There are numerous schools throughout the Cowichan Valley ranging from public education, Kindergarten through to grade 12, as well as a few renown private schools and the Sunrise Waldorf School.
School District 79
The public education system is run by School District 79. There are several schools operated by the SD 79 throughout the region from Mill Bay in the south, to as far north as Chemainus and west to Lake Cowichan. There is kindergarten to grade 12 as well as alternate schools and adult eduction.
To learn more about the SD 79 and the schools please click here > School District 79
Private Schools
There are some very prestigious private schools in our area including Brentwood College in Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake School, Sunrise Waldorf School, Queen Margarets School and Queen of Angels. Many families have relocated to the Cowichan Valley specifically to take advantage of the high level of education and care provided by these well respected schools.
Brentwood College
Brentwood College School is a co-educational university preparatory school for students in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1923, Brentwood has established itself as a leader among boarding schools with a strong reputation for guiding our students to be the leaders of tomorrow. With 435 students who enjoy the 47 acre oceanfront campus and our modern facilities, Brentwood is a truly remarkable place to meet life long friends while gaining a world class education.
Click here to visit the school website >> Brentwood College
Shawnigan Lake School
While the pursuits described below are essential to the schedule each week, Shawnigan is more than the sum of its core programs. At the center of a Shawnigan education lies a conversation about values, leadership, spirit, friendship, and commitment. This living conversation — comprised of example, support, and trust, not lectures or finger-wagging — makes Shawnigan a truly extraordinary school. We’re looking for students who want to distinguish themselves, but, more than anything, we’re a place to belong.
Click here to visit the school website >> Shawnigan Lake School
Sunrise Waldorf School
Sunrise Waldorf School (SWS) is a private school located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, forty minutes north of Victoria, the capital city of BC. Supporting choice in education for discerning parents, our school attracts families from all over the globe, who have moved here especially to enroll their children at our rural Waldorf school. Founded in 1980, we currently offer programs from early childhood through class eight. Waldorf Education is one of the fastest growing non-denominational, independent school movements in North America. Sunrise Waldorf School is a full member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and is recognized as a Group One Independent School. Island Oak High School offers Waldorf Education for Grades 9-12, on a separate campus nearby.
Nestled in the splendour of the island, removed from the clamour of the world, our seven acre campus awaits you, come and visit today.
Click here to visit the school website >> Sunrise Waldorf School
Queen Margaret’s School
Established in 1921, Queen Margaret’s School is located on 27 country-like acres on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. We offer a safe and secure learning environment close to Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The School offers a comprehensive university preparatory program, along with many extra-curricular activities providing opportunities for academic achievement and personal growth in the areas of visual and performing arts, athletics, riding and community service.
An All-Girls High School allows young women to achieve in a structured and safe learning environment without the social pressures of a co-ed classroom. Girls in Grade 7 through 12 may board in our multi-cultural residence community where they cultivate self-reliance with responsibility.
Boys and girls in our Co-ed Junior School (Pre-School 3 & Junior Kindergarten 4 to Grade 7) begin the adventure of learning in a small and enriched Junior School program. Our Junior School has been consistently ranked among BC’s best academic programs.
Our Intensive ESL Program, for beginner and advanced ESL Students, delivers a blended program of both specialized immersion ESL and general classroom instruction. It leads to rapid integration into the appropriate Canadian mainstream curriculum as well as providing support while the student advances through the grades.
The school keeps classes small, providing continual occasions to nurture and challenge each student. Approximately 95 girls from Grades 7 to 12 live in the residence on campus, while another 160 attend as day students from the surrounding communities. Live-in housemothers cultivate scholastic focus in a spirit of caring, independence and respectful living while weekend activities provide healthy recreation and relaxation.
Click here to visit the school website >> Queen Margaret’s School
Queen of Angels School
Queen of Angels Catholic School helps prepare our students as productive and contributing members of society. We do this by witnessing the following essential practices in a safe and loving environment: gospel truths, Catholic beliefs and traditions, lifelong learning, whole person growth, academic excellence, creative problem solving, and active community involvement.
Click here to visit the school website >> Queen of Angels
