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British Columbia ESL Schools

Find private ESL schools in BC listed below.

English as a Second Language (ESL) schools can help children integrate themselves easily into Western culture. Many private schools in Canada are well equipped to do this, no matter if the family is currently living in Canada or a child comes to Canada from an international destination. Read more


How do I know which private school is right for my child? 


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Vancouver Private School Expo (Oct 26, 2025)   Yes, I want to attend

List of British Columbia ESL Schools

Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.


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"GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,975 to $82,575
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Glenlyon Norfolk School 10975 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed

Victoria, British Columbia
Richmond Rd/McRae Ave
 
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"Independent Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on outstanding preparation for life. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Reggio Emilia curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $25,120 to $96,930
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St. Michaels University School 25120 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

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"We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $9,000 to $16,000
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Westmont Montessori School 9000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Day Coed

North Vancouver, British Columbia
Harbourside Drive/
 
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"Bodwell High School provides a competitive, well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from to live and learn together." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $29,500 to $61,225
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Bodwell High School 29500 HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed

Duncan, British Columbia
Brownsey Avenue/Government Street
 
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"Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $17,950 to $79,230
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Queen Margaret's School 17950 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Vancouver, British Columbia
Dunsmuir/Seymour
 
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"Alexander Academy is a private high school offering the BC Dogwood High School Diploma and a unique University Transfer Program in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment." —From the school

  • Gr. 10 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $16,500 to $22,800
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Alexander Academy 16500 Day Homestay Coed

Victoria, British Columbia
 
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"SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,192 to $78,446
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St. Margaret's School 21192 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls

Victoria, British Columbia
 
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"Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,600 to $65,100
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Brookes Westshore 10600 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Vancouver, British Columbia
West Georgia Street/Robson Street
 
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"We aim to create the opportunity for students to achieve their learning goals. In collaborative learning spaces, students explore content, ideas and perspectives to better understand the world around them." —From the school

  • Gr. 10 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,100 to $25,600
  • Day, Homestay
  • 100 students
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Lowell High School 21100 Day Homestay Coed

North Vancouver, British Columbia
Wellington Dr/Fromme Rd
 
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"Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 9 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $10,000 to $18,640
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Cousteau, The French International School of Vancouver 10000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

ESL at boarding and private schools in British Columbia

There are many schools that also offer both boarding and ESL support, and which are also particularly well equipped to support international students arriving from outside Canada. A  boarding school with English as a Second Language instruction offers your child full immersion in North American culture and language. Boarding school also offers you peace of mind, knowing that your children are in a protected, structured setting and are well cared for by professionals.

Providing your child with a foundation in and deepened understanding of English will benefit them immensely as they move ahead with their career pursuits. If you send your child to an English language school for at least three years you will likely be giving them fluency in English. Many private and boarding schools in British Columbia offer highly personalized ESL instruction. 

Find private and independent schools with ESL programs in the province of British Columbia listed on this page (including in VancouverVictoria, Kelowna, Surrey, and Richmond).


Frequently Asked Questions

How many British Columbia ESL schools are there?
There are 10 British Columbia ESL schools that are Our Kids trusted members.

How much is tuition at British Columbia ESL schools?
Tuition fees for British Columbia ESL schools range from $9,565 to $96,930 per year with an average tuition of $30,435 per year.

What’s the largest school?
Of the British Columbia ESL schools, the largest is St. Michaels University School with 1003 students in Grades 12 to K.

Are British Columbia ESL schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about British Columbia ESL schools on this page.

Is there a private school expo where I can meet with British Columbia ESL schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.

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List of British Columbia ESL Schools

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From OUR KIDS, Canada’s Guide to Private Schools,
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