continuously improve academically and develop good study habits, each family is assigned a dedicated academic advisor who works closely with students, teachers, and our admissions advisors to create a personalized academic plan that precisely meets the child’s needs.
Answers to Parents’ Most Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What materials and assessments are typically required for primary and secondary private school applications?

    Requirements vary by school. Please contact us to receive a detailed admissions checklist for your target schools. In most cases, schools require standardized tests such as the SSAT or their own entrance exams. Some also conduct group assessments to evaluate soft skills, and students in certain grades may be required to interview with admissions officers or other school staff. Typical application materials include past transcripts, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendation letters, or teacher evaluation forms.

  • When will the private school entrance exams take place?

    For the SSAT, most private schools in BC require students to submit their test result before December. Group assessments are usually conducted between November and the following February. Since both skill development and exam preparation take time, families are advised to start preparing their children 12 to 14 months in advance.

  • What SSAT score is needed for private school admission?

    There is no publicly stated benchmark score. Since private schools use a holistic review process, SSAT results are important, but application materials and assessment performance are equally critical. We recommend booking a free initial evaluation and consultation with us so we can provide tailored advice for your family.

  • What exactly is tested in a private school group assessment?

    In a group assessment, students are divided into small groups and given a limited amount of time to research a specific project or solve a problem together. After the discussion, they present their findings. Teachers use this process to evaluate key soft skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork.

KEY INSIGHTS

Admissions & Learning Resources

Get the resources you need to navigate school choices with confidence. Explore our curated guides, checklists, and expert tips designed for parents at every stage.

Resources

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    Insider Secrets from Admissions Officers: Mastering Essays & Interviews

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    The New CEO of Goldman Sachs Describes the Valuable Job Skill He’s Finding Less

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    Are You Ready to Be a Private School Parent? Here’s How You Can Tell

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    How should children and parents prepare for private school interviews?

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    Why are students skilled in debate more likely to enter top universities?

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    Teaching Your Kids This Skill Will Set Them Up for Success.

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    Applying to Private School? Here’s What You Should Have Done by Nov. 15

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    Your Child’s Mid-term Grades Are Bad. What Can You Do Now?

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    Private School Application Checklist: Early October Edition

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    SSAT Prep Turns Low Test Scores Around

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Let’s Get Started
With a Complimentary Consultation!

Take the first step toward your child’s admission success. In this free, no-obligation session, we’ll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and map out a personalized plan to guide your admissions journey.
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