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 Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 515 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $50,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $27,200
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Shawnigan Lake School ranks among the top 10 schools with > 400 students (out of 94 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Boarding Focus
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2024 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, giftedness
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1916
Campus Size
380 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
515 students
% Students of Color
5%
% International Students
20%
% Students Boarding
90%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
16 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
19
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
40%
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$13.5 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$50,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$27,200
Tuition international students
$67,900
Summer Program Cost
$3,900
(Boarding, Meals and Transportation included)
(Boarding, Meals and Transportation included)
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$17,400
Merit Scholarships Offered
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
None / Rolling
Accepts Standardized Application
Acceptance Rate
60%
Director of Admissions
Mrs. Gaynor Samuel
Associate Director of Admissions
Ms. Margot Allen
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / 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
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
32
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
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)
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),
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shawnigan Lake School cost?
Shawnigan Lake School's tuition is approximately $50,500 for boarding students and $27,200 for day students.
What schools are Shawnigan Lake School often compared to?
Shawnigan Lake Schoolis 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 equal to the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does Shawnigan Lake School offer?
Shawnigan Lake School offers 19 interscholastic 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 and Volleyball.
Does Shawnigan Lake School offer a summer program?
Yes, Shawnigan Lake School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Shawnigan Lake School's ranking?
Shawnigan Lake School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of boarding students.
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)
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Students
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