660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1C2, Canada
70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7S 1B2, Canada
1921
1984
553
1256
Preschool to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Homestay, Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Progressive
16 to 22
16 to 22
$17,500 to $25,680
$23,800 to $28,150
$62,880 to $79,230
Yes
Yes
25%
2%
SK to 12
6 to 12
$3,000
$7,500
35
84
16%
0%
80%
22%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2022
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
information not available
information not available
Vancouver Island has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beautiful, excellent schools, and certainly Queen Margaret’s is one of them. It was founded in 1921 by Norah Creina Denny and Dorothy Rachel Geoghegan, who dedicated themselves to providing what was, for the time, something unique: a robust educational experience for all, including women “capable of realizing ourselves as complete individuals.” Certainly, that’s what they did, and it’s a tradition that the school maintains today. The riding program is distinguishing, as is the strength of the academic programs. A strategic plan begun in 2014, to complete at the school’s centenary, will reaffirm the commitment of the founders to excellence as well as their commitment to adapting to the changing needs of students.
View full reportTwo campuses, an AP offering, Round Square and an extensive roster of co-curriculars, Collingwood frankly has it all. It’s the largest day school in the region, and likely the country, and it benefits from its size through unequalled physical and human resources and a broad, varied course offering. That the campus is divided between two properties adds a welcome dimension—while student life is vibrant and busy, the division allows for a personal feel and sense of community in the day-to-day. Through the Four Strands program the school rightly requires students to participate in all areas of student life, including athletics, with recreational as well as competitive options. Perched in beautiful West Vancouver, the bussing system is proprietary, with routes servicing a wide catchment area, including North Shore from Deep Cove and into South Vancouver. In all, if there's a down side, we've yet to find it. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a vibrant, supportive instructional and social environment, and preparing for post-secondary education.
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" ... outstanding on all levels ... "
Mary Furneaux - Parent (Feb 05, 2018)
At Queen Margret's my child has grown to appreciate the diversity of the students. Being a preschool...
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"The atmosphere is tight-knit and supportive, with a strong sense of community."
Yuri Park - Alumnus (Feb 23, 2024)
Looking back on my overall experience at Collingwood I am more than grateful. For me, it was life-ch...
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"My experience at Collingwood School was quite amazing!"
Zach Yakaoma - Alumnus (Feb 23, 2024)
My experience at Collingwood School was quite amazing, no lie! I really felt that Collingwood was co...
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"Located in the scenic Cowichan Valley, Queen Margaret’s School is an all-gender school with over 100 years of providing an exceptional education that builds confidence, character and compassion. Students develop and grow through a vibrant curriculum that focuses on experiential learning, innovative thinking and environmental stewardship. We proudly offer Canada's only on-campus Equestrian Program. Be curious. Be kind. Be brave. Be you."
"Collingwood is one of Canada's largest JK-Grade 12, university-preparatory day school's, located on two campuses in beautiful West Vancouver. Our students participate fully in the School’s four strands: academics, athletics, arts and service. We are recognized for our robust Advanced Placement program, our university acceptance record, our outdoor Explore program, and our award-winning sports teams and musical groups. We are a member of ISABC, NAIS and we are a CAIS-accredited school."
"Our unique educational model guides students to academic and personal excellence while developing the confidence to express their ideas and engage actively in their learning. We use our 30-acre campus and our local communities to serve as living classrooms where "learning by doing" encourages students to apply their knowledge to complex, real-world challenges."
"Collingwood inspires and supports our students to pursue their passions with an educational experience that provides unique pathways and a personalized approach to learning. Our commitment to learning and teaching excellence from JK- Gr. 12 provides an exceptional academic foundation in literacy and numeracy with enriched knowledge and skills that exceed the BC Curriculum. We also offer an exceptional array of co-curricular programming across Academics, Arts, Athletics and Service."
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"Along with our strong academic and well-rounded programming, families choose QMS because of our welcoming community. From the moment families step onto campus, meet staff/teachers, interact with current students and speak with our families, the feeling of warmth and caring permeates all aspects of campus life."
"Families choose Collingwood for its: personalized and inclusive approach to learning which fosters academic excellence and well-being; for the diverse array of co-curriculars offered across the four strands--academics, athletics, arts and service learning; and for the dedicated faculty who value experiential learning, collaboration, character development. The School's EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Commitment strives to ensure every person feels welcomed, understood and valued."
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"Collingwood is committed to making students feel empowered with their own capabilities and strengths. Not only is the caliber of teaching outstanding--our faculty and staff care deeply about student wellbeing, individual growth and development with a view to the future. The University Guidance Department meets regularly with students in high school to guide individual post-secondary planning. Additionally students are supported by counsellors, specialists, Heads of House and Advisors."
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"At Collingwood, we care for each student as if they were our own. By providing a diverse array of co-curricular and curricular programming, we are able to support each student as they each pursue their individual passions. With a focus on individualized learning, we partner with our students to achieve their best. We emphasize the importance of community and prioritize our students' wellbeing and growth. We are deeply committed to hiring and retaining the best and brightest faculty and staff."
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‘Fit’ is everything when choosing a school for your children or when selecting a place into which you want to pour your skills, character and energies. Here at QMS, we pride ourselves on a strong sense of community where everyone is an individual and meaningful relationships are the order of the day. Most people crave a sense of belonging and value connection so a school that works very hard to develop a meaningful culture can indeed be a place where strong attachments are formed.
I encourage you to explore our programmes and approaches to learning both inside and outside of the classroom. If you take that step and visit us here on campus, you will feel the sense of community for yourself. As we approach our 100th birthday, we are proud of our Founders’ vision, yet, we are excited about the future with all of the opportunities that it presents.
QMS is vibrant and ready to keep developing these “young trailblazers” who will take the lessons learned here out into the world to great effect. That’s the joy and it all just seems to be a good ‘fit’ for so many people.
As Collingwood’s sixth Head of School, it is my honour and privilege to welcome you as a prospective member of our caring and vibrant learning community.
As you will see, Collingwood is a very special community with much to offer. Our mission to inspire and support young people for meaningful lives is at the core of everything we do. With innovative technology and our design thinking approach to curriculum, we provide our students with a time-honoured Four Strand approach to education - offering the very best in academics, arts, athletics, and service learning. We work hard to know each child as an individual. We will identify their abilities and understand their nature. We will help them find their passions. Ultimately, our commitment is that we will care for each student as if they were our own child.
I look forward to meeting you in person and further introducing you to our wonderful community of educators and families.
Lisa Evans,
Head of School
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.
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Students flourish in small classes where everyone has the opportunity to share ideas. QMS is the ideal size to reflect Canada’s many cultures while remaining an intimate community. We are large enough to offer an extensive educational program, yet small enough to ensure that each student is known and respected as an individual. As a university-preparatory school, academic rigor and personal excellence are our aims. Innovative and unique programs are offered to all students and support is provided to those students who need extra time to help build their confidence, self-esteem, knowledge and skills. We have developed a school culture where students can feel proud of their successes.
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Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Process approach
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.
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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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.
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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
Physiology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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
Thematic
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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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.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Queen Margaret’s School offers exemplary curricular and co-curricular athletic and club programs that provide students with the opportunity for physical as well as academic development. The athletic program in the Junior School includes every student. There are many opportunities for involvement in sports. Building a strong athletic program, developing physically fit and motivated students and building team pride is a process that takes many years. Specific skill development must be sequential and must begin early. Therefore, we expect Intermediate students to participate on a team or in a sport at least twice each year. We also offer structured and unstructured opportunities for our primary students to get involved in athletics and team sports. In Senior School, physical education classes for all students combined with an integrated Outdoor Education program develop physical fitness and skills while enhancing sportsmanship and strengthening student self-esteem.
The Physical Education Department provides students with the opportunity to develop appropriate fitness and motor skills, acquire knowledge, and demonstrate a positive attitude in a variety of recreational and team related activities. Students will be encouraged to take risks, challenge themselves, work with others cooperatively, and develop an appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through daily activities. While students are evaluated on participation, attendance and personal fitness, we encourage students to take ownership of their learning by getting involved with the evaluation process.
Reggio Emilia
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Queen Margaret’s Early Childhood Education programs are designed for three and four year-old children. We offer nurturing and play-based programs enriched with a wide variety of age appropriate activities that promote social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional development.
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Standard-enriched
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.
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.
Differentiated instruction based on student learning needs.
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Supportive
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 “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
Academic Culture becomes more Rigorous in Grades 5 - 12
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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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."
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Social - Socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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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
SK - 12
6 - 12
25%
2%
$3,000
$7,500
80%
22%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2022
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 12
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
Yes: grades JK - 7
No
No
No
No
Our admissions process is very personalized. Members of our team look forward to meeting prospective families to determine if QMS is suited to them. We are looking for students who would benefit from our academic program, small enriched classes and specialist teachers. Student applications are assessed individually, taking into consideration past performance, teacher recommendations and students’ extra curricular interests.
Please visit our Admissions page at qms.bc.ca/admissions/ for our current admissions criteria and fees.
Please visit our Admissions Page for more information.