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The benefits of gender-based education

Gender-based environments receive a lot of attention among parents and in the national media, and it’s understandably one of the top questions on parents’ minds when choosing a private school. For girls, that’s especially true, and often for good reason. Despite the advances in the rights of women, traditional gender roles nevertheless are often unwittingly reinforced in academic and extra-curricular settings. Science and technology are more likely to be promoted to boys than to girls; English and the arts are more likely to be promoted to girls than to boys. Athletics, the prom, and many other aspects of student life can reinforce traditional roles and expectations.

New opportunities 

Girls’ schools have been shown to have a role in disrupting the patterns and the messages that accrete around an understanding of gender, ability, and possibility. Studies by the National Association for Choice in Education (NACE) and others have shown that girls in a single-sex environment are more likely to explore non-traditional subjects and activities. Absent from boys, girls perceive new areas of opportunity, something that is encouraged by the presence of female mentors and role models.

An environment of possibility

In other ways, participation is the result of little more than the environment itself. To be the best hockey player in the school—rather than the best female hockey player in the school—can provide an added motivation. Girls are more likely to join a robotics club, for example, when they don’t run risk being the only girl in the room, or when participation won’t be read as an act of defiance to a perceived status quo. Certainly, that’s the tradition that girls’ schools in Canada continue to this day. It’s not about isolation, it's about providing a space for a greater freedom of interest, engagement, and identity.

On this page, find a list of private and independent girls' schools in British Columbia (including in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Surrey, and Burnaby). 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many British Columbia girls' schools are there?
There is 1 British Columbia girls' school that is an Our Kids trusted member.

How much is tuition at British Columbia girls' schools?
Tuition fees for British Columbia girls' schools range from $17,200 to $69,100 per year with an average tuition of $34,380 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the British Columbia girls' schools, the largest is St. Margaret's School with 285 students in Grades JK to 12.

Are British Columbia girls' schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about British Columbia girls' schools on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with British Columbia girls' 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.