Frequently Asked Questions

St. Bon's is an independent, co-educational Catholic school in the Jesuit (Ignatian) tradition, founded in 1856 in St. John's — one of the oldest and most respected schools in Atlantic Canada. We offer a K–12 education committed to developing the whole child: mind, body, character, and spirit.

We operate in the Ignatian tradition, centred on cura personalis (care for the whole person), magis (striving for more), forming "men and women for others," and a pedagogy of inquiry. You do not need to be Catholic — or religious at all — to thrive here; an open mind and a generous heart are what we ask.

A full K–12 program, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the senior grades, with a 100% post-secondary acceptance rate. We don't set a single cap; class size depends on composition — how a group of learners forms a community — so teachers can see, value, and challenge every student. When a class is "full" for its composition, we open a waitlist.

Yes — fully co-educational, welcoming students of all genders from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Historically a boys' school, St. Bon's has been co-educational for many years and is proud of its diverse, inclusive community.

No. We warmly welcome students of all faith backgrounds — and of none. Non-Catholic students are never pressured to participate in practices that aren't their own, and are embraced fully as members of the community. What we ask is an open mind and a generous heart.

Diversity and inclusion are part of who we are, not a program. We welcome students from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including a growing international community, and work to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and at home.

Formation looks different for every student. Our Religion & Ethics curriculum builds ethical literacy and exposure to world religions without requiring anyone to adopt Catholic doctrine; Ignatian reflection practices, service learning, and school liturgies are offered in ways open to all — participation is invited, never compelled. Many of our most engaged students come from non-Catholic and non-religious families.

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but spaces in certain grades fill quickly (especially Kindergarten and early secondary). For September entry, begin by January or February. International students should begin 9–12 months ahead for study-permit timelines.

A completed Application for Admission, recent report cards, a school reference, a two-day Student for a Day visit, and — for some grades — an interview and entrance assessment. The Hockey and Music programs have their own evaluations. We consider each applicant holistically.

Your child spends two full school days with us — attending classes, meeting students and teachers, and getting a real sense of daily life. It isn't a test; it's a chance to see whether St. Bon's feels like the right fit. Most students leave having already made a friend or two.

We're not looking for perfection — we're looking for genuine curiosity, a willingness to engage and try new things, kindness and integrity, and a desire to grow. Academic performance matters but is one piece of a holistic picture; we give significant weight to character, fit, and potential. Students who struggled elsewhere often flourish here.

Yes — mid-year applications are considered case by case, subject to space. We know relocations and school changes don't always align with September; contact the Admissions Office and we'll do our best to accommodate your family.

As an independent school, tuition fees apply and are updated annually. Please contact the Admissions Office for current rates. Tuition may be paid by families directly, or in some cases by an employer or sponsoring organization.

Yes — need-based bursary support is available through a rigorous process, handled separately from admissions by our partner Apple Financial Services. Indicate interest on your application; after you receive an Offer of Admission you'll get a link to apply. Indicating interest never affects the admissions decision.

The only program of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with XTREME HOCKEY — intensive on-ice training with expert coaches (including former NHL players) built into the school day, for boys and girls from Learn-to-Skate to elite. Placement is evaluated separately from general admissions.

One of the most comprehensive music programs in the country — choir, four levels of band, jazz and chamber ensembles, theory and composition — led by world-renowned conductors, with a tradition of national and international performance.

Our Academic team works with students, families, and teachers to put appropriate supports in place — extended time, assistive technology, distraction-reduced settings, and individualized plans where appropriate. Disclosing learning needs is confidential and does not affect the admissions decision.

The Newfoundland and Labrador provincial curriculum — so graduates meet all provincial requirements and are ready for post-secondary study anywhere in Canada — enriched in the Jesuit tradition. Senior students (Grades 10–12) can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute (AVLI) they access online courses with Jesuit schools across North America.

Almost every student takes part in at least one activity. Athletics include hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, cross-country, track & field, tennis, badminton, and golf; arts include choir, band, jazz, drama, and art; plus debate, Model UN, science fair, student council, social justice and — uniquely — yoga, beekeeping, and gardening.

Absolutely. St. Bon's is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) authorized to enrol international students, and our team has experience guiding families through the Canadian study-permit process. Because immigration steps take time, international families should reach out to Admissions as early as possible.

In most cases yes — students who aren't Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and plan to study here for more than six months generally need a valid Study Permit from IRCC. Shorter stays may not, depending on circumstances. We provide the official enrolment documentation to support a permit application; confirm your specific requirements with IRCC or a regulated consultant.

Instruction is entirely in English. Applicants whose first language isn't English may demonstrate proficiency via IELTS Academic (typically a 5.5+ band, depending on grade), TOEFL iBT, or a documented history (2+ years) in an English-medium school. Each application is assessed individually, and we may invite an informal language conversation.

St. Bon's is a day school with no residence, but our team can provide guidance and referrals to reputable homestay providers in St. John's through our preferred partners. Many families also have a parent relocate temporarily while their child settles in. Note your accommodation needs on the application and we'll be in touch.

We're at 2A Bonaventure Avenue in the heart of downtown St. John's, next to the Basilica of St. John the Baptist — one of the most distinctive historic campuses in Atlantic Canada. St. Bon's is a day school; students arrive by car, transit, carpool, or on foot, and families arrange their own transportation.

Hours, bell schedules, and daily routines vary by grade and are updated each year. For current details, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@stbons.ca or visit www.stbons.ca.

Email admissions@stbons.ca, call 709-726-0024, or visit us at 2A Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's, NL A1C 6B3 (www.stbons.ca). We're happy to answer questions, arrange a tour, or set up a Student for a Day.