Why Pattison High School?
The classic two-semester calendar is not always enough for students who start late, carry missing credits or want to graduate sooner. By dividing the year into three terms, the school offers a flexible high school option in downtown Vancouver.
- Flexible progress: Students who want to adjust their course load term by term prefer this system.
- Downtown life: It suits families looking for a city-centre school that is easy to reach by public transit.
- Balance of language and academics: Students who want to start earning Dogwood credits while improving their English show interest.
Reasons: the features that set Pattison High School apart
The information on the school's program and fee pages shows how this flexibility works:
- Ministry-approved Dogwood program: The school is certified by the BC Ministry of Education. Students who complete grades 10-12 receive the Dogwood, the province's official high school diploma.
- Three intakes: Students can start in September, January or May. Even if the visa process takes longer, the student can join classes within a few months.
- Per-course fees: Tuition is calculated per course, and a maximum of four courses can be taken in a term. Families budget according to the number of credits the student needs.
- Academic Readiness ELL: There is an academic preparation program for English language learners. Students build a language foundation before starting credit courses.
- AP and dual credit options: Advanced Placement and University Dual Credit programs are offered. Strong students can begin university-level work while still in high school.
- 15: 1 student-teacher ratio: Teachers can follow each student's progress closely.
- Student services: Support is provided with homestay placement, custodianship and health insurance. Multilingual staff make settling in easier.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
For 2026-27, tuition is CAD 2,600 per course (maximum four courses per term), or CAD 31,200 for 12 courses a year, plus a CAD 1,100 student service fee per term.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition per course | 2,600 | listed with the annual fees |
| Tuition for 12 courses per year | 31,200 | listed with the annual fees |
| Student service fee (per term) | 1,100 | listed with the annual fees |
| Headline annual tuition | 31,200 | 2026-27 |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 3,120 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Uniform, monthly homestay board (paid to the host family) and a non-refundable homestay placement fee are extra; amounts 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 31,200, this fee is CAD 6,820 above the median of CAD 24,380 among 16 private schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
This structure is reflected in the student's high school plan in the following ways:
- A personal pace: The student can complete missing credits term by term and plan the graduation date.
- An uninterrupted start: Thanks to three intakes, the student can begin without waiting a year.
- Transition to university: The Dogwood diploma, AP courses and the IELTS preparation program support the application file.
- An experienced institution: The school states that it has graduated more than 2,000 students to date.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Who it suits: Students who can take responsibility for themselves and are ready to study while living with a host family in the city centre.
- Campus structure: The school is housed in a building in the city. A traditional campus with large sports fields or a residence should not be expected.
- Cost: With 12 courses a year, tuition reaches CAD 31,200. The service fee, uniform and accommodation are extra. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
A Study Permit is required for studies longer than six months, and the decision is made by IRCC. A custodian must be appointed for students under 17. The Dogwood diploma requires a total of 80 credits, of which 52 come from required courses and 28 from electives. How many credits are granted for grades completed in the student's home country depends on the school's assessment, so complete transcripts must be submitted with the application. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). A non-refundable placement fee is charged for homestay placement; the monthly accommodation cost is paid directly to the host family. To work out together how many terms your child would need to graduate and the most suitable start date, you can schedule a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre.