Why Sea to Sky School District?
The district attracts families looking for an education surrounded by sports such as skiing, climbing and mountain biking that still keeps its connection to Vancouver. It describes itself as a modern and progressive school system. International students follow the British Columbia curriculum at one of four high schools. Because Whistler and Pemberton are part of the district, families can choose between communities of different sizes.
- Mountains and sea: Students who want an active high school year in the natural setting of Squamish and Whistler.
- Short trial: Families considering a three- to four-month adjustment program before committing to a full year.
- Hands-on courses: Young people who prefer workshop- and laboratory-based learning.
Reasons: Sea to Sky's concrete features
The district consists of 16 schools and 6,000 students across Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. The international program has run since 1996.
- Short-term program: Short participation of at least three months is possible, so families can try the Canadian high school environment without a long commitment.
- ELL support: Support is provided for students learning English as a second language, so they improve their language while following their courses.
- Workshops: Automotive, metalwork, woodwork, technical drawing and business courses are offered, so manual skills and vocational interests can be explored in high school.
- Facilities: Science and computer labs, visual and digital art, drama and music studios and a gym with a climbing wall mean extracurricular development is covered within the school.
- Mandatory homestay: All international students live with a host family. Families must pass a criminal record check. Students get a private room and three meals a day.
- Location: Squamish is known as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. Kite surfing, skiing, climbing and mountain biking are on the school's doorstep.
- Services included: Custodianship is included in the fee, so the custodian requirement for students under 17 is met without a separate cost.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,000 | $15,000 |
| Application fee | 250 | $250 |
| Health insurance | 1,100 | $1100 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,400 | 14,000 | Homestay Placement: $300; Custodianship: included; Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,400 – $1,500/month |
| Homestay placement fee | 300 | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 30,650 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,500 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,065 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 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 15,000, this fee is CAD 1,000 below the median of CAD 16,000 among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: an active, confident student with plenty of language practice
Students spend time on outdoor sports at school and with a Canadian family at home. This arrangement builds language skills and self-confidence together.
- Everyday English: Because homestay is mandatory, students speak English at home too.
- Sporting development: Skiing, snowboarding, golf, soccer and hockey become part of life outside school.
- Wide range of courses: Mathematics, English, social studies, science, computer and fine arts courses are offered.
- Travel: The district is reached via Vancouver International Airport.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Active students who are interested in outdoor sports and keen to live with a host family.
- Calendar: Enrolment starts in September and February. The application deadline is 30 April, so the decision should be made early.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 15,000. Also payable are a CAD 250 application fee, a CAD 300 placement fee, CAD 1,100 for health insurance, CAD 450 for airport transfer and CAD 200-700 for transcript verification. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
Practical notes
Because three- to four-month short programs last less than six months, the study permit requirement is assessed according to duration. A permit is mandatory for study exceeding one semester, and IRCC makes that decision. High school students are exempt from the PAL. On return, recognition is handled by the education authority of the student's home country.
We can help you make the right choice between Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. Plan a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre without waiting for 30 April.