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A Strong Start: Enrichment That Prepares Children for Private School

A curriculum carefully designed to align with private school early admissions requirements. Our ECE educators provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailor a personalized development plan, ensuring each child successfully meets private school admission standards.
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For families with children aged 2 to 7 who are:

  • Planning to apply for private school entry from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2;
  • Wanting to prepare their child to succeed in early years entrance exams; and,
  • Focusing on building a strong foundation in their child’s development well before school starts.
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

Curriculum Focused on Core Admissions Criteria

Our programs are designed by former private school assessors, principals, and admissions officers—directly targeting the key skills valued in early years admissions: language, academic, and social-emotional abilities.

Personalized Learning Path with Continuous Progress Tracking

We begin with an entrance readiness assessment to pinpoint your child’s developmental stage and areas for growth. Courses are matched to their current level, and teaching priorities are adjusted dynamically as your child progresses.

Exam Simulations for Maximum Performance

 Leveraging our extensive database of interview and group assessment scenarios, we recreate the testing process and question types, helping children become comfortable with the real exam environment and perform at their best on assessment day.
Comprehensive Guidance From Start to Finish
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.

    Private School Preparation

    This program blends academic skill building with soft skills development. Guided by experienced teachers, students receive personalized support based on their developmental stage. We focus on mastering the key abilities assessed in private school group assessment, while mock assessments and targeted coaching help them adapt to the format and environment, so they can perform their best on the big day.

    Unlock Your Soft Skills

    A dynamic, levelled program that focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, confidence, and strong character, we coach our students on the essential soft skills for private school success and lifelong growth.

    Language & Literacy

    We have created a levelled language curriculum that develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through phonics and multisensory learning. Students build vocabulary, strengthen self-expression, and enhance reading comprehension, laying a strong foundation for academic achievement and a lifelong love of learning.

    Steam

    Rooted in mathematical thinking and enriched with science, technology, engineering, and the arts, our STEAM program uses hands-on experiments and interactive activities to spark curiosity, foster innovation, and build problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to think boldly, experiment freely, and turn ideas into tangible creations.

    Teamwork in Motion

    By combining movement-based teamwork and interactive play, our program teaches students how to communicate and work collaboratively, while building gross motor coordination, balance, and confidence in a supportive, fun-filled environment.

    Speak & Shine

    Through language games, rhymes, storytelling, and mini-plays, students boost their public speaking confidence, oral communication skills, and teamwork abilities. They learn to express themselves with clarity, creativity, and confidence.

    Parent & Me

    In these interactive parent-child classes, children take their first confident steps into learning with a loved one by their side. Led by experienced early childhood educators, activities foster social skills, classroom readiness, and a stronger parent-child bond, preparing children for independent learning in the future.

    English Explorers

    One-on-one English immersion lessons use Communicative Language Teaching and Total Physical Response (TPR) to expand vocabulary and build listening and speaking confidence. Children practice real-life communication in a fun, engaging way, making language learning a natural, joyful experience.

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.

    Launchpad Academy

    A preschool program designed specifically to prepare children for private elementary school admissions.

    Early Years Private School Admissions Guidance

    Comprehensive admissions consulting for younger applicants, from school selection and application strategy to document preparation and interview coaching.

    Little Scholars After School Enrichment Program

    A leveled program built around early-years private school admissions criteria

    Early Years Admission Guidance

    Plan admissions timelines and strategies for daycare, preschool, and private school (JK) based on each family’s goals and school fit.
Answers to Parents’ Most Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a Free Assessment
  • What is the format of the JK and K private school entrance exams?

    Most private schools in BC use in-person group assessments for JK and K applicants. Children participate in a series of activities in small groups while assessors observe both their individual performance and how they interact with others. Parents who want details on the exact format and schedule for their target schools this year can contact us for more information.

  • When are the entrance exams held?

    For JK & K entry, most private schools conduct assessments between December and January. Since developing and strengthening your children’s skills takes time, we recommend families begin preparation 12–14 months in advance.

  • What skills are assessed during the entrance evaluation?

    No. The ability to separate from parents without significant anxiety, and to regulate emotions independently, is an important part of what private schools evaluate. We help parents prepare their children for this in advance.

  • Can parents accompany their child during the entrance assessment?

    No. The ability to separate from parents without significant anxiety, and to regulate emotions independently, is an important part of what private schools evaluate. We help parents prepare their children for this in advance.

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

View More 

    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

    Read More

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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