📚 St. George’s School (Vancouver) Updates: No SSAT for G4–G5 + Curated Summer Reading Lists

St. George’s School, one of Vancouver’s elite all-boys private schools, has unveiled updates for the 2025–26 admissions cycle. The standout change? G4–G5 applicants will no longer require the Elementary Level SSAT—a significant shift toward evaluating immediate aptitude and potential. Additionally, the school has released curated summer reading lists for G8–G9 students to foster literacy, critical thinking, and narrative sophistication.

1. 🚨 Admissions Policy Update: G4–G5 No Longer Need SSAT

Traditionally, G4–G5 applicants were required to submit Elementary Level SSAT scores. This year, St. George’s has shifted to a two-stage assessment model:

1. Group Assessment: All applicants attend a structured group activity.

2. Shortlisted Candidates (G4–G5): Invited in December to complete an in-house academic evaluation on campus—no need for SSAT stgeorges.bc.ca.

This revision prioritizes observed performance, adaptability in group settings, and school-based evaluation rather than standardized testing.

2. 🎒 Grade-by-Grade Admissions Breakdown

Here’s a table summarizing the admissions requirements across grades:

The G4–G5 policy change shifts evaluation toward soft skills, adaptability, and real-time academic demonstration.

3. 📖 Summer Reading Lists for G8–G9 Students

St. George’s provides targeted summer reading lists to enhance vocabulary, writing style, empathy, and critical thinking. Here are highlights:

G8 Selections:

• The Hobbit – A fantasy classic to build sustained reading endurance.

• Spud – Humorous, coming-of-age narrative that strengthens narrative voice.

• A Long Way Gone – A poignant memoir offering emotional depth and reflection.

G9 Selections:

• The Song of Achilles – Mythic reimagination with beautiful prose.

• Concrete Rose – Contemporary themes of growth and responsibility.

• Little Brother – A tech-driven thriller that raises questions about civic ethics.

These texts combine narrative immersion and intellectual engagement, ideal for students refining abstract thinking and personal worldview.

4. 🏆 Why These Changes Matter

• For G4–G5 families: With SSAT no longer required, children need to excel in group interaction, verbal expression, and in-house academic performance.

• Summer reading builds the language proficiency, critical literacy, and character insight integral to successful applications.

• Overall, the shift reflects a trend toward evaluating holistic potential rather than standardized test scores.

5. 🧭 Application Prep Recommendations

• Begin summer reading early, perhaps as a parent–child shared activity. Encourage journaling or discussion prompts to build analytical depth.

• Simulate group assessments at home or in small groups, practicing communication, collaboration, and spontaneous problem-solving.

• Prepare for the in-house academic assessment with gentle academic exercises: mathematics, logic puzzles, and language use.

• For G6–G11 applicants, early SSAT prep is still critical—but the emphasis on holistic development holds.

6. 🌟 How Indigo Education Supports Your St. George’s Journey

With over a decade of experience guiding private school applicants across Vancouver, Indigo Education offers targeted support for families navigating St. George’s admissions:

1. Admissions Strategy & Timeline Planning – Personalized roadmap through policy changes.

2. Reading & Reflection Coaching – Analysis of selected texts and support with written and verbal expression.

3. Mock Group Assessments – Simulated exercises and targeted feedback.

4. SSAT Prep (G6–G11) – Full program including content, strategy, and official-style testing.

5. Interview Preparation – Student and parent interviews, communication drills, and confidence-building.

6. 1-on-1 Support – Dedicated mentorship from paperwork to final decision.

Our track record: Students successfully admitted into St. George’s and other top private schools, backed by strong performance in every assessment area.