Victoria, BC | Grades K - 12 | Shortlist
Both of my children have attended St. Michaels University School as boarders: my daughter from gr. 10 and my son from gr. 9. They really enjoyed the close community, challenging classes, and overall experience. The school really gave them the opportunity to experience many different things whether it be the comprehensive outdoor leadership program or the various high-level classes interlaced with experiential learning techniques. Their boarding community is a unique environment that I feel really fosters a personal connection and lasting friendship between the students. The best thing about the school would have to be their multitude of leadership opportunities. My children have both been heavily involved in the school, in official roles and in various clubs as well and have found it extremely rewarding. I feel that they also appreciated all the AP classes SMUS offered which they definitely took advantage of.
Our son likes the quality of the students, the teachers and the professionalism of the school best. It is the overall quality of everything that he enjoys. It is simply a much higher level school than he would have experienced in New Brunswick public schools. The challenges he has been able to partake in have been a highlight. He is constantly learning and availing himself of new things. The student body and the friends he has made are also much better than he experienced here in New Brunswick. He loves to engage in meaningful discourse - not the usual teenage drivel - and that has been a highlight to find like-minded kids. Being a theatre enthusiast has also meant a lot to him as he has been able to enjoy stellar training and quality in the SMUS theatre and arts programs. The only reason it is a 9 instead of a 10 is because it is far from home for us (New Brunswick to Victoria) and because he often finds himself doing too much. This is not a school issue, but for a kid who wants to do everything, he can't seem to stop himself from signing up and trying to do too much.
Our daughter started at SMUS as a boarder in Grade 11. She moved from a very large public day school in the United States. The experience at SMUS could not have been better. The smaller size of the school allows for each particular student to truly flourish and shine in a more manageable and inviting setting. The rooms are comfortable and the food is as good as can be expected! She has been an active participant in the boarding community and it has allowed her to expand her leadership wings in both dorm life and various clubs. Academically, she has had no complaints about her teachers and is thriving.
