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Shawnigan Lake School

Canada, Shawnigan Lake

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CA$43,810 - 104,640
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 550
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1916
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 8
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Shawnigan Lake School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school situated at 1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, on a 270-acre campus. Serving students aged 12 to 18, the school offers the Canadian Curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma, which combines AP Seminar and AP Research with AP courses. The program is supported by Learning Centre specialists and an Advisor-Advisee system. Core sciences are taught by the Science Department, with pathways to Provincial and AP exams, and a Junior Science Program for Grades 8 and 9. Modern Languages cover four strands—French as a Second Language, French Immersion, Spanish and Standard Chinese—with AP courses available. Mathematics runs from Grade 8 to 11, with many Grade 12 students taking Pre-calculus 12 or Calculus. Facilities include the Bruce-Lockhart Centre for Creativity, Theatre, Observatory, Recording Studio, and a Learning Centre; Sport Village, ice arena, and Arts and drama program.

1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC V8H 2G7, Canada

The Essentials

Shawnigan Lake School has 550 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English, French.

Location
Shawnigan Lake School is located at 1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia V8H 2G7, Canada. The rural campus covers 270 acres on Vancouver Island, along Canada's Pacific coast. We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play.

Stages
Boarding & Day for ages 13-18

Type
Independent, co-educational boarding and day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
30 Countries represented

Additional learning support
Learning Centre; English Language Support; French Immersion

Country affiliation
Canada

Bus service
A Transportation department with multiple drivers and a large fleet of vehicles arranges travel for school breaks, ferries and airports, and transports students to off-campus activities.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is provided for students aged 12–18. Over 80% of Shawnigan's students live on campus in 10 boarding houses. A robust support network backs boarding with live-in house staff, academic advisors, and campus health and well-being resources.

Uniform Requirement
Two uniforms are worn: classroom dress and Number 1s. Number 1s are worn to Saturday Chapel and other formal occasions; uniform items (except shoes) are sold through the School store.

Food Options
Three meals a day plus elevenses are served in Marion Hall with family-style dining. Meals include hot food, salad and sandwich bars, and soups made in-house; the dining program accommodates dietary needs and features culturally varied meals.

House System
Pupils are assigned to ten boarding houses; each house has live-in staff and a House Director to support students. Houses provide the community setting for boarding life with meals served in Marion Hall alongside housemates.

Governance and Ownership
The School is owned by the Shawnigan Lake School Society and governed by a Board of Governors. The Constitution notes the ownership transfer to the Society and ongoing board governance.
Fees

Annual tuition at Shawnigan Lake School ranges from CAD 43,810 to CAD 104,640 for 2026/27.

Summary of 2026/27 fees and required payments

- Annual tuition (2026–2027):
- CAD 43,810 — Day Student.
- CAD 75,320 — B.C./Canadian Boarder.
- CAD 99,270 — U.S. Boarder.
- CAD 104,640 — International Boarder.

Application, registration and tuition deposits

- Application fee for all applicants: CAD 350.
- New Student Registration (acceptance) fee: CAD 3,750 (non‑refundable).
- Tuition deposits (applied to first year tuition):
- Returning students: CAD 5,000 (standard); CAD 1,500 if receiving financial assistance.
- New students at acceptance: Day students and B.C./Canadian boarders — CAD 5,000. U.S. boarders — CAD 60,000 (approx. 60% of tuition). International boarders — CAD 78,000 (approx. 75% of tuition). All tuition deposits are non‑refundable.

Tuition billing schedule and payment terms

- Monthly billing: Account statements and monthly billings are posted to the student billing portal (YayPay). Extras (transportation, music lessons, trips, incidentals) are billed as incurred and are due on receipt of the billing statement.
- Standard payment options for annual tuition:
- Option 1 — Full payment: due May 31. (Tuition deposit is applied to this amount.)
- Option 2 — Three installments (due May 31, Oct 31, Jan 31):
- Day Student: CAD 26,586 / CAD 8,762 / CAD 8,762.
- B.C./Canadian Boarder: CAD 45,492 / CAD 15,064 / CAD 15,064.
- The three‑installment plan is not available for CDN Expat, U.S. and International boarders. The three‑installment plan includes a CAD 300 upfront administrative fee.
- Option 3 — Financial assistance plan: families receiving financial assistance may access a 10‑month payment plan running from May 31 to February 28.
- Overdue accounts and interest: Late payments (30 days overdue) are subject to interest charges of 24% per annum (2% per month). The School may restrict participation in classes, exams, trips, release of reports/transcripts, or re‑admission for subsequent years if accounts are not kept in good standing. Final re‑admission requires account balance paid in full by July 31 of the current year.

Boarding fees and eligibility rules

- Boarding categories and annual fees are as listed under annual tuition (see top of this overview). Eligibility for the B.C./Canadian boarding fee requires Canadian residency and transcripts as specified by the School; other boarder categories are based on parents' primary residence.

Other mandatory and common additional fees

- Uniforms and school supplies: additional, purchased through the School's commissary (school store).
- Athletic fees: may apply for some sports to cover equipment, uniforms, supplies, entry fees and optional tournaments. The Hockey Program fee is CAD 7,375.
- Course‑related fees: art, woodwork, music rentals/purchases and other specialized equipment or supplies may incur additional charges.
- Learning support / ESL blocks: additional support blocks (e.g., Learning Centre, English Composition & Grammar, English Language Plus) are charged at CAD 4,250 per year when required.
- International students: mandatory extended health insurance of CAD 650 per year (Johnson Fu).
- Miscellaneous charges: costs for school trips (some meals or incidental personal costs), private tutoring, dry cleaning/alterations arranged through external providers, and repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear may be charged to student accounts.

Refund and withdrawal policy (tuition credits for unused time)

- Tuition deposits are non‑refundable. Tuition deposits for returning students are due by April 1 to secure re‑enrolment.
- To cancel enrolment for the upcoming year, a written withdrawal (email) must be received by March 31 of the current school year.
- If a student withdraws (voluntary or requested), unused tuition will be credited on the following scale based on the date of withdrawal:
- April 1 to August 31 (preceding the upcoming school year): 60% of unused tuition credited.
- September 1 to December 31 (during the school year): 50% of unused tuition credited.
- January 1 to March 31 (during the school year): 30% of unused tuition credited.
- April 1 to June 30 (during the school year): 0% of unused tuition credited.
- Outstanding balances after adjustment for unused tuition credits must be settled within 30 days to avoid interest charges and potential legal action.

Fee payment methods and instructions

- Online banking (domestic Canadian accounts): set up Shawnigan Lake School as a payee; include the student's six‑digit Shawnigan Student ID (Account No.) on payments. No fee for Canadian online banking.
- Cheque or bank draft: payable to “Shawnigan Lake School”; include the student's Shawnigan Student ID in the memo line; may be delivered to the Finance Office or mailed to the School's accounting address in Shawnigan Lake, B.C.
- Credit card and international payments: payments may be made through Flywire (credit card and other local payment options available depending on country). Flywire provides payment tracking, local currency options, email confirmation, and claims a best‑price guarantee for exchange rates.

Discounts and special notes

- Sibling discount: 5% off tuition when one child is already registered for the same year. Families able to forgo the discount are invited to donate the equivalent 5% to the School's Annual Fund in exchange for a tax receipt (Canada and United States).

Contact for billing

- For account or billing inquiries, contact the School's Finance/Accounts Receivable office by phone or email as directed by the School's finance team (contact details available through the School).
Academics

Shawnigan Lake School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum
Shawnigan Lake School offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary program that blends traditional education with 21st‑century learning, supported by Learning Centre specialists and an Advisor‑Advisee system. AP Capstone Diploma is an advanced university preparation program that includes AP Seminar and AP Research in addition to four subject‑based AP courses. The Science Department provides grounding in biology, chemistry and physics and offers pathways to Provincial and Advanced Placement Examinations, with a Junior Science Program for Grades 8 and 9. Modern Languages provides four strands—French as a Second Language, French Immersion, Spanish and Standard Chinese—with AP courses available in all languages and an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Mathematics requires study from Grade 8 through Grade 11, with many Grade 12 students taking Pre‑calculus 12 and some pursuing Calculus, while English and Social Studies offer broad curricula and experiential learning opportunities such as theatre, public speaking and Model United Nations. The Fine Arts program spans visual and performing arts with facilities including the Bruce‑Lockhart Centre for Creativity, Theatre, Observatory and Recording Studio, supporting hands‑on, project‑based learning through Grade 8 introductions to progressively advanced electives.”

Student Teacher Ratio
Low teacher‑to‑student ratio. Learning Centre specialists and the Advisor program provide focused support to students, contributing to a personalized learning environment.

Exam Results
100% University acceptance. The Science Department offers opportunities to excel in Provincial and Advanced Placement Examinations. AP Capstone Diploma provides a university preparation pathway with AP Seminar and AP Research components.

Higher Education Progression
The University Guidance Office guides Grade 8–12 students in navigating Canadian, US and international university applications, building strong relationships with universities globally. The Guidance Office assists with all aspects of university applications, including essay writing, interview preparation and university selection, and hosts information sessions and university visits. Shawnigan is an accredited SAT Testing Centre, offering testing opportunities for students and the local community. The school reports high university placement outcomes, including 2026 acceptances and published university destination data.

Gifted and Talented
Bruce‑Lockhart Fellowship for Academic Excellence brings an outstanding educator to Shawnigan for a year to focus on academic excellence. The school recognizes high achievement with Schulich Leader Scholarships and Governor General's Academic Medal recipients. Alumni awards and scholarships further reflect a tradition of supporting talented students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides a 24/7 boarding community with a comprehensive support network including teachers, House staff and their families, academic advisors, coaches, and student leaders to foster independence, responsibility and relational skills.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Arts is taught through a broad program, and there is English Language Support to assist students with language development; all students have opportunities to study at least one other language up to Grade 11, including French immersion pathways.

Mental Wellbeing
On campus, a Health Centre and a Well-Being Centre offer care from registered nurses, counselors and athletic therapists, supporting students' physical and mental well-being.

Safeguarding
Safety is a fundamental priority; safeguarding procedures maintain an abuse-free environment and protections for all students.
Parent Experience

History
Shawnigan Lake School was founded in 1916 by Christopher Windley Lonsdale on Vancouver Island in a secluded west coast rainforest. The inaugural class consisted of six students, and by the end of its first decade enrollment reached about 92 students as the school built a Main Building, a gymnasium (later the Assembly Hall) and a Chapel (built in 1928). A fire in 1926 destroyed much of the original buildings, which were rebuilt within eight months. The school withstood two world wars and economic crises, and Shawnigan moved to co-education in 1988, growing to about 550 students. Ten residences dot the campus, along with a Learning Commons, an ice rink and an observatory, as the campus expanded from 60 hectares to 109 hectares.

Community
The Shawnigan Journey is an intentional and progressive educational, social and emotional experience spanning Grade 8 to Grade 12. It integrates the British Columbia curriculum's core competencies and is built on the guiding values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage, with each grade guided by a distinct concept and concrete goals called moments that matter under three pillars: Academic Excellence, Co-curricular Distinction and Student Life Unparalleled. Grade experiences from Grade 8 through Grade 12 are designed to foster curiosity, resilience and healthy social relationships while developing core competencies. A Shawnigan Journey Podcast complements the program, featuring episodes that reflect student experiences and growth.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Shawnigan Lake School Parents Association (SPA) is a network of parents, alumni and friends that strengthens the Shawnigan community by supporting parents and connecting them with their children's lives at Shawnigan. The SPA focuses on livestreaming School events so families can watch Chapel and other major gatherings from afar. In 2016 the SPA donated $50,000 to the School for sound and livestreaming upgrades, a gift matched by the Bradley Family Foundation. Proceeds from the annual Used Uniform Sale, held during Opening Week, fund scholarships and bursaries and support various school needs. SPA volunteers also organize social events such as Opening and Closing Day dinners, Staff Appreciation Day, and a Christmas Social, and they participate in events like the Shawnigan Lake Regatta and Inter-House Track and Field. Information about the SPA is accessible to parents via ShawNet, and SPA meetings have been held, including a Zoom meeting scheduled for May 12.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Shawnigan Lake School campus sits on a 270-acre lakeside site. The facilities include a Sport Village with gym spaces and multiple fields for rugby, soccer, and field hockey, an ice arena, squash courts, a rowing crew house and lake docks, and a fully equipped weight room and gym. A Sportsplex connection and the Charlie Purdey Arena are part of the athletics footprint, with outdoor sport spaces and dedicated training areas supporting a wide range of programs. Arts and academic spaces include the Music Building, Hugh Wilkinson Theatre, Bruce-Lockhart Centre for Creativity, Weaver Dance Studio, and an AV/Production Facility/Recording Studio, plus a Learning Centre and Shaw Library. Other distinctive spaces on campus include a Growing Dome, Observatory, Robotics Lab, Film and Photography Lab, Broadcasting Studio, Dancing spaces, Marion Hall for dining, Chapel, and several café spaces.

Sports Facilities
The school has multiple fields for rugby, soccer, and field hockey; an ice arena; squash courts; a rowing crew house and docks on the lake; and a fully equipped weight room and gym. The Outdoor Sports Village and the Sportsplex connect to the Charlie Purdey Arena, enhancing indoor and outdoor athletic spaces. These facilities support both flagship and broader competitive programs across a wide range of sports.

Academic Facilities
Shawnigan Lake School features Shaw Centre (Science), Craig Centre (Math), and Olsen Building (English). Arts facilities include the Bruce-Lockhart Centre for Creativity, Hugh Wilkinson Theatre, Music Building, and the Weaver Dance Studio, along with an AV/Production Facility and Recording Studio. The Learning Centre and Shaw Library provide academic support and study spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Arts-360 program offers almost 30 options across arts and activities, including Astronomy Imaging & Outreach, Stage-craft, Broadcasting, Cabaret, Clayworks, Dance, Digital Design, Digital Photography, Drama (Film), Enviro Club, Film Production, Fly Tying, Growing Green, Homework Helpers, Improv, Mixed Media Art, Rock Band & Modern Music, Stage Crew and more. This broad co-curricular slate supports student creativity, service, leadership, and hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Astronomy Imaging & Outreach gives students hands-on roles in running the observatory and processing telescope images with PixInsight. Robotics teaches mechanics, electronics and programming; students design and build VEX-based robots and can compete in provincial and world championships. Model United Nations provides opportunities to discover, debate and analyze global issues and to take leadership roles in conferences such as ShawMUN. Homework Helpers connect senior students with younger peers for tutoring in math, reading, writing, social studies, science, and languages.

Arts & Creative
360 offers almost 30 options across the arts and activities beyond the classroom, spanning performance, studio work and media. Performance offerings include Cabaret - Broadway choir and Drama, Dance, and Musical Theatre. Creative and digital disciplines include Clayworks, Studio Art, Digital Design, Digital Photography, Film Production, Recording Arts, and Rock Band & Modern Music. The program also features Broadcasting, Improv, Mixed Media Art, and Studio Art for a wide range of creative pursuits.

Cultural & Language
The Global Exchange Program enables reciprocal exchanges with partner schools in Australia, South Africa, France, Japan, New Zealand and other locations. Exchange partners include Canberra Grammar School, Hilton College, St. Margaret's, St. Catherine's, Waikato Diocesan, Oxford School and others, with group exchanges taking place during school breaks in places such as France and Japan. Students live with host families or in boarding houses while attending classes and joining in sports and activities abroad; additional opportunities include GAP year internships and teaching internships.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby opportunities include Rock Band & Modern Music, where students perform in a group and develop on-stage presence; Musical Theatre with auditions, rehearsals and full productions; and Improv, a theatre-based activity that builds confidence, collaboration and creative thinking.

Community & Service
Grassroots Service - Youth Coaching builds leadership and coaching skills by guiding a local youth rugby program for children aged 5–12. Shawnigan Service provides hands-on service opportunities and leadership skill-building events designed to connect students with the community.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations offers opportunities to discover, debate and analyze global issues and to assume leadership roles such as committee chairs and event organizers at ShawMUN. Peer Counseling is a student wellbeing program that trains peers to listen, provide support, and connect peers with appropriate resources.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Participation in sport is a core part of the Shawnigan Journey, with flagship sports including rugby, rowing, squash and ice hockey and flexible multi-sport pathways. Facilities on campus include multiple fields, an ice arena, squash courts, a rowing crew house and docks on the lake, and a fully equipped weight room and gym. The Health & Well-Being Centre offers on-campus massage, acupuncture and other services, supported by athletic therapists and sport-specific strength and conditioning programs. The Athletic Pathway guides students through sport across grades 8–12.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught through a dedicated French Immersion program for Grades 8–12, including Français langue seconde – Immersion and AP French Language and Culture 11. English language support is available for learners who need it. DELF/DALF exams are required for Immersion students, and graduates receive the bilingual Diploma of Graduation (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en C-B).

Bilingual Teaching
French Immersion provides bilingual instruction.

Immersion Programs
Shawnigan offers a French Immersion program with Français langue seconde – Immersion for Grades 8–12 and AP French Language and Culture 11. Students also take Francophone humanities courses such as Sciences humaines et sociales 10, Cultures Comparées 12, and Etudes du Cinéma et de la Littérature francophones 12. DELF/DALF exams are required for Immersion students, with progression from DELF A2 in Grade 9 to B1 in Grade 10 and B2 in Grade 12 (with some pursuing DALF C1). Language exchanges with France and Québec are available, and graduates earn the bilingual Certificate of Graduation (Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en C-B).
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Create an account and submit the online application. Create an online account and complete the application form; upload the final report card from the previous school year, the most recent report card, a passport, and an English proficiency test if English is not the first language. If an English test score is not submitted, Shawnigan may schedule an internal English assessment. If the Duolingo English Test is used, share the results online. Pay a 300 CAD application fee. For September 2026 entry, boarding applications are accepted for grades 8-11 and day applications for grades 8-10; day applications for September 2026 entry are closed. Step 2. Interview and Campus Visit. Interviews are conducted when the family visits the campus; an in-person interview is preferred, but Zoom interviews may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Step 3. Decision. Decisions are made after a thorough assessment of the applicant, considering academic performance and potential, extracurricular skills and accomplishments, integrity, and suitability for boarding. Requests for financial aid (Founder's Awards) are considered after acceptance. The outcome is communicated following the admissions review.

Scholarships
Dream Scholarship. The Shawnigan Dream Scholarship is merit-based and offers two finalists. The first finalist receives full tuition and boarding; the second finalist receives 50% of tuition and boarding. The scholarship lasts for the duration of the Shawnigan Journey and is renewed annually based on ongoing effort and achievement. Stage 1 involves an online video submission and a scholarship application due January 5, 2026, with a request to submit report cards; Stage 2 names Semi-Finalists and includes interviews on February 2, 2026, plus submission of a formal Shawnigan application; Stage 3 names Finalists and includes a campus visit on or around March 2, 2026. The video submission prompt is a 2-3 minute description of the candidate's dream day at Shawnigan. Dream Scholars are announced in early spring 2026. Dream Scholarship values cover tuition and fees only; extra costs are the family's responsibility unless financial aid is provided. The Dream Scholar funding is renewable and contingent on ongoing effort and achievement, with the expectation that Dream Scholars stay for the duration of their Shawnigan Journey. Entrance Awards. Shawnigan Lake School offers a limited number of merit-based Entrance Awards for NEW students joining in fall 2026; both boarding and day students are eligible. After acceptance, applicants may apply for an Entrance Award, which will be reviewed by the Executive Director of Admissions and the Admissions Team. If awarded, the Entrance Award is applied as a credit to the student's account. 2026-27 Entrance Award Applications are closed; successful applicants are notified by July 15, 2026. Eligibility requires a minimum overall average of 80% in academic classes, outstanding performance in at least one co-curricular area, aptitude or interest in other co-curricular areas, and alignment with Shawnigan values. Applicants may qualify for more than one category but can receive only one award. Award categories include All-Round Merit Award; Pacific West Coast Leadership Award; Residents of Alberta Leadership Award; Global Leadership Award; Indigenous People of Canada Award; and Legacy Student Award. Entrance Awards are for first-year entry only; current students are not eligible; sports awards are not offered. Award amounts typically range from CAD 500 to CAD 6,000 and are applied as a credit to the student account.
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