British Columbia private schools

Find the top BC schools listed below

Private schools are a well-established aspect of British Columbia's education system. This province provides many strong private schools that offer a wide-range of choice, such as boarding, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, special needs, giftedpreschool, and alternative. Read more


Featured Open House Events:   View all events


List of British Columbia schools

 
FILTERS:
Type
Grades
 

Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres


Langley & Burnaby, British Columbia
Glover/Logan
 
Add to shortlist

"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!

  1. Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
  2. Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
  3. Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
  4. Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program

—From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $8,900 to $19,500
 
Add to shortlist
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres 8900 HighSchools Day Day Coed
Add to shortlist

"Confident Learners. Inspiring Leaders. Creating a thriving world.

  1. SMS is Western Canada's only girl-centred boarding school
  2. SMS was the first girls-school in Canada to integrate a STEM curriculum into daily programs
  3. Visual and performing arts options are woven into our weekly programs

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $19,992 to $74,006
 
Add to shortlist
St. Margaret's School 19992 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
Delta, British Columbia
56th/19 Ave
 
Add to shortlist

"Southpointe Academy is the only secular International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School south of the Fraser River authorized to deliver the entire range of IB programs from K-12." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,600 to $42,825
  • Day school
  • 663 students
Add to shortlist
Southpointe Academy 21600 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Add to shortlist

"We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $9,565 to $32,000
Add to shortlist
Westmont Montessori School 9565 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Add to shortlist

"GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $9,345 to $73,145
Add to shortlist
Glenlyon Norfolk School 9345 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
Add to shortlist

"Brentwood is a leading university prep school that brings to life student choice through its bold tripartite program. We are a true boarding school, not merely a school with boarding, and the ocean is our playground." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $32,000 to $96,300
Add to shortlist
Brentwood College School 32000 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
Richmond Rd/McRae Ave
 
Add to shortlist

"Independent Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on outstanding preparation for life. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $22,050 to $85,060
Add to shortlist
St. Michaels University School 22050 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Harbourside Drive/
 
Add to shortlist

"Bodwell High School emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from. Bodwell offers AP and IB courses." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $26,000 to $29,000
Add to shortlist
Bodwell High School 26000 HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Brookes Westshore, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offers grades 4 to 12 and both day and boarding programmes, with an average class size of 15 students." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,290 to $62,000
Add to shortlist
Brookes Westshore 10290 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Burnaby, British Columbia
Boundary Road/Canada Way
 
Add to shortlist

"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!" —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • $8,900 to $21,000
  • Day school
  • 32 students
Add to shortlist
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre - Burnaby 8900 HighSchools Day Coed
Surrey, British Columbia
152 Street/Highway 10
 
Add to shortlist

"We understand the importance of developing a well-rounded individual. Our Art and Sports Expert Streams are integrated with the Academic curriculum to amplify our students’ growth into capable and confident adults." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 7 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $17,000 to $18,250
Add to shortlist
Glarea Elevated Learning 17000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
Dunsmuir/Seymour
 
Add to shortlist

"Alexander Academy is a private high school offering the BC Dogwood High School Diploma and a unique University Transfer Program in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment." —From the school

  • Gr. 10 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $16,500 to $22,800
Add to shortlist
Alexander Academy 16500 Homestay Day Coed
West Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Collingwood’s personalized and inclusive approach fosters academic excellence and well-being as our students explore opportunities across the four strands--academics, athletics, arts and service learning." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $25,100 to $29,450
  • Day school
  • 1256 students
Add to shortlist
Collingwood School 25100 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
West Broadway/Stephens Street
 
Add to shortlist

"At Pear Tree School, we guide our students in discovering their true calling and developing a deep sense of purpose, empowering them to leave a meaningful legacy that positively impacts the lives of others." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $21,120 to $27,445
Add to shortlist
Pear Tree School 21120 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Summerland, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood)." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $12,945 to $56,500
  • Day, Boarding
  • 130 students
Add to shortlist
Unisus School 12945 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
West Vancouver- Bowen Island, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Our four year program is developed to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity. We are distinctly different: a small (IB) middle school that fosters intellectual engagement, citizenship and leadership." —From the school

  • Gr. 6 to 9 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $20,925
Add to shortlist
Island Pacific School 20925 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
Quadra Street/Burdett Avenue
 
Add to shortlist

"Our students learn in a progressive, authentic, inspiring, welcoming, nurturing and in a safe, child-centred environment. Our small size, with one class for each grade, gives a sense of being part of a close-knit family." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $8,196 to $16,950
Add to shortlist
Christ Church Cathedral School 8196 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
W 22nd/Phillip
 
Add to shortlist

"As a Reggio Inspired School in North Vancouver, Sunflower engages daily in rigorous reflective practice - collaboratively designing curriculum and environment around the emerging interests and curiosities of the children" —From the school

  • Gr. PS (Coed)
  • Reggio Emilia approach
  • $2,400 to $5,500
Add to shortlist
Sunflower Early Learning Society 2400 Preschool Day Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Keith Rd/Lynnmouth Ave
 
Add to shortlist

"Collaborative and engaging, North Star's programs put students at the center of their learning and quest for knowledge." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 7 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $8,550 to $16,785
  • Day school
  • 110 students
Add to shortlist
North Star Montessori Elementary School 8550 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Richmond, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"We emphasize critical thinking, as well as innovation, joy, and curiosity." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $21,400 to $34,500
Add to shortlist
Pythagoras Academy 21400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
Broadway/Granville
 
Add to shortlist

"Vancouver's only dedicated STEM high school, VISST offers the full BC curriculum with accelerated & enriched STEM. Students will learn from domain experts and PhDs in small classes." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 10 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $1 to $23,400
Add to shortlist
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology 1 HighSchools Day Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Our rigorous, personalized programme and strong teacher-student relationships enable us to cultivate each student's talents, helping them build on strengths and discover the joy of learning." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $21,500 to $24,500
Add to shortlist
Alcuin College 21500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Duncan, British Columbia
Brownsey Avenue/Government Street
 
Add to shortlist

"Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $7,000 to $68,780
Add to shortlist
Queen Margaret's School 7000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Boarding Coed
Kimberley, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Grateful. Mindful. Purposeful. Successful. At Purcell Collegiate School, we will prep you--for university and for life. Learn more about the u.prep@pcs suite of extra-curricular programs on our website." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $62,000 to $83,000
  • Boarding
  • 60 students
Add to shortlist
Purcell Collegiate School 62000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Coed
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road
 
Add to shortlist

"Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $28,400 to $38,400
Add to shortlist
Meadowridge School 28400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience on our stunning waterfront campus on Canada’s beautiful West Coast." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $35,500 to $90,000
  • Day, Boarding
  • 540 students
Add to shortlist
Shawnigan Lake School 35500 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
Cambie/Nelson
 
Add to shortlist

"Claren Academy is a future-focused independent school located in the heart of Vancouver. We give students the tools to be creative, competent, and happy in their changing world." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 7 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $19,855
Add to shortlist
Claren Academy 19855 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit
 
Add to shortlist

"By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $26,850 to $30,290
Add to shortlist
Mulgrave School 26850 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Brockton is a coeducational IB World School where every student matters, every family matters, community matters, and learning for life matters." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $27,200 to $30,600
  • Day school
  • 345 students
Add to shortlist
Brockton School 27200 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"HongDe Elementary School provides Kindergarten-Grade 5 students a Chinese (Mandarin) / English bilingual education in a safe and supportive learning environment that recognizes the individual needs of each student." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 6 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $16,800 to $19,800
Add to shortlist
HongDe Elementary School 16800 Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
 
Add to shortlist

"Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $28,220 to $32,970
  • Day school
  • 545 students
Add to shortlist
Stratford Hall 28220 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Find out about BC private school rankings.

 

For more information about BC's private and independent schools, visit the Our Kids' Vancouver Private School Expo. Here, you can meet administrators and instructors from some of the best private schools from across BC.

This includes schools in Vancouver, including the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA), Lower Mainland, and Tri-Cities (i.e., Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody). It also includes the cities of Victoria, Vancouver IslandBurnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Kelowna, DeltaLangley, White Rock, Maple Ridge, Summerland, Duncan, and more.

Private school funding and oversight in BC

British Columbia recognizes the distinct advantages of private and independent schools and therefore funds many of them. The provincial government partially funds private schools according to the quality of education that they provide. To receive funding, a school must meet clearly identified criteria, such as employing only provincially certified teachers. More than 85% of BC's private schools receive some provincial funding, thereby increasing their affordability.

The British Columbia Ministry of Education inspects and regulates private schools in the province. All schools in B.C. are accountable to the School Act which identifies their responsibilities and requirements. The Ministry of Education also educates teachers about their classroom duties and boundaries.

Types of BC private schools

British Columbia has many private and independent schools, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Below, we describe some of the main types of private and independent schools you’ll find in BC.

Find the right school in British Columbia

Whether you enjoy lively cities, like Vancouver, Victoria, or Kelowna or you prefer living in beautiful natural scenery in British Columbia, you will find a city or town that suits your family's needs and wants. BC is simply a wonderful place  to raise a family! Finding the right school is a little more work, but we have resources to help.

Things to consider when enrolling in a BC private school

You should begin searching for a private school for your child well before your expected time of enrolment (some parents begin looking for a preschool or daycare when their child is still a baby). Such promptness will give you sufficient time to consider a multitude of necessary factors. Here are some considerations:

1. Educational philosophy

Many private and independent schools in BC have unique educational philosophies. For instance, there are language-immersion, special needsChristian, CatholicAP, and IB schools. You should find out whether those approaches are suited to your child's educational needs.

2. Tuition

Will the school help you fund your child's tuition? Private and independent school need not be beyond your financial means, as many institutions allocate funds to scholarships and bursaries. To find out more about paying for private school, you may consult our list of 18 tips for paying private school tuition.

4. Location and commute

How far is the school from your home? Distance can be important if your children are young or there is limited public transportation. If you want your child to experience a private school's diverse programs (i.e., extracurricular activities), you might need to drive him or her to school at hours that do not fit your schedule.

5. Testimonials

What do other students and their parents say about the school? Get as much feedback from school parents as possible.

6. Reputation

What is the school's reputation? You could contact a Ministry representative to learn about a given school's reputation. Our Kids also tenuously offers BC private school rankings based on verifiable factors like admission rate, cost and foundation date.

To learn more, read our step-by-step choosing guide as well as our guide to private school questions. You can also read our comprehensive schools profiles on OurKids.net.

On this page, we list the top private schools in BC (British Columbia). Click on a link to learn all about a school, including its location, cost, programs, and curriculum.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many British Columbia private schools are there?
There are 31 British Columbia private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.

How much is tuition at British Columbia private schools?
Tuition fees for British Columbia private schools range from $2,400 to $96,300 per year with an average tuition of $27,286 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the British Columbia private schools, the largest is Collingwood School with 1256 students in Grades JK to 12.

Are British Columbia private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about British Columbia private schools on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with British Columbia private schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.

In the spotlight:


Latest Articles

Out of the class and into the community  
TCS’s service learning program provides the hands-on experience of giving back (February 13, 2024)

The benefits of multilingualism  
What language education at Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal provides (February 1, 2024)

Profile of Carrie Hughes-Grant, Head of School, Holy Name of Mary College  
“It’s all about giving the girls a voice.” (December 14, 2023)

London autism schools  
Find the top private and independent schools supporting autism in London (December 13, 2023)

Newmarket preschools  
Find the top private and independent preschools in Newmarket (December 11, 2023)

x

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.