doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

St. Margaret's School

Canada, Victoria

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$23,764 - 88,059
Ages Not listed
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1908
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Hindi, Mandarin, Nepali
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Margaret's School is a private girls' day and boarding school in Victoria, British Columbia, established in 1908. It serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 on a 22‑acre campus and welcomes students from 26 countries. The curriculum combines the Canadian system with IB pathways: the Primary Years Programme (JK–5), Middle Years Programme (6–10), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (11–12). The campus offers spaces including a 210‑seat dining hall, a 120‑seat board room, a Library with 55 seats, a Creative Commons Lounge, plus a Band Room, Drama Studio, Art Room and Culinary Arts space. Outdoor facilities feature a recreation field and two tennis courts; indoor spaces include North Gym and South Gym and a Dance Studio. The school emphasizes arts, athletics and languages, with Extended Music Programme and ballet partnerships. As a Global Leadership School for Girls, it promotes cross‑grade learning, leadership awards, and IB pathways in leadership and service.

The Essentials

St. Margaret's School has instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 1080 Lucas Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, V8X 3P7. The school acknowledges it sits on unceded traditional territories of the Esquimalt, Songhees, and WSÁNEĆ Nations. St. Margaret's is a private girls' school offering JK through Grade 12 with day and boarding options. It is the only girls' school on Vancouver Island.

Stages
JK through Grade 12

Type
Private girls' day and boarding school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Pupils come from 26 countries.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered for Grades 7–12, including a 5-day boarding option. The four residence houses—Barton, Fenwick, French, and Pearce—house boarders, each with a live‑in house parent and a dedicated team; rooms accommodate two students with a private bathroom. Boarding meals are three healthy meals and snacks daily in Alexis Hall, with options for selective eaters and dietary needs; laundry is available in-house for $1 or via laundry day service. Transportation is provided to downtown Victoria, BC Ferries, and the airport, and a daily bus service operates on routes from Langford to North Saanich.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform requirement. Uniforms can be purchased online through Cambridge Uniforms with code SMS017, and items will be stored at the school until arrival.

Food Options
Boarding meals are three healthy meals and snacks daily in Alexis Hall, with options for selective eaters and dietary needs.

House System
Four residence houses—Barton, Fenwick, French, and Pearce—house boarding students. Each house has a live‑in house parent and a dedicated team; each room accommodates two students with a private bathroom.

Governance and Ownership
St. Margaret's School is governed by the St. Margaret's School Society, with a Board of Governors of up to 13 members. The Board has the power to appoint or remove the Head, establish strategic direction and budgets, and set policies; Active Members include parents (legal guardians) of Students, alumnae, and Governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Margaret's School ranges from CAD 23,764 to CAD 88,059 for 2026/27.

Fees (2026/27 academic year)

Application & registration fees
- Application fee (new applicants): CAD 250 (non‑refundable).
- Registration fee (new day students): CAD 2,500 (due on acceptance; non‑refundable).
- Registration fee (new boarding students): CAD 5,500 (due on acceptance; non‑refundable).
- Re‑enrolment deposit for returning students: Day students CAD 1,000; returning boarding students CAD 6,500 (applied against tuition).
- Incidental deposit (required for boarding and non‑BC day students): CAD 5,500 (used for medical insurance, Guardianship program, optional trips/activities; unused balance refunded or retained for following year).

Day‑student tuition (annual and available 10‑month payment plan where shown)
- BC Resident (day students):
- Junior Kindergarten (12‑month JK program): CAD 23,764 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,476 per month for the JK program period noted).
- Kindergarten: CAD 23,788 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,479 per month).
- Grades 1–4: CAD 23,978 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,498 per month).
- Grades 5–8: CAD 25,560 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,656 per month).
- Grades 9–12: CAD 30,486 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 3,149 per month).

- Canadian (non‑BC eligibility) day students:
- Kindergarten: CAD 28,548 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,955 per month).
- Grades 1–4: CAD 28,737 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 2,974 per month).
- Grades 5–8: CAD 30,320 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 3,132 per month).
- Grades 9–12: CAD 35,246 (Payment Plan 10x: CAD 3,625 per month).

- International day students:
- Kindergarten–Grade 4: CAD 40,021 (Payment Plan not available as shown).
- Grades 5–8: CAD 41,237 (Payment Plan not available as shown).
- Grades 9–12: CAD 45,214 (Payment Plan not available as shown).

Boarding tuition (Grades 7–12)
- Boarding tuition (annual) by fee category for Grades 7–12:
- BC Resident boarding: CAD 70,166.
- Canadian boarding: CAD 72,764.
- USA & Mexico boarding: CAD 80,158.
- International boarding: CAD 88,059.
- Boarding fees include meals, laundry, lodging, internet in boarding rooms, general supervision, and Health Centre use; incidental deposit and registration requirements apply.

Billing schedule & payment terms
- Continuing enrolment form and continuing enrolment deposit deadlines (returning families): continuing enrolment form and deposit due by January 26 (deposit is non‑refundable and applied to tuition).
- Annual payment option: remaining tuition balance for the year is due by May 1; if not paid by May 1 the account is placed on the monthly Payment Plan. Monthly Payment Plan payments are scheduled May 1 through February 1.
- Payment Plan details: a 10‑month Payment Plan (May–Feb) is offered for many day categories; the Payment Plan rate shown includes a CAD 1,000 financing fee (allocated at CAD 100 per month). JK payment plan timing is noted separately (Jun–Mar for the JK program).
- Pre‑Authorized Debit (PAD) is mandatory for Payment Plans; PAD can also be used for deposits, one‑time payments, and incidentals.
- Late payment and returned payment fees: returned cheque/PAD/PAC fee CAD 35; late balance interest 2.5% per month; credit‑card payments incur a convenience fee (Visa/Mastercard only) of 3%.

Accepted payment methods
- Pre‑Authorized Debit (PAD), online bank bill payment (add St. Margaret's School as payee using student ID as account number), wire transfer (bank/SWIFT info available from Finance), credit card (Visa and Mastercard accepted; convenience fee applies), Canadian cheque/bank draft, and e‑transfer to receivables@stmarg.ca. PAD/credit‑card authorizations and some forms are uploaded to the School's secure site as instructed.

Other costs and commonly charged incidentals
- Incidental and miscellaneous charges that may be billed to student accounts include (examples and typical amounts):
- Incidental deposit (see above): CAD 5,500 for boarding and non‑BC day students (refundable for unused balance at year‑end or retained for next year).
- English Language Learning (ELL) program fees by band: K–Grade 4 CAD 3,929; Grades 5–8 CAD 6,735; Grades 9–12 CAD 8,980; ELIA (Grades 6–9) CAD 9,500 (assessment‑based).
- Transportation (before & after school): CAD 150 per month (yearly commitment; 30‑day cancellation).
- IB exam fees (Grade 12 estimate): CAD 1,300–1,600 (depends on number of exams).
- Graduation fee (Grade 12): CAD 600 per year.
- Uniform allowance: CAD 1,200 (indicative uniform charge).
- Yearbook: CAD 60 per school year.
- Short‑term room & board: CAD 100 per day.
- Sports academies / specialty program fees (examples): Football Academy CAD 7,500; Basketball Academy CAD 7,500; Global Girls Summer Academy CAD 10,888.
- Before‑ and after‑school care and JK after‑school care: detailed annual rates and monthly plan options are specified (examples: K–G5 after‑school 4–5 days per week CAD 5,000 annually or CAD 500 x 10 months; JK after‑school 4–5 days per week CAD 6,000 annually or CAD 500 x 12 months).

Refund and withdrawal terms (summary)
- Non‑refundable fees: application fee, registration fee, deposits (including re‑enrolment deposit and incidental deposit as outlined), graduation fee, and ELL fees are non‑refundable in all circumstances.
- Withdrawal before May 15 (for the upcoming Academic Year): tuition paid for the upcoming year (excluding non‑refundable fees) will be refunded in full if withdrawal is submitted on or before May 15.
- Withdrawal after May 15 or during the academic year: tuition is generally non‑refundable except in specific cases (student death or medically‑required withdrawal). For medical withdrawals, partial refunds may be considered on the following schedule (subject to review and documentation): up to 75% before September 1; up to 50% before December 1; up to 25% before March 1; no refund after March 1. All requests are reviewed and final decisions rest with the School.
- Study permit denial: if a foreign national's study permit is denied and irrefutable evidence is provided, the deposit may be refunded less the non‑refundable portion.

Notes on discounts and support
- Sibling discount (applied against tuition for new families): 5% for the second child registered in the same year; 10% for the third and subsequent children registered in the same year.
- Financial aid and entrance awards are available under the School's published processes.
Academics

St. Margaret's School teaches Canadian Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The school offers Primary Years Programme (JK – Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).

Higher Education Progression
University-ready pathways with a 100% university acceptance rate and dedicated guidance helps students secure scholarships and academic placements.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a holistic approach to learning, with Social Emotional Learning delivered through advisory and homeroom to nurture intellectual curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Learning is provided with pull-out and push-in classroom English support.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselling is available during and after school hours; counsellors support students in mindfulness and stress management.

Safeguarding
Anaphylaxis Policy ensures protection for students at risk from life-threatening allergic reactions, with annual staff training and an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan; the policy identifies at-risk students and outlines procedures to minimize risk while allowing participation in school activities.
Parent Experience

History
St. Margaret's School was established in 1908. It is an independent private girls' school in Victoria, British Columbia. The school serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 on a 22-acre campus and welcomes students from 26 countries. It positions itself as a Global Leadership School for Girls.

Community
St. Margaret's School describes itself as a tight-knit community that celebrates diversity, leadership, and innovation. Students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 learn and grow together on a 22-acre campus in Victoria. The campus hosts a diverse student body from 26 countries, contributing to an international community. The school offers the Global Girls Summer Academy as part of its external programming.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
St. Margaret's School relies on family volunteers for a variety of events, activities, and workshops throughout the year. Families participate in event planning for holiday celebrations, field trips, and fundraisers. Philanthropy initiatives are supported by families, with fundraising led by the Advancement Team. A Family Association gives families a voice in school activities and fosters a sense of community. Volunteer involvement supports programs, classroom resources, teacher development, and student wellness initiatives. These partnerships strengthen the SMS community and connect families with staff.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St. Margaret's School has classrooms, a dining hall, meeting spaces, and outdoor areas on its Victoria campus. There are 16 classrooms with a 15-seat capacity, 12 classrooms with a 20-seat capacity, and 3 studios with a 5-seat capacity. The campus includes a 120-seat board room and a 210-seat dining hall as well as multiple meeting rooms. Outdoor facilities include a recreation/sport field, two tennis courts, a gazebo/BBQ space, a playground, and courtyards such as Alexis Hall Courtyard and the Middle Years Courtyard. Inside, there are a Creative Commons Lounge (80 seats), a Library (55 seats), a Culinary Arts space (15 seats), a Drama Studio (28 seats), a Band Room, and an Art Room (20 seats).

Sports Facilities
St. Margaret's School offers extensive on-site athletic facilities. There is a recreation/sports field and two tennis courts. Indoor facilities include North Gym (4108 sqft) and South Gym (7777 sqft) and a Dance Studio. Outdoor spaces support activity with a gazebo/BBQ space, a playground, and courtyards. These spaces enable a range of athletic and movement-based programs.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include 16 classrooms with a 15-seat capacity, 12 classrooms with a 20-seat capacity, and 3 studios with a 5-seat capacity. There is a Library with a 55-seat capacity, a Culinary Arts space with a 15-seat capacity, a Drama Studio with a 28-seat capacity, and an Art Room with a 20-seat capacity. A Band Room supports music instruction. A Creative Commons Lounge seats 80 and supports collaborative study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Spaces support extracurricular activities in arts, music, drama, and culinary arts, including a Band Room, Drama Studio, Culinary Arts space, Art Room, Creative Commons Lounge, and Library. Outdoor spaces support clubs and athletics with a Recreation/Sport Field, two Tennis Courts, a Gazebo/BBQ Space, and a Playground. Courtyards such as Alexis Hall Courtyard and Middle Years Courtyard provide informal gathering areas for student groups. The campus enables collaborative and performance opportunities beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St. Margaret's School delivers the British Columbia curriculum in an enriched environment. In the Primary Years Programme (JK–Grade 5), learning is experiential and students are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, collaborate, and connect their learning to the world around them. ADST includes Coding and Maker Space, introducing students to hands-on technology and problem-solving. Cross-grade learning and mentorship connect the Junior and Senior Schools, with STEM-X weeks and cross-grade exchanges that extend inquiry beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Music and Performing Arts are core offerings in the early grades, with an Extended Music Programme available as an external programme. The school partners with the Victoria Academy of Ballet and runs a Junior Ballet Development Programme to integrate dance into student life. The arts program sits within an IB framework that supports creative expression across grades.

Cultural & Language
French is taught as part of the core curriculum, with English Language Learner support for students. Passport to French is an after-school camp that explores language and culture, including crafts and French culture experiences for Grades 6–9.

Social & Hobbies
External Programmes include Before and After-School Care, After-School Learning Programme, Tutoring Programme, Extended Music Programme, SMS Camps, and Summer Camps. The After-School Learning Programme offers STEM, arts, and health and wellness activities, with examples such as tennis and sewing programs, and language camps as part of cultural activities.

Community & Service
The school offers leadership-focused awards such as the Victoria Community Service Leadership Award and the Indigenous Peoples of Canada Leadership Award, recognizing students with strong academics and demonstrated achievements in sports, the arts, community service, or leadership. Additional awards include the 5-Day Boarder Leadership Award, US Partnership Leadership Award, and Legacy Awards for legacy families, all available to eligible students during the admissions process.

Leadership & Professional
Executive Leadership Team leads the school, including the CEO and head of school, the Deputy Heads of School, and the Director of Educational Pathways and Global Partnerships, along with the Director of Advancement & Community Engagement. The Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme are integrated IB pathways, and programmes like the Basketball Academy provide university-ready pathways and IB academics. Partnerships with organizations such as Pacific FC and Canada Basketball illustrate the school's commitment to leadership development and high-performance opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Athletics Programme emphasizes holistic development, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Sports offered include soccer, basketball, rugby, cross country, track and field, swimming, rowing, volleyball, and badminton, with coaching that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, resilience, and safety. The program balances academics with sport and is supported by a 22-acre campus that offers a secure environment for training, study, and student life.
Languages

Language Provision
The school has French and English Language Learning (ELL) as subjects in the Primary Years Programme (JK Grade 5). The school teaches the British Columbia curriculum in an enriched environment. In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11), Language Acquisition is one of the six subject groups.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply for admission by filling out an admissions application and submitting it through the online portal. Applications are accepted throughout the year. 2. Submit documentation: a final report card for the last school year; a most recent report card for the current school year; an academic reference from a current teacher; a copy of the student's passport and birth certificate; and a photo of the applicant. 3. Student assessment: a student interview with the family and an assessment by a schoolteacher are scheduled. For international families, interviews and assessments are conducted via Zoom. 4. Admission decision: an admission decision is issued by St. Margaret's School. 5. Financial aid and Entrance Awards: after admission, apply for financial aid and Entrance Awards. Financial aid is available to admitted Canadian students, and all new students may apply for Entrance Awards. Entrance Award applications are reviewed after a student has been accepted, and the outcome is communicated to the student.

Scholarships
St. Margaret's School offers merit-based Entrance Awards to new boarding and day students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school allows one Entrance Award application per student. A range of named awards is available, including the Victoria Community Leadership Award, 5-Day Boarder Leadership Award, US Partnership Leadership Award, Indigenous Peoples Leadership Award, Himalayan Leadership Award, UN Global Leadership Award, and Legacy Student Award. Entrance Award applications are reviewed by the Admissions Team and the Red Blazer Committee after a student has been accepted, and the outcome is communicated to the student. In addition, the Red Blazer Fund provides needs-based financial assistance totaling over $1,000,000 annually to both new and returning students.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Victoria View all schools in Canada IB curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Victoria What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools