Application Process | Private High School | Canterbury School
Source: http://www.cbury.org/admission/application-process
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Application Process | Private High School | Canterbury School
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Application Process
Your Canterbury Story Starts Here
We look forward to getting to know your family and helping you explore the opportunities that await here. Every step of our process is designed to provide a true sense of life at Canterbury and help you discover how our community can support your growth, ambitions, and values. Let’s begin this journey together.
Step 1: Tell Us About Yourself
At Canterbury, your unique interests, aspirations, and growth matter—both in and out of the classroom. The more we know about you, the more we can support your journey here. To begin your application, please complete our online inquiry form. By doing so, your family will also receive information and invitations to our open houses and other admission events.
SUBMIT AN INQUIRY FORM
Step 2: Schedule a Tour and Interview
Your tour and interview are designed to give you a true feel for life at Canterbury. This experience offers you a chance to see our campus, connect with students and faculty, and share what matters most to you in your high school journey. We look forward to learning about your goals and answering any questions as you envision your place in our community.
Visit Today
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Early Decision
applications must be submitted
by December 5
. You will receive an admission decision on December 19.
Regular Decision
applications must be submitted
by January 15
. You will receive an admission decision on March 10.
Applications submitted after January 15 are considered on a rolling admission basis and are subject to space availability. We’re here to guide you through each step, answering questions along the way to make your journey as clear and supportive as possible.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Step 4: Take a Standardized Test
Submitting standardized test scores is
strongly encouraged
if you’re a domestic applicant and
required
if you’re applying internationally. Standardized tests help us gain a fuller picture of your academic strengths and readiness, giving us valuable insight that, along with other application components, allows us to best support you in your journey at Canterbury.
REGISTER FOR THE SSAT
Decision Timeline
At Canterbury, you can choose the decision timeline that best supports your journey—
Early Decision
or
Regular Decision
. Both options ensure that your application is reviewed with the same care, attention, and commitment to understanding who you are and all that you will bring to our school.
early decision
If Canterbury is your first choice,
Early Decision
is the path for you. By applying early, you’ll receive an admission decision sooner and know your next step well before the spring. This option reflects your strong commitment to Canterbury and allows you to begin looking ahead with confidence.
December 5, 2025
Admission and financial aid applications due for Fall 2026 enrollment.
December 19, 2025
Admission decisions for all Early Decision applicants will be released on this date. If admitted,
your decision to enroll is binding, and we ask that the student withdraw all applications to other schools.
January 9, 2026
Admitted applicants must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (30 percent of tuition).
Regular decision
If you’d like more time to consider all of your options,
Regular Decision
gives you the flexibility to do so while still ensuring full consideration of your application. You’ll move through the traditional admission timeline and receive your decision in the spring, with ample time to make the choice that’s right for you.
January 15, 2026
Admission and financial aid applications due for Fall 2026 enrollment.
March 10, 2026
All students who submit a Regular Decision application by January 15 will receive their admission decision on this date.
April 10, 2026
Admitted applicants must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (10 percent of tuition).
Tour & Interview
Submitting Your Application
Standardized Testing
International Applicants
Postgraduate Program
We offer in-person interviews and tours. To schedule, please contact our Admission office at 860-210-3832 or
admission@cbury.org
. We understand travel to campus may not be possible for all families, so in these cases, a Zoom interview can be scheduled.
We strongly recommend scheduling your tour and interview before submitting your application. Families are encouraged to schedule an appointment early to ensure the availability of a date and time that is most convenient for them.
schedule today
Canterbury uses a common admission application for independent schools called the
Standard Application Online
(SAO)
, offered through
ssat.org
. We use this material to assess how well you would fit into our school community.
Applications completed by the January 15 deadline are included in our first round of admission decisions, and students are notified of our decision by March 10. Applications submitted after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The application includes the following components:
Applicant information
Student essay questions
Parent statement
Current and prior two years of transcripts (it is recommended to have your transcripts sent after the first marking period of the current academic year)
Writing sample
Recommendations (standardized forms can be sent directly to the teacher, principal, or guidance counselor via the SAO)
Current math teacher recommendation
Current English teacher recommendation
Current Principal or Guidance Counselor recommendation
Standardized test results
(
strongly encouraged
for domestic applicants and
required
for all international applicants)
Note
:
The information submitted to your SAO will be automatically sent to your
Canterbury Admission Portal
(created when you submitted the online inquiry form). As the information is received, the items in the
checklist
will be updated. As we near the January 15 application deadline, it is important for you to check your
Admission Portal
(not your SAO account) to monitor the completeness of your application.
All admissions decisions are released through the
Admission Portal
.
Start YOUR APPLICATION
Canterbury strongly encourages domestic applicants to submit standardized testing scores.
Standardized testing for the admission process depends on the grade you are applying to:
Grade 9, 10 (Third or Fourth Form)
SSAT
Grade 11 (Fifth Form)
PSAT, SAT, ACT, or SSAT
Postgraduate (PG)
SAT or ACT
The preferred time to schedule a standardized test is on the November or December dates. We encourage you to register for a test as soon as possible since registration deadlines come well in advance of the test administration dates.
When registering for the SSAT, please use
Canterbury's school code (2050)
to ensure the results will be sent directly to our Admission Office.
REGISTER FOR THE SSAT
All other test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT) can be provided to the Admission Office via email at
admission@cbury.org
.
International Applicants
All international applicants are required to submit standardized test scores as listed above. In addition, non-native English-speaking applicants are required to submit scores from one of the following tests:
TOEFL
(Test of English as a Foreign Language) using Canterbury's school code: 7219
Duolingo
(a school code is not required)
Minimum Required Scores
TOEFL: Minimum score of 90
Duolingo: Minimum score of 120
The minimum score requirements apply to students applying for the Third and Fourth Forms. Applicants to the Fifth Form and Postgraduate program are expected to exceed these scores.
The TOEFL or Duolingo test
is not required
for applicants who have attended a school where English is the primary mode of instruction for three years or more.
REGISTER FOR THE TOEFL
REGISTER FOR DUOLINGO
Due to the high number of applications, we have partnered with
Vericant
to provide an in-person interview opportunity for all Chinese applicants interested in Canterbury School. Vericant will conduct recorded interviews and collect short writing samples from our applicants. The videos will be reviewed as a component of the application. Further details can be found on the
International Students
section of our website.
international applicant faqs
Canterbury’s
Postgraduate (PG) program
is a valuable option for determined high school students who feel that an extra year of academic, athletic, artistic, and/or personal growth would benefit their future. Whether you want to spend more time getting ready for the rigors of college, raising your overall grade point average, or enhancing your college athletic recruitment profile, our PG program provides the ideal college preparatory experience for you.
learn more
Apply Today
Discover how Canterbury School can shape your future—connect with us today by submitting an inquiry form, and take the first step towards a transformative educational experience.
INQUIRE HERE
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for tuition assistance, please refer to
Tuition & Financial Aid
.
How does Canterbury make admissions decisions?
Is the application process different for day students vs boarding students?
For which grades does Canterbury accept applications for admission?
Is an entrance exam required for admission?
Do students have to attend a tour before applying?
Can we afford Canterbury School?
Canterbury considers each applicant as a whole person, not just a transcript. Required interviews, either on campus or virtually, allow our
Admission Team
to get to know students personally, while tours offer families a window into our classrooms and community life. Financial need is not considered when making admission decisions. These steps ensure we admit students who are ready to embrace challenging academics, purposeful growth, and the opportunities of our hilltop home.
No. The application process is the same for all domestic applicants, whether you are considering Canterbury as a day or boarding student. The process begins when you complete an
inquiry form
, which allows our Admission Team to connect with you and guide you through next steps. From there, you will schedule a campus tour and required interview, either in person or virtually. Finally, you will submit your completed application for review. While not required, we strongly encourage domestic applicants to take the SSAT as part of the process.
Canterbury welcomes applications for students entering Grade 9, Grade 10, and Grade 11, as well as for our Postgraduate (PG) program. The PG year is designed for motivated students who benefit from an additional year of academic, athletic, artistic, or
personal growth before college
.
Standardized test scores help us see the fullest picture of each applicant. For domestic students, submitting scores is strongly encouraged, while international applicants are required to do so. These results give our Admission Team helpful insight into your academic strengths and readiness, supporting the holistic review of your application.
We recommend taking the
SSAT
in November or December, since registration deadlines come up quickly. When registering, please use Canterbury’s school code (2050) so your results are sent directly to our Admission Office.
While not required, we strongly encourage our prospective students to come explore the beauty of our
150-acre hilltop campus,
meet our students, and connect with the teachers and coaches who will shape your journey here. Interviews, however, are required for all applicants. Virtual interviews are available for students unable to visit our campus.
Tours and interviews are available on weekdays when classes are in session and on select Saturdays. Each visit includes a student-led campus tour and an interview with an Admission Officer. We recommend scheduling early to secure your preferred date. Families are also invited to connect with us through
admission fairs and events
.
We understand that tuition is a significant investment, and Canterbury is committed to making its education accessible. This past year, we awarded $5.9 million in need-based financial aid, determined through the Clarity Application. All aid is awarded as grants that do not need to be repaid, and families are encouraged to apply early to explore financial aid and payment options.
For more details, visit our
Financial Aid Process
and
Financial Aid FAQ
pages.
How Can We Help?
Our Admission team is here to assist you at any point during the application process. There's no question too big or too small!
Phone:
860-210-3832
Fax: 860-350-1120
Email:
admission@cbury.org
101 Aspetuck Avenue | New Milford, CT 06776
Skip To Main Content
Application Process
Your Canterbury Story Starts Here
We look forward to getting to know your family and helping you explore the opportunities that await here. Every step of our process is designed to provide a true sense of life at Canterbury and help you discover how our community can support your growth, ambitions, and values. Let’s begin this journey together.
Step 1: Tell Us About Yourself
At Canterbury, your unique interests, aspirations, and growth matter—both in and out of the classroom. The more we know about you, the more we can support your journey here. To begin your application, please complete our online inquiry form. By doing so, your family will also receive information and invitations to our open houses and other admission events.
SUBMIT AN INQUIRY FORM
Step 2: Schedule a Tour and Interview
Your tour and interview are designed to give you a true feel for life at Canterbury. This experience offers you a chance to see our campus, connect with students and faculty, and share what matters most to you in your high school journey. We look forward to learning about your goals and answering any questions as you envision your place in our community.
Visit Today
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Early Decision
applications must be submitted
by December 5
. You will receive an admission decision on December 19.
Regular Decision
applications must be submitted
by January 15
. You will receive an admission decision on March 10.
Applications submitted after January 15 are considered on a rolling admission basis and are subject to space availability. We’re here to guide you through each step, answering questions along the way to make your journey as clear and supportive as possible.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Step 4: Take a Standardized Test
Submitting standardized test scores is
strongly encouraged
if you’re a domestic applicant and
required
if you’re applying internationally. Standardized tests help us gain a fuller picture of your academic strengths and readiness, giving us valuable insight that, along with other application components, allows us to best support you in your journey at Canterbury.
REGISTER FOR THE SSAT
Decision Timeline
At Canterbury, you can choose the decision timeline that best supports your journey—
Early Decision
or
Regular Decision
. Both options ensure that your application is reviewed with the same care, attention, and commitment to understanding who you are and all that you will bring to our school.
early decision
If Canterbury is your first choice,
Early Decision
is the path for you. By applying early, you’ll receive an admission decision sooner and know your next step well before the spring. This option reflects your strong commitment to Canterbury and allows you to begin looking ahead with confidence.
December 5, 2025
Admission and financial aid applications due for Fall 2026 enrollment.
December 19, 2025
Admission decisions for all Early Decision applicants will be released on this date. If admitted,
your decision to enroll is binding, and we ask that the student withdraw all applications to other schools.
January 9, 2026
Admitted applicants must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (30 percent of tuition).
Regular decision
If you’d like more time to consider all of your options,
Regular Decision
gives you the flexibility to do so while still ensuring full consideration of your application. You’ll move through the traditional admission timeline and receive your decision in the spring, with ample time to make the choice that’s right for you.
January 15, 2026
Admission and financial aid applications due for Fall 2026 enrollment.
March 10, 2026
All students who submit a Regular Decision application by January 15 will receive their admission decision on this date.
April 10, 2026
Admitted applicants must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (10 percent of tuition).
Tour & Interview
Submitting Your Application
Standardized Testing
International Applicants
Postgraduate Program
We offer in-person interviews and tours. To schedule, please contact our Admission office at 860-210-3832 or
admission@cbury.org
. We understand travel to campus may not be possible for all families, so in these cases, a Zoom interview can be scheduled.
We strongly recommend scheduling your tour and interview before submitting your application. Families are encouraged to schedule an appointment early to ensure the availability of a date and time that is most convenient for them.
schedule today
Canterbury uses a common admission application for independent schools called the
Standard Application Online
(SAO)
, offered through
ssat.org
. We use this material to assess how well you would fit into our school community.
Applications completed by the January 15 deadline are included in our first round of admission decisions, and students are notified of our decision by March 10. Applications submitted after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The application includes the following components:
Applicant information
Student essay questions
Parent statement
Current and prior two years of transcripts (it is recommended to have your transcripts sent after the first marking period of the current academic year)
Writing sample
Recommendations (standardized forms can be sent directly to the teacher, principal, or guidance counselor via the SAO)
Current math teacher recommendation
Current English teacher recommendation
Current Principal or Guidance Counselor recommendation
Standardized test results
(
strongly encouraged
for domestic applicants and
required
for all international applicants)
Note
:
The information submitted to your SAO will be automatically sent to your
Canterbury Admission Portal
(created when you submitted the online inquiry form). As the information is received, the items in the
checklist
will be updated. As we near the January 15 application deadline, it is important for you to check your
Admission Portal
(not your SAO account) to monitor the completeness of your application.
All admissions decisions are released through the
Admission Portal
.
Start YOUR APPLICATION
Canterbury strongly encourages domestic applicants to submit standardized testing scores.
Standardized testing for the admission process depends on the grade you are applying to:
Grade 9, 10 (Third or Fourth Form)
SSAT
Grade 11 (Fifth Form)
PSAT, SAT, ACT, or SSAT
Postgraduate (PG)
SAT or ACT
The preferred time to schedule a standardized test is on the November or December dates. We encourage you to register for a test as soon as possible since registration deadlines come well in advance of the test administration dates.
When registering for the SSAT, please use
Canterbury's school code (2050)
to ensure the results will be sent directly to our Admission Office.
REGISTER FOR THE SSAT
All other test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT) can be provided to the Admission Office via email at
admission@cbury.org
.
International Applicants
All international applicants are required to submit standardized test scores as listed above. In addition, non-native English-speaking applicants are required to submit scores from one of the following tests:
TOEFL
(Test of English as a Foreign Language) using Canterbury's school code: 7219
Duolingo
(a school code is not required)
Minimum Required Scores
TOEFL: Minimum score of 90
Duolingo: Minimum score of 120
The minimum score requirements apply to students applying for the Third and Fourth Forms. Applicants to the Fifth Form and Postgraduate program are expected to exceed these scores.
The TOEFL or Duolingo test
is not required
for applicants who have attended a school where English is the primary mode of instruction for three years or more.
REGISTER FOR THE TOEFL
REGISTER FOR DUOLINGO
Due to the high number of applications, we have partnered with
Vericant
to provide an in-person interview opportunity for all Chinese applicants interested in Canterbury School. Vericant will conduct recorded interviews and collect short writing samples from our applicants. The videos will be reviewed as a component of the application. Further details can be found on the
International Students
section of our website.
international applicant faqs
Canterbury’s
Postgraduate (PG) program
is a valuable option for determined high school students who feel that an extra year of academic, athletic, artistic, and/or personal growth would benefit their future. Whether you want to spend more time getting ready for the rigors of college, raising your overall grade point average, or enhancing your college athletic recruitment profile, our PG program provides the ideal college preparatory experience for you.
learn more
Apply Today
Discover how Canterbury School can shape your future—connect with us today by submitting an inquiry form, and take the first step towards a transformative educational experience.
INQUIRE HERE
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for tuition assistance, please refer to
Tuition & Financial Aid
.
How does Canterbury make admissions decisions?
Is the application process different for day students vs boarding students?
For which grades does Canterbury accept applications for admission?
Is an entrance exam required for admission?
Do students have to attend a tour before applying?
Can we afford Canterbury School?
Canterbury considers each applicant as a whole person, not just a transcript. Required interviews, either on campus or virtually, allow our
Admission Team
to get to know students personally, while tours offer families a window into our classrooms and community life. Financial need is not considered when making admission decisions. These steps ensure we admit students who are ready to embrace challenging academics, purposeful growth, and the opportunities of our hilltop home.
No. The application process is the same for all domestic applicants, whether you are considering Canterbury as a day or boarding student. The process begins when you complete an
inquiry form
, which allows our Admission Team to connect with you and guide you through next steps. From there, you will schedule a campus tour and required interview, either in person or virtually. Finally, you will submit your completed application for review. While not required, we strongly encourage domestic applicants to take the SSAT as part of the process.
Canterbury welcomes applications for students entering Grade 9, Grade 10, and Grade 11, as well as for our Postgraduate (PG) program. The PG year is designed for motivated students who benefit from an additional year of academic, athletic, artistic, or
personal growth before college
.
Standardized test scores help us see the fullest picture of each applicant. For domestic students, submitting scores is strongly encouraged, while international applicants are required to do so. These results give our Admission Team helpful insight into your academic strengths and readiness, supporting the holistic review of your application.
We recommend taking the
SSAT
in November or December, since registration deadlines come up quickly. When registering, please use Canterbury’s school code (2050) so your results are sent directly to our Admission Office.
While not required, we strongly encourage our prospective students to come explore the beauty of our
150-acre hilltop campus,
meet our students, and connect with the teachers and coaches who will shape your journey here. Interviews, however, are required for all applicants. Virtual interviews are available for students unable to visit our campus.
Tours and interviews are available on weekdays when classes are in session and on select Saturdays. Each visit includes a student-led campus tour and an interview with an Admission Officer. We recommend scheduling early to secure your preferred date. Families are also invited to connect with us through
admission fairs and events
.
We understand that tuition is a significant investment, and Canterbury is committed to making its education accessible. This past year, we awarded $5.9 million in need-based financial aid, determined through the Clarity Application. All aid is awarded as grants that do not need to be repaid, and families are encouraged to apply early to explore financial aid and payment options.
For more details, visit our
Financial Aid Process
and
Financial Aid FAQ
pages.
How Can We Help?
Our Admission team is here to assist you at any point during the application process. There's no question too big or too small!
Phone:
860-210-3832
Fax: 860-350-1120
Email:
admission@cbury.org
101 Aspetuck Avenue | New Milford, CT 06776