Compare International Schools in Kelowna, Canada

Aberdeen Hall

Ages 3 - null years

Fees CA$7,560 - 27,370

Pupils 700

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Aberdeen Hall Kelowna delivers the BC Ministry of Education program from Preschool to Grade 12, with Montessori influences. Preschool uses a Montessori-based framework nurturing social, emotional, and intellectual development, with activities in Math, Sensorial, Language Arts, Culture, and Practical Life, plus Move, Groove and Music. Kindergarten offers a full-day program with AIM French, Music, ADST, and Physical Education, while literacy and numeracy are built through Jolly Phonics, Oxford Reading Tree, and Handwriting Without Tears. The Junior School (K–5) follows BC concepts and a competency-based approach, guided by the Gryphon Code. The Middle Years (6–8) provide a personalized BC curriculum focusing on communication and critical thinking. In High School (9–12), students follow the BC Graduation Program with optional Advanced Placement courses, a Flex acceleration option, and post-secondary planning support. The 44-acre campus includes the Marjorie Callahan Early Learning Centre, Hanlon Senior School, Holzhey Hall, housing The Great Hall, a commercial kitchen, and the Loft Cafe; the Athletics and Wellness Centre opened in 2024. Aberdeen Hall is CAIS-accredited (2023).

Location

The school is located at 950 Academy Way, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (V1V 3A4). The campus sits on 44 acres in the heart of Kelowna, adjacent to UBC Okanagan and five minutes from Kelowna International Airport. Aberdeen Hall respectfully acknowledges the campus is on the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

Stages

The school serves Preschool to Grade 12, with Early Years - Preschool; Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5); Middle School (Grade 6–8); High School (Grade 9–12).

Additional learning support

Counselling and mental health support are available on campus. The Counselling Department supports students and works with those with IEPs that designate counselling; short-term counselling is provided on site, and community counsellors can be referred to when needed.

Country affiliation

Canada

Bus service

The school offers bus services to neighbourhoods from West Kelowna to Vernon. Bus seats are secured for the full year and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis; families must register each school year. Routes include Glenmore, Kettle Valley, Mission, Vernon/Lake Country, and West Kelowna/Rutland. For questions, email [email protected].

Application and enrollment fees
- CAD 1,000 non‑refundable enrollment deposit per student; this deposit is invoiced to new families and is applied to the student's first‑year tuition. New families must pay the deposit within the timeframe shown on their offer.

Annual tuition (2026–2027) — Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades K–12
- Preschool (full day, 5 days/week, 8:15am–5:00pm): CAD 15,780 per year.
- Preschool (half day, 5 days/week, 8:15am–11:45am): CAD 7,560 per year.
- Kindergarten–Grade 1: CAD 21,710 per year (qualifying BC residents may receive a provincial grant that reduces net tuition by CAD 4,000).
- Grades 2–4: CAD 23,620 per year (provincial grant reduction CAD 4,000 for qualifying BC residents).
- Grades 5–9: CAD 25,520 per year (provincial grant reduction CAD 4,000 for qualifying BC residents).
- Grades 10–12: CAD 27,370 per year (provincial grant reduction CAD 4,000 for qualifying BC residents).
- Note: published tuition amounts include costs associated with regular field trips, textbook rentals and a copy of the yearbook; additional charges apply for Horizon's trips, uniform, daily lunch program, instrument rental, bussing, and some extra‑curricular clubs/teams.

Per‑installment examples (how annual tuition is billed under the school's payment plans)
- Payment plans available: One payment, Three payments or Nine monthly payments. The examples below show the annual tuition followed by the approximate installment amount when the annual fee is divided by the number of installments in each plan. Installment amounts shown are the result of dividing the published annual tuition by the number of payments and do not include any plan or card administration fees. The school's payment dates and plan fees apply as stated in the payment policy.

- Preschool (full day) — Annual: CAD 15,780
- One payment (pay in full): CAD 15,780.00
- Three payments (Jun 1, Sep 1, Dec 1): CAD 5,260.00 per installment (approx.).
- Nine monthly payments (Apr 1 through Dec 1): CAD 1,753.33 per installment (approx.).

- Preschool (half day) — Annual: CAD 7,560
- One payment: CAD 7,560.00
- Three payments: CAD 2,520.00 per installment (approx.).
- Nine payments: CAD 840.00 per installment (approx.).

- Kindergarten–Grade 1 — Annual: CAD 21,710
- One payment: CAD 21,710.00
- Three payments: CAD 7,236.67 per installment (approx.).
- Nine payments: CAD 2,412.22 per installment (approx.).

- Grades 2–4 — Annual: CAD 23,620
- One payment: CAD 23,620.00
- Three payments: CAD 7,873.33 per installment (approx.).
- Nine payments: CAD 2,624.44 per installment (approx.).

- Grades 5–9 — Annual: CAD 25,520
- One payment: CAD 25,520.00
- Three payments: CAD 8,506.67 per installment (approx.).
- Nine payments: CAD 2,835.56 per installment (approx.).

- Grades 10–12 — Annual: CAD 27,370
- One payment: CAD 27,370.00
- Three payments: CAD 9,123.33 per installment (approx.).
- Nine payments: CAD 3,041.11 per installment (approx.).

- Payment‑plan timing and fees: One payment (pay in full) is due by June 1 with no additional plan fee. Three‑payment schedule is Jun 1, Sep 1 and Dec 1. Nine‑payment schedule runs from Apr 1 through Dec 1. Plans 2 and 3 incur a payment‑plan fee (CAD 350 per student). These plan dates, deadlines and fees are specified in the Tuition Payment & Enrolment Policies. Calculations above are derived by dividing the annual tuition by the number of installments in each plan.

International students — 2026–2027 fee breakdown and billing
- International tuition package (2026–2027) — total CAD 63,820, consisting of:
- Tuition: CAD 40,720
- Custodianship: CAD 700
- Comprehensive homestay: CAD 15,000
- Medical: CAD 900
- Non‑resident fee: CAD 4,000
- Ancillary account (to be held for bussing & Horizon's Week; uniform not included): CAD 2,500
- Total: CAD 63,820.
- International billing schedule (2026–2027): 50% deposit due upon acceptance and the remaining 50% due by the date specified in the international agreement (example: remaining payment due by May 1, 2026 for the 2026–2027 agreement). Flywire is offered for international payments to facilitate payment in students' home currency.

Boarding / homestay
- There is no on‑campus boarding program; international students are supported through a comprehensive homestay arrangement when required. Comprehensive homestay charge: CAD 15,000 (included in the international package). Custodianship fee: CAD 700. Medical insurance fee listed for international students: CAD 900. Ancillary homestay/placement administrative amounts may also be required as noted in the international agreement.

Other costs and ancillary charges
- Ancillary account hold for bussing & Horizon's Week: CAD 2,500 (uniform not included).
- Uniform: not included in published tuition; uniform costs apply separately.
- Bussing, daily lunch program, instrument rental, some extra‑curricular clubs and special trips (Horizons) carry additional charges.
- Returned payment fee: CAD 50 per returned payment.
- Payment‑plan administration fee: CAD 350 per student for Plan 2 (three payments) and Plan 3 (nine payments). Credit card administration: CAD 300 per student if credit card is used for Plan 2 or Plan 3. These extra fees apply in addition to the instalment amounts shown above when those payment methods/plans are chosen.
- Outstanding accounts: unpaid balances at the end of the school year prevent a student from returning; interest on overdue accounts is charged (example policy: 5% per annum). Monthly statements are sent and are due upon receipt unless otherwise specified.

Refund and withdrawal policy
- Students are enrolled for the full school year; parents/guardians are responsible for payment of the full tuition fees for the year. Tuition is non‑refundable after the school's withdrawal deadline (policy examples and deadlines specified under the school's Tuition Payment & Enrolment Policies). Families who notify the Business Office in writing prior to the stated opt‑out date will have the initial installment invoice (the CAD 1,000 deposit) removed. No portion of tuition will be refunded after the withdrawal deadline, though extenuating circumstances may be considered by the school's Financial Assistance Committee on a case‑by‑case basis.

Billing schedule, deadlines and key payment terms
- Initial invoice and deposit: New‑family invoice for CAD 1,000 per student will be sent and is due by the date shown (examples: invoiced deposit due by March 1 or within the timeframe on the offer). If a family notifies the Business Office in writing prior to the opt‑out deadline, the initial invoice is removed.
- Payment plans must be submitted to the school by March 15 in order to remain on the chosen schedule. One‑payment option is due by June 1 with no plan fee. Three‑payment and nine‑payment plans are available with specified dates and a plan fee. For international students the contract requires a 50% deposit on acceptance and the balance by the specified date.

Accepted payment methods and fees
- Cheques: post‑dated cheques are accepted (post‑dated to the payment schedule) with no additional fee.
- Pre‑authorized debit (PAD): accepted when PAD form and void cheque are provided by the deadline; no additional fee.
- Credit card: accepted; a CAD 300 administration fee per student applies to Plans 2 and 3 when paying by credit card. Provide card details or a credit‑card link by the stated deadline.
- Wire transfer / money order / bank draft: accepted for families choosing one payment in full by the school's deadline. Flywire is available specifically to streamline international bank transfers and foreign‑currency payments.

Financial assistance and sibling discounts
- Sibling discount: 5% for two children enrolled, 10% for three children, 15% for four or more children. Financial assistance is available for qualifying K–12 families; contact the school's financial assistance office for details.

(Amounts and payment dates are presented here according to the school's published 2026–2027 tuition schedule and the school's Tuition Payment & Enrolment Policies. Installment figures are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by the number of installments in each plan and are shown as approximate per‑installment amounts.)

Boarding Arrangements

The school is an independent coeducational day school.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is standardized to provide consistency of dress; most items are purchased through the school's uniform shop.

Food Options

The school has a Daily Lunch program operating five days a week; Nut Aware policy bans nuts and all snacks and lunches must be free of peanuts, tree nuts or nut oils.

Governance and Ownership

Aberdeen Hall is an independent, coeducational day school with charitable status. The Head of School is responsible for day-to-day operations; the Board of Directors governs the school with five standing committees: Governance, Finance, Development, Risk Management, and the Executive Committee.

Curriculum

Aberdeen Hall offers the British Columbia Ministry of Education curriculum across Preschool through Grade 12. Preschool uses a Montessori-based approach focused on social, emotional, and intellectual development with Math, Sensorial, Language Arts, Culture, and Practical Life activities led by Montessori-trained teachers and complemented by specialist classes such as Move, Groove and Music. Kindergarten provides an enriched, full-day program with AIM French, Music, ADST, and Physical Education; literacy and numeracy are built through Jolly Phonics, Oxford Reading Tree, and Handwriting Without Tears, with an emphasis on independence and self-care. The Junior School (Kindergarten–Grade 5) follows the BC curriculum concept and competency-based approach, building foundational literacy and numeracy while encouraging inquiry, collaboration, and character through the Gryphon Code. The Middle Years program (Grade 6–8) offers a personalized version of the BC curriculum with emphasis on communication, critical and creative thinking, and personal and social identity. In High School (Grade 9–12), students follow the BC Graduation Program and may take Advanced Placement courses (e.g., English, Calculus, Physics, French, World History) with a Flex program to support acceleration and a university guidance team to assist post‑secondary planning.

Student Teacher Ratio

Preschool: 10:1; Kindergarten: 16–18 per class; Junior School: 18–20 per class; Middle School: 18–22 per class; High School: 18–22 per class. There are three homerooms per grade, and typical class sizes range from 16–22 students. Graduating class size is approximately 60 students per year.

Higher Education Progression

Aberdeen Hall provides structured post-secondary planning through University Guidance, with individualized meetings, classroom time, MyBlueprint, and group sessions to prepare students for High School and beyond. University visits are conducted each fall, and students also tour campuses such as UBC Vancouver and University of Victoria as part of the process. The school emphasizes creating a path to post-secondary success, including preparation for SAT/AP exams and international university applications; there is a strong focus on achieving college/university placements, including a stated aim of 100% college/university acceptance for international programming.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in English, Physics, French, and World History, with more offerings anticipated; AP English can be taken concurrently with English 12, and students may pursue Calculus/AP options as part of a flexible pathway. The Flex Program allows accelerated study and challenges beyond the standard timetable, and the high school course handbook outlines AP course descriptions, prerequisites, and the option for AP credits.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Aberdeen Hall provides a healthy and safe learning environment where fairness and respect are taught and modeled. Wellness, balance, and breadth guide school practice, along with personalization and character development. The Gryphon Code embodies Integrity, Optimism, Curiosity, and Kindness, and students are encouraged to live by these values in school and life. Explicit lessons on well being, resilience, and mental health advocacy and support are part of the homeroom and advisory program. The school supports student well being through a campus counsellor and short term counselling, with referrals to community services when longer term support is needed. A safe reporting tool and a range of mental health resources are available for students, families, and staff.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school supports students with learning and physical disabilities and expects all members of the community to treat them with respect. Homeroom teachers and advisors are the primary points of contact for student well being and will work with parents and students to plan supports. Aberdeen Hall counsellors offer brief solution focused therapy and can refer students to specialized clinical support outside the school as needed. The school uses a clear process for addressing student needs, with the advisor forming plans of support and escalating to division leaders or the head of school if required. Explicit lessons on well being and inclusive practices are integrated into the advisory program. Students with learning or physical disabilities are to be respected and not singled out.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The International Program includes an ELL course for Grade 8 to 12 to support academic writing, vocabulary development, research, and presentation skills. The program is designed for international students and is supported by a team of qualified teachers. The school provides a comprehensive homestay option for international students to experience Canadian life and language immersion. Jumpstart! orientation supports new international students in Grade 7 to 11 with academic writing, reading comprehension, and transition activities. Host families provide a private bedroom, nutritious meals, and a supportive home environment with screening and BC Homestay guidelines. This immersion helps students integrate into the school and local community.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental health and wellness are essential to Aberdeen Hall's mission. A mental health and wellness clinician is on campus, and the School Counselling Department works with the Health and Wellness Committee to promote mental health across the school. Practical programs and initiatives support the mental well being of students, faculty, and the wider school community. Short term counselling is available to students and, if needed, the counsellor will refer to a community counsellor for longer term support. For Kindergarten to Grade 5, consent to counselling is obtained on behalf of the child; for Middle School and High School, parents are informed about sessions as appropriate. A range of crisis and mental health resources is listed, including Safe Reporting, Kids Help Phone, Youthspace, Foundry Kelowna, Crisis Line BC, Wellness Together and Youth In BC e chat.

Safeguarding

Aberdeen Hall provides a healthy and safe learning environment where fairness and respect are taught and modeled. The Gryphon Code embodies values such as Integrity, Optimism, Curiosity, and Kindness, and the school aims to create a supportive community. The Student Code of Conduct sets standards of respectful behavior and includes protections against bullying, intimidation, harassment, racism, and discrimination. The school uses a clear process for safeguarding, with the Homeroom Teacher or Advisor as the first point of contact; the Advisor coordinates with subject teachers to form a plan of support, escalating to the Division Leader and Head of School if needed. The Anti-Bullying Policy reinforces protections for all students and the importance of inclusion. The school attends to student safety through immunization programs and other health and safety practices.

Admissions

1. Tour the campus. Families book a campus tour with the Director of Admissions through the online calendar. The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the school, meet admissions staff, and discuss the admissions process. This step helps families assess fit with Aberdeen Hall.

2. Application fee. An application fee is required to complete and submit the application. Preschool and Kindergarten pay $200; international applicants pay $300. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and there is no $200 fee due for those placed in the waitpool. Applications remain valid for one admissions cycle.

3. Application and supporting documentation. Online applications require specific documents, with variations by program. For Preschool/Kindergarten, a Teacher Reference Form, two years of report cards (if applicable), a Psych-Ed assessment/IEP, and proof of residency are needed, along with a BC driver's license or alternative proof of residence. For Grades 1–12, transcripts or school records are required, plus additional items such as references and proof of identity. For International applicants, documents include English transcripts, language test results (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/Eiken), two teacher references, and copies of passports.

4. Assessments and interviews. After the application is received, families are invited to an admissions conversation and a readiness assessment. Preschool/Kindergarten use a readiness visit (group visits occur in February, with a specific date published for each year); Grade School uses an online Cambridge assessment with in-classroom and digital components; Middle/High School candidates meet with the divisional principal. English readiness assessments may also be used for international applicants.

5. Enrollment offers. Offers are made once all admissions components are complete. Preschool and Kindergarten offers are issued by early March, while Grade School offers are made throughout the school year until classes are full. The Admissions Committee reviews files in full, including the last two years of report cards, teacher references, and internal assessment results, to ensure alignment with the school's expectations. Priority placement is given to families with current students.

6. Waitpool and next cycle. If a student meets criteria but cannot be offered a place due to deadlines or capacity, they are placed in the waitpool. Applications are valid for one admission cycle; to continue to the next cycle, a new application fee is required (domestic families: $200). There may be global/international pathway options with separate timelines and fees.

Scholarships

Bursaries (Kindergarten-Grade 12): Financial assistance is available for Canadian citizens unable to pay full tuition. Awards are annual and based on demonstrated need and other criteria, with expectations that families contribute to the school community and adhere to the Family Handbook. Returning students seeking financial assistance must be in good academic and social standing, and applications are reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee after acceptance.

Scholarships (Grade 9-12): Limited scholarships are offered for new applicants in Grades 9–12. Scholarships recognize advanced extracurricular achievement and commitment to school values, with examples including citizenship or community service honors, provincial/national competition success, or top academic performance. Qualified candidates must also meet citizenship requirements and demonstrate ongoing engagement with the Aberdeen Hall community. Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's time at Aberdeen Hall, and non-financial requirements may include an essay, two references, and, in some cases, an examination.

Waitlist

The school uses a waitpool system when a grade reaches capacity or a deadline has passed but an application has been completed. Students placed in the waitpool may be considered for a space if one becomes available. Applications are valid for one admissions cycle, and families may re-apply for the next cycle with a new application. A new application fee is required to continue to the next cycle.

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Compare International Schools in Kelowna, Canada

Location

Stages

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Filters

Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

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