13 best boarding schools in Vancouver, British Columbia 2025

Vancouver's boarding schools offer a myriad of benefits, key among them being:

• Small Class Sizes: This facilitates effective learning and enables teachers to adopt a personalized approach to each student.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: International students can choose between host family living or residing in spacious on-campus accommodations, promoting a unified study and living environment.

• Superior Facilities and Academic Standards: Many boarding schools in Vancouver boast advanced facilities, including swimming pools and hockey arenas, and employ experienced educators for a comprehensive academic experience.

• Reputation and Future Pathways: Graduates from prestigious Vancouver boarding institutions are well-prepared for acceptance into renowned universities worldwide.

Anna Parkhomenko

Ridley College Admission Manager

What does make Canadian schools special? Why do parents from all over the world choose Canada primary and secondary schools for their children?

First of all, it is a high level of education, which is recognized throughout the world. Canada is the most educated country on the planet, so the culture of education is at the highest level here. All schools in Canada - public, private, independent - follow a provincial curriculum, and all educators are required to hold a teaching degree and certification. All these factors convince families that no matter which school they choose, their children will receive a first-class education.

The cost of education at Vancouver's boarding schools typically ranges from 12,000 CAD to 70,000 CAD per academic year, with additional accommodation costs of around 11,000 CAD annually.

Key considerations when choosing include:

• The institution's prestige.

• Living options during studies.

• Comprehensive meal plans.

• Admission application fees.

• Additional costs for textbooks and uniforms.

• Variety of extracurricular and cultural activities.

These institutions offer comfortable, spacious student residences. Rooms, designed for 1-2 individuals, provide a conducive environment for both academic and personal growth. On-site staff ensure safety and assist with any educational or living needs.

• York House

• Little Flower Academy

• Crofton House

• West Point Grey

• St. George’s

• St. John’s

• Vancouver College

• University Hill

• Lord Byng

• King David.

Applying to boarding schools in Vancouver involves several steps, each important for ensuring a successful admission process. The first step is to conduct thorough research on the boarding schools available in Vancouver. This includes understanding the ethos, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and the support services each school offers. Prospective students and their families should visit school websites, attend open houses or virtual tours, and read reviews or testimonials to gain a comprehensive understanding of what each school offers. It's also crucial to consider the location, size, and cultural atmosphere of each school to ensure a good fit for the student.

The next step in the application process is to prepare and submit the required documentation. This usually includes the student's academic records, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. The personal statement is a vital component as it allows the student to express their personality, achievements, interests, and reasons for wanting to attend the school. Some schools may also require an interview, either in person or online, as part of the application process. It's important to adhere to the application deadlines specified by each school and to ensure that all documents are complete and accurately reflect the student’s abilities and character.

Finally, financial planning is an essential aspect of applying to boarding schools in Vancouver. Prospective students should explore the tuition fees and additional costs associated with boarding, such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and school trips. Many schools offer scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs to assist families in managing the costs. It's advisable to contact the school's admissions office directly for detailed information on financial aid options and application procedures. Throughout the process, maintaining open communication with the school’s admissions office can provide valuable guidance and support, helping to navigate any complexities and ensuring a smooth application experience.

Private boarding schools in Vancouver for international students offer several advantages:

Quality of Life
Canada consistently ranks at the top in international rankings for quality of life. In Vancouver, the standard of living is higher than the national average, and the city offers excellent conditions for students. Affordable housing or dormitories are available, and the city’s rich, diverse, and vibrant social and community life provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Opportunity for Permanent Residency  
Canada’s immigration laws remain flexible and liberal, and education, including schooling, is one of the most accessible and reliable ways to move to the country for permanent residency (local school graduates have several significant advantages in this regard).

Modern Infrastructure  
Public funding covers the full cost of secondary education, which means not only expensive private schools but also most public and independent religious schools are well-equipped and have modern facilities. Educational institutions are also supported by a high-quality healthcare system and psychological support services.

Internationalism and Multiculturalism  
North America has always welcomed young, promising, and talented individuals, and Canada has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations for international education. One key reason for this is Canada’s official bilingualism. English and French are both used in international business and are the working languages of international organizations, offering graduates of Canadian schools and universities broad opportunities.

Expatriate students from other countries can also learn a second language during their studies, even if it’s not officially part of the program.

Affordability  
This is a crucial factor: statistics show that 72% of families interested in studying abroad consider factors like the cost of living. Canada stands out in this regard, offering affordable programs that are 40-50% cheaper than those in the U.S., the UK, and Japan (though some top schools may be more expensive than those in the UK or Switzerland).

Many Canadian schools offer a variety of scholarship programs—both academic and for achievements in sports, culture, science, and community activities. Some scholarships cover not only tuition but also accommodation and other expenses.

Support from the Canadian government is also significant; authorities believe in supporting not only public but also independent schools. At least 10% of GDP is allocated to education, making Canada one of the leaders in the OECD.

Diverse Programs to Choose From  
Private schools in Vancouver offer various programs: some are better suited for students planning to continue their education in Canadian universities, others are optimal for those applying to universities in the EU, the U.S., or the UK, and some are universal.

Visa Policy  
You can apply for a visa required for enrollment in one of Vancouver's private boarding schools online, using an IRCC account.

Official Bilingualism  
Official bilingualism can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Alongside English schools, there are French schools and mixed English-French schools, so when choosing a place to live, it’s important to consider the available education options nearby.

Climate Conditions 
On average, winter temperatures in British Columbia range between -15°C to -20°C, and summers are short but quite hot.

Heavy Academic Workload  
Studying in Canada is challenging: the programs are intensive and require maximum dedication from students. Homework, regular exams, and strict tests can sometimes result in a significant level of psychological stress.

The education system in this Canadian province includes primary and secondary schools, both private and public. Education is compulsory for children from 6 to 16 years of age, which is equivalent to grades 1-10; at the same time, 88% of students complete 12 years of secondary school and study until the age of 18.

Public schools are the most widespread in the province, with about 580,000 students - or 87%. The British Columbia Ministry of Education provides overall leadership. At the lowest level, schools are governed by public school district boards of school trustees (there are 60 school districts, the number of boards can vary from district to district, and trustees are elected along with mayors and municipal councillors every 4 years).

Secondary education is a provincial focus, with $5 billion (22.3% of provincial budget spending) spent on the K12 school system in the 2020/21 school year and already $5.68 billion (22.6%) in 2021/22. 59 school boards are anglophone, one is francophone: it runs French public schools across the province.

Private boarding and day schools in Vancouver are the second largest area of elementary and secondary education. Private schools in British Columbia make up the largest non-public school sector in the country; there are 90,000 students (13.5%), of which at least 60,000 are in Vancouver.

Private schools can be religious (there are Christian schools, which in turn are divided into Catholic, Baptist, Anglican and other, Jewish and Muslim), secular, have a wide profile or be aimed at preparation for university entrance. Profile special schools are quite popular, where great importance is attached to the study of one or more profile subjects (art, music, sports). Separate are schools that are guided by special methods of education: Waldorf or Montessori.  

The cost of education in boarding schools in Vancouver varies widely; as a rule, it is lower than in the USA, Great Britain or Switzerland.

Such diversity is possible due to the liberal policy of the provincial government on non-public schools. 90% of independent schools receive 50% of the operating funding available to public schools in the same school district; in return, they provide the opportunity to obtain a provincial secondary school certificate.

Approximately 3,000 students are homeschooled. The unique situation in British Columbia is that home-schooled students can also participate in online classes from regular or online schools.

To graduate from high school in Vancouver with a provincial (local) diploma, you must complete a certain number of academic credits in grades 10-12. Right now (2023), this is 80 credits, of which 28 are elective courses and 62 are required: language arts, social and community sciences, math and science, physical and health education, art education and design, science and technology, and career guidance.

Public education in British Columbia is based on the School Act, which outlines the basic framework and functioning mechanisms of the school system. It mandates a secular and non-denominational education. The system is divided into 60 school districts, encompassing 1,571 public schools. Each district is responsible for elementary, secondary, and specialized schools within its territory and is governed by a school board (its members are elected in local elections). The authorities use a modified per-student funding model that accounts for geographic factors, the proportion of students with special needs, and the proportion of Indigenous students.

English-Language Public School System
English-language public schools provide education for students from kindergarten to grade 12. Education is free, and these schools are open to any student living nearby. They are organized into school districts, with Surrey School District being the largest, comprising 125 schools.

French-Language Public School System  
There are 45 schools in the province where French is the primary language of instruction. To enroll in these schools, students must meet certain criteria:

- At least one parent must speak French (or have French as their native language),
- At least one parent, sibling, grandparent, or great-grandparent must have attended a Francophone Canadian school.

If a child does not meet these criteria, parents can still apply. Alternatively, immersion programs are available in English-language schools, where some subjects are taught in French.

In the province of British Columbia, children have the right to learn from the age of five, but it becomes compulsory at age 6. Expats who have moved to Vancouver and students who do not speak English as their first language can use one of two procedures: through the New Student Welcome Center or through the school authorities directly.

The school boards of the various districts in British Columbia are responsible for ensuring 100 percent enrolment of all students registered in their respective territories. Students may only attend school in the district where they live.

The following documents are required to enroll a child in school:

• Proof of age - passport or birth certificate;
• proving residency status (permanent resident card, proof of permanent residence, etc.);
• Immunization card (according to the BC immunization calendar).

To enroll in a public school, you must take the following steps:

1. Locate the nearest school;
2. Visit the local school board's website and use the enrollment instructions;
3. Students who attend school in Vancouver but were born outside of Canada or do not speak English as a first language will need to register at the Newcomer Welcome Center;
4. Complete the application form: questions about the child, home address, parental contact information, emergency contacts and any health notes;
5. Provide proof of the child's identity, proof of residence, proof of home address and a copy of immunization records;
6. In high school, the child should meet with a counselor to discuss his/her previous school achievements and career goals. The counselor will help the child select school courses, usually requesting previous report cards.

The algorithm for private schools is determined by the specific school and may vary. It is important to note that scholarship applications usually need to be submitted with the school's application for enrollment.

The first signs of formal education in Vancouver appeared in the early 19th century when British Columbia was in its early stages of development and governed by the Hudson's Bay Company. The administration established schools for employees at several forts, followed by the Anglican and Catholic churches initiating educational activities.

These schools did not have official government status at the time and charged fees for education. It wasn’t until 1865 that the Colony of Vancouver Island passed the Common Schools Act, which declared schools under government control to be non-religious and provided state funding. In 1866, the colony merged with British Columbia, and in 1872, the province passed the Free Public Schools Act, which officially established free public education. At that time, just over 500 students were enrolled in 14 schools.

Meanwhile, non-governmental schools, both secular and religious, continued to develop. Catholic schools fought for state funding and support until 1977, when they finally secured it through the Independent Schools Support Act. In 1989, with the adoption of the Independent Schools Act, the system of private secondary education in Vancouver took on its current form.

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