Questions We Are Often Asked Regarding Admissions

Q: What parts of the Lower Mainland are most of your families from and what ethnicities do they represent?
A: Stratford Hall draws most students from families living in east Vancouver and Burnaby, but increasingly from the West Side and the Tri-Cities area. Languages spoken at home include English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, German, Farsi, Spanish, French and Vietnamese. Stratford Hall is proud to serve such a diverse student population and our mission clearly reflects the importance we place on ethnic diversity.

Q: What kind of afterschool activities, care and ‘Pro-D’ day care is available?
A: Afterschool care is available for parents requiring it. Contact the school admissions office at info@stratfordhall.ca for information about this. We also offer a host of afterschool clubs and lessons available including everything from Mandarin lessons to craft classes and sports clubs (at the Upper School, students are even able to join the Wall Climbing Club in our on-campus “Big Top”). Mandarin lessons are the only ones requiring extra payment. All others are free of charge.

Paid care is also available on professional development days and parents may sign up children for this as required. While no before-school care is available, families are able to drop their children off starting at 8am.

Q: When will the new Lower School building open?
A: The building officially opened in November, 2009. The new Lower School building is purpose built, meets LEED Gold standards, and is co-located with the current Upper School and administrative building on Commercial Drive. Features include a full-size gymnasium, two levels of pavilions, learning spaces for grades K-5, and a landscaped rooftop rest and play area for students and staff to enjoy. 

Q: Is Stratford Hall co-educational and non-denominational?
A: Yes – we accept both boys and girls and are not affiliated with any religion.

Q: What is the average class size at Stratford Hall?
A: The average class size varies according to grade. At the kindergarten level the maximum class size is 16 students, 20 at grades 1-5, and 22 at grades 6-12. 

Q: What percentage of Stratford Hall graduates continue to university?
A: To date, all of our graduates are studying at universities in Canada, including UBC, Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria. As IB Diploma graduates, Stratford Hall graduates are eligible for transfer credits applying to their first year at university. The IB is the only internationally-recognized high school graduation program; this means Stratford Hall graduates are eligible to apply anywhere in the world, and will have their transcripts recognized as valid without any additional evaluation necessary. 

Q: How may I see the school?
A: Please call Olivia Law, Admissions Coordinator (604-436-0608), to arrange a tour or to find out when our next information session or open house will be. 

Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Our general deadline for receipt is December 31st for kindergarten and grade one.  Assessments take place in mid-February and we make offers of admission in late February.