Why Campbell River School District?
Families who worry about their child getting lost in a big city, and who want a setting where teachers know students by name, often choose smaller districts like this one. Choosing a high school here is simple because there are two comprehensive schools.
- First time studying abroad: Students who want to adjust in a small, calm community.
- Nature and sports lovers: Students who value island life and sports programs.
- Intensive English exposure: Families seeking an environment with few opportunities to speak the student's native language.
Reasons: the concrete features that make Campbell River stand out
The district has hosted international students since 2005. Although it is small, its range of courses and programs is surprisingly broad.
- Two comprehensive high schools: International students are placed at Carihi Secondary or Timberline Secondary, so families choose between two clear options.
- Small scale: With about 5,500 students district-wide, students are easier to know and follow within their school.
- Advanced Placement: AP courses are offered, so students in a small city still have access to university-level content.
- Distinctive elective programs: Teen Flight, Digital Media, Video Production and Fine Arts let students explore aviation, media or art in high school.
- Sports programs: IGNITE Sports Training, Sports Leadership and Elite Athletics allow athletes to continue training at school.
- French Immersion: An intensive French program option lets students develop Canada's second official language.
- Flexible duration: Options include a full year, a single five-month semester, and language and culture experience programs, so families can start with a shorter period.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,250 | $15,250 |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 |
| Health insurance | 1,150 | $1,150 per year ($575 for 5 months) |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,210 | 12,100 | Homestay placement fee: $500 per year; Custodianship/Activity fee: $400 per year ($300 for 5 months); Homestay monthly fee: $1,210 |
| Homestay placement fee | 500 | |
| Custodianship fee | 400 | |
| Estimated first-year total | 29,800 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,525 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 2,980 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure comes from the district's CAPS-I page. We could not confirm it, or the school year it applies to, on the district's own website on 11 October 2026; we request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 15,250, this fee is CAD 750 below the median of CAD 16,000 among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
Studying in a small island city helps students build both language skills and confidence in everyday life. Students under 17 who travel without a parent need a custodian, and the fee schedule lists this service separately. Recognition of the diploma in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
- Close monitoring: The small district structure makes it easier to track a student's academic and social progress.
- Clear timeline: Applications close on November 1 and April 30. The preferred entry points for grades 10-12 are September and February.
- Accessible island life: Campbell River Airport (YBL) and Comox Airport (YQQ) are nearby, and the flight to Vancouver takes 40 minutes.
- A real Canadian town experience: The city has a population of over 45,000, and students take part directly in local life.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Grade 7-12 students who prefer calm to crowds, are interested in outdoor sports and can be self-reliant.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 15,250. Added costs are a CAD 400 application fee, a CAD 500 annual placement fee, CAD 1,210 per month for accommodation, CAD 1,150 health insurance, a CAD 525 program fee and a CAD 400 custodianship/activity fee. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Location: Overland travel to Vancouver, including the ferry, takes about four hours. This may be inconvenient for families who often want big-city amenities.
Let us decide together between Carihi and Timberline, and between a full year and a single semester, based on your child's situation. Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.