Shawnigan Lake School
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.
Alumni Reviews Review School
- Review Description
- Boston University 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. . .
- UBC 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. . .
| Definition of Terms | 2021 School Data | Shawnigan Lake School |
| School Focus | College Preparatory |
| Grades (Boarding) | Grades 8-12 |
| School Type | Co-ed |
| ADD/ADHD Support | Yes |
| Supports Learning Differences (LD) | Yes |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1916 |
| Campus Size | 380 acres |
| Enrollment | 515 students |
| % Students of Color | 5% |
| % International Students | 20% |
| % Students Boarding | 90% |
Academics and Faculty
| Saturday Classes | Yes |
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
| Average Class Size | 16 students |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 8:1 |
| Number of AP Courses Offered | 19 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 40% |
| Summer Program Offered | Yes |
| Summer Program Cost | $3,900 (Boarding, Meals and Transportation included) |
| Summer Program Details | Link to Summer Program Details |
Tuition Cost
| Endowment Size | $13.5 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $50,500 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | $27,200 |
| Tuition international students | $67,900 |
| % Students on Financial Aid | 25% |
| Avg. Financial Aid Grant | $17,400 |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | Yes |
Acceptance Rate
| Application Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Accepts Standardized Application | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| Director of Admissions | Mrs. Gaynor Samuel |
| Associate Director of Admissions | Ms. Margot Allen |
Course Listings
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
AP / Advanced Courses
| Total Advanced Courses Offered | 19 |
| Courses | 2-D Design Portfolio, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry 12, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science, English Language and Composition, English Literature, European History, French Language and Culture, German, Human Geography, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C , Spanish, United States History |
Sports
| # Interscholastic Sports Offered | 19 Interscholastic Sports |
| Sports | Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rugby, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball |
Extracurriculars
| Total Extracurricular Organizations | 32 Extracurriculars |
| Extracurriculars | EDGE Program, Goss Rifle Team Club or Organization: Civic Leadership, Constabulary, Entrepreneurship Club, Environment Club, Voices/Diversity Club, Year Book Arts and Music Programs: Birding Society, Choir, Computer Graphics, Concert Club, Dance Club, Debate Club, Drama Club, Drama Troupe, Etiquette Committee, Fashion Design, Film Club, Fine Arts Club, First Tee Program of the PGA, Latham Society (writing), M Club, Reserve Jazz Project, Sewing, String Orchestra, Super Fan Club, Textile Arts, Website Design, Woodworking Recreational Athletic Programs: Camping Club, Skiing |
College Matriculation
| Year: | 10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled) | |
| Link to Matriculation Data | ||
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.
- Extra Curricular Sports and Fine Arts Program - Sports and Fine Arts are a mandatory part of the curriculum at Shawnigan. Rugby and Rowing are a focus for boys and girls. Volleyball, field hockey, cross country, basketball, tennis, squash, soccer, swimming, and sailing are some of the other sports offered. Shawnigan also has an active outdoor pursuits program, which takes advantage of our natural surroundings through hiking, kayaking and camping. 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, giftedness
- Shawnigan Lake School accreditations: Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Western Boarding Schools Association (WBSA), BC Independent Schools Association (ISABC), Federation of Independent Schools (FISA),
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