7808 Pierre Drive, Summerland, British Columbia, V0H 1Z2, Canada
515 Cougar Ridge Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5G9, Canada
7808 Pierre Drive, Summerland, British Columbia, V0H 1Z2, Canada
515 Cougar Ridge Dr. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 5G9, Canada
2018
1985
130
240
JK to 12
JK to 9
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Waldorf
Varies
Varies
In-class adaptations
$14,800 to $17,980
$6,170 to $12,130
$41,930 to $59,480
Yes
Yes
30%
0%
1 to 11
Preschool to 9
$3,000
$0
9
20
23%
0%
70%
0%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
No
information not available
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The setting for the campus couldn’t be more attractive, nestled comfortably on 17 acres in the Okanagan Valley. The school prides itself on a ability to remain agile, and to innovate programs and approaches. It’s a candidate for the full IB continuum, though, as any school in a similar position, is of course already teaching to that curriculum. While we think of innovation in terms STEM instruction—engineering and digital design perhaps particularly—there is also a core belief in what outdoor education can offer, something that adds dimension to the academic delivery and the student experience. The boarding program adds depth and diversity to the student population. Founded in 2016, Unisus is comparatively a young school, though the leadership brings a wealth of experience in private schooling. The school was founded to offer an exceptional learning experience, something that it has proven, through hiring and program development, to be very adept at achieving.
View full reportThe program is established and proven, having been founded in 1985. Facilities are frankly excellent, having been purpose built for the CWS program in 2002, and created through consultation and cooperation with the entire school community. Spaces are ample, well appointed, and naturally lit. The aesthetic throughout is energizing. A wealth of outdoor space is a plus, to with more than four acres combining multi-use fields, play spaces, and sports fields. The proximity to the Canada Olympic Park isn’t perhaps meaningful in any substantive way, but is nice all the same. In the creation of the facility, to the day-to-day experience of the school, the school prides itself on the community that it both serves and represents, and well it should. There’s a village feel throughout, which only amplifies the academic work being done. Parents feel as much a part of the school as the students, which supports the work of the school in lots of overt and subtle ways. Staff are dedicated and experienced, and the daily routines—from drop off to aftercare—are friendly and sympathetic to the needs of parents and everything that can pop up in the course of a day.
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"Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's beautiful four-seasons Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood) with a strong focus on outdoor education, technology and entrepreneurship. Everyone knows each other’s name in our safe, tight-knit, and inclusive community: students and boarders never get lost in the crowd."
"Central to Waldorf education is a deep respect for childhood. Our enriched curriculum is designed to meet children where they are in their development. Movement and time in nature is built into every student’s daily rhythm. The Waldorf learning experience is hands-on, with unwired and low-tech classrooms. The arts — music, story, drawing, painting, and drama — are interwoven through all subjects. Students also learn two world languages, French and German."
"As an IB World School, the IB curriculum encourages students to think critically, challenge assumptions and consider both local and global contexts. Outdoor Education is a foundational part of our K-12 learning curriculum. Unisus is based in the four-seasons Okanagan Valley with access to unparalleled outdoor recreation, including skiing, boating, and watersports! We offer English language instruction. We offer ELL, Outdoor Ed and boarding in our custom-built facility."
"This whole-child approach to education is rooted in the Waldorf concepts of "feeling, thinking, willing," and "heart, head, hands." These concepts are based on Dr. Rudolf Steiner's philosophies, and adapted for a changing world. We strive to honour, nurture, and protect the childhood of our students; to guide them into healthy adolescence; and to help them mature in ways that go beyond the simply material aspects of our nature and our world."
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"Where you send your child to school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At UNISUS, we inspire our students to be globally-minded citizens and critical thinkers through Academic Excellence, Student Empowerment, and Global Citizenship. We are proud to be the only IB World Boarding School in the Okanagan. Our location in beautiful Summerland allows us to offer an extensive and varied outdoor education program, including downhill skiing. High standard+high support."
"Our philosophy prioritizes the integration of arts, imagination, and movement into all academic disciplines. Our curriculum fosters intellectual flexibility and creative thinking, with an eye to ethics and morality. Knowledge is important, but understanding what to do with that knowledge is critical. We believe that becoming a successful human is a function of weaving together a rich tapestry of capacities and abilities."
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"What might surprise students - particularly international or national boarding students - is the opportunity to explore four-season outdoor recreation activities: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, water sports. Boarding students who had never skied before arriving in the Okanagan, are all proficient skiers after spending weekends at Apex Mountain Ski Resort and Nickel Plate Nordic Centre! Add to that, a tight-knit, supportive community where no student feels lost in the crowd."
"The use of electronic media, particularly television, by young children is discouraged in Waldorf schools. So too is the over-emphasis of commercialism and busy extra-curricular schedules. The importance of a balanced and strong family life is emphasized, encouraged and supported at our school."
"Based in the beautiful Okanagan, British Columbia, we have a unique chance to ignite a passion and respect for outdoor exploration and recreation. The UNISUS outdoor education program has the natural advantage of the renowned sunny Okanagan climate and four-season outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, ziplining and direct access to some of the best hiking trails, lakes, and ski hills in the world. We also boast a tight-knit, caring community!"
"Waldorf class teachers build strong relationships with their students. Our methodology is rooted in rhythm and routine, and supported by having a Class Teacher. The teacher stays with their class for several consecutive years, acting as mentor, role model, and guardian. A Class Teacher is better able to assess each individual's development needs, and fosters shared experience and a strong bond between the teacher and the students and their families."
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Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood) with a strong focus on outdoor education, technology and entrepreneurship.
Everyone knows each other’s name in our safe, tight-knit, and inclusive community: children never get lost in the crowd. Every single student is known, accepted, encouraged, and supported to discover their voice, true self, and potential to shine. Small class sizes and dedicated IB teachers (most of whom have lived and taught overseas) mean your child will never be just a face in the crowd!
Founded in 2018, the UNISUS campus sits on a 17-acre hilltop at the base of Giant’s Head Mountain, in Summerland, the Central Okanagan. The school and our custom-built 60-student capacity boarding facility (and dining hall) is nestled among miles of vineyards and orchards, with a view to Lake Okanagan and all lake life has to offer. The Okanagan Valley offers four season recreation, a beautiful natural environment, and a safe place to learn and live
The UNISUS IB Diploma Programme (DP) offers students world-class university preparation programs and pathways to esteemed universities worldwide. The academically rigorous Diploma Programme (DP) offers an unsurpassed breadth and depth of knowledge that develops students intellectually, emotionally and ethically - increasing our student's candidacy to their university of choice (100% of our graduates continue to universities in Canada, the U.S. and Europe).
Students become confident and capable globally-minded citizens and thinkers, empowered to meet life's challenges with intelligence, compassion, and courage.
UNISUS is a community guided by three Learning and Teaching Goals:
Academic Excellence: where students are continually challenged and excel in their learning within a curriculum rooted in rigorous standards and real-world applications
Student Empowerment: where students develop the skills, confidence and resilience to embrace challenges and opportunities
Global Citizenship: where students commit to international mindedness through ethics, global perspectives, communication, leadership through service, and sustainability.
These learning and teaching goals are based on research and intention and ensure that UNISUS students are “future ready” and best equipped for our rapidly changing, interdependent world. We think our graduates will agree!
Dr Beverley von Zielonka
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Waldorf
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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.
Waldorf schools are available from preschool to Grade 12, though they are most popular at the younger ages. Waldorf schools are unmistakably "progressive". Rudolf Steiner, their intellectual forefather, believed the educator's first task should be to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning. Sometimes incorrectly conflated with Montessori schools, Waldorf schools focus on developing the "whole child" - emphasizing collaborative, hands-on learning, along with the arts and music, which are integrated into other areas of study.
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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SCHOOL PROFILE Unisus International School is an independent, co-educational, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. All students follow the IB curriculum. ABOUT UNISUS UNISUS School is a leading co-educational, day and boarding, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School located in Summerland, British Columbia. We offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and/or the B.C. government Diploma (Dogwood) program. Our fully accredited International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and MYP (Candidate) and Primary Years Programme (PYP). UNISUS offers inquiry-based programs for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Unisus is the only program of its kind in the Okanagan Valley and the only boarding school between Vancouver and Saskatchewan. Four foundational pillars anchor the school: The IB, Outdoor Education, Technology & Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Small and personalized, UNISUS places the learner at the core of the school experience.
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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We stress problem-solving techniques but also use traditional approach to help solve math problems
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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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Phonics is used in the lower grade while we use whole language reading program in the high school years.
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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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We focus on basic writing skills, as well as creative writing.
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Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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We used the IB framework to teach science, as well as the B.C. goverment curriculum.
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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
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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We emphasise social justice but the curriculum also touches on traditional.
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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
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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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Our IB PYP and MYP programs place an emphasis on theme-based units of inquiry learning. UNISUS International School is a leading co-educational, day and boarding, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is located in Summerland, British Columbia. With a fully accredited International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and MYP (Candidate) and Primary Years Programme (PYP). UNISUS offers inquiry-based programs for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Unisus is the only program of its kind in the Okanagan Valley and the only boarding school between Vancouver and Saskatchewan.
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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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The IB framework emphasis on both perennialism and pragmatism learning
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These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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We offer Spanish language classes at senior levels and Spanish is also incorporated into junior-level classes. We have a full-time languages teacher on staff. The balanced approach is the most effective way to learn - we offer Spanish, starting in the early years.
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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 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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Art, Dance and Drama are all components of our after-school program, CASE, and we have an on-staff part-time art teacher in the school. Art is an important everyday part of K-7 classes, as well. UNISUS is a community guided by three Learning and Teaching Goals: Academic Excellence: where students are continually challenged and excel in their learning within a curriculum rooted in rigorous standards and real-world applications Student Empowerment: where students develop the skills, confidence and resilience to embrace challenges and opportunities. Global Citizenship: where students commit to international mindedness through ethics, global perspectives, communication, leadership through service, and sustainability. These learning and teaching goals are based on research and intention and ensure that UNISUS students are “future ready” and best equipped for our rapidly changing, interdependent world.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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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At UNISUS School our goal is to develop responsible global citizens equipped with the critical thinking and technological literacy skills necessary to participate effectively in the worldwide community of learners. To that end, we offer an innovative Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST) program. The ADST British Columbia curriculum is an experiential, hands-on program of learning through design and creation that includes skills and concepts from traditional and First Peoples practice; from the existing disciplines of Business Education, Information and Communications Technology, and Technology Education; and from new and emerging fields. It fosters the development of the skills and knowledge that will support students in developing practical, creative, and innovative responses to everyday needs and challenges. ADST learning at UNISUS can include 3D modelling, animation, Virtual Reality, product design, photography, stop-motion, computer graphic design, and more!
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
As the only independent private IB World school in Canada’s Okanagan Valley, we have a unique chance to ignite a passion and respect for outdoor exploration and recreation. Our Outdoor Education curriculum instills confidence, resilience, and life skills that students will carry beyond their time at UNISUS. Based in beautiful Summerland, British Columbia, the UNISUS outdoor education program has the immediate advantage of the renowned sunny Okanagan climate and four-season outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and ziplining. With direct access to some of the best hiking trails, lakes, and ski hills in the world, UNISUS students have the opportunity to acquire a lifelong appreciation for active living and unparalleled outdoor experiences. https://www.unisus.ca/outdoor-education
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Waldorf
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.
Highly group-oriented and with a strong emphasis on creative and imaginative play, Waldorf preschool and Kindergarten programs have very little to no emphasis on academics. A Waldorf environment will often feel more like a home than a traditional classroom -- the goal being to instill comfort and and a sense of predictability in students’ day. This emphasis on comfort and predictability also manifests through a heavy use of repetition: for example, teachers might read the same story multiple days in a row. Waldorf schools ask parents to refrain from offering children TV or computers at home, and aim to develop in children a connection to the natural world. If you want to learn more about Waldorf education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Unisus IB World School Junior Kindergarten At UNISUS, we believe that igniting a love for learning and a passion for making a positive impact starts at the beginning of each child’s education. The structured, play-based approach of our Early Years Program encourages the natural wonder and curiosity in each child and introduces the youngest members of our UNISUS community to a lifelong journey of learning. The Early Years Program is currently available for learners ages 3 - 5 years.
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Standard-enriched
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.
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.
Learning at Unisus is personalized. Each student's learning plan is carefully tailored to the need and interests of each student with lesson planning guided by IB and BC Curriculum. IB takes the approach to teaching and learning to the next level. We also offer a B.C. government Diploma (Dogwood) program.
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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.
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NURTURING A LOVE OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood) with a strong focus on outdoor education, technology and entrepreneurship. Everyone knows each other’s name in our safe, tight-knit, and inclusive community: children never get lost in the crowd. Every single student is known, accepted, encouraged, and supported to discover their voice, true self, and potential to shine. Small class sizes and dedicated IB teachers (most of whom have lived and taught overseas) mean your child will never be just a face in the crowd!
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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With a vision to be a leader in global education and prepare students for an ever-changing world, UNISUS supports students to become globally-minded citizens, critical thinkers, and empowered to make a positive change in the world. Four foundational pillars anchor the school: The IB, Outdoor Education, Technology & Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Small and personalized, UNISUS places the learner at the core of the school experience.
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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
1 - 11
Preschool - 9
30%
0%
$3,000
$0
70%
0%
JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades Preschool - 11
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades K - 11
No
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
No
No
Where you send your child to school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent – thank you for making UNISUS part of that decision. At UNISUS, we inspire our students to be globally-minded citizens and critical thinkers through Academic Excellence, Student Empowerment, and Global Citizenship. We are an International Baccalaureate World School uniquely located in beautiful Summerland, B.C., Canada, and are proud to be one of the only IB World Boarding Schools in British Columbia. We offer both an IB Diploma and/or the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood) stream (new for 2023-2024!) We look forward to touring you through our campus and sharing the benefits and opportunities that come from a UNISUS education.
Please visit www.unisus.ca and apply online. All applicants will be date and time stamped. As our classes are at capacity in many grades, only full applicants will be considered for the wait list if applicable.
