Brookes Westshore vs St. Michaels University School

	B Brookes Westshore Victoria, Canada	S St. Michaels University School Victoria, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$10,920 - 63,808	Fees / year CA$26,250 - 101,290
Age range	Age range 9 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 1,035
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 1906
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The campus sits on a 4-acre site between the seaside of Victoria and Charlie's Trail, near Royal Roads University and the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. It offers West Coast living with easy access to Victoria and close connections to Vancouver.	Location Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Junior School at 820 Victoria Avenue for JK to Grade 5, and Middle/Senior School at 3400 Richmond Road for Grades 6-12 and boarding.
Stages	Stages Grades 4 through 12. An International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP).	Stages Junior Kindergarten (JK3-JK4), Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12). Boarding available for Grades 9-12.
School type	School type Day and boarding school; International Baccalaureate World School offering MYP and DP.	School type Independent, not-for-profit, co-educational day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 21 nationalities represented among Grade 4–12 students.	Pupil nationality mix Students from over 30 countries. The boarding program brings significant international diversity, particularly in Grades 9-12.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Language Learning Supplement available for students needing additional English language support (Grades 9-10: $11,000; Grades 11-12: $5,000).
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada	Country affiliation Canada. Member of CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation None. The school has Anglican roots but is non-denominational.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Full day academic program balanced with arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details No dedicated school bus service; campus is on a main city bus route and has access to the Galloping Goose walking trail.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application fee: CAD 250, due on submission of the application. - Registration fee (one-time, charged on acceptance): - Day students (Grades 4–10): CAD 500. - Day students (Grades 11–12): CAD 1,500. - Boarding (Grades 8–10, Canadian): CAD 500. - Boarding (Grades 11–12, Canadian): CAD 1,500. - International students (day or boarding where noted): CAD 2,500. Day-student tuition (annual, CAD) and payment plan - Grades 4–5 (BC resident day student): CAD 10,920 per year. Monthly option: 12 monthly payments of CAD 909 (July 1 to June 1). - Grades 6–10 (BC resident day student): CAD 16,535 per year. Monthly option: 12 monthly payments of CAD 1,378 (July 1 to June 1). - Grades 11–12 (BC resident day student): CAD 18,835 per year. Monthly option: 12 monthly payments of CAD 1,570 (July 1 to June 1). - International day-student annual tuition (where applicable): - Grades 4–5: CAD 22,395 per year. - Grades 6–10: CAD 31,195 per year. - Grades 11–12: CAD 34,535 per year. Boarding tuition (annual, CAD) - Canadian boarding (Grades 8–10): - 5-day boarding (BC resident): CAD 43,955 per year. - 7-day boarding (BC resident): CAD 50,830 per year. - 7-day boarding (Canadian nationals): CAD 57,320 per year. - Canadian boarding (Grades 11–12): - 5-day boarding (BC resident): CAD 45,640 per year. - 7-day boarding (BC resident): CAD 54,400 per year. - 7-day boarding (Canadian nationals): CAD 60,890 per year. - International boarding (7-day): - Grades 8–10: CAD 63,808 per year. - Grades 11–12: CAD 67,053 per year. - Boarding tuition notes: boarding tuition includes meals, bedroom supplies and laundry service; tuition includes necessary school supplies. Personal spending for off-campus activities is additional. One-time and routine additional fees - Capital / capital development fee: - Day & Canadian boarding: CAD 250 (one-time). - International boarding: CAD 500 (capital development fee). - Incidental(s) fund (annual reserve): CAD 1,500 per year; held as a safety reserve and any remainder is returned at year end. - Room deposit (boarding): CAD 500 (one-time). - Medical insurance (boarding / international): CAD 900 per year. - Private room option (boarding): CAD 1,000 per month where offered. - Hot lunch and snack (day students): CAD 1,480 per year (separated from tuition to allow students with special diets to bring their own lunch). - Uniform costs (approximate—they vary by grade and number of pieces purchased): - Junior uniform set: CAD 800. - Senior uniform set: CAD 950. - Room deposit and registration items are charged in addition to tuition where applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Day students are offered a 12-month payment option (monthly installments from July 1 to June 1) showing monthly amounts for each grade band. Annual tuition is also payable in full. Application fees are due on submission. - Fees must be settled in full before registration unless a split or deferred installment plan has been confirmed at least 60 days before the academic program start date. Immigration documents and study-permit related documents are issued only upon receipt of full fees or the initial installment payment. Refund information and key deadlines - Withdrawal and refund schedule (applicable to tuition and boarding fees as specified in the enrollment contract): - Withdraw 60 days before the academic program start date: full refund of fees paid, less the enrollment/re-enrollment deposit (CAD 10,000). - Withdraw 30 days before the academic program start date: 50% refund of fees. - Withdraw within 30 days of the academic program start date: 25% refund of fees. - No refunds after 31 days from the academic program start date. - The application fee (CAD 250) is non-refundable. The new student registration fee (CAD 2,500 where applicable) and the enrollment deposit (CAD 10,000) are non-refundable except where a study-permit/visa is formally denied and verified. A dated official letter of withdrawal sent to admissions is required to initiate any refund. Fee payment options - Accepted payment channels include the school's international payment partner Flywire, which supports bank transfer, credit cards and e-payments (for example Alipay or PayPal), and allows payments in home-currency where available. Families may use Flywire to track and complete payments. Other bank-transfer arrangements may be possible through the school's payment portal or admissions office; fees and timing requirements apply. Summary of primary annual fee figures (CAD) - Day students (BC resident): Grades 4–5 CAD 10,920; Grades 6–10 CAD 16,535; Grades 11–12 CAD 18,835. - Day students (International): Grades 4–5 CAD 22,395; Grades 6–10 CAD 31,195; Grades 11–12 CAD 34,535. - Boarding (Canadian): Grades 8–10 CAD 43,955–57,320 depending on 5- or 7-day and residency category; Grades 11–12 CAD 45,640–60,890 depending on 5- or 7-day and residency category. - Boarding (International, 7-day): Grades 8–10 CAD 63,808; Grades 11–12 CAD 67,053.	Fee details Day tuition for BC residents: CAD 26,250 (JK) to CAD 35,220 (Grades 9-12). International day: CAD 59,140. Boarding: CAD 77,430 (BC) to CAD 101,290 (International). Families should budget an additional CAD 100-500/month for day students and CAD 500-1,000/month for boarding students for uniforms and optional activities.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school has a boarding residence with 75 rooms; each room accommodates two students and has an ensuite bathroom. Floors are separated by gender; house parents live in the residence, creating a safe, family environment where students can study, socialize and work together. There is on-site counselling and nursing support, full laundry and housekeeping services, and weekend excursions and meals provided daily.	Boarding arrangements Full boarding available for Grades 9-12. Boarding includes 10 months of instruction, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and 24-hour nursing, care and support. Boarding fees range from CAD 77,430 (BC) to CAD 101,290 (International).
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for Grades 6-10 and for Grades 11-12. The Uniform (Grades 6-10) fee is CAD 500, and the Uniform (Grades 11-12) fee is CAD 800.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required. Families should budget for uniform costs.
Food options	Food options Dining features a buffet with hot and cold dishes, fruit, salads, a sandwich bar and hot entrees. Breakfast and dinner are served; lunch is shared in the dining hall for day and boarding students; meals accommodate allergies and preferences, with cultural variety in dinner menus and snacks available.	Food options Meals included in boarding fees.
House system	House system Boarding life is organized around a house-style residence with two students per room; gender-separated floors; house parents and dorm staff oversee the community to provide a caring environment.	House system The school operates a house system to build community and foster friendly competition among students.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Brookes Education Group; Brookes Westshore Society is governed by the Board of Directors as a not-for-profit organization responsible for running the school.	Governance and ownership Independent, not-for-profit school. Formed in 1971 through the merger of University School (founded 1906) and St. Michael's School (founded 1910).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Follows the British Columbia Ministry of Education curriculum in the Primary Years (Grades 4-5) with an inquiry-based framework. Joining in Grades 4-5 prepares students to enter the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11-12. Courses in Grades 4-5 include Math, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, English, French, Design, Art and Career Education. The MYP is fully authorized for Grades 6-10 and the DP is offered for Grades 11-12, with graduates earning both the IB Diploma and the BC Dogwood diploma. The school serves about 250 students across Grades 4-12, with an average class size around 20 and a faculty-to-teacher ratio of 1:15, representing more than 22 nationalities.	Curriculum details BC curriculum enriched with one of Canada's largest Advanced Placement programs. SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer AP in 1978 and currently offers 27 AP courses across 25 subjects. The school emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). In 2012, the average number of APs taken per student ranked first nationally, with 81% of the 650 exams scoring 3 or higher.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Faculty-to-teacher ratio 1:15; average class size 20.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results University acceptance rate is 100%. Graduates earn the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which is recognized by universities worldwide, and may also graduate with the BC Dogwood diploma.	Exam results 81% of AP exams scored 3 or higher (out of 5). Average number of APs taken per student ranks first in Canada. Graduates attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. The IB Diploma Programme and BC Dogwood diploma support admission to universities globally.	Higher education progression Graduates are described as strong, confident, purpose-driven individuals who attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented 27 AP courses provide advanced academic challenges. The AP Capstone program is available for students seeking an additional credential.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning One-on-one and small-group Learning Support helps students understand and achieve more, with tutoring and targeted study assignments to address learning needs. A full-time school counsellor supports students throughout their time at Brookes Westshore, and the REFUEL Programme provides in-class education on bullying, relationships, emotional challenges, and the importance of supportive and caring relationships. Language Support offers tutoring that is organized upon admission or as needed, and is monitored by expert faculty to address language needs as they arise.	Social & emotional learning The school develops the whole student through balanced academics, arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support is offered through one-on-one and small-group programs, with tutoring and targeted study assignments to meet individual learning needs. A full-time school counsellor provides ongoing student support, and the REFUEL Programme addresses bullying, relationships, emotional challenges, and the importance of supportive relationships.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language Support provides tutoring and monitoring of language needs. Tutoring is organized upon admission or as needed, and our expert faculty monitor language needs and support every student.	English as an additional language Language Learning Supplement available for Grades 9-12. Grades 9-10: CAD 11,000; Grades 11-12: CAD 5,000.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing A full-time school counsellor supports students throughout their time with us, and the REFUEL Programme provides in-class education on bullying, relationships, emotional challenges, and the importance of supportive relationships.	Mental wellbeing 24-hour nursing, care and support available for boarding students.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Brookes Westshore has a nurse and a counsellor on staff. Outside school hours, dorm staff supervise on each floor; all dorm staff are first-aid certified and have years of experience working with youth. The local medical clinic is five minutes away and the hospital is ten minutes away. The campus is safeguarded with security cameras, door alarms, and on-duty security guards at night.	Safeguarding 24-hour care and nursing support for boarding students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Brookes Westshore operates on a purpose-built campus established in 2018. Classrooms are designed to optimize learning with integrated technology and the support of caring teachers and staff. The campus houses Science Labs, an Art Studio, Social Spaces, a Cafeteria, a Design space, a Gymnasium, a Boarding House, and a Kitchen. Students have full access to neighbouring tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and hockey rinks. International students live in bright, open-planned dormitories with double rooms, ensuite bathrooms, recreation rooms, kitchens, and living spaces with live-in boarding parents.	Facilities overview Two campuses in Victoria: the Junior School campus at 820 Victoria Avenue and the Middle/Senior School campus at 3400 Richmond Road. Boarding facilities for Grades 9-12 with 24-hour nursing care. Science labs, arts facilities, and athletic venues.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has full-access to neighbouring tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and hockey rinks to support its sports program. Local partnerships extend the sports program with Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre facilities including two ice rinks, three soccer and rugby fields, a lacrosse box, three baseball diamonds, five basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a golf course, a swimming pool, a velodrome, a BMX track, and WildPlay Elements Park. Olympic View Golf Club provides a golf course and the GBC Golf Academy. These venues enable weekend recreation and curriculum-based sport activities. A wide range of athletic opportunities is available beyond the campus through these partnerships.	Sports facilities Facilities for rugby, soccer, squash, field hockey, fencing, and other sports. The school has a strong athletic tradition.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Purposely designed classrooms optimize learning with integrated technology. The campus houses Science Labs and an Art Studio, with a Design space to support creative and technical work. These facilities reflect a focus on science, arts, and design education within a technology-enabled environment. The campus is a newly built space established in 2018 to support student learning.	Academic facilities Science laboratories, STEAM learning spaces, and performing arts facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Brookes Westshore provides weekend hikes and outdoor activities as part of its program, taking advantage of surrounding trails and nature. A range of after-school activities and school trips extend learning beyond the classroom. Evening and weekend recreation opportunities are supported through local partnerships with neighbouring facilities. The location supports social and cultural activities through dorm life and shared spaces, enriching student life beyond academics.	Extra curricular facilities Over 65 clubs and councils. Sports include rugby, soccer, squash, field hockey, fencing, and wheelchair basketball. Music and performing arts programs. Outdoor education. SMUS Camps during school breaks.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Brookes Westshore was established in 2018 by Brookes Education Group, a team of international educators. It is an independent day and boarding IB World School in Victoria, British Columbia, serving Grade 4 through 12 with about 150 day and 150 boarding students from over 21 nationalities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The campus is purpose-built with classrooms designed to optimize learning and integrated technology, and boarding facilities include live-in dorm parents. The language of instruction is English.	History University School was founded in 1906 by Capt. R.V. Harvey, Rev. W.W. Bolton, and J.C. Barnacle. St. Michael's School was founded in 1910 by K.C. Symons. The two schools merged in 1971 to form St. Michaels University School (SMUS). SMUS became the first school in Canada to offer Advanced Placement in 1978.
Community	Community Brookes Westshore fosters an inclusive, multicultural community with 21 nationalities across Grades 4–12. The campus is designed to leverage its surroundings, with walking and cycling trails, beaches, and nearby forests supporting outdoor learning. Support services include one-on-one and small-group learning support and a full-time counsellor. Boarding life is part of the experience, with bright dormitories and live-in dorm parents, and graduates report admission offers from universities worldwide.	Community An international community with students from over 30 countries. Strong alumni network. Emphasis on Indigenous connections and equity, diversity, and inclusion. The school runs SMUS Camps and offers facility rentals.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Brookes Westshore provides tutoring and enrichment to support academic growth and to challenge students in areas of strength. Enrichment programs help expand academics and include opportunities for leadership and inquiry. Available activities include Book Club, CAS Project, Earth Education, the Student Leadership Council, Peer Tutors, Model United Nations, and Service Club, among others. Students may start a personal activity with a supervising teacher if they wish.	Academic & intellectual 27 AP courses across 25 subjects. More than 65 clubs and councils including academic-focused groups.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts offerings include Dance, Drama, Knitting, Band, Model Building, Sewing, Visual Art, Yearbook, and Cross Stitch. Arts participation is encouraged for middle years and not mandatory, allowing students to explore creatively while balancing academics. The arts are presented as a means to express creativity through a variety of pursuits.	Arts & creative Music programs, performing arts, and visual arts integrated across all divisions. Arts considered a core part of the STEAM curriculum.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language and cultural activities include Spanish for Travelers, Mandarin for Travellers, and Self-Taught Japanese. Brookes Westshore also offers global exchanges with opportunities to study abroad and participate in exchange trips, including experiences in Cambridge, UK and Moscow.	Cultural & language Students from over 30 countries. Emphasis on Indigenous connections and relationships with local Indigenous peoples. French language instruction.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of after-school activities covers social and hobby interests, including Chess & Board Games, Music Group, Theatre, Stop-Motion Animation, Photography, Creative Writing, and Yearbook. These activities are available after school and support peer interaction and personal interests. Students can explore a broad spectrum of creative, recreational, and cultural pursuits.	Social & hobbies Over 65 clubs and councils covering diverse interests. Students can enact their own ideas and develop new skills.
Community & service	Community & service Enrichment includes service-oriented activities such as CAS Projects, Service Club, and Earth Education, enabling students to contribute to the local and global community. These programs provide structured avenues for community engagement and social responsibility.	Community & service Service and leadership are core components of the school program. Community engagement emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include the Student Leadership Council and Senior Student Leadership. Career Education is available as part of Brookes Westshore's program to support developing career and professional skills.	Leadership & professional Leadership development through clubs, councils, and student government. Over 65 leadership opportunities available.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Brookes Westshore offers a wide range of sports and activities to balance academics with an active lifestyle. Local partnerships with Westshore Parks and Recreation and Olympic View Golf Club provide access to extensive athletic facilities within walking distance. There are also school trips and a strong health and safety framework to support students' physical and mental well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Outdoor education programs, athletics, and physical education including unique offerings like fencing and wheelchair basketball. SMUS Camps during breaks.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include English and French. English is the language of instruction; English Language Acquisition and French Language Acquisition are offered, with IB options including French ab initio SL and French B across Grades 6-12 (MYP/DP).	Language provision English is the primary language. French instruction available. A Language Learning Supplement is offered for international students needing additional English support (Grades 9-10: CAD 11,000; Grades 11-12: CAD 5,000).
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual language offerings within the IB framework. English is the language of instruction, and French is taught as part of the IB language suite (French Language Acquisition; French ab initio SL; French B). These French language courses are offered across the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme levels for Grades 6-12.	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards First school in Canada to offer Advanced Placement (1978). Highest average number of AP exams per student in Canada. Girls' field hockey BC AA champions in 1992, 1995, and 1996.
Accreditations	Accreditations IB World School - Authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).	Accreditations CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools), TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), ISABC (Independent Schools Association of British Columbia), HMC Kitemark.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Day Students: Submit the online Day Student Application Form and pay the non-refundable $250 application fee. The online application is completed through the Day Student Application Form. This submission starts the admissions process. 2. Day Students: Submit your last two years of report cards or transcripts and two letters of reference to our Admissions office. These documents provide evidence of academic history and character references. Submit the documents to the Admissions office as directed by the admissions team. 3. Day Students: After you submit your documents, you will receive detailed email instructions on how to submit your supporting documentation and how to prepare for your interview. The instructions explain the next steps and any additional materials required. Preparing for the interview is part of the process described in the email. 4. Boarding Students: Submit the online boarding application and pay the applicable fee. The Boarding Admissions page explains that applying is easy (1, 2…), and after you submit the online application and fee, detailed instructions on how to submit your supporting documentation and what to include will be emailed. This begins the boarding admissions process. 5. Boarding Students: After you submit the online application and fee, you will receive email instructions on the required documents and what to include. Follow those instructions to prepare your documents. This completes the documented steps of the boarding admissions process.	Admissions Separate application streams for day and boarding students. The school accepts applications for JK through Grade 12 (day) and Grades 9-12 (boarding).
Scholarships	Scholarships We offer both bursaries and scholarships to support families and students who share our values and will make a significant contribution to our school community. Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are open to all Brookes Westshore applicants. We value those who demonstrate a passion for service and leadership, or those who show strong academic achievement. Please contact admissions@westshore.brookes.org to discuss scholarship opportunities.	Scholarships Financial support available. The school has an Annual Fund to support student access. Details available through admissions.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →