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Admission

How To Apply

Your Journey Begins Here

Who will your child become?

Enrolment at CDS ensures they’ll have every opportunity to find out. Our balanced education expands horizons, uncovers exciting opportunities, and helps every student work directly toward their goals.

And it all starts with you requesting your application.

Our Admissions Team is standing by and ready to help guide you on your journey with The Country Day School.
 
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    • Apply

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Now accepting applications on a rolling basis

We are pleased to share that we have entered the rolling admissions phase. Applications for the 2026–27 academic year received from this time forward will be reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to space availability. While applications remain open, several grades have now reached our target enrollment thresholds.

Families are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team before applying at 905.833.1972 or admissions@cds.on.ca to discuss the current availability and waitlist status for your specific grades before submitting an application.

Application deadlines
Grades 4, 7 and 9 → November 3, 2025* (Deadline has passed)
All other grades → December 1, 2025* (Deadline has passed)

The main entry points for CDS are Junior Kindergarten and Grades 4, 7 and 9, but we accept applications for all grades based on availability.

*Please note deadlines are for both the initial application and all supporting documentation, including report cards and the confidential teacher report.

Let's Get Started

Our application process is simple. 

Step 1. Create an account
Step 2. Login and complete the checklist

Your account will give you access to MyCDS, our parent portal. Throughout your journey with us, this login will provide the most up-to-date information about the school and your next steps.

You may also reach out to our Admissions Team directly to ask questions.

Phone: 905-833-1972
Email: admissions@cds.on.ca
 
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      Admissions-5-Set Up

A Closer Look at the Admissions Process

Every student’s journey is unique, but our process always remains clear and supportive. Select your entry point for a closer look at the steps involved in applying.

Junior Kindergarten

1. Visit
Attend an open house or book a weekday tour to experience our campus and community.

2. Apply
Complete your online application by the December 1, 2025, deadline. Please note that in-person small group applicant assessments will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

3. Parent Interviews
These discussions are typically held virtually. They can be scheduled as early as mid-October and will take place before student assessments.

4. Applicant Assessments Confirmation
The precise time of your student’s assessment on Saturday, January 10, will be confirmed by email before the end of December.

5. Applicant Assessments
Designed and conducted by our core Kindergarten team, these warm and welcoming small group sessions last approximately 2 hours. Additional information is shared along with the official invitation. No preparation is required. You are welcome to drop your student off or stay on campus for refreshments and a guided tour of our Middle and Senior School spaces.

6. Decisions
These are communicated by mid-January.

Grades 4, 7 & 9 Entry Years

1. Visit
Attend an open house or book a weekday tour to experience our campus and community.

2. Apply
Submit your completed online application by the entry grade deadline of November 3, 2025. Applications after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to availability.

3. Applications Reviewed
We carefully and thoroughly review completed applications. In many, but not all cases, applicants for entry grades will be invited to an in-person academic and character assessment.

4. Invitations Sent
Those selected to attend an assessment will be sent an email invitation beginning in late October. Sessions will take place during a weekday in November.

5. Applicant Assessments
Our interactive assessments for entry grades involve both group activities and individual academic assessment. They can last up to 4 hours and are designed to be welcoming and comfortable. Additional information is shared along with the official invitation. No preparation is required.

6. Decisions
Entry grade admission decisions are communicated in late November.

General Admissions and Non-Entry Years

1. Visit
Attend an open house or book a weekday tour to experience our campus and community.

2. Apply
Submit your online application before the non-entry grade deadline of December 1, 2025. Applications after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to availability.

3. Applications Reviewed
We carefully and thoroughly review completed applications. In some, but not all cases, applicants for non-entry grades will be invited to an in-person academic and character assessment.

4. Invitations Sent
Those selected will be invited on a rolling basis to join an academic and character assessment.

5. Applicant Assessments
Assessments for non-entry grades are often full-day visits to a current classroom. Additional information is shared along with the official invitation. No preparation is required.

6. Decisions
Non-entry grade admission decisions are communicated on a rolling basis from December onward.

What Families Are Saying About CDS

  • “The teachers and coaches at CDS have been key in shaping my boys into the young men they are today.”

    — Sarah Hepburn, Current Parent

  • “With the support of many teachers, coaches, and an exceptional university placement director, our daughter graduated as a confident, well-rounded student – ready to take on the future and find out who she will be.”

    — Suzanne Miller, Past CDS Parent

  • "We could not have imagined a better high school experience than what CDS provided for our daughter. CDS is a safe & inspiring place with dedicated faculty that provide students with the education & opportunities they need to excel in university & life."

    — Adela Whitmell, Past CDS Parent

  • “Having spent 14 years at CDS, I feel as though it is a place that fosters passion, that challenges perspective, and that pushes me to learn and grow everyday.”

    — Neyla Kirby ’22, studying Computer Engineering at Duke University

  • “As a parent, I feel incredibly confident having my daughters in this safe environment, where the value of exceptional teachers cannot be overstated.”

    — Asha Chandradat, Current Parent

  • “The teachers are amazing. The time and energy they put into making the curriculum interesting and fun is awe inspiring. No wonder my son doesn’t want to miss school!”

    — Lu-Ann Clarke, Past CDS Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the character and academic assessment like? 

    These vary by both age and grade. They can touch on a variety of areas, including reading, writing, math, and more. They also generally include some personal interview questions. 

    This helps us get to know each student, understand their potential, and determine their level of engagement in contributing to everything our school has to offer. 

  • Are there English as a Second Language (ESL) or international student programs?

    The Country Day School does not offer ESL programs. In order for students to be successful here, they must be able to demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English. 

    There is no boarding option or homestay program at CDS. Students must live locally and, ideally, have been living in Canada for at least two years.

  • Is financial aid available?

    We believe everyone should experience an education with balance, which is why we’re proud to offer assistance, where available. 

    This is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. Be sure to discuss this, if applicable, with our Admissions Team during your application process.

  • Do you offer transportation to and from campus?

    The Country Day School has its own fleet of eight buses, each of which operates one of seven daily bus routes to and from parts of the York, Simcoe, and Peel regions, including as far north as Barrie. 

    Every day, more than 150 of our students use this service, which comes at a flat fee that is route-specific.

  • How is my family’s personal information handled?

    All personal information collected by The Country Day School from prospective families, current families, and alumni is stored in a confidential database, the access to which is restricted to specific authorized personnel. 

    We’re committed to maintaining the confidentiality, privacy, and security of the personal information it collects.

Take the First Steps

Start the application process now. Our team is ready and willing to answer your questions, provide insight, and help you feel confident and comfortable in this important decision.
 
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Land Acknowledgment

The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.

School Information

Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.

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