Vancouver Island private schools

Find the best private and independent schools on Vancouver Island

There are plenty of terrific private and independent schools on Vancouver Island. This includes schools in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Port Alberni, Duncan, and Parksville. These schools offer a challenging and stimulating education, from preschool to high school. Find a list of these schools on this page. Read more


List of Vancouver Island private schools

 
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"Confident Learners. Inspiring Leaders. Creating a thriving world.

  1. SMS is Western Canada's only girl-centred boarding school
  2. SMS was the first girls-school in Canada to integrate a STEM curriculum into daily programs
  3. Visual and performing arts options are woven into our weekly programs

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $19,992 to $74,006
 
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St. Margaret's School 19992 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Girls
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"Brentwood is a leading university prep school that brings to life student choice through its bold tripartite program. We are a true boarding school, not merely a school with boarding, and the ocean is our playground." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $32,000 to $96,300
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Brentwood College School 32000 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
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"We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $9,565 to $32,000
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Westmont Montessori School 9565 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
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"GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $9,345 to $73,145
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Glenlyon Norfolk School 9345 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
Richmond Rd/McRae Ave
 
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"Independent Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on outstanding preparation for life. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $22,050 to $85,060
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St. Michaels University School 22050 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
 
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"Brookes Westshore, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offers grades 4 to 12 and both day and boarding programmes, with an average class size of 15 students." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,290 to $62,000
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Brookes Westshore 10290 MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Coed
Duncan, British Columbia
Brownsey Avenue/Government Street
 
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"Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $7,000 to $68,780
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Queen Margaret's School 7000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Boarding Coed
Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
 
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"Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience on our stunning waterfront campus on Canada’s beautiful West Coast." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $35,500 to $90,000
  • Day, Boarding
  • 540 students
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Shawnigan Lake School 35500 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Victoria, British Columbia
Quadra Street/Burdett Avenue
 
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"Our students learn in a progressive, authentic, inspiring, welcoming, nurturing and in a safe, child-centred environment. Our small size, with one class for each grade, gives a sense of being part of a close-knit family." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $8,196 to $16,950
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Christ Church Cathedral School 8196 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed

Types of schools on Vancouver Island

There is a broad scope of independent schools in Vancouver Island, B.C. Here are some of the main ones you’ll have to choose from:

Choosing an independent school on Vancouver Island

When choosing an independent school on Vancouver Island, you’ll need to look at the big picture. First, take a look at your child and consider their interests, learning styles and preferences, and social and physical tendencies. You should also consider factors that may affect your whole family, such as school cost, location, size, community, and culture.

After reflecting on your child’s and family’s needs, create a shortlist of, say, two to eight schools. Make sure you research these schools extensively and visit them, ideally in person but virtually if necessary. Ask school representatives lots of questions. You should also speak with school parents, students, and alumni. And depending on the age and maturity of your child, you may want to make them an integral part of the decision-making process (though the final decision should be yours).

To learn more about finding the right school, read our choosing guide. You can also read what education experts have to say about choosing the right school.

Benefits of Vancouver Island schools

Vancouver Island independent schools have many benefits. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these include:


Frequently Asked Questions

How many Vancouver Island private schools are there?
There are 9 Vancouver Island private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.

How much is tuition at Vancouver Island private schools?
Tuition fees for Vancouver Island private schools range from $8,196 to $96,300 per year with an average tuition of $37,621 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the Vancouver Island private schools, the largest is St. Michaels University School with 1003 students in Grades JK to 12.

Are Vancouver Island private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Vancouver Island private schools on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Vancouver Island private 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.

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