General Inquiries
Is there a deadline for applications?
The office works on a rolling admissions basis. This means that we accept applications all year, as we work through the admissions process (tour, assessments, decision, registration). However, our spaces do fill up very quickly, so it is recommended that applications be submitted early in the year.
What is the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly-respected programs of international education that develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world. IB programs challenge students aged 3-19 to excel in their studies and encourage both personal and academic achievement. For additional information, please visit the official IB website.
We offer more information about the IB program at St. Jude’s on our Academics pages.
St. Jude’s Academy is an Authorized World Continuum School. That means that our PYP, MYP and DP programs are all validated and approved by IB. We are one of the only schools in the area to have such a distinction.
How can I get in touch with current SJA families?
Many of our current families are more than happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stjudesacademy.com for more information.
There are also a number of honest reviews of SJA on the OurKids website.
What does your student body look like?
Our school embodies diversity! We take pride in our multicultural community, where students and staff from all backgrounds come together to embrace the opportunity to learn from one another – creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Together, our students and staff form a dynamic community that values inclusion, promotes mutual respect, and prepares graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
What is St. Jude’s class culture like?
St. Jude’s class culture is nothing short of amazing! We take pride in our strong emphasis on fostering individual success, while promoting active learning and engagement – all of which establishes a vibrant educational environment for our students.
Our commitment to nurturing a stellar class culture fosters a genuine passion for learning, making every lesson a captivating journey of discovery. Classes are designed to be dynamic and interactive, allowing students to explore concepts hands-on and participate actively in their own education. This vibrant approach not only ensures academic excellence but also cultivates critical thinking skills, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Here at St. Jude’s Academy, teachers work tirelessly to tailor their approach to each child’s individual needs, and students are constantly encouraged to reach their full potential. We focus on creating an environment in which student can flourish, and develop into well-rounded individuals – preparing them for success, in all facets of life.
What are the Lower School and Upper School?
Our Lower School includes students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Our Upper School includes students in Grades 7 to 12.
Is St. Jude’s Academy a semestered or non-semestered school?
St. Jude’s Academy is non-semestered, which means that Upper School students take the same eight courses from September to June. This allows students to continuously learn about the subject on an ongoing basis and stay engaged with the subject matter. This generally gives students better academic results, as students balance all eight courses continuously.
Academics
What languages does St. Jude’s Academy offer?
Instruction is primarily done in English. French is our main second language focus, as it is a required component of the IB program. However, Mandarin is an elective (optional course) offered to Upper School students!
Does your school have “O-Levels” or “A-Levels”?
No, Canadian high schools do not have O-Levels or A-Levels, which are common in British countries. Canadian schools offer secondary credit courses.
Can I graduate with only the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and not take the IB Diploma Program?
Yes, all of our Grade 11 and Grade 12 students have a choice between graduating with only the OSSD or graduating with both the OSSD and the IB Diploma obtained from our Diploma Programme.
If you are unsure which path to take, our friendly teachers and Guidance staff will help you. St. Jude’s Academy offers detailed university prep and academic guidance for Upper School students.
How many courses do I need in order to graduate?
Grade 12 students need 30 credits to graduate. Each year, students can take up to eight academic credit courses.
Tuition and Fees
What does the Supply Fee cover?
The Supply Fee covers class materials and educational resources for your child. This includes textbooks, notebooks, art supplies, erasers, glue, markers, crayons, photocopies and more!
What is the IB Fee?
The IB Fee covers the unique expenses required with running the IB program at our school. Our teachers are required to do specialized IB training and our students take IB tests, assessments and exams depending on their grade.
Student Life & Wellness
What’s new in Student Life & Wellness?
Click here for our latest list of activities, contests, creative challenges and resources! St. Jude’s students are serious about academic excellence, but are equally excited by the fun new opportunities always happening at SJA!
Do you have a Guidance Counselor on staff?
Yes, our very experienced and friendly Ms. Vickie Chang and her Guidance staff manage student assessments, class placements, behavioural issues, academic guidance, university prep and more! For more information about Guidance and Learning Support, click here.
Do you have a Parents Guild?
Yes, St. Jude’s Academy has a wonderful group of connected parents who love to contribute ideas and talents to our school. Join us!
What are SJA Houses?
As soon as you join the SJA family, we welcome you into a special “insiders club” called a House. All students, JK to Grade 12, and all staff are divided into one of three Houses: Kappa, Zeta and Theta.
The House System makes our school culture unique and a ton of fun! Wear your House colours apparel and support your peers at our exciting sports events, challenges, contests and activities. Competitive streak? Check!
Learn more about the House System here.
Do you have a Student Council?
Yes! Want to share your ideas and talents? Join the planning and make things happen! St. Jude’s Student Council is a great way to make new friends and get involved in school activities.
Does St. Jude’s Academy run any holiday camps?
Yes, SJA offers exceptional children’s camps! Find out about the latest March Break or Summer Camps here. Join the fun!
What extracurricular activities does SJA offer?
Click on one of the following links to learn about all of the exciting extracurriculars we offer:
Student Life During Continuous Online Learning
Does St. Jude’s Academy offer After School Care for younger students?
Yes! For your convenience, we offer an Extended Care Program for students in JK to Grade 8. In the mornings, you can drop off your children from 7:30 am to 8:30 am free of charge. If you would like after school care, our Extended Care Program begins at 3:45 pm and ends at 6:00 pm. Learn more here.
Does SJA hold assemblies?
Yes! St. Jude’s Academy holds daily Lower School and Upper School assemblies so that everyone can stay informed and connected.
St. Jude’s hosts daily online assemblies at 8:45 am for all of our in-school and online students, JK to Grade 12.
I am worried about fitting in. What should I expect?
It is totally natural to feel nervous about going to a new school. Our students and staff are here to welcome you. St. Jude’s Academy is a very positive, supportive environment. New students start in all grades every year, so you will be one of many newbies adjusting to our school.
The great news is… you can do it! We are very happy to have you. Try to relax and think of all the new experiences you will soon enjoy. Smile and people will smile back at you!
Be courageous and introduce yourself! Try saying: “Hi, I’m new! Can we hang out?” and by the end of the first day, we are sure that you will have a new friend!
International Students
Are there international students at St. Jude’s Academy?
Yes, we warmly welcome international students! If you are new to Canada and to St. Jude’s Academy, we look forward to meeting you! If you have friends or relatives abroad who are thinking of coming to Canada, please contact our Admissions Office.
Our school has many staff and students who have immigrated from other countries (first-generation Canadians) and many second-generation Canadians (their parents immigrated to Canada). We are all one big happy family!
Does your school have “O-Levels” or “A-Levels”?
No, Canadian high schools do not have O-Levels or A-Levels, which are common in British countries. Canadian schools offer secondary credit courses.
Do you have a residence? What about housing for senior international students?
Yes, St. Jude’s Academy has a residence! Currently, we house eight to nine male international students. Female international students need to make private Homestay arrangements or make living arrangements with friends and family. Learn more about residence here.
English is not my first language. What about ESL?
St. Jude’s Academy offers English as a Second Language support at an additional cost. We have two types of international student Registration Packages, which can be found on our Tuition and Fees for International Students page.
How can I improve my English skills?
The best way is to practice! Learning a new language certainly takes time, but your efforts will pay off. Here are some tips: make friends with English students, communicate in English as much as possible (at school, at home, on weekends and holidays), listen to English music, watch English movies and TV, read English books, visit English websites, ask friends to correct your pronunciation privately and ask teachers or friends to explain cultural references/jokes. Most importantly, stay positive, smile and don’t give up!
I am worried about fitting in. What should I expect?
It is totally natural to feel nervous about going to a new school. Our students and staff are here to welcome you. St. Jude’s Academy is a very positive, supportive environment. New students start in all grades every year, so you will be one of many newbies adjusting to our school.
The great news is… you can do it! We are very happy to have you. Try to relax and think of all the new experiences you will soon enjoy. Smile and people will smile back at you!
Be courageous and introduce yourself! Try saying: “Hi, I’m new! Can we hang out?” and by the end of the first day, we are sure that you will have a new friend!