• Private Schools
• Find Schools
• Boarding schools
• Canadian Boarding Schools
• British Columbia Boarding Schools

Vancouver boarding schools

Find the top boarding schools in Vancouver

OUR KIDS guide to boarding schools in Vancouver is your starting point for exploring residential education on Canada’s West Coast. Boarding schools in Vancouver offer strong academics, structured campus life, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, helping students build independence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships.

On this page, we feature boarding schools in Vancouver. This includes schools in North, West, and Downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Gastown. It also includes schools in the greater Vancouver area, such as Surrey, Richmond, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, White Rock, and the Tri-Cities.

Below the list, there's more information, based on OUR KIDS' nearly 30 years of working with private and independent schools across Canada. On our site, find parent reviews, comparison tools, and expert resources to guide your search. You can also find a complete guide to boarding schools.

2. Choosing a boarding school in Vancouver

Our boarding school guide has advice specific to finding boarding schools in Canada. For insights that are more general (on how to evaluate school options) we recommend you review our hub on choosing a school. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.

Private school expos

The Vancouver private school expo, held each fall, is an opportunity to speak with administrators from leading boarding schools in the Vancouver area.

Upcoming open house events

Attending open houses is obviously a great way to learn more about a school and get a feel for the environment. For some advice on open house visits, go here. For questions to ask that are specific to boarding programs, refer to our main boarding school hub.

3. How much does tuition cost at Vancouver boarding schools?

Broadly speaking, the cost of boarding schools reflects private school tuition in general, with additional fees to cover housing, meals, and residential services.

Many schools offer financial aid, including scholarships and bursaries. These programs are often needs-based and designed to broaden access, attracting students who can contribute meaningfully to the school community. Typically, larger and more expensive schools offer the most substantial financial aid packages.

For a detailed overview, see our dedicated guide on financial aid and scholarships.

Below, you’ll find the typical range of costs for Vancouver boarding schools:

Institutional metrics

Academics

Special needs support

Course pedagogies

Extracurricular clubs

Extracurricular sports (competitive)

Private schools are a well-established part of British Columbia's education system, with the majority receiving partial funding from the province. More than 85% of B.C.'s private and independent schools receive some provincial funding, totaling over $150 million annually. The Ministry of Education inspects and regulates these schools, ensuring compliance with the provincial School Act, which outlines responsibilities and requirements. The Ministry also provides guidance to teachers regarding their classroom duties and obligations to students.

British Columbia offers a range of financial incentives to families who choose private education, including tax credits. Additionally, families sending children to faith-based schools, such as Christian and Catholic schools, may be eligible to claim a portion of tuition as a charitable donation, receiving a corresponding tax credit.

What are the graduation requirements for a boarding school in Vancouver? 

High school graduation requirements are set by British Columbia's Ministry of Education. To earn the Dogwood Diploma, students must complete 80 credits, each representing 30 hours of in-class instruction. Graduation requires 48 credits from required courses and at least 28 elective credits. Students must also earn 4 credits for Graduation Transitions, designed to prepare them for life after graduation.

Graduation Transitions requirements include:

• 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity in Grades 10, 11, and 12.
• 30 hours of work experience and/or community service.
• Completion and presentation of a transition plan outlining post-secondary and career goals.

All students, regardless of when they begin their programs, must fulfill these requirements and demonstrate competence in one of Canada's two official languages to earn the Dogwood Diploma. In some cases, students may receive a high school completion certificate known as the Evergreen Certificate, which is not equivalent to the Dogwood Diploma.

Living in Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for its innovation, ecological awareness, and urban design. The city’s stunning natural setting—between ocean and mountains—complements a vibrant cultural life, reflecting its role in the Pacific Rim. Vancouver is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than half of its population speaking a first language other than English or French. This linguistic and cultural diversity is celebrated and evident throughout the city. Vancouver consistently ranks among the top five most livable cities globally, according to the Economist.

Vancouver’s boarding schools mirror the city itself, bringing together students from diverse cultures in environments that foster excellence. Students benefit from cutting-edge technology, access to cultural institutions, and top-tier sports and recreational facilities, providing a holistic and enriching educational experience.