British Columbia offers a wide variety of highly regarded private and independent high schools. Because private schools offer numerous distinct advantages, such as smaller class sizes, they will prepare your child for the world beyond high school. Read more
Langley, British Columbia — 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! View School Profile.
Grades:
8 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$8,900 to $19,500
Living:
Day/Homestay
Enrollment:
47
Avg. Class:
3 to 6
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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.
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Independent 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.
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Southpointe Academy is one of the few schools in Canada delivering the full IB Continuum Programme from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Moving from AP to the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12 in 2023.
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St. Margaret's School is a girl-centred day and boarding school, an IB World School (DP Candidate), and Canada’s first all-girls STEM-X school. Leadership skills are a core focus.
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GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.
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We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects.
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Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School is a centre of excellence in developmentally informed instruction that empowers children with learning disabilities in a passionate, progressive and inspiring learning environment.
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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.
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Unisus empowers global minded citizens and was founded by leaders at the top Independent Schools in BC. The school is rooted in the IB/Innovation/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education - Offering Day & Boarding.
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Bodwell High School in North Vancouver is a boarding school that enrolls 650 students. Tuition starts at $21,500. We provide Education for a Changing World. The school's motto is "Strength in Diversity."
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Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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ArtsCalibre Academy empowers students through creativity, mindfulness and leadership. We offer comprehensive educational programs for Preschool through Grade 12.
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With a 40-acre campus, Aspengrove School teaches the International Baccalaureate curriculum through a team of passionate faculty committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for their students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MLWS-KPU offers a truly unique high school experience. Students receive the support and community of small high school classes along with the academic opportunities of learning within world-class university facilities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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With over 120 years of excellence in all-girls’ education, our rigorous academic program is complemented by strong arts, design technology and athletic programs. Financial assistance is available.
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Vancouver's only dedicated STEM high school, VISST offers the full BC curriculum with accelerated & enriched STEM including computer science starting from Grade 8. Students will learn from domain experts and PhDs.
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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.
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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.
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Collingwood creates opportunities for our JK to Grade 12 students to excel. Our four strand approach is delivered through a comprehensive educational experience that in collaborative, interdisciplinary and relevant.
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In British Columbia, private and independent schools are a popular choice for parents. Approximately 12.1% of the province's student population attend a private or independent school (source: Measuring Choice and Competition in Canadian Education, the Fraser Institute, February 27, 2014).
Some popular schools in BC include boarding, special needs, boys, girls, and faith-based (such as Christian, Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic). BC also has schools featuring an alternative curriculum, such as Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia.
Read our guide on questions to ask high schools you're considering.
Many British Columbia private high schools offer enrichment programs including Advanced Placement (AP) International Baccalaureate (IB), and gifted programs. AP refers to courses administered by the College Board. If your child scores a 4/5 or a 5/5 on an AP exam, he or she may receive a university course credit that applies to their university transcript. IB is a comprehensive program that is more challenging than the regular high school curriculum. The IB diploma program requires students to take courses in six subject areas and complete more community service than the province mandates. The schools seek to foster citizens of the world, rather than mere students.
Many private schools exceed the requirements of the provincial curriculum, as they try to make high school as much like university as they possibly can. Many BC private high school listed below have superb track records in university placement.
Extracurricular activities are an important part of learning outside of the classroom. Many universities and employees look for well-rounded students. British Columbia's private and independent secondary schools offer diverse extracurricular options.
High school is a big jump from middle and elementary school. To avoid falling behind, your child might need special assistance outside of the classroom. Private schools in British Columbia are known to have dedicated teachers who will spend extra time with your child to ensure that he or she understands the material.
If British Columbia's government determines that a private school has substantially contributed to the province, it will receive a provincial grant. Schools collect grants according to the number of enrolled students. The province pays full grants for students who are "enrolled for a minimum of 600 hours from July 1 to May 15 of the school year." Schools qualify for partial grants for students who "receive less than 600 hours of instruction."
B.C. also offers special education grants to aid schools in "meeting the expenses associated with adapting or modifying the educational programs for students who qualify for special education grants." BC Education has additional information about independent school funding classifications.
In British Columbia, the Office of the Inspector of Independent schools enforces all aspects of the province's School Act, which establishes every school's duties. Even if a private school is not funded, it is still subject to strict regulations and inspections. However, the more a school is funded, the more requirements it must meet. While independent schools have freedom in their teaching styles, educational philosophies, and curricula, they are still required to meet provincial standards, such as educating students in English language, math, science, social studies, and French. Of course, private schools are very likely to greatly exceed standards set by the province.
Meet with British Columbia's top ranked private schools and the best boarding schools across Canada at the Vancouver Private School Expo in November. Learn about schools in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, and elsewhere. This one-day event is a must for any parent or student considering an alternative education.
How many British Columbia private high schools are there?
There are 26 British Columbia private high schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at British Columbia private high schools?
Tuition fees for British Columbia private high schools range from $4,750 to $75,360 per year with an average tuition of $28,686 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the British Columbia private high schools, the largest is Collingwood School with 1256 students in Grades JK to 12.
Are British Columbia private high schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about British Columbia private high schools on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with British Columbia private high 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.
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