Vancouver Island has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beautiful, excellent schools, and certainly Queen Margaret’s is one of them. It was founded in 1921 by Norah Creina Denny and Dorothy Rachel Geoghegan, who dedicated themselves to providing what was, for the time, something unique: a robust educational experience for all, including women “capable of realizing ourselves as complete individuals.” Certainly, that’s what they did, and it’s a tradition that the school maintains today. The riding program is distinguishing, as is the strength of the academic programs. A strategic plan begun in 2014, to complete at the school’s centenary, will reaffirm the commitment of the founders to excellence as well as their commitment to adapting to the changing needs of students.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Located in the scenic Cowichan Valley, Queen Margaret’s School is an all-gender school with over 100 years of providing an exceptional education that builds confidence, character and compassion. Students develop and grow through a vibrant curriculum that focuses on experiential learning, innovative thinking and environmental stewardship. We proudly offer Canada's only on-campus Equestrian Program.
Be curious. Be kind. Be brave. Be you."
Experiential & inquiry-based learning
Entrepreneurial thinking
Environmental sustainability
A rigorous education that builds confidence, character and compassion
An on-campus equestrian academic and riding program
Equine Facilitated Wellness
Day & Boarding School
On-campus Boarding Program
Grades 8-9 Project Based Learning (PBL) Program
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our unique educational model guides students to academic and personal excellence while developing the confidence to express their ideas and engage actively in their learning. We...(more)
"Our unique educational model guides students to academic and personal excellence while developing the confidence to express their ideas and engage actively in their learning. We use our 30-acre campus and our local communities to serve as living classrooms where "learning by doing" encourages students to apply their knowledge to complex, real-world challenges."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Along with our strong academic and well-rounded programming, families choose QMS because of our welcoming community. From the moment families step onto campus, meet...(more)
"Along with our strong academic and well-rounded programming, families choose QMS because of our welcoming community. From the moment families step onto campus, meet staff/teachers, interact with current students and speak with our families, the feeling of warmth and caring permeates all aspects of campus life."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"The community at QMS values inclusivity, safety, exploration and academic achievement. Students are encouraged to embrace their individuality, participate in various activities...(more)
"The community at QMS values inclusivity, safety, exploration and academic achievement. Students are encouraged to embrace their individuality, participate in various activities and sports, learn from excellent educators, appreciate nature and take pride in their academic success. This environment fosters a supportive and positive atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
Information not yet available.
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Information not yet available.
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
At Queen Margret's my child has grown to appreciate the diversity of the students. Being a preschool to grade 12 and boarding school, she has the opportunity to interact with all the grade levels and meet other students from around the world. It has given a larger world view from personal points of view. When asked if there was anything that disappoints her nothing came to mind as the opportunities for her to learn about things that are meaningful to her are extensive.
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