Why Central Okanagan Public Schools (District 23)?
Families who want their child to study outside Vancouver, in a city with a wide range of facilities, look at Kelowna. With a population of about 250,000, the area combines the variety of a large school system with an English-speaking environment.
- Families who want full language immersion: Those who value studying mainly with Canadian students.
- Students with wide interests: Those who want to try sports, technology and unusual electives.
- Those looking for a city with its own airport: Families who want to make travel with connecting flights easier.
Reasons: the concrete features that make the Kelowna area stand out
The district has accepted international students since 2006 and is spread across four communities in the Okanagan. The points that stand out in terms of language environment, program variety and accommodation safety are:
- Scale: There are 45 schools in total: 32 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and 5 high schools. This keeps the variety of courses and programs high.
- Low ESL share: ESL students make up less than 2 percent. There are about 400 international students alongside about 25,000 Canadian students, so students speak English all day.
- Advanced Placement: Through AP courses, students can start working at university level during high school.
- Academies: There are academies for baseball, golf, hockey, soccer, swimming, mountain biking, outdoor education and lifeguarding.
- Career-oriented programs: The Firefighting Academy and the Computer Information Systems Administration (CISM) program introduce students to an applied field early.
- Unusual electives: Courses such as journalism, cybersecurity, musical theatre and mixed martial arts are offered.
- The district's homestay program: Families are screened, trained and supervised by the district. Matching is based on shared values and interests.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 16,000 | $16,000 |
| Application fee | 200 | $200 (one time only) |
| Health insurance | 1,300 | $1,300 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $500 |
| Homestay placement fee | 500 | |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 18,000 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,600 per school month over a 10-month year. 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 16,000, this fee equals the median among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
The student studies alongside Canadian peers in a program built around their own interests. The school year begins in September and ends in June. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months, and IRCC assesses the application.
- Rapid language development: In classes where Canadian students are the majority, English becomes a natural part of daily life.
- A program shaped to the individual: The variety of academies and electives allows students to build their program around their interests.
- A single point of contact: Because school and accommodation are run by the same organization, parents raise any issues with one office.
- Easy travel: Kelowna International Airport is within the city; the flight to Vancouver takes 50 minutes.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Grade 7-12 students who want to study with Canadian peers in a mid-sized city.
- Cost: On top of the CAD 16,000 tuition come a CAD 200 application fee, CAD 1,300 health insurance, a CAD 500 placement fee and CAD 1,300 per month for accommodation. The single-semester fee is CAD 8,800. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Age limit: Students from kindergarten to grade 6 are accepted but must live with a parent. Homestay is available from grade 7.
Let us plan together which of Kelowna's five high schools suits your child and what the total budget will be. You can arrange a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre.