Why Saanich Schools?
Families looking for an academically ambitious program together with the chance to progress in sport turn to this district. It is described as a safe and inclusive community close to Victoria. International students are placed in one of three high schools. The district is large enough to offer choice but small enough that students do not get lost. The natural setting of Vancouver Island, with its sea, forest and beaches, is part of life outside school.
- Academics and sport together: Students who want to attend a sports academy while taking IB or AP.
- Safe surroundings: Families who want a mid-sized, quiet community close to the sea.
- Gentle climate: Families looking for a part of Canada where winters are not harsh.
Reasons: the features that make families choose Saanich
The district is surrounded by coastal views, mountains, rainforest and beaches. It has 7,000 students, 330 of them international. International students are placed in three high schools, and younger students who come with a parent are placed in three middle schools.
- AP and IB: Both programs are offered, so students can choose the advanced pathway that fits their goal.
- Dual credit: Dual-credit courses let students earn post-secondary credit while still in high school.
- Sports academies: Lacrosse, golf, rowing, rock climbing, ice hockey, judo and sailing academies provide a place for athletes in different disciplines.
- Culinary Arts and Outdoor Education: Culinary and outdoor education balance the academic program with hands-on courses.
- Language options: French Immersion and French and Spanish courses let students develop a second foreign language.
- Host families: Families are selected for their interest in other cultures, open-mindedness and respectful attitude, so students feel accepted at home.
- Climate: The area has the mildest weather in Canada; summer averages are in the mid-twenties and flowers bloom in January, so outdoor sports continue all year round.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 16,750 | $16,750 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 1,100 | $1,100 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,350 | 13,500 | Homestay placement: $750; Custodianship: 0; Homestay monthly fee: $1,350 |
| Homestay placement fee | 750 | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 32,400 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,675 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,240 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure comes from the district's CAPS-I page. We could not confirm it, or the school year it applies to, on the district's own website on 11 October 2026; we request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
The district has also published CAD 17,250 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 16,750, this fee is CAD 750 above the median of CAD 16,000 among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: a balanced, goal-oriented high school experience
With these options combined, students can pursue their sport or hands-on interest without giving up their academic goal. For families, the safe surroundings and supervised home environment stand out.
- A well-rounded file: Academic courses together with a sports academy strengthen a university application.
- Easy travel: Victoria International Airport is close to the district.
- Flexible duration: Full-year, single-semester and short-term options are offered.
- No custodianship cost: No separate fee is charged for custodianship.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Disciplined students with a sports background or who are ready to work at IB and AP level.
- Age limit: The homestay program is for grades 9-12. Younger students are accepted only when accompanied by a parent.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 16,750. Paid separately are a CAD 300 application fee, a CAD 750 placement fee, CAD 1,100 for health insurance and CAD 150 for the August orientation. Applications are accepted continuously; current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
Practical notes
A study permit is required for study longer than six months; IRCC assesses the application. High school students do not submit a PAL. Because Saanich arranges custodianship free of charge, the custodian requirement for students under 17 creates no additional cost. Recognition of grades completed in Canada is handled by the education authority of the student's home country.
To match your child's sporting and academic goals with Saanich's three high schools, book a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre.