Private Schools in BC

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 Waldorf, religious, special needs, First Nations, and alternative. For more information about B.C.’s independent schools, you could visit Our Kids' Vancouver Private School Expo. Here, you can meet administrators and instructors from some of the best private schools from across B.C., the rest of Canada, and abroad.

Private School Funding and Oversight in B.C.

British Columbia recognizes the distinct advantages of private 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 B.C.’s private schools receive some provincial funding, thereby increasing their affordability.

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Private Schools Near You • BC Private High Schools • Private Schools in Vancouver • Victoria Private Schools • Vancouver Independent Schools • Nanaimo Private Schools

Private School Information • Paying Private School Tuition • Private Schools Vs. Public • Admissions & Applications • Private School Ratings • About Private School Scholarships

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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.

Find the Right School in British Columbia

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

Consider boarding school! Our sister site, Experience Boarding lets you get a feel for what life is like inside a boarding school. Take a closer look at Vancouver boarding schools!

Things to Consider when Enrolling in a Private School

You should begin searching for a private school for your child well before your expected time of enrolment (some parents begin 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:

• What is the school’s educational philosophy? Many private schools have unique educational philosophies. You should find out whether those approaches are suited to your child’s educational needs.
• Will the school help you fund your child’s tuition? Private 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.
• 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. extra-curricular activities), you might need to drive him or her to school at hours that do not fit your schedule.
• What do other students and their parents say about the school? Get as much feedback from school parents as possible.
• What is the school's reputation? You could contact a Ministry representative to learn about a given school’s reputation. You can also check its ranking by the Fraser Institute.