955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3S4, Canada
13212 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1A3, Canada
955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3S4, Canada
13212 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1A3, Canada
1991
1983
560
340
8 to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Homestay, Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Progressive
18 to 24
17 to 22
Dedicated gifted school
$26,000
$8,700 to $19,500
$29,000
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
112
20
86%
0%
60%
100%
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 8 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Bodwell began in 1991 with just six students, and has grown exponentially since then. It’s now one of the largest international boarding schools in the country. Throughout, the school has been developed to support learners arriving in Canada from overseas, including counsellors who can provide guidance on travel and visa requirements, and international credit equivalencies. The atmosphere in many ways in an expression of the surrounding city. Like Vancouver, the school is diverse, positioned to grant a global perspective. Graduates are encouraged to grow a sense of who they are in that wider world, both of the pacific rim and beyond. The ideal student is one preparing for university and, afterward, a professional engagement within an international context.
View full reportProgressive Academy hits a lot of the sweet spots that parents are looking for when considering private education. The size of the student body is smaller than the mean for schools across Canada, and affords a more individual, personal approach to instruction. The students are known by faculty, staff, and peers, and therefore quickly gain a sense of place and belonging. That said, the school is large enough to provide a good range of curricular programs and extracurricular activities. Students have the opportunity to try activities that they perhaps wouldn't attempt in larger, more competitive settings. A strong academic program is delivered in consort with an attention to interpersonal skills and social and emotional development. The school is a particular draw for families looking for a balanced program, one that builds from the students’ interests and creativity, yet supports them to reach a bit beyond their immediate comfort zones.
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"The teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about fostering a nurturing learning environment."
Tanatswa Chitenga - Alumnus (Oct 23, 2023)
Like any other person, change always makes one anxious as it is unknown what's to come. There is not...
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"Because of the lower number of students, there was always someone ready to assist anyone with anything."
Oleg Pak - Alumnus (Nov 27, 2023)
From the very first time I entered Bodwell High School and saw the glowing diverse faces of the stud...
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"The teaching and learning environment at Bodwell was very personal."
Danat Turakbayev - Alumnus (Jan 24, 2024)
I had a positive lifetime-changing experience at Bodwell High School. I believe it influenced most i...
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"Bodwell offers a rigorous academic program, including IB and AP components, and prepares students for university entrance. All students participate in extra-curriculars, with emphasis on sports, fine arts and life skills in the boarding program. We have a strong ESL program and our Saturday enrichment program allows students to expand their learning and to gain "real-world" knowledge. Our diverse environment enables students to become active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world."
"Progressive Academy is a multicultural, coed, academic school for students from age 3 to grade 12. We connect learning with living, explore interests and pursue passions. Creating with purpose, energy and joy are the hallmarks of Progressive Academy students. Rigor in core subjects, at the best pace for each student, provides the foundation for pursuit of knowledge and skills. Choice in a wide range of subjects such as robotics, musical theatre, and sports is the fuel to inspire learning."
"We prioritize university preparation at Bodwell High School, reflected through our expansive multi-cultural counselling team. Our students benefit from well-supported and personalized learning opportunities through the IB Middle Years Program, AP courses, Academic English Preparation program, and a wide range of co-curricular courses (over 100) that provide academic support, skill-building and exploration of interests. Located close to the city, the Bodwell boarding program is fully on-campus."
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"We have proven success through high acceptance rates to top Canadian and global universities. Bodwell graduates enter post-secondary life with strong life-skills and English-language development gained through a strongly supportive multicultural community. With a safe and secure on-site boarding experience, students are equipped to focus on their learning. Our modern campus, located close to the city, also offers ample opportunities for engaging activities and exploration."
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"Something many families appreciate later in their relationship with Bodwell is the deep and continued commitment we have to open communication with parents. As many of our parents live in different countries, we truly embrace a philosophy that parents are our partners in education - and we work hard to make sure that parents feel their voices are heard."
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"Families might be surprised to learn that Bodwell's student body is almost entirely international. Because of this, we are able to customize our programming. Our community enjoys a modern campus, located close to the core of Vancouver. Students come together from around the world to enjoy a shared and supportive multi-cultural experience, with extra and co-curricular opportunities focused on addressing their needs as international students."
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"A transformative education which helps young people ask big questions, expose common assumptions about the world, critically examine society, and cultivate empathy and responsibility is the ultimate goal. As an educator, a commitment to transformative education is my personal and professional mission."
There are so many benefits to sending your child to a school that recognizes the incredible potential of each individual.
Progressive Academy strives to develop well-rounded advanced learners, capable of becoming the entrepreneurs of the future. We develop confidence with intention. Our approaches to education stress understanding through discovery, yet ensure that the necessary base skills are well developed, opening the door for students to pursue subjects as far forward as they are want.
Students are exposed to many required classes including French and Mandarin as second languages, art history, music (including concert band in Junior High), robotics, as well as many options including public speaking, programming, photography, and sports like fencing and equestrian. Our students perform regularly during the school year to build their confidence and comfort with being in front of crowds.
Our school is best characterized as academic. Students are encouraged to learn beyond their grade or age might dictate. We follow the passion for learning of the student, rather than hold them back based on age. Our highly individualized approach helps students learn at an early age that they are directly responsible for their own development.
Progressive
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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Bodwell's linear system gives students several advantages. Firstly, there are three entrance opportunities every year, in September, January, and July, giving students schedule flexibility. Secondly, the system allows a motivated student to complete one-and-a-half academic grades in each calendar year. This allows students to complete high school faster and begin their university studies sooner. ESL students also have an opportunity to join from November and April in addition to Fall, Spring & July intake.
Progressive Academy implements the Alberta Provincial curriculum as a starting point. Students are not bound by grades or constrained by time in their forward progress through the curriculum. High expectations for full understanding and ability to use what has been learned determine forward progress. Authentic learning opportunities provide meaning for curriculum expectation. Students are often in multi-grades classes and are encouraged to perform at their highest level while mentoring younger student in their work.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Teachers at Bodwell use a mix of traditional versus discovery approaches depending on their own style, the familiarity of the students to the topic and the need for interaction in class. For example, one teacher stated 'I think it is important to introduce the topic, provide examples, then have students try some on their own'. Another teacher stated 'If it is a concept most students probably know, I try to create a mini, fun, "competition". Students get into teams and answer questions. The first team to get the answer gets a point." Another teacher concluded 'I choose a mix because some students thrive on inquiry and others are uncomfortable with problem solving without the "tools" first'.
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This varies from teacher to teacher however in general Bodwell permits the use of calculators according to the rules of BC Provincial Exams. In classrooms teachers do not permit the sharing of and use of the calculator on phones unless an activity requires this.
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Phonics-intensive
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Early literacy begins at age three, where our students start to read and write using phonics. Our expectations by grade school are that students are one or several years ahead of norms for reading levels.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
In general teachers at Bodwell use the " equal balance" method for teaching science classes. If there is a concept that they feel students can figure out through inquiry, they choose the inquiry method. However, if a particular concept is challenging for most students, then they would use the expository method (direct instruction).
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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The literature program is vertically aligned to build on critical skills from grade level to grade level. Through inquiry based methods, students are asked to make personal and world view connections to the literature. A mix of modern and classical literature is explored. Across a wide range of genres, the literature chosen is thematic, focusing on: identity, social issues, cultural diversity, community and self-awareness. Traditional, academic essay writing is taught, but students also demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking by completing projects such as a film, work of art, comic strip, and/or original poetry. Cooperative learning activities including debates, skits, pair work and group discussions are an integral part of daily lessons.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
Not applicable
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Bodwell adopts a balanced approach to social studies methodology. Students are exposed to knowledge of both major historical events, and of contemporary news. Our additional focus is towards global affairs. As a school that is highly diverse, we prioritize an awareness of international interactions and critical thinking in our humanities curriculum.
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Both methods are taught in French class. At the start of a unit it might be more audio-lingual as the students are introduced to new vocabulary or grammar structures. As their language skills develop we break out into group games, go around and do interviews in French, create little skits, read short texts in French and use new vocabulary in conversation and class routines, and even give short presentations where the other students ask the presenter questions in French to further work on understanding/ and responding.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
We offer Fine Arts for Grades 8 to 12, with Advanced Placement Visual Art 12 through submission of Art portfolios to the College Board. All Fine Arts courses follow BC Ministry current curriculum focus on core competency and connection to real life. The art teachers use a variety of medium. We are lucky to be on the North Shore with many boutique art galleries and studios with specialties plus the Vancouver Art Gallery and local art destinations that students go. We have increasing contact and join projects with community partners. Our students are also outdoor and active getting inspirations for art work. They also participate in art competitions and events regularly.
Fine arts are integral to our program for a well balanced student. Art history, performing in French and Mandarin, drama and musical theatre are all part of developing our students' confidence.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
Bodwell is well equipped with cutting-edge network infrastructure, equipment, software applications, and databases. Apart from in ICT, teachers are free to utilize technology in their classrooms or not. We have a Bodwell standardized laptop that is used for academics only. The goal is to enhance learning and improve communications between staff and students. In addition, Bodwell students have a professional license to Office 365 which provides all Microsoft Office apps online and locally on their laptop. Students also have access to lynda.com and all major Adobe products. 7 smart boards (SB685 series and SB885 series) have been installed in different classrooms to enhance student learning—targeting various subject areas (Math, science, English, Humanities, ESL).
Progressive integrates FIRST Robotics programs into our curriculum, so all students get exposed to technology in a fun, competitive environment. All students are required to have laptops starting in grade four, as our program includes teaching such skills as computer programming, CAD, computer graphics editing and publishing. Additional instruction is available for accelerated students in things like electronics, web design and advanced programming.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical Education is offered in grades 8-12 and follows the BC Ministry current curriculum with the aim of providing opportunities for students to experience a variety of activities and promote lifelong, healthy living. Our Physical Education program encompasses two specific aspects: fitness and sports. The fitness component of the program is a progressive program emphasizing cardio-respiratory development. One of the goals of the program is to teach and instill the skills necessary to live an active lifestyle that promotes health and physical literacy. The sport component of the program consists of activities from a variety of sports and games. A holistic approach is followed with mental, social, and physical domains addressed. The program is intended to allow the student to develop an appreciation of sport and an understanding of the strategies, skills and basic rules involved, encouraging a lifetime of participation.
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Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
By creating engaging environments and providing authentic learning experiences our young learners actively engage in learning and reflection. Whether it is a tour of the city to examine 2D and 3D shapes in Edmonton's architecture, or a study of bugs in the yard - Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students learn the basic of research - observation. Literacy, communication skills and numeracy are woven into your students daily activities. Our high interactive phonics programs find most of our students with beginning reading skills before they enter Kindergarten.
Student-paced
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
The LAP (Language Acceleration Program) is a specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students who are becoming proficient in English.
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
Bodwell offers a university preparatory program. When many of our students are from overseas and some are recent immigrant children, we offer a custom-designed Academic and English Preparation for them to improve their English skills before regular courses. Students succeed in the Language Arts, and are equally successful in provincial exams and in grade 12 academic averages to qualify for students’ choice universities. We provide additional formal learning Saturday mornings for specialized language courses, outdoor education, career exposure and community service projects. 80% of our 650 students are boarding on-site and our day and boarding programs are well integrated.
At Progressive Academy we have high expectations. We expect our students to understand what they are learning and demonstrate their ability to incorporate their learning into their lives. We expect our students to learn how to learn, to take responsibility for their learning, to reflect on their learning and to help others. We expect our students to help shape a better world in their daily lives as students.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Our philosophy is to develop “active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world”. We emphasize equally on intellectual, social-emotional and physical development, the latter especially in terms of active living, health and fitness. 80% of our 650 students are boards and we make good use of the time resources and campus facilities to support these developmental goals. In addition to academic excellence, our students strive towards to a variety of athletic events (competing to provincial levels) and extra-curricular events including life skill workshops, career orientation and community services, local and international.
At Progressive Academy we believe that all of our students can shine in all domains. Each student is naturally more capable in some domains than others, but by providing tools and working together, everyone can succeed intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.
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RecreationalRec. |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
60%
100%
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 8 - 12
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
Yes: grades 3 - 12
No
Yes: grades 10 - 12
No
No
We are looking for students who can actively and positively impact on our school student community by giving their best at both academics and student life. Prospective students must demonstrate this in their application, submitted transcripts, references and interview. All new students will start in our Boarding Program. Upon completion of the Boarding Program, students may apply to move to a Bodwell homestay.
