St. Michaels University School

Canada, Victoria

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees CA$26,250 - 101,290

Ages 4 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 1035

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Opened 1906

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)

Taught languages English, French

Typical class size 16

Strengths Academic Enrichment, Sport, Performing Arts

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional

Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Introduction

St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is an independent, not-for-profit day and boarding school in Victoria, British Columbia, serving Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer the Advanced Placement program in 1978 and currently offers 27 AP courses. With approximately 1,000 students from over 30 countries, the school provides boarding for Grades 9-12 and has over 65 clubs and councils.

FM3C+2J, 3400 Richmond Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 4P5, Canada

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The Essentials

Location

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Junior School at 820 Victoria Avenue for JK to Grade 5, and Middle/Senior School at 3400 Richmond Road for Grades 6-12 and boarding.

Stages

Junior Kindergarten (JK3-JK4), Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12). Boarding available for Grades 9-12.

Type

Independent, not-for-profit, co-educational day and boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Students from over 30 countries. The boarding program brings significant international diversity, particularly in Grades 9-12.

Additional learning support

Language Learning Supplement available for students needing additional English language support (Grades 9-10: $11,000; Grades 11-12: $5,000).

Country affiliation

Canada. Member of CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools).

Religious affiliation

None. The school has Anglican roots but is non-denominational.

School day structure

Full day academic program balanced with arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service activities.

Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Full boarding available for Grades 9-12. Boarding includes 10 months of instruction, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and 24-hour nursing, care and support. Boarding fees range from CAD 77,430 (BC) to CAD 101,290 (International).

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required. Families should budget for uniform costs.

Food Options

Meals included in boarding fees.

House System

The school operates a house system to build community and foster friendly competition among students.

Governance and Ownership

Independent, not-for-profit school. Formed in 1971 through the merger of University School (founded 1906) and St. Michael's School (founded 1910).

Fees

Day tuition for BC residents: CAD 26,250 (JK) to CAD 35,220 (Grades 9-12). International day: CAD 59,140. Boarding: CAD 77,430 (BC) to CAD 101,290 (International). Families should budget an additional CAD 100-500/month for day students and CAD 500-1,000/month for boarding students for uniforms and optional activities.

Academics

Curriculum

BC curriculum enriched with one of Canada's largest Advanced Placement programs. SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer AP in 1978 and currently offers 27 AP courses across 25 subjects. The school emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). In 2012, the average number of APs taken per student ranked first nationally, with 81% of the 650 exams scoring 3 or higher.

Exam Results

81% of AP exams scored 3 or higher (out of 5). Average number of APs taken per student ranks first in Canada. Graduates attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates are described as strong, confident, purpose-driven individuals who attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.

Gifted and Talented

27 AP courses provide advanced academic challenges. The AP Capstone program is available for students seeking an additional credential.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school develops the whole student through balanced academics, arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language Learning Supplement available for Grades 9-12. Grades 9-10: CAD 11,000; Grades 11-12: CAD 5,000.

Mental Wellbeing

24-hour nursing, care and support available for boarding students.

Safeguarding

24-hour care and nursing support for boarding students.

Parent Experience

History

University School was founded in 1906 by Capt. R.V. Harvey, Rev. W.W. Bolton, and J.C. Barnacle. St. Michael's School was founded in 1910 by K.C. Symons. The two schools merged in 1971 to form St. Michaels University School (SMUS). SMUS became the first school in Canada to offer Advanced Placement in 1978.

Community

An international community with students from over 30 countries. Strong alumni network. Emphasis on Indigenous connections and equity, diversity, and inclusion. The school runs SMUS Camps and offers facility rentals.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

Two campuses in Victoria: the Junior School campus at 820 Victoria Avenue and the Middle/Senior School campus at 3400 Richmond Road. Boarding facilities for Grades 9-12 with 24-hour nursing care. Science labs, arts facilities, and athletic venues.

Sports Facilities

Facilities for rugby, soccer, squash, field hockey, fencing, and other sports. The school has a strong athletic tradition.

Academic Facilities

Science laboratories, STEAM learning spaces, and performing arts facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Over 65 clubs and councils. Sports include rugby, soccer, squash, field hockey, fencing, and wheelchair basketball. Music and performing arts programs. Outdoor education. SMUS Camps during school breaks.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

27 AP courses across 25 subjects. More than 65 clubs and councils including academic-focused groups.

Arts & Creative

Music programs, performing arts, and visual arts integrated across all divisions. Arts considered a core part of the STEAM curriculum.

Cultural & Language

Students from over 30 countries. Emphasis on Indigenous connections and relationships with local Indigenous peoples. French language instruction.

Social & Hobbies

Over 65 clubs and councils covering diverse interests. Students can enact their own ideas and develop new skills.

Community & Service

Service and leadership are core components of the school program. Community engagement emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership development through clubs, councils, and student government. Over 65 leadership opportunities available.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Outdoor education programs, athletics, and physical education including unique offerings like fencing and wheelchair basketball. SMUS Camps during breaks.

Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language. French instruction available. A Language Learning Supplement is offered for international students needing additional English support (Grades 9-10: CAD 11,000; Grades 11-12: CAD 5,000).

Bilingual Teaching

English is the language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language.

Reputation

Awards

First school in Canada to offer Advanced Placement (1978). Highest average number of AP exams per student in Canada. Girls' field hockey BC AA champions in 1992, 1995, and 1996.

Accreditations

CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools), TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), ISABC (Independent Schools Association of British Columbia), HMC Kitemark.

Admissions

Separate application streams for day and boarding students. The school accepts applications for JK through Grade 12 (day) and Grades 9-12 (boarding).

Scholarships

Financial support available. The school has an Annual Fund to support student access. Details available through admissions.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is St. Michaels University School located and which grades does each campus serve?

SMUS is in Victoria, British Columbia, with two campuses: the Junior School at 820 Victoria Avenue serving Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5, and the Middle/Senior School at 3400 Richmond Road serving Grades 6–12 and boarding students. The school serves ages 4 to 18 and operates as a co-educational day and boarding school.

What curriculum does SMUS follow and what academic strengths does the school emphasize?

SMUS delivers the British Columbia curriculum enriched by one of Canada's largest Advanced Placement programs and emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The school offers rigorous academic pathways alongside arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service.

How do I apply for day or boarding entry and which grades are open for each stream?

SMUS runs separate application streams for day and boarding students; day applications are accepted for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, while boarding applications are for Grades 9–12. The admissions process includes submission of academic records and program-specific requirements appropriate to the applicant's grade level.

Does SMUS offer financial support or scholarships for incoming students?

The school provides financial support through awards and an Annual Fund that helps widen student access. Specific scholarship and financial-aid details and eligibility criteria are managed by the admissions office.

Are there additional living or activity costs I should budget for beyond tuition?

Families should budget an additional CAD 100-500/month for day students and CAD 500-1,000/month for boarding students to cover uniforms and optional activities. These figures are intended as a guideline for routine supplementary expenses.

How extensive is the Advanced Placement (AP) programme at SMUS?

SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer Advanced Placement and currently offers 27 AP courses across 25 subjects, including the AP Capstone program for students seeking an additional credential. AP offerings are a major part of the senior-school academic programme and support advanced study across disciplines.

How do SMUS students perform on AP exams and where do graduates typically go to university?

Historically, SMUS students have a strong AP record — for one reported year 81% of the 650 AP exams scored 3 or higher — and the average number of APs taken per student has ranked first nationally. Graduates go on to attend top universities in Canada, the United States, and internationally.

What sports facilities and athletic programmes are available at SMUS?

SMUS offers facilities and programmes for rugby, soccer, squash, field hockey, fencing, wheelchair basketball and other sports, supporting a strong athletic tradition. Competitive teams and recreational opportunities are available across age groups and skill levels.

What academic and boarding facilities does the school have?

The school's Middle/Senior campus houses science laboratories, STEAM learning spaces, and performing-arts facilities, and the Junior campus serves younger students with age-appropriate resources. Boarding for Grades 9–12 includes accommodation, meals, textbooks and 24-hour nursing, care and support.

How many extracurricular clubs and councils are there and can students start new ones?

SMUS offers over 65 clubs and councils spanning academic, cultural, artistic and service interests. Students are encouraged to propose and develop new activities, creating opportunities for leadership and skill development.

What arts and music opportunities are available for students?

Music, performing arts and visual arts are integrated across all divisions and are treated as core components of the school's STEAM emphasis. Students can participate in ensembles, productions, visual-arts courses and cross-disciplinary projects.

What English-language support is available for non-native speakers and how much does it cost?

A Language Learning Supplement is available for students needing additional English-language support: Grades 9–10: CAD 11,000 and Grades 11–12: CAD 5,000. This program is designed to accelerate language proficiency alongside regular academic studies.

What pastoral and medical support is provided for boarding students?

Boarding includes 24-hour nursing, care and support as part of residential life, and pastoral care is integrated into the boarding program to support students' wellbeing. The school balances academics with outdoor education, athletics and leadership to support whole-student development.

Is uniform required and are meals included for boarders?

Uniforms are required for students and families should budget for uniform costs as part of regular school expenses. Meals are included in boarding provision.

How is the school governed and does it have a religious affiliation?

SMUS is an independent, not-for-profit school governed as a single institution formed by the 1971 merger of University School and St. Michael's School. While the school has Anglican roots, it operates as a non-denominational institution.

What accreditations and memberships does SMUS hold?

SMUS is a member of the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and holds memberships and accreditations including TABS, NAIS, ISABC and the HMC Kitemark. These affiliations reflect the school's standing within independent-school networks.

What notable achievements or historical milestones does the school have?

SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer the Advanced Placement program in 1978 and has been recognized for high AP participation and results. The school also has historical athletic honours such as girls' field hockey BC AA championships in 1992, 1995 and 1996.

What languages are taught and is English the language of instruction?

English is the primary language of instruction and French is offered as an additional language. The school does not list a bilingual or immersion programme on file.

How internationally diverse is the student body and what support exists for international students?

SMUS enrolls approximately 1,000 students from over 30 countries, with the boarding program contributing significant international diversity in Grades 9–12. In addition to language support through the Language Learning Supplement, the school offers programs and services aimed at integrating international students into academic and community life.

Can you summarise the school's history and community focus?

SMUS traces its origins to University School (founded 1906) and St. Michael's School (founded 1910), which merged in 1971 to form the present school. The community emphasizes alumni ties, Indigenous connections, equity, diversity and inclusion alongside academic, arts and service programmes.

What are the tuition fees at St. Michaels University School?

Annual tuition at St. Michaels University School ranges from CAD 26,250 to CAD 101,290 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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