Why St. John's-Ravenscourt School?
Families researching SJR should know one thing first: the school has announced that it has stopped accepting boarding applications and will not offer a boarding program in future, so it is a day school for families who will live in Winnipeg. CAIS accreditation is a quality assurance showing that the school is reviewed against national standards.
- Families settling in Winnipeg: Parents moving to Manitoba for work, education or immigration who want an established school.
- Students interested in debate and academic competitions: Students who want to build speaking, discussion and research skills.
- Students wanting AP courses: Young people who want advanced courses before university.
Reasons: verified features that define SJR
- Two centuries of history: The school traces its origins to 1820 and has a long-established alumni community.
- Riverside campus: The school sits on 23 acres on the banks of the Red River, giving it large open spaces despite being in the city.
- AP courses: Students meet university-level content in high school. The school reports that its 2023 graduates were offered a total of CAD 1.8 million in scholarships and financial awards.
- Debate tradition: The school says it has produced 15 individual world debating champions and presents this as one of its main strengths; it builds students' ability to express themselves.
- Three-division structure: The Junior, Middle and Senior Schools operate as separate divisions, so each age group follows a program suited to its level.
- University counselling: Guidance is provided throughout high school, so university application planning is spread across the high school years.
- Sports and arts: SJR Evolution Hockey, arts programs and community service keep students active outside class. Extracurricular clubs are part of the program.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
Fee on request: tuition is not stated on the page; only a CAD 125 application fee for the 2026-27 admissions cycle is given.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 125 | one-time |
The school does not publish its current fee. We request the fee schedule for you before you apply.
The full fee schedule is only available as a downloadable document and the international student amount could not be verified; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
Outcome: what it means for the family
- A clear framework: With boarding removed, the decision is simpler: the school is relevant only to families who will live in Winnipeg.
- Expression skills: The debate culture strengthens students' thinking and speaking in English, which is directly useful in university interviews and presentations.
- Academic preparation: AP courses give concrete evidence of a student's level for university applications.
- Continuous education: Students can attend the same school from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12. Avoiding school changes preserves friendships and teacher relationships.
Who it suits and what to consider
- No boarding: SJR is not suitable for families sending a child alone. The school's pages do not state the conditions for admitting international day students, so ask the school directly. Students under 17 coming to Canada without parents need a custodian and a Study Permit; visa decisions are made by IRCC.
- Fees: The current fee schedule is published only as a downloadable document and the international student amount could not be verified, so no figure is given here. Confirm fees with the school before applying. Financial aid is available from Grade 6, based on family need.
- Calendar and climate: Assessment sessions run from January to March, with interviews for Grade 6-12 candidates and their parents. Decisions are announced in March. Applications for 2026-27 are open, with an application fee of CAD 125. Winnipeg winters are long and very cold.
If you are looking for boarding in Winnipeg, or considering a move with your children, let us compare the options together. A free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre can cover SJR's current admission conditions and alternative boarding schools.