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


List of British Columbia schools

 
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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.

  • Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
  • Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
  • Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
  • Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program
  • Kids love it here! On average, student attendance doubles (vs. previous learning environment)
Grades:
8 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$8,900 to $19,500
Living:
Day/Homestay
Enrollment:
47
Avg. Class:
3 to 6
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres 8900 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • Delta, British Columbia
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $20,000 to $39,650

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Southpointe Academy 20000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
    Richmond Rd/McRae Ave
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $22,150 to $79,130

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.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
St. Michaels University School 22150 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $20,840 to $73,145

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.

  • Boarding/Day/Homestay
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Glenlyon Norfolk School 20840 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $24,540 to $28,670

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.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Stratford Hall 24540 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $9,565 to $14,945

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

  • Day
  • Montessori
Westmont Montessori School 9565 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • K to 6 Coed
  • $16,800 to $20,800

HongDe School provides K-Grade 7 students a Chinese (Mandarin) bilingual education in a safe and supportive learning environment that recognizes the individual needs of each student.

  • Day
  • Traditional
HongDe Elementary School 16800 Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Girls
  • $18,860 to $72,555

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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Progressive
St. Margaret's School 18860 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • 4 to 12 Coed
  • $9,500 to $52,000

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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Brookes Westshore 9500 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • North Vancouver, British Columbia
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $29,900 to $30,900

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.

  • Day
  • Traditional
Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School 29900 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Richmond, British Columbia
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $21,400 to $25,800

We emphasize critical thinking, as well as innovation, joy, and curiosity.

  • Day
  • Traditional
  • Reggio Emilia
Pythagoras Academy 21400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
    Cambie/Nelson
  • K to 8 Coed
  • $19,855

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Claren Academy 19855 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Duncan, British Columbia
    Brownsey Avenue/Government Street
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $14,413 to $69,313

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.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
Queen Margaret's School 14413 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
    West Broadway/Stephens Street
  • K to 8 Coed
  • $19,200 to $24,950

Pear Tree School’s mission is to provide a complete, inclusive, and stimulating education that nurtures the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and ethical development of every student.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Pear Tree School 19200 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Surrey, British Columbia
    86th Avenue/156th Street
  • PS to K Coed
  • $2,500 to $4,000

Authentic Montessori Preschool. Students completing our 3 year program at The Maria Montessori School test extremely well. We balance academics, exploration and skills guided by your child's natural interests.

  • Day
  • Montessori
The Maria Montessori School 2500 Preschool Kindergarten Day Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
    Broadway/Granville
  • 8 to 9 Coed
  • $1 to $23,400

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology 1 HighSchools Day Coed
  • Bowen Island, British Columbia
  • 6 to 9 Coed
  • $20,925 to $26,507

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.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
  • International Baccalaureate
Island Pacific School 20925 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Surrey, British Columbia
    152 Street/Highway 10
  • K to 7 Coed
  • $17,000 to $18,250

We understand the importance of developing a well rounded individual. Our Tech, Art and Sport Expert Streams are integrated with the Academic curriculum to amplify our students’ growth into capable and confident adults.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Glarea Elevated Learning 17000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
  • 8 to 12 Coed
  • $33,205 to $83,615

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.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Traditional
Shawnigan Lake School 33205 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • West Vancouver, British Columbia
    Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $26,850 to $30,290

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Mulgrave School 26850 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
    Feltham/Tyndall
  • PS to 12 Coed
  • $1,600 to $8,500

ArtsCalibre Academy empowers students through creativity, mindfulness and leadership. We offer comprehensive educational programs for Preschool through Grade 12.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • Reggio Emilia
ArtsCalibre Academy 1600 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • North Vancouver, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $25,900 to $29,100

Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School inspiring the growth of outstanding humans, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Brockton School 25900 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Summerland, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $14,800 to $59,480

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.

  • Day/Boarding
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Unisus School 14800 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
  • Lantzville, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $11,000 to $33,300

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Aspengrove School 11000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
    West Hastings St./Granville St.
  • 9 to 12 Coed
  • $16,500 to $22,800

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.

  • Day/Homestay
  • Progressive
Alexander Academy 16500 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
  • North Vancouver, British Columbia
    Harbourside Drive/
  • 8 to 12 Coed
  • $25,250 to $47,725

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."

  • Boarding/Day/Homestay
  • Progressive
Bodwell High School 25250 HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Girls
  • $27,200

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Crofton House School 27200 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
  • Mill Bay, British Columbia
  • 8 to 12 Coed
  • $25,700 to $66,000

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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Liberal Arts
Brentwood College School 25700 HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
  • West Vancouver, British Columbia
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $23,800 to $28,150

Collingwood creates opportunities for our JK to Grade 12 students to excel. Our four strand approach is delivered through a comprehensive educational experience that is collaborative, interdisciplinary and relevant.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Collingwood School 23800 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Richmond, British Columbia
    Lansdowne Road/Kwantlen Street
  • 10 to 12 Coed
  • $22,000 to $37,950

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.

  • Boarding/Day
  • Traditional
  • International Baccalaureate
Maple Leaf World Schools - Canada 22000 Boarding Day Day Coed
  • Maple Ridge, British Columbia
    240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road
  • JK to 12 Coed
  • $28,400 to $38,400

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
  • International Baccalaureate
Meadowridge School 28400 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
  • Victoria, British Columbia
    Quadra Street/Burdett Avenue
  • JK to 8 Coed
  • $8,196 to $16,950

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.

  • Day
  • Progressive
Christ Church Cathedral School 8196 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
  • North Vancouver, British Columbia
  • K to 12 Coed
  • $20,000 to $23,000

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.

  • Day
  • Liberal Arts
Alcuin College 20000 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, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Kelowna, DeltaLangley, White Rock, Maple Ridge, Summerland, 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 33 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 $3,500 to $75,360 per year with an average tuition of $26,296 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.

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