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Private School Admissions for the Secondary School Advantage

From school selection and academic readiness to application and interview prep, we guide every step of your family’s admissions journey, securing entry to resource-rich secondary schools that set the stage for future university success.
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WHO IS IT FOR:​

Parents of students aged 8 to 15 (Grades 3 to 9) who are:

  • Aiming for top day or boarding private schools in the U.S. or Canada and want to increase their chances of admission;
  • Unsure which schools to apply to or when and how to begin the process; and,
  • Feeling unprepared for entrance tests and interviews, and need clear direction.
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

A Clear and Personalized Admissions Plan

We tailor your timeline, goals, and milestones — so you never feel lost or behind

Stronger Applications That Reflect the Real You

We help craft authentic parent statements, guide your child in writing theirs, and coach you to present confidently in interviews

Integrated Academic + Admissions Support

Combining academic preparation with strategic planning to strengthen both test and overall performance.
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.

    Personalized Admissions Strategy & Roadmap

    We begin with an in-depth family and student discovery process to understand your child’s strengths and goals. Our advisors then create a personalized admissions strategy including school matching, thematic positioning, timeline planning, milestone tracking, and a step-by-step action plan for profile development.

    Application Development

    We guide families through every stage of the application process helping them build a cohesive and authentic story across application statements, teacher references, school visits, and interview responses.

    Interview & Campus Visit Preparation

    With our signature interview coaching program, developed by former private school admissions staff, we provide mock interviews and coaching for both students and parents, as well as pre-visit training to ensure families engage with schools confidently and strategically.

    Academic Readiness Support

    Through our Junior Scholars Academic Support programs, students can strengthen literacy, math, and executive functioning skills. We provide targeted tutoring and enrichment to ensure they meet or exceed private school academic expectations.

    Enrichment & Personal Development

    Beyond academics, we help students develop the soft skills that differentiate successful applicants. Our programs foster resilience, empathy, leadership, and character, aligning with what top schools seek in well-rounded candidates.

    Ongoing Check-ins & Family Support

    Throughout the process, we provide regular check-ins and progress updates to parents, helping families stay aligned and reducing stress. We also offer guidance on school visits, post-application follow-ups, and final decision support.

Let’s Get Started
With a Complimentary Consultation!

Take the first step toward your child’s private school 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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Grace Hsueh profile picture
Grace Hsueh
18 March 2025
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My experience with KEY has been nothing short of amazing. They spent alot of time to understand our child and our family before making recommendations. The consultants were highly knowledgeable about child development and different private schools, and able to answer many of our questions. The whole process with school selection/application was thoughtful, intelligent, and strategic. Suggestions and recommendations were always clearly explained, and delivered in a professional and timely manner. KEY also provided classes for my child, which were well structured and suitable for his age and developmental stage. My child loved KEY's classes. They also have parenting classes that offered wonderful information for families with young children. All in all we are happy with our experience with KEY. Thank you!
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Mary Chen profile picture
Mary Chen
8 March 2025
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The team at Key Education is incredibly professional and dedicated. Throughout the entire application process, their staff demonstrated diligence and expertise, which provided us with invaluable support. We received personalized guidance for every step of the application process, ensuring us to be well-prepared for the school interviews and assessments. Thanks to Key Education’s expertise, our daughter was accepted into our top-choice private school, and we couldn’t be more satisfied. We’re glad we chose Key Education from the start, and we highly recommend them to anyone navigating the private school application process!
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Shan He profile picture
Shan He
1 March 2025
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We had a fantastic experience with Key Education Consulting, especially with Cameron and Ben. They were highly professional and provided invaluable guidance throughout the private school application process. Their expertise and support were instrumental in helping us secure an offer for our child. We truly appreciate their dedication and would highly recommend their services to any family navigating the private school admissions journey.
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JO profile picture
JO
29 March 2024
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KE Y很专业。在孩子私校申请中节省了我们大量时间和精力。 首先,他们帮你理清思路,回答你关于为什么要上私校的问题以及应该选择什么样的学校的问题,让你不再犯晕。 其次,他们在申请文件准备上和程序把控上给予你绝对专业的,有针对性的辅导和培训,突出孩子的特点以及家庭特点。全过程辅导,培训,提醒,绝无可能因程序繁杂而犯错。辅导老师一对一服务,专业,耐心,客观,诚实。 感谢在KEY的帮助下孩子成功拿到了理想私校的Offer。 真心推荐。
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Zhang Anbon profile picture
Zhang Anbon
27 March 2024
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Key Education 非常重视并尊重孩子和家长的想法,无论是在规划初期还是整个过程中,他们都表现出很专业水平和积极态度。这使得我们的申请过程非常顺利,并最终成功地让孩子被我们首选的学校录取。
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lingjuan wang profile picture
lingjuan wang
26 March 2024
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我们在取得二所顶私中学的offer后,果断地放弃了其他几所顶私的面试邀约。这个结果也算是在我们的意料之中。六个月key的陪伴,不仅使我们熟悉了解了温哥华、多伦多不同学校的特点和要求的侧重点,更加使我们对孩子的学习方向、目标和未来愿景有了清晰的认识和思考。专业的事交给专业的人和机构区做,key就是这样的机构,顾问就是这样专业的人。谢谢key。
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Jay Wu profile picture
Jay Wu
25 March 2024
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KEY Education is a wonderful establishment, especially when kickstarting a child’s journey towards a private school education. The staff and advisors are incredibly helpful and responsible when monitoring our children’s learning and growth. Both our boys have successfully gotten into the school they’ve hoped for and we couldn’t be more grateful for KEY’s guidance during this process.
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Sam J profile picture
Sam J
25 March 2024
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We are deeply thankful for the assistance Key Education provided in helping us secure private school placements for our children. Their team exhibited exceptional diligence and meticulous organization, ensuring a seamless and structured process from start to finish. They also played a crucial role in improving our boys' overall academic performance. There dedicated team showed an exemplary display of teamwork, and our children have become more effective learners thanks to KEY's influence.
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Li Nicky profile picture
Li Nicky
19 March 2024
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As a new family moving to Canada one year ago, we believe that we will not make such big progress without Key’s help and guidance. They provided very helpful advices helping us adapt ourselves to the new environment and prepare for the challenges. In addition the teachers at Key are amazing and devoted and our kid made huge progress in language and social emotional development throughout their various classes. We got to our ideal and favorite top school and would like to attribute this success to their support.
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Joyce Liu profile picture
Joyce Liu
6 February 2024
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Ben is very patient and helpful. Teachers there are experienced and kind. We always receive warm greetings when we send kid to Key. Highly recommend!
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Alex Li profile picture
Alex Li
5 April 2023
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总体来讲是不错。通过不到半年的课程学习(孩子)和面试培训(孩子和家长)进入到了所有申请学校的面试阶段,最终顺利拿到了理想学校的offer。 它的收费不便宜,不过也是市场价。从服务质量的角度而言,也是不错的。虽然期间也经历了换顾问、换客服的事儿,但人员流动大也是这个行业的特点吧。我们后来的顾问是特别认真负责,还专门为我们做加场的面试培训。 我们从一开始就知道孩子能否拿到Offer,取决于诸多因素。对于我们而言,孩子能够最终拿到Offer, 在Key的学习和培训是非常重要的因素。 在此,感谢Key Education的顾问、老师和客服们!
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teresa zhang profile picture
teresa zhang
22 March 2023
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Key education在申请学校方面很专业也很负责,从每个助理,顾问,培训老师都给与了我和我孩子特别多的帮助,让申请整个过程都非常顺利和简单轻松,key education非常值得信任的机构,只要你积极配合,我相信大家都能有所收获[呲牙]
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Paul K profile picture
Paul K
24 February 2023
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Provide professional consultation and advice to parents, very experienced teachers to improve students' holistic level
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

Book a Free Assessment
  • How far in advance should we start preparing for private school admissions?

    We recommend starting 12 to 18 months before your target entry date. This allows ample time to strengthen academics, build extracurricular profiles, and prepare application materials without last-minute pressure.

  • 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 how applicants conduct themselves in a group setting, and students in certain grades may be required to interview with admissions officers. Typical application materials include past report cards, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendation letters, or teacher evaluation forms.

  • What SSAT score is needed for private school admission?

    There is no one 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.

  • How do I know the school's intake grade ? Does a non-entry year mean no admissions at all?

    We have compiled a list of private schools in Greater Vancouver showing entry grades and available spots. Please contact us for details. Even in non-entry years, schools may still accept applications depending on available space.

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 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.