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St. Michaels University School logo

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michaels University School


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School Busing:

SMUS offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, occasional rider.

The regions SMUS offers busing from are:

Additional notes: Visit https://www.smus.ca/community/support/transportation for more information.

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michaels University School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

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School overview

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    K — Gr. 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    Varies
  • Tuition
    $25,120 to 96,930/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    CAIS, ISABC, TABS
  • Enrolment
    745 day students, 258 boarding students
  • Curriculum
    Reggio Emilia & Reggio Emilia
  • EBROCHURE
    N/A
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The big picture on St. Michaels University School

We summarized the school ourselves

The academic atmosphere at St. Michaels is supportive and progressive, beginning with a Reggio Emilia program that sets a tone of curiosity and collaboration that is carried through the upper grades. The boarding program sets the foundation for the school, establishing a community of service, involvement, and excellence not only in students’ academic life, but in their social lives and physical health as well. The program of pastoral care is broad and robust, something that derives in part from the context that the boarding program provides. The motto of one of the two founding schools is retained today: “nothing is great unless it is good.” That’s telling. Care and support are considered to be as important as challenge and excellence, and students are encouraged to engage with the entire spectrum of curricular and extra-curricular programs. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a rich, challenging, diverse academic and social atmosphere.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Located in the city of Victoria, St. Michaels University School is a boarding and day school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Students from around the world are challenged by an extensive curriculum, including Canada’s most established Advanced Placement program with 25 courses and the AP Capstone Diploma. Intellectual stimulation combined with exceptional values-based athletics, arts and leadership programs make SMUS a school that inspires excellence in all students while preparing them for life."

  • Our Junior School established Joy in Excellence among our youngest learners.
  • The Middle School helps students Find their Fit and a sense of belonging in our community.
  • Senior School offers outstanding preparation for life with Canada's largest AP selection.
  • Boarding is better in the city, where students build independence in a University-focused community.
  • SMUS has dedicated counsellors for students five days per week at all grades.
  • Our exceptional music program includes band, ensembles and strings starting at Grade 4.
  • SMUS offers more than $1.9 million in financial aid each year.
  • The Best School Year Ever contest offers two full boarding tuition scholarships in North America.
  • Enhanced Learning Support systems ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
  • The SMUS Journey is a Journey for Life, with an ongoing community of connection around the world.

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"The Outdoor Leadership course focusses on both technical outdoor skills and leadership development. Where possible, we also try to include opportunities for formal certification...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"The SMUS Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 program is an intentionally designed journey where meeting the personal needs of each individual learner is paramount.

Every stage is...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"St. Michaels University School was formed in 1971, when University School (founded in 1906) and St. Michael's School (founded in 1910) amalgamated.

Both began as boys schools...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"The students and families who will benefit most from a SMUS education are those who value academic excellence and holistic development. These families are likely seeking a school...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"While SMUS offers a rich and well-rounded educational experience, it may not be the best fit for all families. For those seeking a school with a single-minded focus on academics...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Families choose SMUS over other schools primarily because of its strong academic track record and commitment to developing well-rounded, articulate, and skilled individuals. The...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"Our school has a local and global reputation for excellence. Students from all over the world are attracted to study with us and many of our graduates attend the best universities...(more)

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?

"In alignment with our strategic goal to enhance the learning environment for our students, the Trottier-Morgan Annex was built and opened in September 2023, marking the...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"Floreat is an ambitious strategic plan centred around four Strategic Priorities: Foundation, Preparation for Life, Sustainability, and Community. These four priorities encapsulate...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

St. Michaels University School: Alumni Review from Sean Finamore

Watch our alum interview with Sean Finamore to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Michaels University School.

Parent, Enoch Wuraola (2018)

(5)

Both of my children have attended St. Michaels University School as boarders: my daughter from gr. 10 and my son from gr. 9. They really enjoyed the close community, challenging classes, and overall experience. The school really gave them the opportunity to experience many different things whether it be the comprehensive outdoor leadership program or the various high-level classes interlaced with experiential learning techniques. Their boarding community is a unique environment that I feel really fosters a personal connection and lasting friendship between the students. The best thing about the school would have to be their multitude of leadership opportunities. My children have both been heavily involved in the school, in official roles and in various clubs as well and have found it extremely rewarding. I feel that they also appreciated all the AP classes SMUS offered which they definitely took advantage of.

Parent, Jonathan Barry (2018)

(4.8)

Our son likes the quality of the students, the teachers and the professionalism of the school best. It is the overall quality of everything that he enjoys. It is simply a much higher level school than he would have experienced in New Brunswick public schools. The challenges he has been able to partake in have been a highlight. He is constantly learning and availing himself of new things. The student body and the friends he has made are also much better than he experienced here in New Brunswick. He loves to engage in meaningful discourse - not the usual teenage drivel - and that has been a highlight to find like-minded kids. Being a theatre enthusiast has also meant a lot to him as he has been able to enjoy stellar training and quality in the SMUS theatre and arts programs. The only reason it is a 9 instead of a 10 is because it is far from home for us (New Brunswick to Victoria) and because he often finds himself doing too much. This is not a school issue, but for a kid who wants to do everything, he can't seem to stop himself from signing up and trying to do too much.

Parent, Bronwyn Tulloch (2018)

(4.7)

Our daughter started at SMUS as a boarder in Grade 11. She moved from a very large public day school in the United States. The experience at SMUS could not have been better. The smaller size of the school allows for each particular student to truly flourish and shine in a more manageable and inviting setting. The rooms are comfortable and the food is as good as can be expected! She has been an active participant in the boarding community and it has allowed her to expand her leadership wings in both dorm life and various clubs. Academically, she has had no complaints about her teachers and is thriving.
See all reviews (4 total)
 

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