On this page, we cover private and independent schools in British Columbia (BC) that offer gifted schools, programs, and support. This includes schools in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond. Find the right school for your gifted child (there is also gifted testing in BC).
For a more complete guide to gifted education, including a discussion of young gifted children and gifted tests, start with our introductory guide.
Private schools are not obligated to support gifted children with special programs. Many private schools don't—even ones with strong academic reputations. The schools listed on this page, however, do. We organize the schools into groups: dedicated gifted schools, schools with dedicated gifted classes, and schools offering in-class gifted support. Then, in the fourth group, we identify schools that don't offer formal gifted support but have accelerated curricula for all their students.
These are self-contained gifted schools, where 100% of the students are gifted. Teachers and staff can focus on tailoring the environment to gifted students, without compromise.
"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia "Saplings is the North Shore’s ONLY nature-based school which teaches your students the BC curriculum through hands-on outdoor experiences. Supporting deeper learning through concept-based and competency-driven approaches" —From the school
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These schools have a separate, dedicated class (or classes) where 100% of the students are gifted. These gifted classes can be either full-time or part-time, and exist in parallel to regular, non-gifted classes.
Victoria, British Columbia Richmond Rd/McRae Ave "Independent Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on outstanding preparation for life. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family." —From the school
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Delta, British Columbia 56th/19 Ave "Southpointe Academy is the only secular International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School south of the Fraser River authorized to deliver the entire range of IB programs from K-12." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expos
Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia "Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience on our stunning waterfront campus on Canada’s beautiful West Coast." —From the school
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These schools offer support for gifted students within the regular classroom. Gifted students stay with regular learners, while receiving special, individualized programming.
Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia Vine Street/West 10th Avenue "Fraser Academy is a leader in the empowerment and education of Grade 2-12 students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Based in Vancouver, we are a fully accredited, independent day school." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Victoria, British Columbia "SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia "Our rigorous, personalized programme and strong teacher-student relationships enable us to cultivate each student's talents, helping them build on strengths and discover the joy of learning." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
North Vancouver, British Columbia "Brockton is a gender-inclusive IB World School where every student matters, every family matters, community matters, and learning for life matters." —From the school
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West Vancouver- Bowen Island, British Columbia "Our four year program is developed to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity. We are distinctly different: a small (IB) middle school that fosters intellectual engagement, citizenship and leadership." —From the school
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West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit "By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Vancouver, British Columbia West Broadway/Stephens Street "At Pear Tree School, we guide our students in discovering their true calling and developing a deep sense of purpose, empowering them to leave a meaningful legacy that positively impacts the lives of others." —From the school
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Surrey, British Columbia 152 Street/Highway 10 "We understand the importance of developing a well-rounded individual. Our Art and Sports Expert Streams are integrated with the Academic curriculum to amplify our students’ growth into capable and confident adults." —From the school
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Summerland, British Columbia "Want your child to experience an education that goes beyond textbooks? UNISUS is a K-12 IB boarding school that strives to make education an enjoyable, memorable experience that fully prepares students for any future." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia Broadway/Granville "Vancouver's only dedicated STEM high school, VISST offers the full BC curriculum with accelerated & enriched STEM. Students will learn from domain experts and PhDs in small classes." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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These schools offer no formal program for gifted students, but have an accelerated baseline curriculum. This means all students—gifted or not—do the work of older peers at other schools. For highly gifted learners (those in the 99th percentile), this alone is likely not enough to support their needs.
Maple Ridge, British Columbia 240th Street/Dewdney Trunk Road "Our practices in teaching and learning are exemplified by our outstanding academic results and are achieved through the active engagement of the head, heart, and hands." —From the school
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Richmond, British Columbia "We emphasize critical thinking, as well as innovation, joy, and curiosity." —From the school
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Our gifted education guide has advice specific to finding gifted schools and programs. For more general advice (on how to evaluate school options), we recommend you check out our guide to choosing a school and our expert advice on choosing a school. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos can be a great way to find the right school for your child. We have annual private school expos in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Halton-peel. These expos allow you to speak with many private schools, some of which have gifted programs—all in the same place. Find a gifted school near you.
Word-of-mouth can also help you find the right school. The Our Kids parent discussion forum allows you to discuss gifted education, gifted schools, and other related topics. Join our large community of parents, educational experts, and school officials, to discuss educational options for your child.
Open houses are another effective way to learn more about a school. For some general advice on open house visits, go here. If you have specific questions about gifted schools and programs, read our main gifted education guide.
School name | Date | Location |
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Mulgrave School | September 26, 2024 9:30 am | Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane West Vancouver BC V7S 3H9 |
Mulgrave School | October 09, 2024 9:30 am | Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane West Vancouver BC V7S 3H9 |
Mulgrave School | October 17, 2024 6:30 pm | |
Mulgrave School | October 30, 2024 9:30 am | Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane West Vancouver BC V7S 3H9 |
Mulgrave School | November 06, 2024 7:00 pm | Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane West Vancouver BC V7S 3H9 |
The cost of gifted schools in BC tends to reflect private school tuition in general. Private schools usually range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year.
There are a number of affordable private and independent schools for gifted children. Inexpensive schools can often provide a great education by focusing on the classroom basics. You don't need to spend a fortune on an education for your gifted child: the key is getting them specialized support.
That said, more costly schools often provide a wider range of in-class and extracurricular resources. They also tend to be larger and more established. Yet, for most schools, the largest expense is teacher salaries.
Many schools offer financial aid (also known as "bursaries", "tuition relief," or "tuition assistance") and scholarships. Financial aid is needs-based, while scholarships are given for merit (whether it be academic, athletic, or something else). Read our guide to financial aid and scholarships. We also discuss preschool costs and funding in particular.
Often, the larger and more expensive private schools provide the most aid. Even some middle-class families receive aid from private schools. So be sure to ask a school about it—no matter your financial situation.
Below, you'll find the range of costs at British Columbia private schools with gifted programs:
Tuition (day school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | $8,900 to $19,500 | 25% | 8 - 12 | $5,000 |
Westmont Montessori School | $10,600 to $32,000 | 1% | Preschool - 12 | $5,000 |
St. Michaels University School | $21,095 to $43,995 | 20% | K - 12 | $11,685 |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | $20,840 to $39,005 | 15% | SK - 12 | $2,000 |
St. Margaret's School | $17,200 to $32,200 | |||
Brockton School | $27,200 to $30,600 | SK - 12 | ||
Island Pacific School | $20,925 to $26,507 | 15% | 6 - 9 | $5,000 |
Mulgrave School | $27,870 to $31,450 | 5% | 7 - 12 | $15,000 |
Saplings Nature School | $6,100 | |||
Glarea Elevated Learning | $17,000 to $18,250 | K - 7 | ||
Unisus School | $14,800 to $17,980 | 30% | 1 - 11 | $3,000 |
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | $1 to $23,400 | 70% | 8 - 12 | $8,000 |
Shawnigan Lake School | $38,000 | 30% | 8 - 12 | |
Brookes Westshore | $10,290 to $17,750 | 10% | 7 - 12 | $5,000 |
Meadowridge School | $28,400 to $38,400 | 9 - 12 |
Founding date | Endowment | Admissions rate | Enrollment | Enrollment per grade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | 1993 | 78 | |||
Westmont Montessori School | 1954 | $0 | 80% | 290 | 21 |
St. Michaels University School | 1906 | $17,000,000 | 1003 | 77 | |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | 1913 | $1,000,000 | 72% | 854 | 57 |
Fraser Academy | 1982 | 270 | |||
St. Margaret's School | 1908 | 85% | 285 | 20 | |
Alcuin College | 2012 | 118 | 9 | ||
Southpointe Academy | 2000 | 30% | 668 | 51 | |
Brockton School | 2004 | 345 | 25 | ||
Island Pacific School | 1995 | 85% | 72 | 18 | |
Mulgrave School | 1993 | $0 | 17% | 1030 | 74 |
Pear Tree School | 2015 | $0 | 50% | 112 | 11 |
Saplings Nature School | 2022 | 40 | 6 | ||
Glarea Elevated Learning | 2020 | 80% | 23 | 3 | |
Unisus School | 2018 | 70% | 130 | 9 | |
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | 2022 | 50 | 10 | ||
Shawnigan Lake School | 1916 | $13,500,000 | 60% | 550 | 110 |
Brookes Westshore | 2009 | 95% | 300 | 33 | |
Meadowridge School | 1985 | 660 | |||
Pythagoras Academy | 2013 | 72 | 7 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 3 to 6 | Special needs school | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Montessori | Student-paced | Supportive | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | |||
St. Michaels University School | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | |||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
Fraser Academy | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 7 to 12 | Special needs school | Medium integration | ||
St. Margaret's School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Alcuin College | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 12 | No support | |||
Southpointe Academy | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | No support | ||
Brockton School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Island Pacific School | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 12 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
Mulgrave School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 14 to 22 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Pear Tree School | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 16 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Saplings Nature School | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | Special needs school | Light integration | ||
Glarea Elevated Learning | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 12 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Unisus School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Shawnigan Lake School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 17 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Brookes Westshore | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |
Meadowridge School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
Pythagoras Academy | Traditional | Reggio Emilia | Accelerated | 8 to 15 | No support | Medium integration |
Legend:
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Michaels University School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fraser Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alcuin College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southpointe Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brockton School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Island Pacific School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mulgrave School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pear Tree School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saplings Nature School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glarea Elevated Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadowridge School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pythagoras Academy |
Admission deadline | SSAT required | Interview required | Acceptance rate | Next open house | |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | Day: rolling | 8 - 12 | |||
Westmont Montessori School | Day: rolling | Preschool - 12 | 80% | ||
St. Michaels University School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | K - 12 | |||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling Homestay: rolling | Preschool - 12 | 72% | ||
Fraser Academy | Day: rolling | ||||
St. Margaret's School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | Preschool - 12 | 85% | ||
Alcuin College | K - 12 | ||||
Southpointe Academy | Day: Dec 1, 2023 | 6 - 12 | 30% | ||
Brockton School | Day: Feb 1, 2024 | ||||
Island Pacific School | Day: rolling | 6 - 9 | 85% | ||
Mulgrave School | Day: Dec 2, 2024 | Preschool - 11 | 17% | Sep 26, 2024 | |
Pear Tree School | Day: rolling | K - 8 | 50% | ||
Saplings Nature School | Day: Jan 1, 1970 Boarding: Jan 1, 1970 Homestay: Jan 1, 1970 | ||||
Glarea Elevated Learning | Day: rolling | K - 12 | 80% | ||
Unisus School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | Preschool - 11 | 70% | ||
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | Day: rolling | 8 - 12 | |||
Shawnigan Lake School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 8 - 12 | 60% | ||
Brookes Westshore | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 4 - 12 | 95% | ||
Meadowridge School | Day: rolling | 6 - 12 | JK - 12 | ||
Pythagoras Academy | Day: rolling | JK - 8 |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | |||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | 50% | 50% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | |||
St. Michaels University School | |||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | 72% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 80% | 72% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 90% | |||
Fraser Academy | |||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | |||||||||||||||||
Southpointe Academy | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||||||||||||
Brockton School | |||||||||||||||||
Island Pacific School | 85% | 10% | 10% | 5% | |||||||||||||
Mulgrave School | 26% | 10% | 16% | 5% | 30% | ||||||||||||
Pear Tree School | 60% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 50% | 50% | 80% | ||||||||
Glarea Elevated Learning | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | |||||||||||
Unisus School | 90% | 95% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 70% | 70% | 60% | 25% | ||||
Shawnigan Lake School | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | ||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | |||||||||||||||||
Meadowridge School | |||||||||||||||||
Pythagoras Academy | 90% | 90% | 80% | 75% | 75% | 75% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Michaels University School | |||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | |||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | 80% | 70% | 70% | 60% | 25% | ||||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | 80% | 80% | 60% | 40% | 10% | ||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore |
Math | Science | Literature | Humanities Social Sciences | Foreign Languages | Fine Arts | |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | ||||||
Westmont Montessori School | Discovery Math | Inquiry | Social Justice | Equal Balance | Communicative | Creative |
St. Michaels University School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Fraser Academy | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | We don't offer Foreign Languages | Equal Balance |
St. Margaret's School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Alcuin College | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | |||
Southpointe Academy | ||||||
Brockton School | Equal Balance | |||||
Island Pacific School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Traditional | Perennialism | Communicative | Creative |
Mulgrave School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance | |
Pear Tree School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Social Justice | Pragmatism | Communicative | Creative |
Saplings Nature School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | |
Glarea Elevated Learning | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Unisus School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Shawnigan Lake School | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | ||
Brookes Westshore | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Meadowridge School | Discovery Math | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | ||
Pythagoras Academy | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Student council | School newspaper | Yearbook | Radio club | Photograph club | Art club |
Choir | Band | Dance club | Yoga club | Drama club | Debate club |
Chess club | Math club | Science club | Robotics club | Computer club | Environmental club | Outdoor club | Community service |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Michaels University School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fraser Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southpointe Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brockton School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Island Pacific School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mulgrave School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pear Tree School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glarea Elevated Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadowridge School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pythagoras Academy |
Badminton | Baseball | Basketball | Cricket | Equestrian | Football | Golf | Gymnastics | Ice Hockey | Lacrosse | Rowing | Rugby | Soccer | Softball | Squash | Swimming | Tennis | Track and Field | Volleyball | Wrestling |
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Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westmont Montessori School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Michaels University School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fraser Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southpointe Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brockton School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Island Pacific School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mulgrave School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pear Tree School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glarea Elevated Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Meadowridge School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pythagoras Academy |
There's no question about it: gifted children have different needs than most students. Gifted learners often have such advanced abilities that they stand out in the classroom. This means a standard approach won't work. When these students don't receive the specialized programming they need, they won't feel challenged.
This often leads to boredom. It can also sometimes lead to behavioural and social issues.
If you have a gifted child, you'll be faced with several questions:
You can also consider alternative options. For instance, some gifted children enter language immersion programs, International Baccalaureate programs, special needs schools, advanced placement courses (if they're older), or Montessori schools (if they're younger).
To learn about these options and more, in far more detail, read our introductory guide to gifted education. After doing so, you can come back to this page to explore your specific school options in BC.
Read our advice guide on choosing a school for a gifted child and for kids with other traits. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account. |
Private schools are not required by law to provide support for gifted children—and many don't. On the other hand, some private schools offer highly tailored programs for gifted learners. In the end, though, it's up to you to ensure a school is the right fit for your gifted child. The list of private schools on this page (above) is a good place to start your search.