Why Columbia Academy?
For students aiming at the world's selective universities, the advanced courses taken during high school are decisive. Columbia Academy is a young, small-scale school in Vancouver's business and financial centre that offers AP courses and AP exams in its own building.
- AP focus: Students who want to strengthen their university application with AP courses can look at this school.
- High school in the city centre: It suits families looking for a central school that is easy to reach by public transit.
- Reasonable tuition: Parents who want to keep their budget in balance look at its fee table among Vancouver's private high schools.
Reasons: features that set Columbia Academy apart
The information on the school's senior school, AP, homestay and fee pages gives the following picture.
- BC Ministry accreditation: The school is accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and delivers the BC Graduation Program in grades 10–12. Students work directly toward the province's 80-credit graduation requirements.
- Certified AP school and exam centre: The school is an AP exam centre authorized by the College Board. Students sit the exam in the building where they take their courses and do not have to find another centre.
- Broad AP course list: AP courses such as Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Statistics, Psychology, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics are taught in after-school hours, so students can take advanced courses without disrupting their regular timetable.
- Small classes and daily extra support: Classes are kept small. Extra study support is provided every day before and after classes, so gaps are closed before they build up.
- Homestay arranged by the school: The school makes the placement. The host family provides a furnished room and three meals a day. A homestay coordinator is always reachable, so parents have a clear point of contact.
- ESL support: The school offers international students ESL support and academic counselling, and language adjustment is monitored within the school.
- Refund if the visa is refused: If the student does not obtain a Study Permit, the tuition paid in advance is refunded in full, which limits the family's financial risk.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
Annual tuition for international students in Grades 8-12 is CAD 22,800 for 2026-27 (two semesters); homestay is CAD 1,600-2,000 per month.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Grades 8-12 international (two semesters) | 22,800 | listed with the annual fees |
| Student service fee | 800 | listed with the annual fees |
| Homestay, per month (lower end) | 1,600 | per month |
| Homestay, per month (upper end) | 2,000 | per month |
| Uniform (lower end) | 400 | listed with the annual fees |
| Uniform (upper end) | 500 | listed with the annual fees |
| Application fee | 300 | one-time |
| Homestay application | 400 | one-time |
| Homestay placement | 200 | one-time |
| Headline annual tuition | 22,800 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 900 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 2,280 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Homestay is a monthly amount; uniform timing not stated; fees may change, 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 22,800, this fee is CAD 1,580 below the median of CAD 24,380 among 16 private schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
These features mean the following for students and families:
- Strong application file: The BC high school diploma is supported by AP courses and exam results.
- Calculable budget: Tuition, the service fee and homestay costs are known in advance.
- Close academic follow-up: Small classes and daily extra support mean more frequent contact with teachers.
- City life experience: The Coal Harbour campus brings students close to the libraries and cultural facilities of central Vancouver.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Who it suits: Students with high academic goals who can carry the extra load of AP courses and are ready to live with a host family in the city.
- Campus structure: The high school operates in a building in the city centre. A traditional campus with a residence and large sports fields should not be expected. The school is a young institution, founded in 2014.
- Costs: On top of tuition there is a CAD 800 service fee, CAD 400–500 for the uniform, a CAD 400 homestay application fee and a CAD 200 placement fee. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
Practical notes
The school recommends starting the Study Permit application three to four months in advance and having the student in Vancouver one week before the term begins. The interview can be held online. IRCC makes the Study Permit decision. Students under 17 who arrive without a parent must have a custodian appointed in Canada. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Let us assess together how Columbia Academy's AP-focused program fits your child's university goals. Contact Canadian Edu Centre for a free preliminary consultation.