Columbia Academy vs Cousteau School

	C Columbia Academy Vancouver, Canada	C Cousteau School Vancouver, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$16,800 - 24,000	Fees / year CA$19,600
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum French Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 250
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2014	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two campuses in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia: the Elementary School (K–7) at 792 Beatty Street in Yaletown and the High School (8–12) at 602 West Hastings Street in Coal Harbour. The downtown campuses are near BC Place and are accessible by SkyTrain, Waterfront Station connections, and downtown bus routes.	Location North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Main campus at 3657 Fromme Road, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2E6. The Vancouver campus operates at La Calypso French Preschool, 1555 West 7th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1S1. The school resides on Coast Salish traditional territory (Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Stages	Stages Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Elementary School K–7; High School 8–12).	Stages Preschool through Grade 9.
School type	School type Private, independent school offering Kindergarten through Grade 12; accredited by the BC Ministry of Education.	School type Dual Curriculum France & BC; bilingual school offering the French National Ministry of Education and the British Columbia Ministry of Education curricula; Affiliated with AEFE and Mission Laïque Française (MLF).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator. All students with SEND are offered help and support. Learning support includes in-class differentiation, small-group sessions, and, when needed, external specialists, with regular reviews and an individual education plan (PPRE or PPS).
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School day runs 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Elementary drop-off begins at 8:00 AM and pick-up is at 5:30 PM.	School day structure English instruction is allocated across the plurilingual program: Preschool 2.5 hours/week; Kindergarten 5 hours/week. In Elementary, English accounts for 6 hours/week (Grades 1–3) and 7 hours/week (Grades 4–5). Middle School is fully bilingual in French and English, with Friday afternoon project-based sessions.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Two bus routes operate within Vancouver and North Vancouver. Advance booking is required; seats are limited; bus stops and schedules are published. Rates for 2025/2026 are listed.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Domestic (K–12): CAD 200 one-time, non-refundable. - International (K–12): CAD 300 one-time, non-refundable. Tuition fees by school year (annual and per term / semester) - High School (Grades 8–12): - Domestic full‑time annual tuition: CAD 16,800 per academic year. Per semester (two semesters per year): CAD 8,400. - International full‑time annual tuition: CAD 22,800 per academic year. Per semester (two semesters per year): CAD 11,400. The full‑time program covers up to 8 courses per year (4 courses per semester). Extra courses are charged separately. - Elementary / Junior School (Kindergarten–Grade 7): - Domestic full‑time annual tuition (2025/26 fee schedule): CAD 20,000 per academic year. Where fees are billed by term/semester, the per‑term amount is one half of the annual tuition (CAD 10,000 per semester). - International full‑time annual tuition (2025/26 fee schedule): CAD 24,000 per academic year. Per semester (if billed by semester): CAD 12,000. Student service / activities / supplies fees and other recurring charges - High School student service fee: CAD 1,000 per year (covers textbooks, technology, school supplies, most events, competition preparation, extra tutoring hours, clubs and after‑school activities). - Elementary activities and school supplies fee: CAD 1,000 per year (covers textbooks, technology, supplies, and most school events). After‑school care for K–G2: CAD 1,000 annual flat fee or CAD 20 per day drop‑in rate. - Graduation fee (Grade 12): CAD 200 (one‑time, charged in the year the student enters Grade 12). - Uniform: Mandatory; typical one‑time uniform purchase ranges between CAD 400 and CAD 500. - Textbook / book fee or optional fees (where applied): historically there have been one‑time book or materials charges; specific programs or lost/ damaged materials may incur additional charges. Homestay / boarding arrangements (where applicable) - Columbia Academy does not operate on‑campus boarding; a homestay placement service is provided for international students. - Homestay application fee: CAD 400 (one‑time). - Homestay placement fee (first month): CAD 200. - Homestay monthly fee (host family): typically CAD 1,600–CAD 2,000 per month for the first month (amount varies by location and host family). Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates on an academic calendar with terms/semesters; the high‑school program is structured as two semesters per year (4 courses per semester). Tuition figures above are annual; per‑semester splits follow the two‑semester structure (half of the annual fee per semester). - For a student's first two terms, payment of all fees and tuition is due before the first day of classes. After the first two terms, tuition and fees for a returning term are due no less than 60 calendar days before the start of that term. Tuition balances may not be transferred between terms. Late payment incurs a surcharge (example: 5%) or may result in removal from classes. - Additional charges may be applied for damage to school property, unreturned textbooks or supplies, extra courses, or other program‑specific items. Refund information - Full prepaid tuition is refunded only if an international student fails to obtain a Study Permit (visa refusal), subject to an administration fee of CAD 500 deducted from the refund. Refund requests require an official refusal letter from Immigration and a Refund Request form; the school may require notarized documentation. ─ For other withdrawal timing: half (1/2) of prepaid tuition is refundable if the student withdraws prior to the program start; one‑third (1/3) of prepaid tuition is refundable if the student withdraws within 15 days after the program starts. Prepaid tuition is not refundable for expulsions under the school's Code of Conduct. Other one‑time or occasional fees - Application fees (see above). - Homestay application, placement and first‑month fees (see homestay section). - Charges for extra courses beyond the standard full‑time load. - Possible medical/private insurance costs for international students for the initial months in Canada (the school assists with private coverage during the first three months; after that students may enroll in the B.C. Medical Services Plan where eligible). Fee payment options - Accepted payment types include: cheque; pre‑authorized debit; credit card; wire transfer; money order or bank draft; online banking payments. Cash is not accepted. The school accepts payments from major Canadian banks and credit unions. Notes on billing mechanics and incidental items - Where fees are shown as annual figures above, standard practice at Columbia Academy is to treat the academic year as two semesters for billing and course‑load calculations; per‑semester amounts are therefore half the annual figure for full‑time programs unless a specific schedule or invoice states otherwise. Extra or optional services may be invoiced separately and due according to the school's invoice terms.	Fee details Main Campus (North Vancouver) — Annual tuition (2026/27) - Annual tuition (Pre-K to Grade 9): CAD 19,600. - Sibling tuition amounts (reduced annual tuition for additional children): - 2nd child: CAD 18,400. (Equivalent to a CAD 1,200 reduction from full fee.) - 3rd child: CAD 15,600. (Equivalent to a CAD 4,000 reduction from full fee.) - 4th child: CAD 12,100. (Equivalent to a CAD 7,500 reduction from full fee.) Main Campus — New / admission fees and bond - Application Fee (new students): CAD 150 (non-refundable). - Admission (enrolment) Fee (new students): CAD 1,600 (non-refundable). - Bond (security deposit) for new students: CAD 5,000. This bond is refundable under conditions when the student leaves the school; for siblings the bond amount is CAD 2,500. Main Campus — Re-enrolment and international fees - Re-enrollment fee for returning students: CAD 500 if paid prior to February 28, 2026; CAD 1,000 if paid after February 28, 2026 (non-refundable). - International / non-resident students: tuition increased by 35% above standard resident rates. Main Campus — Billing schedule & payment terms - Initial payment at enrollment contract signature: CAD 2,000. The remaining balance is due on September 1, 2026, according to the payment plan chosen. - Payment plan options (choose at time of contract): - One full payment on September 1, 2026. - Payments by term (trimestrial payments) starting September 1, 2026. If the trimester plan is chosen, the balance after the CAD 2,000 initial payment (CAD 17,600) is divided over three term instalments. For example, CAD 17,600 ÷ 3 = CAD 5,866.67 per term (exact amounts may be rounded by the school and instalment fees may apply). - Monthly instalments starting September 1, 2026 (number of monthly instalments is selected as part of the payment plan; additional instalment fees apply depending on the chosen plan). La Calypso Campus (Vancouver) — Annual tuition (2026/27) - Annual tuition (Pre-K): CAD 10,450. - New student fees (La Calypso): Application Fee CAD 150 (non-refundable); Admission Fee CAD 500 (non-refundable). - Re-enrollment fee (La Calypso): CAD 300 if paid prior to February 28, 2026; CAD 600 if paid after February 28, 2026 (non-refundable). - Billing schedule for La Calypso: First payment of CAD 2,090 due at enrollment contract signature; balance due on September 1, 2026 according to chosen plan. Nine monthly instalments (starting September 1, 2026) are explicitly offered for La Calypso as a payment plan option; instalment fees may apply. Example monthly amount if nine monthly instalments are chosen: balance after CAD 2,090 (CAD 8,360) ÷ 9 = CAD 928.89 per month (exact amounts may be rounded). Boarding / Accommodation - Boarding: Not applicable. Cousteau School operates Pre-K to Grade 9 day programs and does not offer boarding accommodation. Other costs and recurring fees - School Bus (monthly rates shown for 2025/26; monthly rates and routes may be updated by the school): - Vancouver – Cousteau route (5 days/week, 2-way): CAD 404 per month for 1 child; CAD 550 per month for 2 children or more. - Vancouver – Cousteau route (5 days/week, 1-way): CAD 202 per month for 1 child; CAD 275 per month for 2 children or more. - North Vancouver – Cousteau route (5 days/week, 2-way): CAD 294 per month for 1 child; CAD 400 per month for 2 children or more. - North Vancouver – Cousteau route (5 days/week, 1-way): CAD 147 per month for 1 child; CAD 200 per month for 2 children or more. - Hot lunch: Hot lunch programs are available through partner caterers (Well Fed and Zaatar w Zeit). Hot-lunch pricing is set by the external providers and is paid through their ordering systems. - After-school activities / clubs: These activities carry separate fees set per activity. Payment methods accepted for after-school activities include Interac e-transfer, debit card, MasterCard and Visa at the school reception, and cheque. - Library replacement / damage: In case of loss or irreparable damage to library materials, the school requires either replacement (acquisition of an identical copy) or reimbursement equal to the new price plus a 20% handling fee. - Miscellaneous costs: Field trips, special projects, extra-curricular program fees, materials, and any optional school events are charged separately as applicable; amounts are set per activity or event by the school or external provider. (Where fixed monthly or per-event prices are published by the school or a partner, those specific figures are listed in the relevant program pages.) Refund information - Full-year tuition: Not refundable. - Application Fee and Admission Fee: Non-refundable. - Re-enrollment fee: Non-refundable. - Bond: Refundable under conditions when the student leaves the school; the bond is held and returned according to the school's conditions at departure. - Library replacement: Replacement or reimbursement (new price + 20% handling). Fee payment options and accepted methods - Accepted payment methods (examples used across admissions and activities): - Interac e-Transfer (to the school's accounting e-mail address for applicable payments). - Credit card payments via the school's designated card payment portal (Plastiq) for certain fees. - Debit, MasterCard and Visa payments accepted at the school reception for designated payments. - Cheque payable to the school for specified payments. Notes on instalments and additional charges - If a payment plan with instalments is selected, additional instalment fees apply according to the chosen plan; instalment fees vary by plan. The school requires the initial deposit at contract signing and the remaining balance according to the payment schedule selected. Examples above show arithmetic breakdowns of term or monthly instalments based on the stated initial payment and annual fee; exact instalment amounts may be rounded and are subject to the school's billing policies and any instalment fees.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Homestay is available for international students. Host families provide a furnished bedroom and three meals per day.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform policy. All students must wear the school uniform. If uniforms are not ready before the new semester, female students wear white shirts and black skirts with black formal shoes, and male students wear white shirts and black pants with black formal shoes.	Uniform requirement The school enforces a Dress Code focusing on practicality, neatness, and safety. Clothes must be appropriate with no inappropriate language or imagery; no flip-flops, high heels, or spaghetti-strap tops; shorts and skirts must be at least half-thigh length, and clothes must be labeled. Preschool and Kindergarten require replacement clothing kept at the school; PE from Grade 2 requires a sport outfit.
Food options	Food options Food is provided through the Homestay program; host families provide three meals per day.	Food options Hot Lunch Program: Five days a week through Well Fed and Zaatar w Zeit. Well Fed provides lunches on Mon, Wed, and Fri with a four-week rotation of hot entrees, cold entrees, sides, and snacks, delivered to the classroom; Zaatar w Zeit offers Lebanese cuisine on Tue and Thu. All meals are served in biodegradable/recyclable containers; allergy management is provided, with parents advised to provide their own meal if a child has moderate to severe allergies, and only allergies declared in the Medical Alert Plan are considered.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is an independent private school. It is accredited by the BC Ministry of Education.	Governance and ownership Cousteau School is a non-profit organization governed independently by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting. It is not part of the Conseil scolaire francophone or the North Vancouver School District and is accredited by both the British Columbia Ministry of Education and the French Ministry of Education.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Columbia Academy offers a K–12 program in downtown Vancouver, accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. The Elementary School serves grades K–7 and the High School serves grades 8–12. The BC curriculum underpins the program, and Columbia Academy is AP-certified with an AP test center. The school emphasizes small class sizes and a broad range of co-curriculars, including math competitions, clubs, volunteering, and after-school tutoring. The school also provides personalized university planning to support students in gaining admission to top universities.	Curriculum details The school teaches a dual curriculum combining the French National Education program and the British Columbia curricula. Bilingual instruction is provided from Pre-K to develop proficiency in both French and English. The program includes Maternelle (Pre-K & Kindergarten, 30 months–5 years), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), and Middle School (Grades 6–9). The school emphasizes citizenship and global awareness through programs in science, arts, and sports. Enrollment is about 250 students from 30 nationalities, with an average class size of 15 students and a teacher–student ratio of 1:6.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes enable personalized attention from teachers.	Student teacher ratio 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio; average class size is 15 students.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of graduates have been accepted by universities, with 90% entering the world's Top 50 universities; personalized university planning helps students reach their dream university.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The School has a BC-certified Happiness Course adapted from Harvard University. WeLove Club teaches students how to build and maintain healthy relationships with self and others, and a student-led Helping Club encourages acts of kindness. All students volunteer in the community, developing happiness, compassion, integrity, resilience and responsibility within a supportive environment.	Social & emotional learning Moral and civic education and socio-emotional learning shape responsible citizens. Social Development fosters collaboration, respect, empathy, and interpersonal skills, while promoting self-awareness and emotional regulation in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ESL (English as a Second Language) prepares students for BC Dogwood courses.	English as an additional language English instruction accounts for over 20% of class time; Grades 1–3: 6 hours per week; Grades 4–5: 7 hours per week. English instruction includes language study, as well as bilingual projects integrated across subjects such as social sciences and music.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental Health is included among Club Activities, and the Happiness Course supports well-being and a positive mindset through school programs and activities.	Mental wellbeing Physical Education fosters an active lifestyle and contributes to the general well-being and development of both physical and mental health.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding All students are safe, respected and accepted in a healthy educational environment.	Safeguarding The school provides a safe and healthy learning environment and adheres to WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety regulations. It includes policies on health and safety, a dedicated SEND framework with progress reviews and access to external specialists, and ongoing communication with parents; there are policies on child abuse and neglect and procedures to report unsafe acts and injuries.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The high school campus is located at 602 West Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver. The facilities include a Large Dance Studio for dance courses and activities, a Large Dining Hall, and an Outdoor Plaza for recreation and gatherings. A Music Room and a Library support arts education and independent study, while a First Aid Room serves student health needs. Nearby professional sports facilities are located near the school, providing opportunities for athletics and gym-related activities.	Facilities overview North Vancouver campus located at 3657 Fromme Road, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2E6. A Vancouver location, La Calypso French Preschool, operates at 1555 West 7th Ave., 2nd Floor, Vancouver, BC V6J 1S1. The school teaches a bilingual program that combines the French Ministry of Education curriculum with the British Columbia curriculum, with instruction in French and English from early years. The Library and Documentation Center (BCD) serves students aged 3 to 14, offering resources in French and English and access to Culturethèque digital materials, with weekly librarian-led sessions. Hot lunches are available five days a week through Well Fed and Zaatar w Zeit, delivered to classrooms. The athletics program is integrated into the curriculum through Cousteau Athletics, with after-school activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, karate, tennis, badminton, sportball, and yoga, plus field trips and events like the Terry Fox Run and Sports/Olympic Weeks.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Large Dance Studio provides space for physical training, yoga, dance, and martial arts. Outdoor Plaza provides space for outdoor activities such as skipping rope, physical training, and badminton. Nearby professional sports facilities include multiple basketball, soccer, and tennis courts around the school. The school organizes two major sports events annually, and after the second period each day, a 15-minute group exercise session is held to promote fitness.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Library offers rich library resources supporting reading and research. Music Room offers space for music learning and practice, equipped with instruments and equipment.	Academic facilities The Library and Documentation Center (BCD) is a central academic facility for learning and discovery, accessible to students aged 3 to 14, with a bilingual collection and Culturethèque access for digital resources. A librarian leads weekly sessions focusing on borrowing, reading, documentary research, and culture-related events. In Preschool, each class has a certified homeroom teacher and an educator, with a teaching team that includes a librarian and specialists such as an English teacher, a Music teacher, and a Physical Education teacher. Forest School is a key project for Preschool and Kindergarten, with regular nature study trips to Hunter Park in North Vancouver. Cousteau offers rigorous bilingual education from Pre-K to Grade 9, integrating French and Canadian curricula across all grades.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Club Activities include Music, Dance, Art, Basketball, Meditation, Yoga, Cooking, Debate, School Newsletter, Math Competition, Computer Coding, Mental Health, and more. Volunteering opportunities are available in local charities. After-school tutoring is offered at no extra cost. The school also hosts a variety of events and activities that foster student engagement, such as a talent show and cultural days.	Extra curricular facilities More than 30 clubs are available through the Before & After School Programs, including Physical Activity (soccer, sportball, basketball, karate, tennis, badminton, yoga, cheerleading), Arts (Creative Arts: drawing, painting, origami, wood scroll sawing; Performing Arts: music, theatre, dance, choir), STEAM (robotics, coding, 3D design, engineering, sustainable development), chess, cooking, film production, web radio, web TV, and architecture. Grade 1–9 study groups and library-based project work are also offered. The program features external partners such as Faly Academy, Sportball, CJ Tennis, Young Rembrandts, Lights Up Theatre, JOJY Music, EduCaption, Petit Architect, BrainStem Learning, Zen Maker Lab, and West Coast Junior Chess. Also available are pre/post-school care options for Pre-K and K-5, with schedules and fees published by the school.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 2014 in downtown Vancouver, Columbia Academy is an independent K–12 school. It is accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. The program emphasizes volunteer work, charitable activities, and extracurricular clubs and competitions. The Happiness Course is BC-certified and derives from a Harvard University program. Elementary School (Downtown Vancouver – Yaletown Campus): 792 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M1; High School (Downtown Vancouver – Coal Harbour Campus): 602 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1P2.	History Cousteau School is a non-profit independent school established in 1997. It is not part of the Conseil scolaire francophone or the North Vancouver School District. The school is fully accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and the French Ministry of Education. It is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting, with governance guided by the Association of Independent Schools of British Columbia (AISBC) principles. Cousteau offers a dual curriculum France & BC, teaching the French curriculum and the BC curriculum.
Community	Community Columbia Academy hosts a variety of events including a summer cruise, Whistler trip, Christmas party, talent show, International Cultural Day, Halloween party, and fundraising projects for local charities. The school provides volunteering opportunities in local charities. Club activities include music, dance, art, basketball, meditation, yoga, cooking, debate, school newsletter, math competition, computer coding, and mental health initiatives. The mission emphasizes safety, respect, and empathy within a caring learning community.	Community The school's community is organized around the Parents Action Committee (PAC), a group of engaged parents who work with Cousteau's teachers and staff to enrich the student experience; as a parent you are automatically a member of the PAC. The PAC coordinates events and fundraising activities and invites participation in class coordinators, classroom workshops, hot lunch, and school events. Cousteau runs an Eco-School Program with a student Eco-Committee and Eco-Club, and monthly Eco-News updates in French and English. The school also hosts the Webradio program (created in 2017) and related activities, including class projects, podcasts, and an afterschool Webradio club.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PAC is the parent association at Cousteau School and is described as more than a group of parents; it partners with Cousteau's teachers and staff to enrich the student experience. As a Cousteau parent, you are automatically a member of the PAC. The PAC's mission is to foster engagement within the Cousteau community and to coordinate events and fundraising for enrichment programs. Members can contribute as class coordinators, lead classroom workshops, assist with the hot lunch program, help organize school events, and support fundraising initiatives. To learn more or join, contact pac@cousteauschool.org and visit the PAC website.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Columbia Academy offers a rigorous K–12 program aligned with BC Ministry of Education standards. It is a certified AP school and AP test center, with AP courses including AP Statistics, AP World History, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Chemistry, and AP United States History. The school provides competitive opportunities in national and international mathematics, writing, and public speaking competitions, with weekly Math Competition Club sessions. English proficiency is emphasized through daily writing and reading, and regular exams and assessments monitor progress.	Academic & intellectual Cousteau School offers a robust co-curricular program from Pre-K to Grade 9 that complements academic learning. There are more than 30 clubs across Physical Activity, Arts, and STEAM, plus study support and library activities. Students can engage in robotics, coding, 3D design, engineering, chess, cooking, film production, web radio, web TV, and architecture. Private music lessons are offered through a partner provider to expand arts opportunities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art and Music are integral to the program. In grades 8–12, students learn to play two instruments (such as ukulele, guitar, and piano) and receive vocal training with choir opportunities. Dance and performance courses are offered, and charity performances provide platforms for artistic expression and philanthropy. In elementary grades (K–7), Art & Music are highlighted as part of after-school activities.	Arts & creative Arts programs include Creative Arts—drawing, painting, origami, and wood scroll sawing—and Performing Arts—music, theatre, dance, and choir. The school offers after-school arts clubs and private music lessons through external providers. These activities foster artistic practice and collaborative creation.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school hosts cultural activities, including field trips to cultural events and an Annual International Cultural Festival. International Culture Day is celebrated as part of the school's cultural programming. Student clubs and events also support cultural learning, debates, and cross-cultural collaboration. The offerings foster intercultural experiences through clubs and events such as the International Culture Day and annual celebrations.	Cultural & language Cousteau is a bilingual school offering instruction in English and French from Pre-K onward. The library provides resources in both languages and hosts weekly librarian-led sessions. Cultural activities include events related to French and international culture, and Culturethèque provides a digital library with animated books, comics, and youth press in digital format.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students may join a wide range of student-created clubs, including business clubs, outdoor activity clubs, basketball clubs, charity clubs, mutual aid clubs, environmental clubs, dance clubs, drama clubs, and music clubs. Teachers establish clubs such as debate clubs, volunteer clubs, math competition clubs, guitar clubs, psychological counseling clubs, and meditation clubs. The school also arranges seasonal events and field trips to enhance social and recreational experiences, including sports days, ski trips, and cultural outings.	Social & hobbies There are more than 30 clubs covering Physical Activity, Arts, STEAM, and study support. Activities include soccer, sportball, basketball, karate, tennis, badminton, yoga, and cheerleading; Creative and Performing Arts; robotics, coding, 3D design, engineering, cooking; film production, web radio, web TV, and architecture. Students can also use the library for study and group projects.
Community & service	Community & service Columbia Academy places a strong emphasis on volunteerism, with the Senior School volunteering at over 40 events each year and dedicated teachers arranging opportunities for students. Students participate in large-scale volunteer activities in Vancouver, such as Canada Day celebrations, the Vancouver Marathon, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, the Vancouver International Children's Festival, and charity and community events. These experiences are complemented by charity performances and ongoing charitable work coordinated through the school's programs.	Community & service Terry Fox Run is held to raise funds for cancer research and promote active living. Sports Week or Olympic Week celebrations highlight athletic achievement, and field trips include snowshoeing, surfing, and kayaking. The Eco-School Program runs Eco-Club and Eco-Committee activities to promote sustainability, with the Eco-Committee comprising Eco-Delegates from each class who record monthly Eco-News updates in French and English.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and teamwork are fostered through clubs and competitions, with teacher-led and student-created groups such as debate clubs and volunteer clubs. The Middle School program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, helping students develop leadership and teamwork skills. The school also offers an Official AP program and a pathway-focused curriculum, plus personalized university planning to guide students toward top universities.	Leadership & professional The Eco-Committee includes Eco-Delegates from each class (Grade 1–9) and records monthly Eco-News updates. The Webradio Club develops documentary research, journalistic writing, reporting, and audio editing, meeting weekly in the library. Private music lessons and a range of co-curricular programs provide opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and project-based skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through a range of sports and fitness activities, including annual sports events, skiing trips to Cypress Mountain, and sports days. The school offers Fitness and Meditation clubs to promote physical and mental wellbeing, along with a variety of healthy, extracurricular experiences. Fun school events such as a summer cruise, Whistler trip, Christmas party, talent show, International Cultural Day, Halloween party, and fundraising projects contribute to a balanced school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is a core part of the curriculum, with tailored programs for each grade, including biking, sailing, and climbing. Field trips such as snowshoeing, surfing, and kayaking expand experiences beyond the classroom. The school also hosts a Terry Fox Run and Sports Week, and the GreenTrail combines outdoor adventure with environmental awareness.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and Mandarin classes begin in Kindergarten. The tri-lingual model uses English, French, and Mandarin across the elementary program.	Language provision French is the first language of learning (75–90% of instruction, depending on grade); English is introduced from Pre-K (10–25% of instruction) and is used across subjects.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching French and Mandarin are taught from Kindergarten. Students learn English, French, and Mandarin in a tri-lingual program integrated with daily literacy and classroom activities.	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual instruction in French and English from early years, with a dual curriculum that combines the French national program and the British Columbia curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Daily Mandarin sessions are part of the curriculum. Students move between English, French, and Mandarin throughout the day in structured language blocks.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards Eco-Schools Canada Platinum Certification (2021, 2022)
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited by the BC Ministry of Education.	Accreditations The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of the AEFE network, fully accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education, and affiliated with Mission Laïque Française (MLF), the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA), and the Association of French Schools in North America (AFSA). It also holds Eco-Schools Canada Platinum Certification and the EFE3D sustainability label.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Submission of the application package. Submitting the application package begins the admissions process. This is the first step in Columbia Academy's admissions sequence. Step 2 is Interviews. Step 2: Interviews. Interviews are conducted as part of the admissions process. This stage follows the submission of the application package. The interview precedes the final acceptance decision. Step 3 is Acceptance. Step 3: Acceptance. Acceptance is the final step of the admissions process. An acceptance decision marks admission to Columbia Academy. Admitted students may proceed with enrollment. The admissions process is concluded with acceptance.	Admissions The admissions process has five steps: Step 1 Discover Cousteau School by learning about the school's values and educational approach, tuition, and admission criteria; visit the school via an Open House or a private tour and express interest by submitting an inquiry. Step 2 Submit an online application and provide the reasons for interest, pay the $150 application fee, and include the child's latest report cards and, if applicable, the child's Individual Education Plan. Step 3 Schedule a placement assessment for applicants entering Kindergarten, Elementary, or Middle School; exemptions apply for applicants from French Ministry-accredited schools and for Pre-K2, Pre-K3, and Pre-K4. Step 4 Meet with the admissions or leadership team for a personal interview. Step 5 The final decision is based on academic and non-academic factors, including the family's alignment with the school's project and values, space availability, and class composition; families are notified of the final decision as soon as possible.
Scholarships	Scholarships Principal's Scholarship: The Principal's Scholarship is offered to full-time students every semester. Eligibility requires active involvement in community work and a passion for volunteering; an average across all courses above 85% (conditions may apply); a positive attitude; and being a role model for others. To apply, submit a letter describing achievements along with two teacher recommendations. The deadline is the last day of the current semester. Dedication Award: Current Columbia Academy students with a 100% attendance record and never being late are automatically eligible for a Dedication Award.	Scholarships Cousteau School does not offer an internal financial assistance program. External options include BC's Affordable Child Care Benefit Program for Pre‑K programs, which is income-based; eligibility is determined by family income and applications are assessed on the government site. A School Bursary from the French Government is available and administered by AEFE; bursaries are based on income and assets and applications are reviewed by the Consulate General of France in Vancouver; applications are accepted in two sessions each year, February and September.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →