Despite being surrounded by sea on three sides, you have no need to feel adrift when looking for schools in Vancouver.
- Education in Vancouver
- Choosing a school in Vancouver
- Special education needs in Vancouver
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Vancouver
- Best schools in Vancouver
Education in Vancouver
The standard of education in Vancouver is generally excellent, with an abundance of choice in both the state and the private sectors. In fact, looking for specific ‘international schools’ is almost unnecessary as the International Baccalaureate is so readily available.
Vancouver is a smorgasbord of schools. They not only offer the Canadian, French or IB curricula but also the option to explore most forms of sport and the arts, so you should be able to find a school pretty much tailored for the individual child.
School intake in Canada is based on the calendar year of birth rather than the academic year. The first day of a new academic year in state schools is always the first Tuesday after Labour Day in September and on the first day the children attend for two hours so the schools can see how many children they have and allocate the teachers accordingly. Although there are no half terms in the state sector, students have a two week break between the winter and summer terms, one spring break week in March and then a long weekend in May before they break up at the end of June. The private sector determines its own term dates, has half terms and offers a more enriched academic environment overall.
Sport is very popular in Vancouver, with ice hockey, soccer, swimming etc running all year. All the clubs in Metro Vancouver (greater Vancouver area) play each other so be ready to drive long distances for matches, whatever your standard and whatever the weather. They also practise late in the evenings on school nights and have matches at weekends.
Choosing a school in Vancouver
Private schools
Private schools are selective and it's advisable to apply early as they are incredibly popular. Fees are generally paid annually before the start of the year and many have hidden costs such as registration fees upon enrolment, a one off refundable family debenture payment, and extra fees in addition to tuition so beware of these. Private schools are often chosen by parents for a particular offering or amenity eg a boarding school, single sex or co-ed, prowess in a particular sport eg rugby, a school with a long pedigree or with a high number of international students.
State schools
If you are considering sending your child to a state run school, the best place to start your research is the Fraser Institute which ranks all the state schools in Vancouver. These are free to those with either permanent residency status or for those with work permits. The schools are divided into elementary schools and secondary schools. Elementary schools cater for children from kindergarten to grade 7 and secondary are grade 8 to grade 12. Note that the teachers in state schools are all unionised and have lots of professional development days.
Most parents are from a similar demographic, so it bridges the gap for students in the state system. Parents who send their children to the state schools often privately tutor them from grade 10 onwards to ensure they get into their chosen university. Bizarrely, you cannot fail in the state system before grade 10, however in grade 11 and 12 your school reports and attendance are sent to your potential universities, so grades and attendance matter. If you have work outstanding at the end of the academic year, the schools offer the last week to students needing to complete any outstanding work to ensure a pass.
Curriculum
In terms of curricula, you have a choice of either Canadian (leading to the BC Dogwood) or the International Baccalaureate Programmes. Either might include French immersion and in the case of the Canadian curriculum, Advanced Placement courses as well. Parents tend to look at the curriculum offered, the catchment area (places can, quite often, be available outside your catchment area) and the specific needs of the child. Whatever curriculum or concept you choose, all students take the standard eight subjects until they leave school after grade 12. However, those taking the Canadian curriculum and wishing to get credits for university can apply to take AP courses in grade 11 and 12, for some of their subjects.
If you choose French immersion, you only have two entry points without needing assessment - either early French immersion in kindergarten, or late French immersion in grade 6. Some schools offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years program within a French immersion format. All French immersion schools teach children entirely in French up until grade 8. There are also schools only offering a traditional French education. Once in French immersion, students can then choose a secondary school that offers both French immersion with the Canadian curriculum and AP, or they can swap to the Canadian curriculum taught in English. If the students complete French immersion through to Grade 12 they are awarded a bilingual status.
All the state schools offer different options at different ages, so it's important to understand which schools offer which curriculum, especially at secondary level. Some state secondary schools offer International Baccalaureate Middle Years program only, but not the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Others offer the opposite, so to continue down the IB route fully in the state system, it is likely your child will have to move schools in grade 11. However, the state schooling system is very fluid in Vancouver and children move around a lot.
Specialised academies
On the Northshore, four state schools joined forces to offer academies to any students wishing to focus on a certain sport or robotics. Students attend their own local schools in the morning, then may take the designated bus from their school to the academy of their choice. Depending on popularity, some of these academies are for the elite players, but generally they are open to any pupil who wishes to focus on a certain sport. The academies provide transportation from the schools three times a week taking students enrolled in whichever academy to their relevant destination. Although state schools are free, the academies do charge a monthly fee.
Special education needs in Vancouver
As with any city in Canada, there are specialist schools (mainly private) who cater for children needing that little bit extra, from schools catering to both gifted children as well as dyslexia such as Alcuin College, in Lonsdale, to schools that specialising in dyslexia such as Brockton School in North Vancouver. In the state system children are assessed and provided with a school attendant when necessary, within the school.
Pre-schools, kindergartens and nurseries in Vancouver
Generally speaking unless choosing to privately educate their children from Pre school, parents choose their closest local neighbourhood pre-school. Those choosing private education choose the school based on the curriculum offered. Once at the school some children remain all the way through from pk to grade 12 and are known as ‘Lifers’.
Best schools in Vancouver
Alcuin College 
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 575 students
Opened in 2012, in North Vancouver, as a progressive Liberal Arts school. The classes are small and aimed at students who would benefit from more individual attention than is sometimes available in conventional schools.
Click here to read our review of Alcuin College
Collingwood School (Morven Campus)
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 students
The school was named after the ship HMS Collingwood and Morven is the oldest part, home to the middle and high school divisions. The campus has recently had a transformational renovation and the school is part of the international Round Square network of 50 schools who follow the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, the German educationalist.
Click here to read our review of Collingwood School (Morven Campus)
Crofton House School
British Columbia curriculum/ AP; ages 4-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 890 students
A private independent day school that keeps girls aged from junior kindergarten to grade 12 busy and engaged every second of the day (in a good way). Located in a Colonial-style lodge on a fabulous ten-acre plot in Kerrisdale, Vancouver.
Click here to read our review of Crofton House School
École Pauline Johnson
British Columbia curriculum/ French immersion; ages 5-13; co-ed; day; state; 420 students
A delightful, nurturing and caring French immersion elementary school following the British Columbia curriculum for 420 pupils aged 5 to 13 years old. Click here for a full review of École Pauline Johnson
Click here to read our review of École Pauline Johnson
Handsworth Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ French immersion/ BC Dogwood/ Bilingual BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,540 students
A large school in North Vancouver, offering the opportunity to take French immersion courses leading to the Bilingual British Columbia Dogwood Diploma. Opened in 1973 and now building a brand-new campus,due to open in 2023.
Island Pacific School
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); ages 11-15; co-ed; day; independent: private, non-profit; 75 students; Bowen Island
Island Pacific School is a private IB day school for 72 boys and girls in grades 6-9, located on Bowen Island off the coast of Vancouver
Click here to read our review of Island Pacific School
Mulgrave School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
Founded in 1993 and moved to a campus at the foot of Cypress Mountain in 1998. One of the few schools in Vancouver to only teach the International Baccalaureate programmes throughout the school. One of only two schools in Canada to be accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Click here to read our review of Mulgrave School
Rockridge Secondary School
MYP/ British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,160 students
A small (by Vancouver state school size) middle and high school which is especially known for its sporting (read rugby) prowess, but is also high on the academic states as well.
Sentinel Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,120 students
Founded in 1962 and offering a large selection of Advanced Placement courses. Also providing French immersion courses and a special programme for students who participate in sports or activities such as ballet or acrobatics at a provincial/national level.
Click here to read our review of Sentinel Secondary School
Shawnigan Lake School
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 13-18; co-ed; boarding; independent; private non-profit; 500 students
One of the oldest schools in Canada, founded by an Englishman in 1916, modelled on Westminster School in London, UK. Hardly a surprise, given its watery location on Vancouver Island, they are one of the top rowing schools in North America as well as sending graduates to leading universities.
Click here to read our review of Shawnigan Lake
St George’s School
British Columbia curriculum/ AP; ages 5-18; boys; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 1,150 students
A private, single-sex school founded in 1930, including approximately 110 boarders amongst its students. Founded in 1930 by some new English arrivals to the west coast of Canada. Academically rigorous and offering a wide choice of Advanced Placement courses. Graduates move on to leading Canadian universities and US Ivies, with a small percentage to other global destinations.
Click here to read our review of St George's School
West Vancouver Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state 1,570 students
One of three public high schools in West Vancouver and also one of the oldest in Vancouver as it was originally established in 1927 and has been on its present site since 1952. The school follows the BC curriculum and then offers a choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma courses. Strong on the performing arts with a centre that hosts professional performances of music and theatre.
Click here to read our review of West Vancouver Secondary School
York House School
British Columbia curriculum; ages 4-18; girls; day; independent; private non-profit; 660 students
One of the older schools in Vancouver (founded 1932) and also one of the few to only cater for girls. An independent all-through school based right in the centre of the city in the Shaugnessy district. Very highly ranked amongst BC schools, often at the very top and consistently sending graduates to leading universities.
Click here to read our review of York House School
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Abbotsford Senior Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 900 students
Founded in 1955, once the only high school in Abbotsford, as well as one of the oldest state secondary schools in Vancouver. An eco-friendly renovation has recently been completed and the school offers a soccer focused sports programme as well as a thriving visual and performance arts department.
Alexander Academy
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 300 students
A relatively young secondary school, opened in 2013, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, close to cultural resources, including museums and galleries.
Aspengrove School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 300 students
Founded in 2003 with only 42 students, the school has grown steadily and now offers an all-through International Baccalaureate education as well as the BC Dogwood Diploma. In keeping with its name, the three school houses are Oak, Cedar and Arbutus.
Bodwell High School
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; boarding; private non-profit; 550 students
One of the largest boarding schools in British Columbia, opened in 1991 and now located in North Vancouver. The school has a high proportion of international students, who come from over 40 different countries.
Brentwood College
British Columbia curriculum/ BC Dogwood/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; boarding; private non-profit; 500 students
Very well-established (1923) college-preparation boarding school on Vancouver Island. The school consistently sends graduates to leading universities in Canada and abroad.
Britannia Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; state; 760 students
Founded in 1908 and now the oldest remaining secondary school in the city. Known for its Hockey Academy, as well as for success in several other sports fields. Nearly 40 different languages spoken in the school, including Vietnamese and Mandarin.
Brockton School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 270 students
A smallish, junior and senior school located in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood of North Vancouver since 2004. Pointed out as a school with an in-depth understanding of dyslexia.
Brookes Westshore
British Columbia curriculum/ MYP/ IB Diploma: ages 9-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 300 students
On a 4 acre site near Victoria at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The school takes advantage of its location to offer an impressive choice of sporting opportunities, including rowing and golf. Part of the Brookes Education Group, which also runs new schools in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Carson Graham Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,400 students
A public school in the North Vancouver School District, opened in 1965 offering two International Baccalaureate programmes as well as the local curriculum.
Cousteau School
British Columbia curriculum/ French curriculum/ Brevet; ages 4-14; co-ed; day; state; 210 students
Also known as the French International School of Vancouver. The school recently joined the French network Mission Laique Francaise (MLF) which promotes the teaching of French to nearly 60,000 students, whose mother tongue is not French. Tcohe network now covers over 110 schools in 39 countries.
École Cedardale
PYP/ French immersion; ages 5-13; co-ed; day; state; 240 students
One of the schools in the district of West Vancouver. Oversubscribed, since offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in association with a French immersion programme.
École des Pionniers de Maillardville
French curriculum/ French Bac/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; state; 700 students
Charmingly named school located in Port Coquitlam on the edge of Pinecone Burke Provincial Park to the east of Vancouver. A French first language school and the International Baccalaureate Diploma is also taught in French. Part of the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) which promotes the constitutional right of Francophone parents to have their children educated in French and offers a double (English/French) diploma
École Gabrielle Roy
French curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; state; 600 students
One of the 41 French-speaking public schools in British Columbia, opened in 1998. A French first language school, offering a French education and the International Baccalaureate Diploma taught in French as well as the double (English/French) Consiel scolaire francophone diploma.
Garibaldi Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ MYP candidate/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,040 students
Opened in 1958 and now one of the older state secondary schools in British Columbia. Teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme since 2008 and a candidate for the Middle Years Programme. Also offering additional fine arts programmes, practical options, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing and technological skills.
Glenlyon Norfolk School
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 680 students
Based in six wooded acres in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Offering both weekly and full boarding and a member of the Round Square network. A rigorously academic school, sending graduates to leading universities such as McGill in Canada, Harvard and Penn in the USA and UCL and the LSE in the UK.
Lowell High School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Founded in 2015, in Yaletown in downtown Vancouver teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the local curriculum. Currently a very small school with small class sizes.
Meadowridge School
British Columbia curriculum/ PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 670 students
Founded in 1985 and describing itself as a country day school. Located in Maple Ridge to the east of Vancouver. The school has its own ecological reserve, used as an outdoor classroom by all age groups as well as offering the three stages of the International Baccalaureate programme.
New Westminster Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,060 students
One of the largest public secondary schools in British Columbia, opened in 1960. Also offering a French immersion programme. In the process of constructing a new state-of-the-art, no-expense -spared campus.
Pacific Academy
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,500 students
A private Pentecostal Christian school, based in Surrey, BC, founded by billionaire Jim Pattison in 1985. The campus is divided into four divisions: primary; intermediate; middle; high. The high school also enrols international students.
Pearson College UWC
IB Diploma / IB Career Programme (Climate Action Leadership Diploma); ages 16-18; co-ed; boarding; independent; private non-profit; 200 students; on shores of Pedder Bay of Vancouver Island
Port Moody Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,500 students
A public secondary school founded in 1973. The original school burnt to the ground so deciding on a Phoenix, as their mascot, was an approprriate choice.
Richmond Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,200 students
Established in 1927 as the first high school in the city of Richmond in the south of Vancouver. It is the only International Baccalaureate Diploma school in the area as well as the only one to offer a chef training option amongst their pre-employment programmes.
Seaquam Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,300 students
Founded in 1977 in Delta, BC in a prosperous neighbourhood. The school recently featured as the highest ranked public school in British Columbia. Not only academically successful, its students have also won recognition for their arts and sporting achievements.
Semiahmoo Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 1,710 students
A public secondary school opened in 1940 in South Surrey, BC and transferred to its current location in 1989. Academically rigorous, with students achieving International Baccalaureate Diploma scores in the mid-thirties against a global average of around thirty.
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School
British Columbia curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,000 students
One of the largest public secondary schools in south-central Vancouver, offering two French immersion programmes, a pre-IB programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Also open to international students.
Southridge School
British Columbia curriculum/ PYP/ MYP/ AP; ages 5-18; co-ed; independent; private non-profit; 680 students
A private school founded by a group of parents in 1995 in South Surrey, BC and one of the few schools in Vancouver to offer Advanced Placement courses and the only school in Canada to fully implement the Harkness philosophy in the senior school. In the process of making renovations to the senior school.
Stratford Hall
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 530 students
An independent school founded in 1999, offering kindergarten to grade 12 International Baccalaureate programmes, with two classes at each grade level. Based in three buildings in East Vancouver near the enticingly named Trout Lake.
West Point Grey Academy
British Columbia curriculum; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 940 students
Founded in 1996, as a progressive, independent school, with the distinction of having employed Justin Trudeau for three years. Located on an 18 acre site on Jericho Hill in Vancouver, teaching the BC curriculum, with a strong, senior school, visual arts programme.
White Rock Christian Academy
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 570 students
Opened in 1981 in South Surrey, BC. Originally, following a religious core curriculum but now teaching the International Baccalaureate programme from kindergarten to grade 12. There is a strong Christian emphasis, as the name suggests, and all classes are taught from a biblical viewpoint. However, the school also has a very successful sports record.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international section.