Why Collingwood School?
Families who plan to settle on Vancouver's North Shore and want a large, well-resourced day school with AP courses for university preparation often consider Collingwood. The school does not offer boarding, so families arrange housing themselves. CAIS accreditation indicates that the school is reviewed against national standards.
- AP and university preparation: Students aiming for North American universities who want advanced courses during high school.
- Families relocating together: Parents who will live in West Vancouver or nearby and can take their child to and from school daily.
- A well-rounded education: Families who value academics, arts, sport and community service equally.
Reasons: the concrete features that set Collingwood apart
- Wide AP selection: The school offers 23 AP courses and reports that more than 80% of students take at least one, so advanced courses are routine.
- Four Strands: The program rests on four areas (academics, arts, sport and community service), so students are assessed on more than grades alone.
- Two campuses: Junior School is at Wentworth and Senior School at Morven, so younger and older students each learn in an environment suited to their age.
- Class structure: The teacher-student ratio is 1:8 and the average class size is 20.
- University guidance: The University Guidance office meets with every senior student once a year, so application plans are tailored to each student.
- School scale: With 1,260 students, the school has many teams, clubs and elective courses.
- A young but established institution: The school opened in 1984 with 241 students. It describes itself as one of Canada's largest independent co-educational schools.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
Grades 10-12 tuition is CAD 32,750 per year for 2026-27, plus a CAD 5,000 annual surcharge for non-resident students.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Grades 10-12 | 32,750 | listed with the annual fees |
| Non-resident student surcharge | 5,000 | listed with the annual fees |
| New student administrative fee | 7,500 | one-time |
| Application fee | 350 | one-time |
| Headline annual tuition | 32,750 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 7,850 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 3,275 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Fees for other grades and what tuition covers are not stated; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 32,750, this fee is CAD 590 below the median of CAD 33,340 among 5 CAIS schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
- A strong application profile: AP exam results and activities across the four areas give university applications concrete content.
- Range of choice: A student whose interests change can find a new club or team at the same school. The school calls this approach "Forward Focused Learning", described as real-world learning.
- High school at home: Because students live with their family, parents can follow school life closely, which many families consider a deciding factor during the teenage years.
- Social responsibility: Community service is a required part of the program, so students gain volunteering experience.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Accommodation: The school does not offer boarding. The website does not clearly state where international students should live, so families should ask before applying. Unaccompanied students under 17 need a custodian in Canada and a Study Permit. IRCC makes visa decisions.
- Cost: For 2026-27, tuition for grades 10-12 is CAD 32,750. Non-resident students pay an extra CAD 5,000 per year. New students pay a CAD 7,500 administration fee and a CAD 350 application fee. Tuition for other grades and current amounts should be confirmed with the school.
- Entry grade and calendar: The school admits students directly mainly at grade 8 entry. Places in other grades are limited. Current application deadlines and entrance exam requirements should be confirmed with the admissions office.
To discuss which entry grade is suitable and your family's residence plan in Canada, you can request a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre.