Shawnigan Lake School is a world-class, co-ed boarding school located on Vancouver Island.
Our setting is magnificent 380 acres in a safe, clean, rural environment that boasts sweeping lawns, gorgeous gardens and excellent facilities.
Shawnigan delivers a challenging university-preparatory program. Of particular interest is the number of our grads accepted at top Canadian and American universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, McGill, Queens and the University of Toronto.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 535 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $75,320
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $43,810
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2026 School Data
Shawnigan Lake School
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Learning Difference Programs
Language-based differences
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1916
Campus Size
380 acres
School Motto
Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat (Let whosoever deserves the palm bear it)
Student Body
Enrollment
535 students
% Students of Color
5%
% International Students
30%
% Students Boarding
80%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
Yes
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
16 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
40%
Summer Program Offered
No
Accreditations
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS-Canada)
Federation of Independent School Associations of BC (FISA-BC)
Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Boarding Schools Association (WBSA)
Federation of Independent School Associations of BC (FISA-BC)
Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Boarding Schools Association (WBSA)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
19
Courses
2-D Design PortfolioBiology
CalculusChemistry 12
Chinese Language and CultureComputer Science
English Language and CompositionEnglish Literature
European HistoryFrench Language and Culture
GermanHuman Geography
Physics 1Physics 2
Physics C Spanish
United States History
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$32 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$75,320
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$43,810
Tuition international students
$99,270
% Students on Financial Aid
36%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$17,400
Merit Scholarships Offered
Admissions
Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Average Percentile SSAT
n/a%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Gaynor Samuel
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
17
Colors
Black and Gold
School Mascot
Stag
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
32
Extracurriculars
Arts and Music Programs:
Astronomy Imaging and OutreachBaking
BroadcastingCabaret
ClayworksDance
Digital DesignDigital Photography
Drama - Acting for FilmEnviro Club
Figure SkatingFilm Production
Fly TyingGrassroots Service - Youth Coaching
Growing GreenHomework Helpers
ImprovMixed Media Art
Peer CounsellingRecording Arts
RoboticsRock Band & Modern Music
Search & Rescue and Outdoor SkillsService
Stage CrewStagecraft & Boat Maintenance
Stitch Lab and Jewelry MakingStudio Art
Watercolour and Sumi-eWoodwork
College Matriculation
School Notes
- Founded in 1916, Shawnigan is an independent, co-educational, university-preparatory boarding school for students in grades 8-12. The campus is ideally located in the peaceful village of Shawnigan Lake on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, approximately 45 minutes north of the city of Victoria. The town of Shawnigan Lake is located in the Cowichan Valley, often referred to as the "Provence" of Canada because of the vast number of vineyards, gourmet restaurants and organic farms. Local organic produce, gourmet cheeses and seafood fresh from the sea are in abundance.
- Academic Program - Shawnigan's academic program is university preparatory; the curriculum meets and exceeds British Columbia Ministry of Education standards. Both Honours and Advanced Placement courses are available.
- Co-curricular Sports and Fine Arts Programs - Sports and fine arts are mandatory aspects of the curriculum at Shawnigan. Flagship sports include rugby, rowing, ice hockey and squash. Volleyball, field hockey, cross country, basketball, tennis, soccer, golf, adventure sports, and badminton are some of the other sports offered. Shawnigan recognizes that students have different abilities, and we therefore offer various levels of competition. We also believe that fine arts help to develop lifelong skills for students in drama, art, photography, sculpture, woodworking, dance, music, pottery, voice and community outreach, among others. One Fine Art, the Environment Club, has recently been augmented through the addition of our own salmon hatchery and on-site recycling and composting facilities.
- EDGE Leadership Program - EDGE stands for: Engagement of mind, body and spirit; Development of individuals; Gratitude that grows from awareness; and Experience, the most powerful teacher. This program began as a Re-building trip in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. Out of this humanitarian outreach endeavour grew what is known today at Shawnigan as the EDGE Leadership Programme. To date, Shawnigan`s EDGE Leadership Programme has sent twelve teams to Thailand, one to Argentina, one to Laos, three to China, one to South Africa and one to Zimbabwe.
- Campus - Shawnigan's Board of Governors firmly believes that inspired teaching and learning happen in an inspiring setting and we are fortunate to have one of the finest campuses in the world. The rural, 380-acre lakeside campus is the ideal setting for this vibrant community of learners. Our state-of-the-art facilities are a direct result of the generous support of our alumni, parents, and friends and we remain committed to constant improvement
- LD types supported: Language-based differences
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shawnigan Lake School cost?
Shawnigan Lake School's tuition is approximately $75,320 for boarding students and $43,810 for day students.
What schools are Shawnigan Lake School often compared to?
Shawnigan Lake School is often viewed alongside schools like Brentwood College School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Shawnigan Lake School?
The acceptance rate of Shawnigan Lake School is 60%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
What sports does Shawnigan Lake School offer?
Shawnigan Lake School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Kayaking, Rugby, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Shawnigan Lake School?
The application deadline for Shawnigan Lake School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
To me, Shawnigan Lake School is unique in that it is a close-knitted community. Rather than compete, collaboration is how students and staff practice on a daily basis. Also, Shawnigan instills a sense of leadership. . .
The first thing you'll notice about Shawnigan that sets it apart is its stunning natural beauty set in a quiet, quaint, rural area. The buildings and facilities are spectacular and the very first time. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Shawnigan Lake School vs. Brentwood College School
People that viewed Shawnigan Lake School also viewed these schools: Brentwood College School, Ashbury College, St. Michaels University School, Bronte College and Ridley College.
The nearest boarding school to Shawnigan Lake School is Brentwood College School (3.8 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2735 Mt. Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC V8H 1K8, Canada 1
(250) 743-5521
Mill Bay, BC V8H 1K8, Canada 1
(250) 743-5521
3.8 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 16 students Acceptance rate: 30% Tuition listed
362 Mariposa Avenue
Ottawa, Canada K1M 0T3
(613) 749-9630
Ottawa, Canada K1M 0T3
(613) 749-9630
2231.1 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 3-12 (day) | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 17 students Acceptance rate: 65% Tuition listed
3400 Richmond Road
Victoria, Canada V8P 4P5
(250) 370-6170
Victoria, Canada V8P 4P5
(250) 370-6170
20 miles
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day) | 1,000 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 17 students
88 Bronte College Court
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5B1M9
(905) 270-7788
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5B1M9
(905) 270-7788
2107.9 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Avg. class size: 18 students Acceptance rate: 80% Tuition listed
2 Ridley Road
St.Catharines, Canada L2R7C3
(905) 684-1889
St.Catharines, Canada L2R7C3
(905) 684-1889
2136.2 miles
Gr: 6-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day) | 870 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 18 students Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2735 Mt. Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC V8H 1K8, Canada 1
((25) 0) -743-5521
Mill Bay, BC V8H 1K8, Canada 1
((25) 0) -743-5521
3.8 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 16 students Acceptance rate: 30% Tuition listed
3400 Richmond Road
Victoria, Canada V8P 4P5
((25) 0) -370-6170
Victoria, Canada V8P 4P5
((25) 0) -370-6170
20 miles
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day) | 1,000 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 17 students
4175 West 29th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6S1V1
(604) 224-1304
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6S1V1
(604) 224-1304
45.5 miles
Gr: 8-12 | K-12 (day) | 1,150 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Avg. class size: 20 students Tuition listed
955 Harbourside Drive
North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7P 3S4
(604) 998-1000
North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7P 3S4
(604) 998-1000
51.7 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Avg. class size: 20 students Acceptance rate: 95% Tuition listed
827 N Tacoma Ave
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 284-8603
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 284-8603
110.2 miles
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day) | 900 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 11 students Tuition listed
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