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Aspengrove School

Canada, Lantzville

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$10,895 - 35,009
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 285
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Aspengrove School is a private university-preparatory day school on a 40‑acre campus on Vancouver Island in the Lantzville/Nanaimo area. It educates students from age 3 through 18 and offers the IB continuum—PYP, MYP (grades 8–10) and the Diploma Programme (grades 11–12)—alongside AP and Canadian curriculum options. From Junior Kindergarten, students begin Second Language Acquisition with a strong emphasis on French, and Grade 10 features a Personal Project as part of the MYP experience. Beginning in Grade 8, Pathways conversations tailor post‑secondary goals within the curriculum, supported by university counselling. The school's facilities include a 16,000‑square‑foot gymnasium (built in 2020) and extensive outdoor learning and athletics spaces, plus Aspengrove Studios and a Visual Arts program that leads to senior visual arts and a Contemporary Music Program. Distinctive programs include Global Leadership with international exchanges and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, alongside a broad arts, sport and service offering for students worldwide.

7660 Clark Drive, Lantzville, British Columbia, V0R 2H0, Canada

The Essentials

Aspengrove School has 285 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

Lantzville (near Nanaimo), Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Stages

Junior Kindergarten (3–4 year olds); Junior School (Kindergarten–Grade 5); Middle School (Grades 6–7); Senior School (Grades 8–12)

Type

Private university-preparatory school

Additional learning support

Learning Resource Centre with Learning Resource Teachers and Educational Assistants supporting students with identified learning and other challenges; inclusive environment

Country affiliation

Canada

School day structure

Doors open 7:45 a.m. for Junior Kindergarten; classes begin 8:15 a.m.; Monday–Friday schedule with lunch and after-school activities; Out of School Care is available for JK–Grade 5

Bus service

Bus service from Qualicum (North Bus) to South Nanaimo (South Bus) runs every day
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

School uniforms are required to be worn by all Aspengrove School students during school hours.

Food Options

Hot lunch ordering is available through Munchalunch; new students must register; questions can be directed to the APA Facebook page or hotlunch.aspengroveparents@gmail.com.

House System

The school has a house system with Oak, Arbutus, and Cedar. Students learn which house they are in at the morning assembly, receive a house shirt and pin. Spirit Days allow wearing House Shirts.

Governance and Ownership

The Central Island Independent School Society is the not-for-profit corporation that established, governs and administers Aspengrove School. The Board of Governors serves as the school board.
Fees

Annual tuition at Aspengrove School ranges from CAD 10,895 to CAD 35,009 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD/CAD 200.
- Registration (new-family) fee (one-time): USD/CAD 7,000 total. An initial payment of USD/CAD 3,500 is due to secure a student's space; the remaining balance may be paid in annual installments of USD/CAD 500, due at the re‑enrollment period deadline. The registration fee is reduced to USD/CAD 2,500 for the third and subsequent children from the same family. For students entering Grades 10–12 the registration fee is USD/CAD 3,500.

Domestic Tuition — Day Students (annual amounts by year group)

- Kindergarten: USD/CAD 20,260.
- Grade 1 – Grade 5: USD/CAD 23,339.
- Grade 6 – Grade 7: USD/CAD 26,473.
- Grade 8 – Grade 12: USD/CAD 26,905.

Per-term example (three equal terms):
- Kindergarten per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 6,753.33.
- Grade 1–5 per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 7,779.67.
- Grade 6–7 per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 8,824.33.
- Grade 8–12 per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 8,968.33.

Junior Kindergarten (program options and fees)

- JK — Half Day (Mon–Fri, 7:45–11:15): Annual tuition USD/CAD 10,895. Estimated Child Care Fee Reduction credit: USD/CAD 805; net payable example USD/CAD 10,090.
- JK — Full Day (Mon–Fri, 7:45–15:15): Annual tuition USD/CAD 18,102. Estimated Child Care Fee Reduction credit: USD/CAD 5,440; net payable example USD/CAD 12,662.
- JK — Extended Day (Mon–Fri, 7:45–17:00): Annual tuition USD/CAD 20,752. Estimated Child Care Fee Reduction credit: USD/CAD 5,440; net payable example USD/CAD 15,312.

Per-term example for JK (three equal terms):
- JK Half Day per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 3,631.67 (net example after estimated subsidy: USD/CAD 3,363.33).
- JK Full Day per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 6,034.00 (net example after estimated subsidy: USD/CAD 4,220.67).
- JK Extended Day per term (annual ÷ 3): USD/CAD 6,917.33 (net example after estimated subsidy: USD/CAD 5,104.00).

International Student Tuition (day students)

- JK 3&4 Five Half Days (8:15–11:15): USD/CAD 18,844.
- JK 3&4 Five Full Days (8:15–15:15): USD/CAD 26,051.
- JK 3&4 Extended Day (8:15–17:00): USD/CAD 28,701.
- Kindergarten: USD/CAD 28,364.
- Grades 1–5: USD/CAD 31,443.
- Grades 6–7: USD/CAD 34,577.
- Grades 8–12: USD/CAD 35,009. Payment in full is required upon enrollment for international day students.

Homestay / Family Boarding

- A family boarding (homestay) program is offered for students in Grades 8–12. Homestay program tuition and placement fees are handled through the school's international admissions process; agents or families should contact the admissions office for homestay fee details.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Options: payment in full or installment plans are available. Monthly installment plans for returning families begin each February for the upcoming school year.
- Registration balance schedule: initial registration payment of USD/CAD 3,500 to secure space, with the remaining registration balance structured as annual USD/CAD 500 installments due at the re‑enrollment deadline.
- International day students: full tuition payment is due upon enrollment; international homestay program fee details are provided through admissions.
- Out-of-School Care (OSC) registration fees may be included in monthly tuition installments for JK and K–5 when registered at enrollment; OSC drop‑in days are invoiced monthly in arrears with payment due within 15 days.

Other costs and routine fees

- Uniform: school uniform is required for all students. Uniform guidelines and purchase information are managed by the school; families are expected to budget for uniform items and standard school supplies. Supply lists are published by grade. Bus service, camps, and certain co‑curricular programs may carry separate fees.
- Out-of-School Care (OSC): OSC fees are charged for registered days; there is no refund for sick days, family holidays or school closures for OSC. Notice requirements apply for leaving OSC (one month's notice).
- Camps and external programs: camp registration and cancellation policies apply; cancellations up to one month before a session receive a full refund less an administration fee (example administration fee: USD/CAD 40); no refunds for cancellations made less than one month before a session.

Refunds and withdrawal policies

- Junior Kindergarten: enrollment is for the full academic year and parents are responsible for full-year tuition. If a child withdraws mid‑year there is no automatic refund. In exceptional cases beyond parents' control, an application for refund may be submitted to the Head of School. No refund is provided for withdrawal or dismissal resulting from: (1) governmental order directed to the student; (2) destruction of school facilities; (3) inability of the school to operate and provide formal instruction (including closure); or (4) temporary non‑medical absences or suspensions. Any approved refund will be net of monies owing to the school.
- Camps: specified camp cancellation and refund rules apply (administration fee and deadlines as noted above).

Fee payment options

- Credit card: VISA and MasterCard are accepted for application fee payments and other online payments processed through the school's payment form.
- PayPal: used for certain small payments such as society membership fees.
- Monthly installments and annual billing are handled through the school's billing system; specific payment channels for tuition installments (bank transfer, e‑transfer, cheque or other) are managed through the school's finance office. Contact: Chief Financial Officer, phone 250‑933‑8037 or finance@aspengroveschool.com.

If you require the exact per‑term billing method the school will use for invoicing (for example, number of equal terms or term dates for invoicing), consult the school's published calendar and billing notices or contact the finance office at finance@aspengroveschool.com.
Academics

Aspengrove School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

IB Programme across the school. Grades 8–10 are the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with eight subject groups providing a broad and balanced education. Second Language Acquisition begins in Junior Kindergarten and continues through the MYP, with strong emphasis on developing proficiency in French. The program features experiential learning and a Grade 10 Personal Project. Beginning in Grade 8, Pathways conversations help tailor future study toward post‑secondary goals. Electives include Visual Arts, Design Innovation, Photography, Digital Design & Manufacturing, and Global Leadership. Grades 11–12 are University Prep and culminate in the Diploma Programme; AP and BC Ministry courses supplement the graduation pathway, with University counselling to assist university applications.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have attended post-secondary institutes across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Over the past five years Aspengrove School's graduates have studied in diverse programs and locations, reflecting strong post‑secondary outcomes.
Parent Experience

History

Aspengrove School was founded in 2003. A Board of Governors formed, the name Aspengrove School was chosen, and the official opening was set for September 2003. The doors opened that September to 39 children enrolled from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8, with Grades 9–12 added in subsequent years. In 2005 the school secured its permanent home through fundraising and community support. From 2006 to 2008 enrollment grew and the campus was expanded, including the Treehouse music building.

Community

Aspengrove School's community is supported by the Aspengrove Parents Association (APA), a volunteer group that builds community through events, fundraisers, and initiatives that enrich the student experience. The APA coordinates volunteers and operates programs such as used uniforms and hot lunch. It communicates about events, including via a Facebook page. Aspengrove School acknowledges with respect the Snaw-Naw-As and Snuneymuxw nations on whose traditional and ancestral territories our community works, lives, learns, and plays.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Aspengrove Parents Association (APA) is the school's parent-teacher association. It operates as a volunteer-led body that builds community through events, fundraisers, and student-enrichment initiatives. APA leadership includes a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and other roles such as Event Director and Translation Liaison. The association runs programs including used uniforms and hot lunch, and coordinates volunteers to support school activities. APA leadership and volunteers work with the school to plan and run events and communications. Volunteer involvement is a central part of Aspengrove's community life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Aspengrove School is on a 40-acre campus on Vancouver Island, in the Lantzville/Nanaimo area. The campus includes space for outdoor education programs and co-curricular activities such as track and field or soccer. A 16,000-square-foot gymnasium, built in 2020, supports basketball, volleyball, and badminton. Outdoor spaces and learning environments are integrated across the campus to support on-campus activities and exploration.

Sports Facilities

The gymnasium is 16,000 square feet and was built in 2020 to accommodate basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The campus supports outdoor activities and offers co-curricular participation in track and field or soccer.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Outdoor Education is offered as part of Enrichment. Extracurricular programs include Arts Education; Athletics; Co-Curriculars; Global Leadership; Outdoor Education; and Library offerings. Co-curriculars include track and field or soccer, and students have access to library resources and arts programs on campus.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has STEM Club and Literacy Club in the Junior School to support problem-solving and literacy growth. Middle School offers Games Club, while Senior School provides Model United Nations and Minor Officials to develop research, public speaking, and leadership. After School Lessons include one-on-one math tutoring (Grades 6+) and private music lessons (piano, voice, bass), extending learning beyond the classroom. These activities foster analytical thinking, collaboration, and independent study across grade levels.

Arts & Creative

The arts program covers Performing and Visual Arts, beginning in Junior Kindergarten with drama, music, and visual arts and culminating in annual music and theatre productions. The Visual Arts Program includes Visual Arts and Senior Visual Arts, with structured music offerings such as Grade 6/7 Band, Grade 8/9 Wind Ensemble, and the ASPENGROVE Contemporary Music Program (Jam Band and Audio Production). The Performing Arts Program combines drama and music, with extracurricular opportunities in choir, band, and drama. Aspengrove Studios provides formal dance pathways, including Foundations, Dance Core, and Ballet Academy, with audition-based progression for older students.

Cultural & Language

Global Leadership offers travel and academic exchange opportunities, including pen-pal exchanges and extended exchanges with partner schools in Europe and Asia, supported to ensure preparation and safety. Language and cultural learning are enhanced by exchanges, and the program emphasizes international mindedness and cross-cultural collaboration. The Senior School also offers Model United Nations as part of cultural and diplomatic learning, and Mandarin lessons are available as after-school offerings to build language skills. The school embraces IB concepts and international learning as part of its global mindset.

Social & Hobbies

Junior School co-curriculars include Musical Theatre, Choir (AGS Singers), Yoga, Library Loungers, Basketball Club, Intramurals, Board Games & Lego, Rubik's Cube Club, and STEM Club & Literacy Club. Middle School activities feature Field Games, Mission Possible, Ravens Nest Sports, Basketball, Volleyball, and Games Club, fostering teamwork and strategic thinking. Senior School offers Dance, Mountain Biking, Alpine Ski Team, Volleyball (junior and senior), Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Model United Nations, Badminton, Minor Officials, Track and Field, and Partners in Health, supporting a wide range of interests.

Community & Service

Outdoor Education includes Duke of Edinburgh Award participation, with opportunities to complete service components and adventurous journeys, emphasizing community involvement and personal growth. Partners in Health is listed as a Senior School area of focus, reflecting social responsibility initiatives. Service as Action outlines opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with community service and to take initiatives as responsible global citizens. Global Leadership experiences also incorporate service and community engagement as part of leadership development.

Leadership & Professional

Global Leadership equips students to become thoughtful, confident leaders with opportunities for cross-cultural experiences and international exchanges. A Coaching Leadership course supports students in developing leadership skills and purpose across contexts. The Graduation Program emphasizes preparation for university and beyond, with leadership development embedded in the curriculum. Model United Nations and other senior-year activities provide practical governance and collaboration experiences that build professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Athletics offers intramural, recreational, and competitive sports across Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools, including teams in volleyball, basketball, cross country, golf, rock climbing, alpine ski, mountain biking, and more. Outdoor Education builds resilience, teamwork, and leadership through hands-on adventures starting in Grade 4, including overnight trips and Duke of Edinburgh activities. After-school programs extend wellness and physical activity through Taekwondo, Mandarin, and music lessons, fostering diverse ways to stay active and engaged.
Languages

Language Provision

French as a second language from Junior Kindergarten 4; Spanish from Grade 11. English Language Learner support available for non-native English speakers.

Bilingual Teaching

Second language instruction in French (from Junior Kindergarten 4) and Spanish (from Grade 11).
Admissions

Admissions

1. Inquire via the website, email, or phone call with the Admissions Team. 2. Consider registering for an online Information Session and/or booking a school tour. 3. Complete the online application form. 4. Submit supporting documents. 5. Submit application fee. 6. A readiness assessment and possible visit day will be the final step in the application process.

Scholarships

Entrance Scholarships: For the 2026/27 school year, entrance scholarships are available to new Grade 8–11 students; scholarships are awarded to ambitious students who demonstrate leadership, citizenship, and service learning; scholarship applications include a 1-page essay within the general Aspengrove application form; students must complete the admissions process and be accepted to qualify. Enrolled Student Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to exceptional candidates enrolled in Grades 8–11 in recognition of excellence in athletics, the arts, social responsibility, and STEM; information about applying for scholarships is released every February. Bursaries: The Financial Aid Program includes bursaries open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 12; bursaries are based on financial need and are grants, not loans; students must be enrolled or accepted to be eligible, and subsequent applications may be considered if funding is available.

Waitlist

Yes, there is a waitlist. Aspengrove is a young school that is growing and adds classes each year, and waitlists can change from year to year. Families are encouraged to start an application early.
School Events
The school has not added events