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St. John’s School Vancouver

Canada, Vancouver

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$28,000 - 36,000
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 580
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

St. John's School Vancouver is an all-gender, independent secular IB World School in Kitsilano, offering the International Baccalaureate Continuum for students aged 4 to 18. The school delivers Primary Years Programme for JK–5, Middle Years Programme for 6–10, and the Diploma Programme for 11–12, with about 570 students enrolled from JK to Grade 12. The campus includes Junior and Senior School facilities, including a Courtyard Playground, a Junior School Music Room, Library and Atrium, plus the Junior School Gym and Senior School Art Studio, Design and Film Studio, Drama Studio, Science Centre, Gunn Gym, Learning Commons and Fitness Centre. The campus supports arts, sciences and athletics, with more than 70 clubs such as Chess Club, Model UN and Business Club. Arts programs include Jazz Band, Strings and Choir; community service includes Kits Beach Cleanup; leadership includes Student Council. The school acknowledges the unceded territories of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

2215 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 2J1, Canada

The Essentials

St. John’s School Vancouver has 580 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
Located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Address: 2215 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 2J1. The school sits on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Stages
JK to Grade 12. The Junior School runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5; the Middle Years Programme covers Grade 6 to Grade 10; the Diploma Programme covers Grades 11 and 12.

Type
The school is an all-gender independent secular IB World School.

Country affiliation
Canada

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding program.

Uniform Requirement
All students must wear the school uniform. Top Marks is the official uniform supplier with online ordering. Daily Uniform applies for everyday wear, and a separate #1 Uniform is worn for events; House Shirts are worn on designated House events; a new school logo will be used starting in the 2026–2027 school year.

Food Options
An optional daily hot lunch program is offered for a fee, organized by dedicated parent volunteers, and runs throughout the school year.

House System
There are four Houses: Gunn, Hutchison, McGill and Merritt. Every student and staff member is assigned to a House, and House Shirts are worn for designated House events.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed as a not-for-profit society by a Board of Governors; the Board sets the school's strategic direction in partnership with the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. John’s School Vancouver ranges from CAD 28,000 to CAD 36,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 4: CAD 350 per application.
- All other grades: CAD 250 per application.

Tuition and mandatory school fees (2026–2027)

- Junior Kindergarten: Total School Fees CAD 28,000. Breakdown: Tuition CAD 27,400; Student Activity Fee CAD 600; Education Resource Fee none.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: Total School Fees CAD 29,000. Breakdown: Tuition CAD 27,400; Student Activity Fee CAD 1,000; Education Resource Fee CAD 600.
- Grades 6 – 10: Total School Fees CAD 31,700. Breakdown: Tuition CAD 29,650; Student Activity Fee CAD 1,450; Education Resource Fee CAD 600.
- Grade 11: Total School Fees CAD 34,750. Breakdown: Tuition CAD 32,800; Student Activity Fee CAD 1,350; Education Resource Fee CAD 600.
- Grade 12: Total School Fees CAD 36,000. Breakdown: Tuition CAD 32,800; Student Activity Fee CAD 1,000; Education Resource Fee CAD 200; Grade 12 Fee CAD 2,000 (includes graduation costs). Note: IB assessment fees for DP subjects are approximately CAD 1,200 paid upfront and reconciled at year end.

Enrolment, registration and deposits

- Tuition Deposit: CAD 3,000 per student, due at point of enrolment or re-enrolment. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- New Student Registration Fee: One-time CAD 3,000 per newly enrolled JK–Grade 12 student, due upon acceptance; this fee is non-refundable.
- Enrolment Fee (new students): One-time fee for newly enrolled JK–Grade 10 students: CAD 9,000 for the first child from a household, CAD 6,000 for the second child; no enrolment fee for subsequent children from the same household. This fee is due upon acceptance.

Additional and optional fees

- After-School Child Care (optional, Grades K–7): Flat fee CAD 2,600 per school year. Occasional drop-in care is CAD 25 per day (invoiced as used). Refunds for withdrawal from the program permitted up to Sept 1 (processing fee applies).
- International Student Fee: CAD 8,100 per international student per year (in addition to mandatory school fees); reviewed annually. Full tuition and applicable fees for international students are due immediately upon acceptance. The International Student Fee is refundable only if the student has not attended any part of the school year.
- Uniforms: Purchased separately from the school's official uniform supplier. Costs vary by item. Hot-lunch program costs vary and are paid directly through the external ordering platform.

Tuition instalment schedule (amounts and due dates)

- A CAD 3,000 Tuition Deposit is due on enrolment/re-enrolment (non-refundable). The remaining balance may be paid in full or by instalments according to the school schedule. The school applies the following instalment dates and amounts (example instalment schedule for the 2026–2027 year):

- Junior Kindergarten (total CAD 28,000):
- Tuition Deposit (on enrolment): CAD 3,000
- June 1, 2026: CAD 8,000
- July 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- August 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- September 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- October 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- November 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- Total: CAD 28,000.

- Kindergarten – Grade 5 (total CAD 29,000):
- Tuition Deposit: CAD 3,000
- June 1, 2026: CAD 9,000
- July 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- August 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- September 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- October 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- November 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- Total: CAD 29,000.

- Grades 6 – 10 (total CAD 31,700):
- Tuition Deposit: CAD 3,000
- June 1, 2026: CAD 9,700
- July 1, 2026: CAD 4,500
- August 1, 2026: CAD 4,500
- September 1, 2026: CAD 3,500
- October 1, 2026: CAD 3,500
- November 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- Total: CAD 31,700.

- Grade 11 (total CAD 34,750):
- Tuition Deposit: CAD 3,000
- June 1, 2026: CAD 9,750
- July 1, 2026: CAD 5,500
- August 1, 2026: CAD 5,500
- September 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- October 1, 2026: CAD 4,000
- November 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- Total: CAD 34,750.

- Grade 12 (total CAD 36,000):
- Tuition Deposit: CAD 3,000
- June 1, 2026: CAD 10,000
- July 1, 2026: CAD 5,500
- August 1, 2026: CAD 5,500
- September 1, 2026: CAD 4,500
- October 1, 2026: CAD 4,500
- November 1, 2026: CAD 3,000
- Total: CAD 36,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Balance of School Fees (excluding the tuition deposit) is due in full or by instalments per the instalment schedule; the balance deadline for the instalment schedule shown is May 29, 2026 when paid in full or when post-dated cheques are provided. Early-payment discount of 1% applies to tuition paid in full on or before May 15, 2026. A 3% sibling discount applies to the Tuition Fee for the youngest sibling.
- Late payment interest: 1.50% per month (18% per annum) applied to outstanding balances after the school's balance-due date. NSF cheque fees are CAD 25 for the first NSF, CAD 50 for the second, CAD 100 for subsequent NSF cheques. Ongoing late payment may affect enrolment eligibility.

Fee payment options and processing fees

- Accepted payment methods: Canadian-dollar cheques (payable to “SJS St. John's School Society”), online bill payment from BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and TD (use student HOST ID as account number), credit card (arranged through the Finance team), and international wire transfer. Cash is accepted only with limits and additional identification procedures for larger transactions.
- Credit card payments: Can be arranged through the Finance team; a 2.40% processing fee applies to School Fee payments (except re-enrolment tuition deposits). International wire transfers incur a CAD 50 processing fee; families should email the Finance team to confirm payment timing.

Boarding / homestay

- St. John's School does not offer a boarding or homestay program. International students must reside in British Columbia with a parent or legal guardian while enrolled.

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Withdrawal notice received by May 29, 2026: Tuition Deposit, Student Activity Fee, Education Resource Fee and New Student Registration Fee (if applicable) are non-refundable. Payments toward the Enrolment Fee (if applicable) and Tuition Fees will be refunded.
- Withdrawal notice received from May 30 to June 30, 2026: Tuition Deposit, Student Activity Fee, Education Resource Fee and New Student Registration Fee (if applicable) are non-refundable. Payments toward the Enrolment Fee (if applicable) and 67% of paid Tuition Fees (for Term 2 and Term 3) will be refunded.
- Withdrawal notice received after June 30, 2026: All School Fees, including full tuition, are due and payable in full. Except for the Enrolment Fee (if applicable), all fees are non-refundable; the Enrolment Fee will be refunded only if the student has not attended SJS for any part of the school year.
- Refunds are issued to the parent/guardian in the original payment form; credit card refunds are returned to the original card. Cash refunds are not permitted. Written withdrawal notice must be sent to the Director of Enrolment Management.

If anything in this summary requires clarification, the school's admissions or finance contacts can confirm the application, enrolment and payment processes.
Academics

St. John’s School Vancouver teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for JK–Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grade 11–12. Enrollment is 570 students from JK to Grade 12.

Exam Results
Average IB DP score is 34, above the world average of 30.9. 100% of SJS graduates receive offers from multiple post-secondary institutions.

Higher Education Progression
Two dedicated University Counsellors support post-secondary planning. The Class of 2026 received $1 million in scholarship offers, and 77% of the class received a post-secondary scholarship offer. All graduates receive offers from multiple post-secondary institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school places student wellness and social-emotional development as a key priority. A dedicated team of school counsellors in the Junior School and Senior School provides personal counselling, collaborates with teachers and staff, and maintains open communication with parents. Counseling and curriculum address social and emotional needs through one-on-one sessions and age-appropriate, development-level-relevant awareness and prevention programming throughout the year. The program includes interactive lessons, workshops, guest speakers, presentations, and student-led discussions, aligning with the requirements of the BC Ministry of Education. Parent involvement is supported through informational sessions, guest speakers, workshops, and a book club. Staff collaborate with teachers to ensure an inclusive learning environment and ongoing support for student well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has dedicated learning strategy professionals and in-class support to meet diverse learning needs. These professionals collaborate with teachers to design inclusive supports and accommodations, including assistive technology and assessment adaptations. In-class support and personalized assistance outside the classroom maximize student potential and engagement. The learning supports align with the IB curriculum and Ministry of Education requirements. Regular program reviews involve parents to ensure ongoing success.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a multi-faceted counselling program and a social-emotional curriculum. Three school counsellors support students and families in the Junior and Senior Schools, providing personal counselling and coordinating with teachers and staff. Counselling and curriculum address social and emotional needs through one-on-one sessions and age-appropriate, development-level-relevant programming, including workshops, guest speakers, presentations, and student-led discussions. Parent involvement is encouraged through informational sessions, featuring guest speakers and workshops, to extend learning beyond the classroom. In-class supports, assistive technology, and collaborative planning help create an environment where students feel supported and able to engage fully in their studies.
Parent Experience

History
Established forty years ago, St. John's School is an independent, secular IB World School in Kitsilano, Vancouver for JK to Grade 12. From a small cohort of 70 students in 1986, it has grown into a community of 570 students. The school operates as an independent institution serving all genders. Its IB program spans the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The school upholds the values of courage, curiosity, integrity, respect and service, and acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Community
St. John's School celebrates its 40th anniversary during the 2026–2027 school year, highlighting a tight-knit community. The school emphasizes learning beyond the classroom with personal growth, healthy living, a moral compass and a global perspective. Graduates receive strong post-secondary offers, supported by dedicated university counsellors. SJS acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school provides facilities for Junior School and Senior School. Junior School facilities include a Courtyard Playground, Rooftop Playground, Discovery Labs, Drama Studio, Junior School Music Room, Junior School Library and The Atrium, plus the Junior School Gym. Senior School facilities include an Art Studio, Design and Film Studio, Drama Studio, Music Room, Science Centre, Gunn Gym, The Atrium, The Learning Commons and the Fitness Centre. The facilities support arts, sciences, athletics and co-curricular activities with spaces for performances, experiments, collaboration and fitness.

Sports Facilities
Gunn Gym hosts Physical Education classes for all grades as well as athletic tournaments and events. The Junior School Gym provides an indoor active space for junior teams and students. The Fitness Centre offers touchscreen bikes, treadmills, step-masters, strength machines, free weights and a supervising Fitness Centre staff.

Academic Facilities
The Art Studio accommodates painting, drawing and 3D media, with professional lighting for art creation and display. The Design and Film Studio provides software and recording technologies for IB DP Film Studies and MYP Design, including a sound editing room and a chroma key wall. The Drama Studio is fully equipped with lighting and sound equipment to support performances and learning. The Science Centre includes two experiential laboratories and two physics and math rooms for collaborative science and math work. The Learning Commons provides break-out space for classes and workshops and supports online Diploma Programme courses.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Discovery Labs provide transdisciplinary spaces to support art, science, math and inquiry. The Junior School Drama Studio and Music Room support performances, rehearsals and music practice. The Atrium serves as a social space and gallery for student work and a flexible performance area, and the Learning Commons offers workshop space and Diploma Programme course support. The Rooftop Playground provides an outdoor experiential garden and space to learn, play and socialize. Gunn Gym and Fitness Centre support athletics and fitness training.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has a large portfolio of co-curriculars that expand academic learning beyond the classroom. There are over 70 clubs across the school, including Chess Club, Math Competition Club, Model UN, and Business Club, which emphasize critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills. Students compete in local, regional and international tournaments in fields such as chess and business. These opportunities support a broadly engaged, academically oriented student body across both Junior and Senior Schools.

Arts & Creative
The school has extensive arts opportunities, including Jazz Band, Strings, and Senior/Intermediate Choir, with performances at events and assemblies. Visual and craft disciplines are supported by Art Factory, Textile Design, Pottery Club, Dance Play, and other creative clubs. The Junior School enhances artistic expression through the Intermediate Choir and Dance Play, among additional creative activities. Students often participate in school productions and exhibitions as part of the arts program.

Cultural & Language
The school has Model UN as a key activity in the Senior School, fostering debate, global awareness and cross-cultural understanding. A range of clubs supports student voices and international perspectives, including publications and debate-related activities. These opportunities contribute to a global mindset and cultural engagement across the student body.

Social & Hobbies
The school has a broad set of social and hobby clubs, including Chess Club, Strategy Gaming Club, Board Games, Senior or Intermediate Choir, WINGS Student Newspaper, Yearbook, and the School Production. Other creative and recreational offerings include Art Factory, Green Club, Trivia Club, and Fiber Crafts Club, among many more. These clubs provide informal interests, team-building, and creative collaboration for students across grade levels.

Community & Service
The school has service-oriented opportunities such as Kits Beach Cleanup, which engages students in local community stewardship. Pollinator Project and other service-minded clubs foster environmental and social responsibility. These programs emphasize mindful community engagement and practical service as part of student life.

Leadership & Professional
The school has leadership pathways, including Grade 5 Leadership Club and Student Council, that cultivate leadership, teamwork and civic responsibility. Peer Mentoring and other student-led initiatives provide avenues for leadership development, while Business Club offers experience with case competitions and entrepreneurial thinking. These activities support student professional growth and leadership skills throughout the upper grades.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has an Athletics Program that promotes active, healthy lifestyles with a range of sports for all students. Fall sports include Cross Country and Volleyball, Winter sports include Basketball and Track & Field, and Spring features Ultimate, with opportunities to participate across grades. The program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and school spirit as part of daily life at SJS.
Languages

Language Provision
English A Language and Literature is offered; French B HL/SL and French ab initio SL are available; Mandarin A HL/SL and Mandarin B HL/SL are available; Spanish B HL/SL and Spanish ab initio SL are available; Language A self-taught SL is also offered. These language offerings align with the IB Group 1 and Group 2 structure of the IB Programme.
Reputation

Awards
BC Provincial Championship – Senior Boys Basketball team won the BC Provincial Championship (first in school history).
ISAA Tournament – Senior Boys Basketball team won the ISAA Tournament.
GVISAA Championship – Senior Boys Basketball team won the GVISAA Championship.
SJS JAM Tournament – Basketball titles won at the SJS JAM Tournament.
Sea-to-Sky Zone Championship – Basketball title at the Sea-to-Sky Zone Championship.
Snowball Classic – Grade 7 Boys won the Snowball Classic title.
Grade 7 Girls – second place in the ISEA Tier 2 Tournament.
Bantam Girls Volleyball – silver at the GVISAA playoffs.
Grade 6 and Grade 7 Ultimate – undefeated at ISEA tournaments.
DECA Virtual Business Simulation – ranked 1st in British Columbia, with top placements across five categories.
Junior Achievement Stock Market Competition (JA) – Luke Macdonnell ranked in the top 3% in Canada.
Canadian Chemistry Olympiad – Jerry Wang placed third nationally.
Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair – Tanvir Mundra won gold and the Chief Judges Award; selected to represent Vancouver at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
Vancouver International Youth Film Festival – Flight of the Inner Squirrel received a Scholarship Award.

Accreditations
IB World School (IB Continuum) – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) are offered at St. John's School Vancouver.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the Online Application Form. Applications open on September 1 for 2027 entry. Submit your application through the online portal, pay the grade-appropriate application fee, and upload all required supporting documents by the grade's deadline. Late applications may be accepted if there is space. For Grades 8–10, SSAT scores must be available; Grade 11 applicants must also provide SSAT scores.

Scholarships
3. Shortlist Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and assessment results, including report cards and reference forms. You will be notified of your shortlist status on the grade's specified date. 4. Parent/Guardian Interview. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30-minute interview with the Admissions team, conducted virtually or in-person. Current SJS families and those who completed an interview for the 2026–2027 intake year are not required to do another, but may request one. 5. Admission Decision. After a final review, first-round offers will be released on February 24. As openings become available, additional offers may be made from the waitpool on a rolling basis. The waitpool remains active through the summer.

Waitlist
2. Attend the Admissions Assessment. Attendance is mandatory to be considered for admission. After the application deadline, you will receive your assigned assessment date and time. Grade 1 assessments are in-person only; Grade 4 assessments may be conducted virtually if needed.
School Events
The school has not added events
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