Robert WebbThe 5 Best Private Schools in Vancouver
In terms of education, a private school is one of the best ways to ensure that your child receives a unique and enriching academic experience.
To help you explore the top private schools in Vancouver we’ve handpicked a unique list using various criteria and guidelines. Alongside in-depth reviews, we’ll also be providing feedback from parents and students, as well as pros and cons for each of our entries.
How much do private schools cost in Vancouver?
They say you can’t put a price on the value of education. Though this saying certainly rings true, private schools most definitely do have a price for acceptance and attendance.
As you may have guessed these institutions can be quite costly due to the fact that they are privately funded. To help you prepare accordingly we thought it best to outline the tuition fees for each of our entries.
There is quite a large gap in tuition fees amongst our entries. This is due to the fact that each school has its own miscellaneous fees and tuition calculations.
To find the most cost-effective option, it’s best to explore the purpose of these fees to determine the benefits that your child will receive. This will help you decide if the tuition is worth the services provided by a particular school.
The Best Private Schools in Vancouver
Now that we’ve outlined the basic tuition fees for our entries, it’s time to explore the criteria that we used to make this list. To keep our entries relevant and reliable, we rated each of our choices according to the following:
Now that we’ve established our criteria, it’s time to unveil our picks for the best private schools in Vancouver.
1. Crofton House School
| Criteria | Rating |
| Campus & Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Additional Classes/Extracurriculars | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Tuition Cost | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Crofton is an all-girls prep school that educates young ladies starting from kindergarten all the way to the 12th grade. In their words, these folks wish to help girls become confident in pursuing their passion through an extensive and thorough curriculum.
To accomplish this goal, the school incorporates study times, discussions, recreation, music, and fine arts into each student’s daily schedule. As Crofton students move on to higher grade levels, they also begin to participate in age-appropriate community service programs.
For previous projects, Crofton students have worked with Canuck Place, UNICEF, the YWCA, and various local food banks. If parents wish to expose their teen students to a wider array of places and cultures, the school even offers an exchange program with sister schools abroad.
The presence of these outreach and exchange programs shows a unique, well-developed curriculum. Beyond this, the programs also reinforce the school’s goal of helping girls become confident and passionate in pursuing their own goals.
In addition to its extensive curriculum, Crofton House also boasts an extremely large and well-designed campus. At 10-acres, the school has all the facilities needed to teach children from kindergarten all the way to high school.
These facilities include hockey fields, gardens, pavilions, enclosed wooded areas, Gyms, fitness centers, study halls, and science labs to name a few. Having this large campus means that students can find their own space at the school making it feel more welcoming and personal.
With a tuition fee of $26,200 attending Crofton can be quite costly. But in exchange, students receive a massive campus filled with various spaces as well as a unique curriculum geared towards personal development and future preparation.
Taking this combination into account, we believe that Crofton’s Tuition certainly provides an experience that is worth the investment. The only issue some students may have with Crofton is the fact that the school offers a limited number of athletics programs.
Pros
- Extremely large campus
- Various community service & exchange programs
- All-girls student body
Cons
- Limited athletics programs
- Only accepts female students
Customer Reviews
Crofton has been the highlight of my life.
“Crofton has been the highlight of my life; this is a school where everyone will feel welcomed, included, and happy! It has only been my first year at Crofton and I already feel like I belong; I am so grateful for all the supportive friends and teachers that I have met. Undoubtedly, everyone will have different experiences here but at the end of the day, all the amazing staff and students are always there for each other. I love attending Crofton House with their enriched education, unlimited opportunities, and the rigorous curriculum!” – Emily S.
We have found the school to be incredibly inclusive and warm.
“We have found the school to be incredibly inclusive and warm. My daughter suffered fro paralyzing anxiety at the start of her grade 9 year. The counsellors and teachers were incredibly supportive and she has come full circle, Single sex schools are not right for all children so do your research and make your decision for your child. Our experience has been amazing – Crofton House has helped bring out the absolute best in our daughter.” – Megan V.
2. Vancouver College
| Criteria | Rating |
| Campus & Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Additional Classes/Extracurriculars | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tuition Cost | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Vancouver College is somewhat unique among private schools in that it is the only independently-funded all-boys catholic school in the lower mainland. This link to catholicism has resulted in an education style that instills young men with strong Christian morals.
Having existed for almost a hundred years, this school has gotten by with a compact but well-built campus. In total, Vancouver college has three buildings catering to elementary, middle, and senior school students.
Spread amongst these buildings are additional spaces such as a chapel, two gyms, a performance center, and a theatre. This provides students with the means to a full, proper education while still keeping the campus space-efficient.
The school’s curriculum often integrates spiritual lessons and teachings alongside standard academics. This can be helpful for parents who want their children to have a spiritually-centered development without sacrificing the quality of their education.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the school’s extensive athletics program which includes sports like cross country, football, soccer, swimming, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, and more. These sports help the school’s all-boys student body develop physically as well as mentally.
Overall, Vancouver College has an extremely extensive athletics program that allows students to compete with other schools and work with one another. If your child is particularly fond of sports, this school would be a decent choice to consider.
Since the school caters to different grades, the tuition fees start quite low at $8,000 moving closer to $22,000 for senior school students. From our point of view, this tuition can be worth it if you want your child to have a full private school experience paired with Catholic teachings.
The icing on the cake is the school’s extensive athletics program which is great for active children or those looking to apply for sports scholarships. But, if you’d prefer to have your child focus specifically on academics alone, we’d suggest looking into another school.
Pros
- Catholic teachings are mixed with academics
- Strong, well-developed athletics program
- Great for Catholic families
Cons
- Only accepts boys
- Campus offers limited social spaces
Customer Reviews
Best school in Vancouver. Faith in Learning Community.
“Best school in Vancouver. Faith in Learning Community. Oh yeah and the athletics turn out provincial champions every year across a variety of sports. Great place for any young man to learn about discipline, hard work, being part of a family, and the process of success.” – Cris M.
Overall not a bad choice for anyone interested in sports or anyone trying to get into UBC sciences.
“What can I say? School maintenance is a solid 9/10. Classrooms can accommodate all class sizes. Teachers range from 6/10 0 – 9/10, average teacher is 8/10 imo. Pretty decent course selection for anyone not interested in going into trades (tons of maths and sciences w/ a few AP options). The community is welcoming to everyone. Overall not a bad choice for anyone interested in sports or anyone trying to get into UBC sciences.” – Antoni I.
3. Bodwell High School
| Criteria | Rating |
| Campus & Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Additional Classes/Extracurriculars | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tuition Cost | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Bodwell is a private co-ed school that caters to students from the 8th grade all the way to the 12th grade. In addition to this, the school also prides itself on being a preparatory institution for higher learning.
Since they only cater to several grade levels the school’s campus consists of a single multi-story building with a soccer field and a tennis court. Although it is small in terms of area, the school’s multiple floors allow for various spaces including boarding rooms for both boys and girls.
Bodwell’s curriculum consists of standard classes specified by the BC Ministry of Education. The school also supplements this with various specialized courses in fine arts, design, language acquisition, mathematics, and science.
In terms of sports, the school has programs for everything from swimming and badminton to soccer and skiing. For students who are more academically inclined, the school also offers an additional summer term to allow for accelerated learning.
As an internationally recognized co-ed high school, Bodwell has an extremely diverse student body. It is the school’s belief that this diversity helps create an extremely welcoming atmosphere for any and all newcomers.
The main problem that some parents may run into when considering Bodwell High School is the sky-high tuition fee. For international students or boarding students, tuition fees can reach as high as $47,000 for every school year.
Of course, these costs do include a living area as well as staff supervision, laundry services, breakfast and dinner buffets, and access to all the school’s facilities. Taking this into account, we feel this school can be a wholesome albeit pricey boarding school option.
Pros
- Great for boarding students
- Extensive athletics program
- Diverse student body
Cons
- The campus is relatively small
- Boarding fees are quite high
Customer Reviews
School officials have guided and helped us a lot in all stages.
“My son has been an international student at Bodwell School for two years. School officials have guided and helped us a lot in all stages. Among the positive points of this collection, I can name the following: very regular administrative system, responsible academic advisors, especially Ms. Arian Talvardi, supervision of students’ educational and moral issues, support And professional advice for choosing college and university” -Sahar B.
The best school with awesome teachers…
“The best school with awesome teachers I have ever been. Bodwell family taught me independence as well as respect to all of my friends I have met throughout two years. I am really thankful for every single teacher, administrative community, and my family giving me an opportunity to expand my surrounding @ Bodwell High School.” – Aliyah K.
4. Vancouver Talmud Torah School
| Criteria | Rating |
| Campus & Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Additional Classes/Extracurriculars | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tuition Cost | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The Talmud Torah school is a Jewish day school that teaches children from pre-kinder all the way to the 7th grade. Much like a catholic school, Talmud Torah incorporates Jewish teachings and values alongside standard academics.
Though this school’s student body is relatively young, the institution still believes in enriching its educational experience through various extracurricular programs. These include chess clubs, sports, music classes, and even fine arts.
By combining these programs with spiritual and cultural teachings the school is able to help children develop their talents as well as their moral guidelines. In addition to this, it puts Jewish families in contact with one another thereby introducing them to Vancouver’s Jewish community.
The school’s campus consists of three interconnected buildings that border a playspace, gardens, and an athletics field. Since the school only caters to grade-schoolers and intermediate school students, there is less need for an expansive campus.
We think this is also better in terms of safety since it lets teachers and school staff keep a watchful eye on students during playtime hours. The addition of multiple gardens and outdoor spaces also helps make the space feel larger and more open than it actually is.
From the entries on our list, the Talmud Torah School is one of the most affordable options, with the highest tuition fees only reaching $17,000. While this is still a sizeable investment for early schooling, we feel that the extensive curriculum and modern spaces are worth it.
From what we can gather the one real drawback to this school is the fact that it only caters to lower grade levels. But grade levels aside, the school offers a well-rounded experience overall that is great for those of Jewish descent.
For those who want their child to develop a strong understanding of the Jewish way of life, the Talmud Torah School is definitely a viable option.
Pros
- Great for Jewish families
- Affordable tuition fees
- Various extracurricular activities
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer secular schools
- Does not offer high school programs
Customer Reviews
The community is supportive and welcoming
“VTT is a terrific school. The community is supportive and welcoming. The teaching staff and leadership team really want the best outcomes for the students – they are responsive and available. My children are thriving here academically, emotionally and socially. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to send our children to this school.” – Jenny P.
Vancouver Talmud Torah is a very, very special place!
“Vancouver Talmud Torah is a very, very special place! Our three children have all graduated from VTT and I could not be more grateful. The foundation and friendships formed will last them a lifetime, guiding and supporting their journeys and relationships. Their experience was grounded in memories and lessons steeped in Jewish education, traditions and values that contribute positively to our world. The warm care and attention that pervade every corner of the school is a tribute to its talented and caring faculty, staff, leadership and volunteers. VTT is a true jewel in our community and a great foundation for the future!” – Jeff B.
5. Pear Tree School
| Criteria | Rating |
| Campus & Facilities | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Additional Classes/Extracurriculars | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tuition Cost | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Pear Tree School is a co-ed institution that teaches children from kindergarten all the way up to junior high school. What sets this particular institution apart from other private schools is its uniquely open approach to education.
Instead of standard classes and lectures, Pear Tree often integrates technology, 3-D models, and outdoor classes. The school also weaves modern life skills into everyday classes by teaching students cooking, baking, public speaking, and general problem-solving.
This can be useful for parents who want their children to develop skills that can be applied later in life. In terms of extracurriculars, Pear Tree boasts an extensive array of sports ranging from basketball and cross country to more exotic options like climbing and kayaking.
The addition of more unique sports allows students to develop physically while also honing their personal passions. This seems to coincide with the school’s belief that children should develop skills for life starting in the classroom.
For younger students, the school also offers before, and after school care and supervision which can be helpful for parents with extremely busy schedules. These programs are made up of a combination of free time and supplementary classes that lean more towards life skills.
The one weakness that Pear Tree has is its relatively small campus. Though the school is able to make good use of recreational spaces around the campus, the facilities themselves consist of classrooms, a hot lunch cafeteria, and laboratory spaces.
Pear Tree’s tuition ranges from $17,000 to $22,000 and in exchange students receive specialized classes with small student to teacher ratios. When you pair this with the fact that the school cooks lunches fresh every day, the investment becomes a bit more reasonable.
Parents that are partial to personalized classes and non-traditional learning would do well to consider the Pear Tree School.
Pros
- Teaches essential life skills
- Makes use of outdoor spaces in classes
- Offers more exotic sports like climbing/kayaking
Cons
- Relatively small facilities
- Not ideal for parents who prefer traditional learning
Customer Reviews
Pear Tree is the best option in the city for busy parents.
“Pear Tree is the best option in the city for busy parents. Their curriculum is well-rounded in arts and athletics which really takes the pressure off from finding extracurricular activities. The days are extended compared to public schools, and there is a before and/or after-school care option. This was a huge relief to me because my schedule requires flexibility. I love not having to pack lunches or provide snacks. The in-school chef saves me the time and mental energy that comes with meal prep and I can count on nutritious snacks and lunches. Most importantly, the faculty, staff and students are wonderful people, and I know my daughter is well-cared for.” – Crystal E.
Pear Tree is an excellent elementary school
“Pear Tree is an excellent elementary school. Even though, the school is small but it’s packed with everything your children need to know. Their directors and teachers are very friendly. Their staff knows every single child’s name. I can see that all the students are having fun learning at school.” – Ryan L.
Public vs. Private Schools: Our Two Cents
In this section of our list, we’ll be sharing some insights that we’ve gathered over the course of researching various institutions throughout Vancity. This isn’t meant to sway you to one type of school or the other, but rather clarify the true differences between public and private schools.
Funding
From what we can gather one of the most apparent differences between public and private learning institutions is the amount of funding available. Since they are funded by their clients, private schools often have large budgets to work with.
This leads to private schools having advanced facilities and supplementary equipment that just aren’t present at most public schools. Now, we will acknowledge that there are certainly some exceptions to this observation.
But for the most part, government-funded schools just aren’t able to invest as much in their physical assets.
Student Engagement & Class Sizes
Another trait that sets private schools apart is the smaller classes entrusted to teachers. Where public high schools will have a maximum class size of 30, many private schools will often have classes with only 20 students.
Having smaller classes lets private teachers devote more attention to each student which in turn makes education feel more personalized. While this doesn’t necessarily affect overall learning efficiency, it does play a role in helping students feel more engaged during classes.
Learning Environment
It’s no secret that private schools often have rigorous application processes with similarly comprehensive entrance exams. Once students have shown their aptitude they are usually monitored constantly to ensure a high level of academic performance.
These processes align with the idea that most private schools hold their students to a particularly high standard. Ultimately, this encourages an academic mindset in the majority of the student body.
Since public schools lack the infrastructure and means to apply similar standards, many students become more complacent. Of course, this doesn’t speak to the character of public school students, as academic success depends largely on the efforts of a student.
When it comes to the caliber of education provided by public and private schools, both types of institutions have shown great capabilities. As a matter of fact, there have been plenty of successful professionals from both the public and private sectors.
What sets the two sectors apart from one another in terms of accessibility is cost. If one can afford to attend a private school then it can certainly be a useful headstart to their educational journey.
But, if a private school is simply too expensive then there is no problem with attending a public school since both institutions can still help a student succeed.
FAQs About Private Schools
That concludes our list of the best private schools in Vancouver. With a budget in mind and a grasp of what to expect, all that’s left is to visit your preferred school’s website to make an appointment for your student.
If one of your kids is on their way to college, you’re probably looking for worthy prospects in the city. Fortunately, we’ve made a similar list with reviews, pros & cons, and breakdowns for the best colleges in Vancouver.
