Why Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows SD42?
This district suits families looking for a school in the Vancouver area that offers the IB program without being in the highest tuition category. For students interested in sport or information technology, the academy options also make the decision easier.
- Students aiming for IB: Those who want to complete the International Baccalaureate in a district close to Vancouver.
- Young athletes: Those who want to continue soccer, hockey or basketball as part of the school program.
- Those interested in technology: Those who want early experience in IT and digital arts.
Reasons: concrete features that set SD42 apart
The district has 16,500 students in 29 schools. About 530 international students are placed in six high schools. The program offers a full year, a single semester and pathways that extend to graduation.
- International Baccalaureate: Students can complete this internationally recognised academic program in the district.
- Three sports academies: Soccer, hockey and basketball academies let student athletes keep training without clashing with their timetable.
- Microsoft IT academy and Digital Arts: The IT academy and digital arts program give technology-minded students concrete skills.
- Variety of language courses: Alongside English there are French, Spanish and Japanese courses and a French Immersion program, so students can add a second foreign language.
- Supervised host families: Host families are registered and monitored by school district staff, so accommodation is under direct supervision.
- English-speaking Canadian families: Students are placed with English-speaking Canadian families living in detached houses, so language practice continues at home.
- Three intakes: September, February and April intakes let families plan their calendar more flexibly.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,700 | $15,300 |
| Application fee | 200 | $200 (one time only) |
| Health insurance | 1,200 | $1,200 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Homestay Placement: $350; Custodianship: $150 |
| Homestay placement fee | 350 | |
| Custodianship fee | 150 | |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 17,600 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,570 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The district's own website lists CAD 15,700 for the 2026–27 school year, while its CAPS-I page shows CAD 15,300. This page uses the figure from the district's website.
The district has also published CAD 16,100 for the 2027–28 school year.
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 15,700, this fee is CAD 300 below the median of CAD 16,000 among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
More than thirty years of experience and a variety of academies give students a high school period that is both safe and active. Students under 17 who come without a parent need a custodian; high school study is outside the scope of the PAL. A study permit application is made for programs longer than six months; IRCC makes the decision, and school admission alone does not mean visa approval. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. The school year starts in September and ends in June.
- Academy and academic program together: Students can progress in sport or IT while following a strong program such as IB.
- Supported accommodation: A homestay manager guides the student and the family, and problems are resolved within the district.
- Close to two airports: Vancouver International (YVR) is 55 km away, and Abbotsford International (YXX) is also near the district.
- Life close to nature: The location between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains is well suited to outdoor activities.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Students who want IB or an academy program and are ready to live in a community of about 100,000 people.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 15,700. Add a CAD 200 application fee, a CAD 350 annual placement fee, CAD 1,150 per month for homestay, CAD 1,200 for health insurance, CAD 150 for custodianship and CAD 150 for orientation. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Age and calendar: Elementary students under 12 must stay with a parent, a guardian or in an approved placement. Applications close in November and May.
To find the best match for your child among SD42's six high schools and its academies, book a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre.