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.

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.

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.

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.