955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3S4, Canada
1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
7,659.0 km
5,711.5 km
1991
1979
560
1700
8 to 12
9 to 12
Coed
Coed
Boarding, Day, Homestay
Boarding, Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Traditional
18 to 24
12 to 22
In-class adaptations
$26,000
$29,000
$3,300
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
112
425
86%
100%
60%
86%
information not available
information not available
information not available
information not available
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
information not available
While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
Read The Our Kids Review of Columbia International College
Bodwell began in 1991 with just six students, and has grown exponentially since then. It’s now one of the largest international boarding schools in the country. Throughout, the school has been developed to support learners arriving in Canada from overseas, including counsellors who can provide guidance on travel and visa requirements, and international credit equivalencies. The atmosphere in many ways in an expression of the surrounding city. Like Vancouver, the school is diverse, positioned to grant a global perspective. Graduates are encouraged to grow a sense of who they are in that wider world, both of the pacific rim and beyond. The ideal student is one preparing for university and, afterward, a professional engagement within an international context.
View full reportWhile some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
View full report
"The teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about fostering a nurturing learning environment."
Tanatswa Chitenga - Alumnus (Oct 23, 2023)
Like any other person, change always makes one anxious as it is unknown what's to come. There is not... View full review
"Because of the lower number of students, there was always someone ready to assist anyone with anything."
Oleg Pak - Alumnus (Nov 27, 2023)
From the very first time I entered Bodwell High School and saw the glowing diverse faces of the stud... View full review
"The teaching and learning environment at Bodwell was very personal."
Danat Turakbayev - Alumnus (Jan 24, 2024)
I had a positive lifetime-changing experience at Bodwell High School. I believe it influenced most i... View full review
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"Bodwell High School stands out for its premier academic program alongside a cross-cultural boarding experience, guiding students to leading universities worldwide while giving families confidence in their child’s brightest future. Alongside Bodwell's rigorous curriculum, the school's boarding program provides a varied extracurricular experience that encompasses life skills, fine arts, and sports. Students are encouraged and supported to become well-rounded individuals that excel with their chosen passion."
"Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 programs. Our Total Care Education System® caters to every student’s academic, social, emotional and physical needs. We are #1 in offers of admission from the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and McMaster University. We are also #1 in scholarships awarded by universities. We offer the exclusive University of Toronto partnership program in Canada - the Elite Pathway Partnership Program."
"Bodwell has two key differentiators – cultural diversity, and expertise in university preparation.
Alumni often reflect on the diversity and structure of the Bodwell experience. With a boarding program that becomes home for peers from over 40 countries each year, students develop international and lifelong friendships that they cannot find at other schools in Canada.
Bodwell's campus culture and staff support helps students deal with differences and conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner, leading to graduates with multicultural communications skills and a genuine appreciation for diversity.
University preparation is a second key differentiator. With an expansive ten-person counseling team, students have much more personalized support and guidance for both their time at the school, and for university readiness. Bodwell supports each student with a combination of after-school tutoring, extra time with teachers, standardized test preparation, and English language support."
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"We value a fast academic pace and high standard of discipline, supplemented with a wide range of academic and personal supports at the school. We recognize that this can be stressful for some students, especially during early experiences, and try our best to balance this out with a strong offering of weekly activities and extracurriculars.
We also see learning as part of life outside of the classroom. We integrate healthy habits and development into our boarding schedule, which can mean that prospective day students may need to independently inquire and learn within a family or homestay context to keep up with peers."
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"The ideal Bodwell student is a motivated learner that is ready to face the challenges of living independently within a boarding program.
Most Bodwell students are ambitious for their futures, and strive for both academic and personal excellence. The school provides, in turn, a wide breadth of academic, co-curricular, and activity-based opportunities for growth.
Students with an interest in a diverse community and the unique experiences that come with it will find a particularly welcome home at Bodwell. Each year, the school welcomes students from 40+ countries around the world. The school encourages its students to share their experiences with peers, ranging from cultural celebrations to class presentations and unique cuisines."
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"Students who need an intense amount of support to reach academic success may find it difficult at Bodwell. Although our personalized approach has successfully helped students in many difficult situations, we provide our academic programs on an intensive, accelerated schedule. This means that students who need foundational help or assisted learning may fall behind, or find it very stressful, to pursue our programs."
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"Bodwell is an all-inclusive package for the ambitious, university-minded student. With opportunities for accelerated graduation, supported by high quality academic support and a boarding program targeted at youth development, many of our graduates enter post-secondary with a head start over their peers.
Alongside this, we provide strong English language development for students who come from diverse backgrounds, and have worked very hard to develop a truly multicultural community that helps students to build a global perspective and an appreciation for inter-cultural engagement."
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"Bodwell is a school built on three pillars – university readiness, a truly diverse community, and well-rounded personalized support.
Our community knows us to be supportive welcoming. Although our programs can be rigorous and stressful, our staff are dedicated, experienced, and work directly with each student to foster success once they walk through Bodwell’s doors.
We have a proven history of success, and are a good bet for strong lifelong outcomes - our graduates within the past ten years are recognized by post-secondary institutions as competitive entrants, often earning scholarship offers and a strong range of options. Older alumni often stay in touch and have reported an inspiring range of successful high-level careers."
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"Something that prospective families might not know about is the openness of communication that we strive for. Our staff work hard to provide a well-rounded personal profile for each student to reflect upon themselves, and to highlight to parents when further support may be needed.
This comes in the form of academic reporting, personal development (through boarding program), counselor recommendations, extracurricular reporting, and finally, regular school updates from our principal and communications team."
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"Although we like to share about it, the amount of personalized support that we provide to every student still takes many by surprise.
Bodwell students benefit from an almost 1:3 ratio of staff to students. Every student can expect 1:1 meetings with their counselor every semester, as well as personal guidance from their Youth Advisor within the boarding program, and access to extra academic support to fit their weekly schedule."
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"We have recently opened up a Canadian scholarship program, both to give back to the community that we have been part of for over 30 years, and to expand our local student body. We envision a strong Canadian cohort of students that will find an enriching and exciting opportunity to make friends from all around the world, without travelling too far from home."
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"We are striving towards stronger university connections. Though we already boast healthy ties to institutions in Canada through the annual Canadian Universities Event hosted at our campus, as well as through strategic partnerships with the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo, we hope to further our connections to universities in recognition of the strong performance of our alumni.
Over the coming years, we also hope to further develop our academic support programs in language learning and our honors/excellence cohorts, so that our students can further benefit from well-structured personalized support."
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"A transformative education which helps young people ask big questions, expose common assumptions about the world, critically examine society, and cultivate empathy and responsibility is the ultimate goal. As an educator, a commitment to transformative education is my personal and professional mission."
Welcome!
As Principal of Columbia International College, my belief is that in order for your children to be successful as international students, they need to be cared for as if they were at home with you. All my teachers and staff share the same belief.
The need for students to learn in an environment where they are well supported is the chief concern that thousands upon thousands of parents have shared with us over the years. From its beginning in 1979, CIC was built to address this concern. We wanted to make sure that every international student could study in a fully supported environment of caring: academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
We created an approach that would do just that – look after the whole child around the clock. We call it the Total Care Education System®. It’s a study environment where the academic program, the staff and the facilities are fully integrated as one – all geared towards helping students achieve success and give parents peace of mind.
After almost 40 years, we are proud of how well our Total Care approach works. Our students are most successful in getting admitted to some of the world’s best universities and receiving admission scholarships. Our consistent, proven track record has gained the confidence among parents from over 100 countries.
But most important to me, it’s how the students have achieved success: in a supportive environment, one where they can study in health, safety and happiness and where their parents can be fully confident that they are being cared for.
Columbia International College can make the difference in how your child can go higher with their future: positively building their character and helping them to be responsible, global citizens. Through our brochure and website, you can learn more about how Total Care Education System provides peace of mind for parents and fosters success for students.
If you have any questions about our approach, please reach out to me personally at Principal@cic-TotalCare.com.
Traditional
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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Bodwell offers a holistic educational experience that supports students towards becoming well-rounded young adults. We prioritize academic excellence, strong personal skills, and personalized support, within a highly international and diverse community. Graduates generally emerge with strong university readiness and good awareness of career opportunities.
CIC offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to meet the admission requirements for their desired university programs. https://www.cic-totalcare.com/total-care-education/total-care-learning/courses/ CIC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum. Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Our mathematics teaching team makes use of a balance between traditional and discovery methods. Classes prioritize interaction between students to develop familiarity with material. Some activities within our mathematics classes might include class competitions, guided inquiry, and simulated problem solving.
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This varies from teacher to teacher however in general Bodwell permits the use of calculators according to the rules of BC Provincial Exams. In classrooms teachers do not permit the sharing of and use of the calculator on phones unless an activity requires this.
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Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
In general teachers at Bodwell use the " equal balance" method for teaching science classes. If there is a concept that they feel students can figure out through inquiry, they choose the inquiry method. However, if a particular concept is challenging for most students, then they would use the expository method (direct instruction).
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Bodwell’s literature approach is focused on critical analysis and inquiry. Students are encouraged to ask questions, consider comparative contexts, and draw connections between various concepts that they are exposed to within text. Our teachers make use of a mix of modern and classical literature, as well as a wide range of source content that reflects our diverse school population. Successful students will have a balanced understanding of formal academic writing as well as more creative and critical expressions.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Not applicable
Not applicable
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Bodwell’s social studies classes have an international focus. Our teachers work hard to equip students to critically analyze and assess current events, as well as to know and recognize historical events. Successful students in our classes will emerge with a curiosity about cultural and political events, as well as the basic tools to inquire and form positions on such topics.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Both methods are taught in French class. At the start of a unit it might be more audio-lingual as the students are introduced to new vocabulary or grammar structures. As their language skills develop we break out into group games, go around and do interviews in French, create little skits, read short texts in French and use new vocabulary in conversation and class routines, and even give short presentations where the other students ask the presenter questions in French to further work on understanding/ and responding.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Bodwell offers a strong fine arts curriculum from grades 8-12, with an Advanced Placement Visual Arts course that caps with portfolio development. Students are familiarized with a wide range of media, rotating each semester. Our community partners and galleries provide strong opportunities for our students to not only examine high quality artwork and gain inspiration, but also participate directly in several art competitions and galleries.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Bodwell adheres to a strong standard of technology for students. Every student is provided a laptop with access to Microsoft and Adobe software suites for academic use, and are encouraged to communicate where needed using in-school Teams and email platforms. Furthermore, classrooms are equipped with smartboards and AV equipment to facilitate teacher use of digital materials for instruction.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Physical Education is offered in grades 8-12 and follows the BC Ministry current curriculum with the aim of providing opportunities for students to experience a variety of activities and promote lifelong, healthy living. Our Physical Education program encompasses two specific aspects: fitness and sports. The fitness component of the program is a progressive program emphasizing cardio-respiratory development. One of the goals of the program is to teach and instill the skills necessary to live an active lifestyle that promotes health and physical literacy. The sport component of the program consists of activities from a variety of sports and games. A holistic approach is followed with mental, social, and physical domains addressed. The program is intended to allow the student to develop an appreciation of sport and an understanding of the strategies, skills and basic rules involved, encouraging a lifetime of participation.
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Not applicable
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Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The LAP (Language Acceleration Program) is a specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students who are becoming proficient in English.
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
Bodwell’s academic programs strive for a high level of university preparation. Students will have an accelerated schedule to allow for earlier graduation or flexibility to retake courses, and a significant amount of time around classes is dedicated to academic support. This is personalized to each student through counselor planning, and includes (but is not limited to): extra time with teachers, tutor support, English language acceleration, group study hall, and standardized test preparation. Over 98% of Bodwell students attain their university of choice by graduation, and often with strong entrance offers.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Bodwell strives for well-rounded development for students, with an emphasis on intellectual and social achievement. Our vision is for graduates to be “active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world”. We accomplish this through a rigorous academic schedule alongside a well-rounded portfolio of co-curricular opportunities and a boarding program that teaches students healthy personal habits.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Baseball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
60%
86%
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 8 - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
We are looking for students who can actively and positively impact on our school student community by giving their best at both academics and student life. Prospective students must demonstrate this in their application, submitted transcripts, references and interview. All new students will start in our Boarding Program. Upon completion of the Boarding Program, students may apply to move to a Bodwell homestay.
Students who are pursuing OSSD and post-secondary education.
Learn more at: https://www.bodwell.edu/admissions/how-to-apply
Prospective families and agents can apply at apply.bodwell.edu.
We request that applicants have three years of transcripts, as well as up-to-date passport documentation ready. Following our documents check, applicants will be asked to conduct an entrance interview, followed by an English entry assessment (waived for native speakers).
Students are asked to submit their transcripts from their previous school with their application form.
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955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3S4, Canada
1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
