If you’re searching for the “best” private schools on Vancouver Island, the honest answer is: the best school is the one that fits your child’s learning style, your family’s values, and your day-to-day logistics. On the Island, the most recognized independent options include long-established university-prep day and boarding schools (like SMUS and Glenlyon Norfolk in Greater Victoria), world-known boarding campuses in the Cowichan Valley (like Brentwood and Shawnigan), and strong mid-Island choices (like Aspengrove near Nanaimo/Lantzville). Start by narrowing your priorities—academics, arts, athletics, boarding, faith-based education, class size, and commute—then tour with a clear checklist.
What does “best private school” really mean on Vancouver Island?
“Best” is not a universal ranking—especially in education. A school can be outstanding for one student and a poor match for another.
A practical way to define “best” is best fit across five filters:
Program & approach: IB, AP, BC curriculum, experiential learning, faith-based education, Montessori/alternative models
Support & culture: learning supports, counselling, mentorship, community expectations, student wellbeing
Extracurricular depth: arts, music, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, service
Logistics: start/end times, transit/busing, after-school care, traffic patterns (this matters in Victoria and the Westshore)
Cost & planning: tuition, fees, payment options, bursaries/scholarships (varies by school)
When families in Victoria BC real estate circles talk about “top” private schools, they’re often weighing fit plus lifestyle—because school runs become part of your home’s daily rhythm.
Which private schools are most sought-after in Greater Victoria (Victoria / Oak Bay / Saanich / Westshore)?
Below are widely recognized independent schools that many relocating and local families explore. Availability, entry years, and admissions timelines vary—always confirm directly with each school.
University-prep day + boarding options (Greater Victoria)
St. Michaels University School (SMUS) — Victoria/Saanich (JK–12, day + boarding)
Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) — Victoria/Oak Bay (JK–12, IB continuum)
Brookes Westshore — Westshore/Colwood area (Grades 4–12, day + boarding; IB offered in upper years)
What families often like about this category
Strong academics with structured pathways
Robust extracurriculars
Established communities for newcomers (helpful when relocating to Victoria or the Saanich Peninsula)
Local logistics note (real-world Victoria tip): If you’re commuting from Oak Bay, Fairfield, Gordon Head, or Cadboro Bay, school-run traffic is different than coming from Langford/Colwood. A “perfect” school can feel far if your commute crosses key bottlenecks at peak times.
OAK BAY HOMES FOR SALE
WESTSHORE HOMES FOR SALE
VICTORIA HOMES FOR SALE
SAANICH PENINSULA HOMES FOR SALE
SHAWNIGAN HOMES FOR SALE
What are the top boarding schools on Vancouver Island (Cowichan Valley / Shawnigan / Mill Bay)?
Vancouver Island is unusually strong for boarding options, especially in the Cowichan Valley corridor.
Well-known Island boarding schools
Brentwood College School — Mill Bay (Grades 8–12, day + boarding)
Shawnigan Lake School — Shawnigan Lake (ages 13–18; boarding-focused)
Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) — Duncan (Preschool–Grade 12; day + boarding, equestrian option)
Who tends to explore boarding (without any pressure either way)
Families who want a structured campus environment
Students who thrive with immersive extracurriculars (arts/athletics/outdoor leadership)
Households balancing multiple work schedules or frequent travel
Important: Schools may share outcomes like university acceptance rates or graduate destinations. Treat any published outcomes as historical reporting—not a promise of future results or a guarantee for any individual student.
What are strong private-school options in Nanaimo and Central Island?
For families looking mid-Island—especially those considering Saanich Peninsula Homes versus central Island moves—Nanaimo and nearby communities have respected independent options.
Notable mid-Island school many families research
Aspengrove School — Lantzville/Nanaimo area (JK–12; IB-focused in earlier years)
If your work, family, or lifestyle is centered around Nanaimo (or you want easier access to ferries and a central Island hub), touring mid-Island options can be a smart “fit” move.
Are there reputable faith-based independent schools on Vancouver Island?
Yes. Vancouver Island includes a range of faith-based independent schools. The “best” approach is to confirm mission, community expectations, and curriculum details directly with the school.
Examples families in Greater Victoria and mid-Island often consider include:
St. Andrew’s Regional High School — Victoria (Grades 8–12; independent)
St. Patrick’s Elementary School — Victoria (K–7; independent)
Pacific Christian School — Victoria (K–12; independent)
Nanaimo Christian School — Nanaimo (K–12; independent)
Campbell River Christian School — Campbell River (K–12; independent)
Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy — Comox (K–12; independent)
Because culture and expectations can vary significantly, tours and parent conversations are especially valuable here.
What about smaller independent schools in Victoria (great for “right-sized” learning)?
Some families want a smaller campus feel—particularly in the urban core.
Christ Church Cathedral School — Downtown Victoria (K–8; independent)
This can be appealing if you’re living in Fairfield, James Bay, Rockland, or near Cook Street Village and want a short, walkable commute.
How does private school choice affect where you buy a home in Victoria / Oak Bay / Saanich?
Even though private schools don’t rely on public catchments, your commute and lifestyle still matter—especially for downsizers and multi-generational families.
Three practical real estate considerations
1) Commute patterns (not just distance)
Oak Bay/Fairfield → different flow than Broadmead/Cordova Bay → different again than Westshore (Langford/Colwood)
2) After-school life
If your child is in sports, arts, or clubs, you’re not doing one trip per day—you’re doing two or three.
3) Future flexibility
If you may move again (downsizing, estate planning, or helping adult children), choose a location that supports multiple school options.
If you’re weighing neighbourhoods like Oak Bay, Uplands, Gonzales, Gordon Head, Cordova Bay, Broadmead, or the Westshore, we can talk through what “school-day livability” looks like—quietly and practically.
What should you ask on a private school tour? (A simple checklist)
Bring this list and you’ll walk out with clarity—without needing sales pressure from anyone.
Academics & support
What learning supports are available, and how are they accessed?
How are students challenged without burning out?
What does a typical homework load look like by grade?
Culture & wellbeing
How does the school handle belonging, peer conflict, and discipline?
What counselling or advisory systems are in place?
Logistics & cost
What are the true annual costs beyond tuition?
Are bursaries/scholarships available, and what is the process?
What transportation options exist (busing, carpools, start/end times)?
Fit indicators
Which students thrive here?
Which students struggle here—and why?
A quick note for relocating families (including downsizers helping children/grandchildren)
Moving is emotional—especially when it involves a school decision and a home decision at the same time. If you’re supporting adult children, helping grandchildren settle, or planning a downsize that keeps family close, it’s normal to feel the pressure.
You do not have to solve everything in one weekend. A calm shortlist, two or three tours, and a commute test-drive usually brings the right answer into focus.
Next Step
Thinking about private schools on Vancouver Island and how that choice affects your next move in Victoria BC real estate (or the Saanich Peninsula, Oak Bay, or beyond)? Reach out to The Webbers for a no-pressure conversation.