Kindergarten Admission Process

Kindergarten Process for Applications for Admission for September 2026

 

Thank you for your interest in Deer Lake School’s Kindergarten Program!


To apply for Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year, please review our application process below.

 

Step 1: Attend a Kindergarten Open House

All families applying to Kindergarten must first attend one of our November 2025 Open House events.
During your one-hour Open House visit, you will:

  • Tour the school with our high school ambassadors

  • Experience everyday school life at DLS

  • Learn about our programs, culture, and the admissions process from administrators

We require all families applying to DLS to visit the school because it helps families understand our school’s unique Christian philosophy, school culture and programs before applying.

 

Kindergarten Open House Tour Dates (by RSVP only):

  • Thursday, November 13 – 9:00 AM            GROUP FULL

  • Thursday, November 13 – 10:00 AM.         GROUP FULL

  • Monday, November 17 – 9:00 AM                GROUP FULL

  • Monday, November 17 – 10:00 AM              GROUP FULL

  • Monday, November 24 – 9:00 AM

  • Monday, November 24 – 10:00 AM              

Click on your preferred time to reserve your spot.

Tours are by appointment only.

 

Eligibility for KindergartenChildren can begin kindergarten in the year that they turn five years of age - that is, by December 31 - in accordance with BC Ministry of Education guidelines.

 

Step 2: Submit an Application

After attending an Open House, please complete the Deer Lake School Application Form (available on our Admissions page).
Email your completed form and all required documents to Mrs. Christina Luk, Registrar, at admissions@deerlakeschool.ca.

If documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation organisation and verified by a notary public.
Original documents will be verified by the school at final registration.

Kindergarten Application Deadline: January 24, 2026

 

 Step 3: Early-Learning Group Interview

After submitting your completed application, you’ll be contacted to book a 30-minute group interview for your child in our kindergarten classroom on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Each group session includes about 10 children. 

 

Available times will be: 

10:00–10:30 AM | 11:00–11:30 AM | 12:30–1:00 PM | 1:30–2:00 PM

During the group sessions the children will

  • complete teacher-directed tasks

  • engage in free play

  • have an opportunity to participate in centre-time

The Deer Lake School Principal, Vice-Principal and Kindergarten teacher will be present to spend time with and observe the children. Some of the skills assessed include 

  • gross motor skills, 

  • the ability to follow directions

  • social interaction 

  • self-regulation

Following the group session, families will be contacted to schedule a 20-minute personal interview.

Interviews scheduled between February 2–20, 2026

 

This meeting, with you and your child, allows our administrative team to:

  • Get to know you and your child

  • Review your family's needs and expectations

  • Review our mission and philosophy of education with you

  • Address any specific questions you may have about our school
    *Additional assessments may be requested if needed.

Step 5: Notification of Acceptance

Families will be notified with details of your child’s eligibility for the September 2026-2027 school year. Acceptance is based on space availability and program suitability.  

Waitlists may apply.

Notification by February 27, 2026

 

Do you have questions or need additional information?  

Please contact 

Gaileen Woytko, Director of Advancement, Marketing & Community Relations

604-434-5844 ext. 137

 gwoytko@deerlakeschool.ca 

 

Before your visit, we invite you to explore:

  • Our school website in detail

  • Inspiring a Life of Faith, Wisdom & Service (video below)