St. Michaels University School logo

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michaels University School

Grades JK TO Gr. 12 — Victoria, BC (MAP)

St. Michaels University School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    JK — Gr. 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    Varies
  • Tuition
    $22,050 to 85,060/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    CAIS, ISABC, TABS
  • Enrolment
    745 day students, 258 boarding students
  • Curriculum
    Progressive
  • EBROCHURE
    N/A

School address

  • 3400 Richmond Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 4P5 (MAP)
  • 820 Victoria Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia, V8S 4N3 (MAP)
  • Busing available (View details)

School Busing:

SMUS offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, occasional rider.

The regions SMUS offers busing from are:

  • Victoria
  • Saanich
  • Langford
  • Colwood
  • Saanichton
  • Sidney

Additional notes: Visit https://www.smus.ca/community/support/transportation for more information.

Our Perspective

How we see St. Michaels University School


The academic atmosphere at St. Michaels is supportive and progressive, beginning with a Reggio Emilia program that sets a tone of curiosity and collaboration that is carried through the upper grades. The boarding program sets the foundation for the school, establishing a community of service, involvement, and excellence not only in students’ academic life, but in their social lives and physical health as well. The program of pastoral care is broad and robust, something that derives in part from the context that the boarding program provides. The motto of one of the two founding schools is retained today: “nothing is great unless it is good.” That’s telling. Care and support are considered to be as important as challenge and excellence, and students are encouraged to engage with the entire spectrum of curricular and extra-curricular programs. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a rich, challenging, diverse academic and social atmosphere.

School's Perspective

Compare with:  

How St. Michaels University School sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"Located in the city of Victoria, St. Michaels University School is a boarding and day school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Students from around the world are challenged by an extensive curriculum, including Canada’s most established Advanced Placement program with 25 courses and the AP Capstone Diploma. Intellectual stimulation combined with exceptional values-based athletics, arts and leadership programs make SMUS a school that inspires excellence in all students while preparing them for life."

  • Our Junior School established Joy in Excellence among our youngest learners.
  • The Middle School helps students Find their Fit and a sense of belonging in our community.
  • Senior School offers outstanding preparation for life with Canada's largest AP selection.
  • Boarding is better in the city, where students build independence in a University-focused community.
  • SMUS has dedicated counsellors for students five days per week at all grades.
  • Our exceptional music program includes band, ensembles and strings starting at Grade 4.
  • SMUS offers more than $1.9 million in financial aid each year.
  • The Best School Year Ever contest offers two full boarding tuition scholarships in North America.
  • Enhanced Learning Support systems ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
  • The SMUS Journey is a Journey for Life, with an ongoing community of connection around the world.

School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Athletics facilities


Arts facilities


Campus


Classrooms


Science facilities


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see St. Michaels University School


Video reviews of St. Michaels University School

Alum, Sean Finamore (2020)

Watch our alum interview with Sean Finamore to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Michaels University School.

Written reviews of St. Michaels University School

(5)

Parent, Enoch Wuraola (2018)

Both of my children have attended St. Michaels University School as boarders: my daughter from gr. 1...

(4.8)

Parent, Jonathan Barry (2018)

Our son likes the quality of the students, the teachers and the professionalism of the school best. ...

(4.7)

Parent, Bronwyn Tulloch (2018)

Our daughter started at SMUS as a boarder in Grade 11. She moved from a very large public day school...

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Interview with school leader

Watch our St. Michaels University School leadership interview with Mark Turner to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Mark Turner, Head of School

From all my enquiries, anecdotal, empirical, and statistical, SMUS is a world-class school built on the solid foundations of its extended community. At the heart of that community are the students, some drawn into boarding from a diverse range of cultures and others who are deeply rooted in Victoria and its environs. The students are inspired by a large, dedicated and highly qualified faculty who over the years have established a reputation for going beyond the call of duty to nurture individual interests and enthusiasm.

The school mission is to aim for the “excellence in all of us.” As anyone who aspires for the highest standards will know, this is no easy task. A starting point is that “you have to be good to be great” but an outstanding education requires a holistic view that provides opportunities for the development of the mind, body, and the soul to enable young people to ask the big questions and really find out who they are.

We believe in both passion – come with a spark of enthusiasm and it will be fanned into a blaze – and compassion – education is a shared experience and we all journey together. Indeed, the school’s commitment to service and leadership has a reach far beyond BC; it is truly international.

Learning should be fun, but it should also be appropriately challenging. Rigor instills resilience, which we are told will be increasingly important as the world becomes more competitive. This should also be the time for reflection; the chance to pause and think and dream.

SMUS students have achieved remarkable success in a broad range of professions. Many report that this is down to quiet inner confidence, the ability to think independently, and a commitment to civilized values.

By providing a vast range of competitive sports, clubs, and activities, we hope to provide something for everyone to find their niche.

We invite you to come and meet us at our beautiful sites on Richmond Road and Victoria Avenue, and to find out first-hand the blend of people, place, tradition and innovation that makes St. Michaels University School such a special place.


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: St. Michaels University School

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