Why Mulgrave School?
Families who want their child to graduate with the IB Diploma and who plan to live in the Vancouver area look at Mulgrave. The school also presents itself as "The International School of Vancouver", but it does not offer boarding. CAIS accreditation is not a diploma; it is a quality assurance showing that the school is reviewed against national standards.
- Those seeking IB continuity: Families who want a school that runs the programme throughout, not only in the final two years.
- Families relocating together: Parents who will live on Vancouver's North Shore and send their child to a day school.
- Those wanting an international outlook: Families who want global citizenship and community service to be part of the timetable.
Reasons: the features that make Mulgrave fit this goal
- Uninterrupted IB: The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes together. Students progress to graduation with the same approach to learning.
- International accreditation: Alongside CAIS, the school is accredited by the Council of International Schools. Quality is reviewed against both Canadian and international criteria.
- Holistic programme: Health and wellbeing support, outdoor education, sports and arts programmes are offered. Students are not educated for exams alone.
- Environmental awareness: Sustainability runs across the curriculum, and students study environmental topics in different subjects. The school defines equity and belonging as part of its culture.
- Community service: Global citizenship and service are emphasised. The out-of-class work the IB expects is a natural part of the school.
- Transparent fee structure: The international student surcharge of CAD 7,000 per year is clearly published, so families see the total from the start.
- Secular and inclusive: The school describes itself as secular and gender-inclusive, so families from different cultures feel at ease.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
Tuition for 2026-27 is CAD 33,370 per year for Grades 7-10 and CAD 34,180 per year for Grades 11-12, plus a CAD 7,000 annual international student surcharge.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Grades 7-10 | 33,370 | listed with the annual fees |
| Tuition, Grades 11-12 | 34,180 | listed with the annual fees |
| International student surcharge | 7,000 | listed with the annual fees |
| Family deposit (refundable, new families) | 25,000 | one-time |
| Headline annual tuition | 33,370 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 25,000 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 3,337 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Tuition inclusions and Preschool-Grade 6 fees are not listed; confirm current figures 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 33,370, this fee is CAD 30 above the median of CAD 33,340 among 5 CAIS schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what this structure gives the student
- Recognised diploma: The IB Diploma is a qualification known to universities in many countries. Admission decisions are still made by the universities.
- Research skills: The IB's writing- and project-heavy structure accustoms students to university-style work. Source research, extended writing and presentation skills are gained in high school.
- Balanced development: Sports, arts and outdoor activities balance the academic load. The school stresses that education is more than academic achievement.
- Long-term continuity: Progressing to graduation without changing schools avoids adjustment losses. The school reports that the graduating class of 2026 has 87 students, a scale at which everyone in the final year knows one another.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Accommodation: There is no boarding. The school's pages give no information on homestay or custodianship arrangements, so ask the school before applying who the student would live with. Students under 17 arriving without parents need a custodian in Canada and a Study Permit. The visa decision is made by IRCC.
- Cost: In 2026-27 the Grade 7-10 fee is CAD 33,370 and the Grade 11-12 fee is CAD 34,180. International students pay an additional CAD 7,000. New families are asked for a refundable family deposit of CAD 25,000. Confirm current fees with the school. The family's living costs must be budgeted separately.
- Calendar and pace: The application deadline for 2027-28 entry is 1 December. The IB is an intensive programme, and the first year can be demanding for a student with weak English. The deadline for the preschool age-3 group is 1 February 2027.
Whether Mulgrave's IB programme suits your child, and how to plan a family relocation, can be discussed in a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.