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Crofton House School

Canada, Vancouver

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$35,300
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 950
Type Girls School
Opened 1898
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Crofton House School is an all-girls day school in Vancouver, offering the Canadian curriculum supplemented by Advanced Placement courses. In Senior School (grades 8–12), students follow an enriched post-secondary preparatory program that meets BC graduation requirements and includes a wide range of electives and accelerated options. AP courses extend learning beyond the provincial curriculum, and the Ivy Compass program supports personal growth, leadership and engaged citizenship. The school provides extensive post-secondary planning for Canadian, American and international institutions, with continued guidance through graduation. A strong emphasis on language and electives is evident in courses such as calculus, chemistry, computer science, digital film, Mandarin and theatre. The 10-acre campus houses modern facilities including Geoffrey Lau Science Centre, Beedie Fine Arts Centre, a senior school building and multiple arts and athletics venues. Global exchanges and over 60 clubs expand opportunities for leadership, service, and global awareness. The school prioritizes mentorship and character.

3200 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6N 3E1, Canada

The Essentials

Crofton House School has 950 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
3200 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6N 3E1, Canada. The school sits on a 10-acre campus on Vancouver's west side. All facilities for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 are on a single spacious campus.

Stages
Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 on a single campus. Junior School covers Early Childhood Education to Grade 5, and Senior School covers Grades 6–12.

Type
All-girls day school

School day structure
School hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school operates as a day school for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Boarding is not offered; boarding at CHS ceased in 1990.

Uniform Requirement
All Crofton House girls wear our school uniform, which includes the Gordon tartan school tunic or skirt or pants.

Food Options
Community Dining provides a healthy, hot lunch daily for all students and is included in tuition; lunches are catered by SAGE Dining Services with fresh food and local ingredients, including herbs from the CHS garden. Snacks are available via the Grab & Go counter, and the program is allergen aware, with peanuts, peanut butter and nuts not permitted.

House System
Junior School houses: Hummingbirds (yellow), Robins (red), Swallows (blue) and Wrens (purple). Senior School houses: Douglas (green), Gordon (yellow), Stuart (red), Wallace (light blue), Fraser (purple) and McDougall (dark blue). Each House has Captains and a House Council, and houses foster community, competition and cross‑grade activities.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors, supported by multiple board committees and the Crofton House School Foundation, a separate registered charity that invests and manages endowed and general funds to support financial assistance and other purposes. The school is incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia, and the Board of Governors was created in 1937. The Head of School sits on the Board of Governors as an ex-officio member.
Fees

Annual tuition at Crofton House School ranges from CAD 35,300 for 2026/27.

Application & Assessment Fees

- Early-deadline application fee (intake years: Grade 6 & Grade 8 only): USD 250.
- Application fee for intake years (Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 6 & Grade 8): USD 350.
- Application fee for non-intake years (Grades 1–5 and Grade 7): USD 200.
- Application fee for non-intake years (Grades 9–12): USD 150.
- English+ program assessment fee: USD 75.

Enrolment-related fees and required deposits

- New Student Entrance Fee (payable on acceptance of a conditional offer): USD 5,000.
- Non-refundable tuition deposit included in the published tuition: USD 3,000 (applied toward annual tuition).
- Independent School Grant Fee (charged where neither parent/guardian qualifies for the provincial grant): USD 5,000.
- English+ program one-time fee (first year of five-year program): USD 40,000 (paid in the first year of program participation).

Annual tuition (2026/27 academic year) — amount and inclusions

- Annual tuition: USD 35,300 (this figure includes the USD 3,000 non-refundable tuition deposit).
- The annual tuition covers: school-day program materials (text resources and selected curriculum items), Community Dining (lunch), use of a CHS-owned or student-issued device per the school device agreement, the annual grade-wide outdoor education excursion, Junior Kindergarten–Grade 5 school supplies as specified in back-to-school communications, CHS-offered AP exam fees that appear on a student's CHS timetable, annual Parents' Auxiliary dues, and a class fund for JK–Grade 7.

Tuition per-term / payment schedules and exact amounts

- Tuition balance calculation (standard, without English+): USD 35,300 (tuition) minus USD 3,000 (tuition deposit) = USD 32,300.

Payment options (standard tuition):
- One payment: 1% discount on the Annual Tuition Fee (USD 353) — net amount shown as USD 31,947 (without sibling discount). Due date: May 1, 2026.
- Three payments: three instalments due May 1, 2026; August 1, 2026; November 1, 2026 — USD 10,767 per payment (without sibling discount). An additional USD 35 is charged per instalment when using the three-payment option (USD 105 total for three payments).
- Seven payments: seven instalments due May 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; July 1, 2026; August 1, 2026; September 1, 2026; October 1, 2026; November 1, 2026 — USD 4,649 per payment (without sibling discount). An additional USD 35 is charged per instalment when using the seven-payment option (USD 245 total).
- Sibling discount: 2% discount on the oldest child; enrolment-documents show adjusted dollar amounts when this discount is applied.

English+ program payment example (tuition + one-time English+ fee):
- English+ combined balance: USD 35,300 (tuition) + USD 40,000 (English+ one-time fee) - USD 3,000 (tuition deposit) = USD 72,300.
- One payment (1% discount) and multi-instalment schedules are available for the English+ balance; example instalment amounts are shown in the instalments reference.

Additional instalment terms:
- A service charge of USD 50 is processed for any change of instalment option after the May 1 instalment has been billed.
- Multiple-instalment options carry the USD 35 per-payment administrative surcharge as noted above.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The USD 3,000 non-refundable tuition deposit must be paid by February 1 as part of the enrolment requirement; full payment timelines follow the instalment schedules above. Parents/guardians must pay the full amount billed on monthly statements by the first of the month following issuance.
- Overdue amounts: interest is charged at 6% per annum on overdue balances; interest is applied on the fifteenth and last day of each month for overdue amounts. Steps for non-payment include withholding enrollment for the next academic year, treating the student as not enrolled if overdue as of August 1, refusing participation in discretionary activities, and other remedies; recovery costs (including legal fees) are charged to the payer.

Accepted payment methods and payment processing notes

- Accepted methods for deposits, tuition payments, entrance fees, incidental charges and donations: pre-authorized payment (form available), online banking, personal cheque, credit card (processed via Plastiq), bank draft, and wire transfer. The school will not accept cash for tuition or donations.
- Pre-authorized payment forms and wire-transfer instructions are provided in the enrolment-document resources. Administrative fees apply for certain instalment choices and for changes to instalment plans after billing.

Incidental and other costs (not covered by annual tuition)

- Compulsory non-tuition expenditures not covered by the annual tuition include: CHS uniform items and any fee for Physical and Health Education course Outdoor Education 11; course-specific materials such as musical instruments rented from the school.
- Discretionary or optional expenses (billed to monthly statements as applicable) include: graduation event costs (Grade 12), optional co-curricular excursions and trips (overnight travel and accommodation), rowing-related costs, out-of-school care programs, Kinder Camp (JK/SK summer program), ProgramPlus activities (external providers such as Arts Umbrella, Yoga Buggy), “Grab and Go” snack purchases, purchases from the Uniform Shop (uniform items, fanwear), drama production tickets, and Parents' Auxiliary event fees. Uniform purchases are handled through the CHS Uniform Shop (store hours and order process are described in the Uniform Shop resources).

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable: Crofton House School is an independent day school for girls from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12; there is no boarding program.

Refunds and withdrawal charges

- The USD 3,000 tuition deposit is non-refundable and will be retained on withdrawal.
- For newly admitted students who withdraw, the New Student Entrance Fee (USD 5,000) will be retained and is non-refundable.
- Families must pay any amount required to offset the Independent School Grant loss to the School if applicable; this amount is determined by the School based on Ministry of Education and Child Care calculations.
- Withdrawal schedule for notice given after April 30 for the following school year (additional amounts payable to the School depending on the date of withdrawal):
- Withdrawal between April 30 and May 31: USD 4,000.
- Withdrawal between May 31 and June 30: USD 8,000.
- Withdrawal between June 30 and July 31: USD 12,000.
- Withdrawal after July 31: remaining balance of the full annual tuition becomes payable (i.e., the remainder of the annual tuition for the following year).
- The Annual Tuition Fee (after discounts or financial assistance) will not be reduced for student absence.
- In the event of prolonged Disruptive Events that prevent the School from delivering services for more than three consecutive months in an academic year, the School may, at its sole discretion, issue a credit or refund for some or all of the Annual Tuition Fee; the amount and form (credit or refund) are determined by the School at the end of the academic year, and unpaid amounts owed to the School will be deducted from any credit or refund.

Other notes on student financial support and discounts

- Financial assistance is available (entrance and hardship categories) and can cover up to 98% of tuition and related programmatic costs in qualifying cases; separate application processes and renewals apply.
- A 2% sibling discount applies to the oldest child when two or more daughters attend the school.
Academics

Crofton House School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
Senior School (Grade 8–12) uses an enriched post-secondary preparatory curriculum that meets or exceeds BC graduation requirements. The program includes a wide array of electives and accelerated programs. Advanced Placement courses offer opportunities to study beyond the BC curriculum. Ivy Compass is a signature program that fosters personal growth, leadership and engaged citizenship. Post-secondary preparation includes extensive post-secondary research and planning for Canadian, American and international post-secondary schools, with guidance continuing through graduation. A diverse range of electives is available, including calculus, chemistry, computer science, digital film, Mandarin, and theatre.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 20 students. Small class sizes are emphasized with approximately 20 students per class.

Higher Education Progression
Crofton House graduates continue their studies at post-secondary institutions in Canada, the United States and worldwide. Post-secondary preparation includes extensive post-secondary research and planning for Canadian, American and international institutions, with guidance through graduation.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Student well-being is at the heart of Crofton House's approach to education. Educating the whole girl means valuing intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development, and well-being is the foundation for educational growth and achievement. Social and emotional learning is developed through dedicated teaching time across all grades. Students develop self and social awareness, form positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and set goals. A dedicated team of specialists and trained teachers oversees the well-being of every student, including personal counsellors and Learning Resources specialists. Partnerships with parents include information and education sessions throughout the year led by CHS specialists.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Resources provides support for students experiencing academic and learning challenges and stresses with their schoolwork. Teachers work with students to enhance study skills, develop personalized approaches to academic success, and build confidence and self-advocacy. They work as a cohesive team with the student, parents, teachers, and sometimes community professionals (e.g., speech or occupational therapists) to develop the best possible approach for each girl. Students on Individual Education Plans are supported by learning strategists who know diverse learning needs and use effective strategies to scaffold thinking and learning. After school, all students can access support from the learning strategies teachers, including a focus on organization, time management, study skills and test-writing strategies.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English+ (English Plus) Program is an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course designed by an English language specialist to help students achieve the academic English fluency needed for high school and to prepare them for success in their college and university studies. This highly immersive and tailored program is ideal for students whose first language is not English but have had some schooling, in or outside Canada, where English is the language of instruction. Applicants selected for the program are typically strong in critical thinking and comprehension skills but require additional support with English written and oral grammar.

Mental Wellbeing
Clinical counsellors offer one-to-one and group counselling and run wellness workshops. Counsellors work with students and teachers in classrooms to educate girls about mindfulness, health, well-being and nutrition, in addition to meeting with individual students to help them navigate issues. Lunchtime Drop-Ins, facilitated by counsellors, cover topics like stress-reducing strategies and mindfulness through activities such as stress-ball making, crafts, yoga and movement, and nature walks. Heads of Grade and advisors monitor each girl's well-being, progress and workload to provide pastoral care and support. Parent evenings and other education sessions help families engage with topics related to adolescent well-being.

Safeguarding
Crofton House School fosters a safe, caring and orderly environment and protects students from harassment, intimidation, bullying, and violent behaviour. The Prevention of Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying policy describes acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and is linked to the Student Code of Conduct. Students who harass, intimidate, bully or engage in violent behaviour will face disciplinary action up to suspension or expulsion. Students and adults are responsible for monitoring, reporting and addressing such behaviour, and the school supports upstander action and protection from retaliation. Social and executive functioning skills are taught to support student development and resilience.
Parent Experience

History
Crofton House School was founded in 1898 by Dr Jessie Gordon. The school has delivered girl-centred education for over 125 years. The school is located at 3200 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia. Crofton House is governed by a Board of Governors, a group of volunteers who support the School's purpose and priorities, with board committees and the Crofton House School Foundation, a separate registered charity incorporated in 1980 that manages endowed and general funds. The Head of School sits on the Board of Governors as an ex-officio member.

Community
Crofton House's community is built around events that connect students, staff, parents and alumnae. The Crofton House Winter Bazaar is a cherished annual tradition organized by the CHS Parents' Auxiliary; it is a festival-style event held in November with proceeds supporting community partners such as Downtown Eastside Women's Centre and Backpack Buddies. First held on May 26, 1944, the Bazaar has evolved into a collaboration among hundreds of volunteers and participants. Other community events include Welcome Back in September and the Whole Girl, Whole World speaker series in the fall that engage families and the wider community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CHS Parents' Auxiliary leads by example. Attendance at events planned by the School and the Parents' Auxiliary, participation in field trips and lending of expertise all contribute to Crofton House life. The Winter Bazaar is organized by the Parents' Auxiliary, a festival-style family event held in November, with proceeds benefiting community partners. The Welcome Back Event in early September is organized by the Parents' Auxiliary to welcome new families. The Whole Girl, Whole World speaker series in the fall provides opportunities for CHS parents, teachers, girls and the public to hear from renowned experts.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Crofton House School sits on a beautiful 10-acre campus on Vancouver's west side. It offers modern, specialized learning spaces including dedicated classrooms, gyms, science and design labs, and music and art studios. Outdoor learning spaces and community-based learning opportunities extend the classroom. The campus supports a girl-centered learning approach that integrates academics with arts, athletics and leadership experiences. The facilities encourage students to explore their interests across disciplines and learn in a variety of settings.

Sports Facilities
Senior School Athletics Centre and Manrell Hall are on campus (opened 2015). The Fine Arts Centre includes the Rix Gymnasium and Addison Auditorium (opened 1982). The Junior School campus includes Bedford-Jones Hall and Chan Hall gymnasium (opened 1993). The athletics program supports sports such as field hockey, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and soccer. The facilities support competition and training for ISAA, LMISSAA and BCSS leagues and tournaments.

Academic Facilities
Geoffrey Lau Science Centre opened in 1995. The Beedie Fine Arts Centre rejuvenation was completed in 2017. The Senior School building opened in 2009, expanding spaces for higher grades. The Early Childhood Education Centre opened in 2011 to support Junior Kindergarten programming. Junior School facilities include Bedford-Jones Hall and Chan Hall gymnasium, reflecting ongoing campus expansion and renewal.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Crofton House School offers over 60 clubs and co-curricular activities in the Junior and Senior Schools, including Debate, Choir and Robotics. Senior School programs include Ambassadors, Stage Band, Drama Club and Global Exchange, as well as a Community Service Club. Global Programs feature Global Experiential Trips and six-week exchanges with partner schools in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. The school also hosts Gardening Club, SOGI Club, Creative Writing and other activities that foster leadership, collaboration and creativity.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Over 60 clubs and co-curricular activities are offered in the Junior and Senior Schools, including Debate, Choir and Robotics. Robotics gives Senior School girls the opportunity to plan, create and test robots for local Vex tournaments. Senior School also offers STEM Club, Model United Nations, the Ambassadors Program and a Business Club to develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Arts & Creative
Junior School offers Watercolour Wonders, Clay Creations, Photography and other creative activities, plus Primary and Immediate Concert Choirs. Senior School features Stage Band, House Plays, Drama Club and annual productions, as well as Studio 65 (Art) for Grades 8–12, and Creative Writing. Girls may also travel for arts experiences, such as a choir trip to New York culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Cultural & Language
Junior School runs Fun in French to bring the language to life through engaging activities. Senior School offers a Global Exchange Program with six-week exchanges to partner schools in New Zealand, Australia and England, and a Global Experiential Trips program to broaden perspectives. Global Exchanges include partner schools in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Social & Hobbies
Junior School clubs include Crofton Chronicle Reporters, Improv Club, and Nature Explorers, plus creative outlets such as Watercolour Wonders, Clay Creations and Photography. Senior School offers Debate, Concert Choir, Stage Band, and Drama Club, with annual productions, plus Studio 65 (Art) and Creative Writing; Sew What's Cooking is also offered.

Community & Service
Senior School has a Community and Service Club that works on local, global and sustainable initiatives. Global Programs include Global Experiential Trips and a Global Exchange Program with partner schools in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Leadership & Professional
Ambassadors Program enables Senior School girls to serve as representatives of Crofton House to current and prospective students and families, developing public relations, communication and leadership skills. Model United Nations allows Senior School students to research global issues and learn UN rules; Peer Tutoring Junior supports younger students; The Business Club helps develop entrepreneurial skills. SOGI Club provides a safe space for Senior School girls to work together to make CHS more welcoming for all.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Nature Explorers is a Junior School program focused on the environment, weather, plants and clouds. Concert Choir is offered to Grades 8–12, with opportunities to sing in ensembles alongside other performing arts. Gardening Club in the Senior School focuses on gardening knowledge and campus sustainability. Sew What's Cooking offers cooking and sewing activities.
Languages

Language Provision
French, Spanish and Mandarin are language options. French 8 or 9 is available after a Languages Department assessment, and Spanish 9 is offered; Mandarin is taught as a second language for non-native Mandarin learners, with a caution that first-language Mandarin speakers are advised not to take Mandarin as it is not considered rigorous for them. English+ provides five years of in-school English language support (Grades 8–12), with the most assistance in Grades 8–10; it is an English for Academic Purposes program that does not appear on the transcript.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
The school welcomes international students; at least one parent or legal guardian must have Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, a work visa, or a study visa. Applications are available one calendar year in advance of the school year; for September 2027, applications will be available September 2026. Deadlines are published in Key Dates. Applicants for Junior and Senior Kindergarten who meet preliminary admission requirements will be invited to a parent interview; all Grade 6 and Grade 8 applicants complete a family interview; applicants for other grades are shortlisted for interviews. Interviews may be held in person or virtually. Attendance at the in-house assessment/observation is mandatory for all applicants (JK–Grade 8) and accommodations for assessment times will be considered but not guaranteed. Admissions decisions are made by a holistic Admissions Committee after reviewing the candidate's file; there is a waitpool for applicants who meet entrance criteria but did not receive a first-round offer, with no ranking; waitpool candidates are reviewed again if a space becomes available. Required documents include the birth certificate, parent/guardian immigration documents, a confidential reference, the two previous years' final report cards (and the current year when available), and any Psycho-Educational Assessment (Psycho-Ed) or IEP if applicable. A single confidential reference is required; the referee does not need to prepare a separate letter. A specific SSAT score is not required; SSAT is considered in context with other components. The school offers an English+ Program (English for Academic Purposes) for students needing additional English support. Tuition and fees questions are answered on the Tuition & Fees page. Uniforms are not included in tuition. Financial assistance is available as a bursary up to 98% of tuition and related costs, based on demonstrated need; applications for financial assistance go through Apple Financial Services and the process is annual; if financial circumstances change, contact the Admissions Office; families receiving assistance re‑apply each year; enrolled students may access a Crofton House School Foundation bursary if circumstances change. The school does not offer merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships
The school does not currently offer specific merit-based scholarships. Financial assistance is provided as bursaries up to 98% of tuition and related costs based on demonstrated need; applications for financial assistance are submitted through Apple Financial Services and the aid is renewed annually if need persists. If financial circumstances change, families may be considered for additional assistance through the Crofton House School Foundation; the process involves annual review and reapplication.

Waitlist
The waitpool is used for candidates who meet the entrance criteria but did not receive a first-round offer; there is no ranking in the waitpool, and candidates are reviewed again if a space becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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