St. Margaret's School

St. Margaret's School (SMS) is Vancouver Island's only girls-centered, independent day and boarding school located in the City of Victoria on the scenic west coast of British Columbia, Canada. At SMS, we are focused entirely on girls' education, development, and well-being. We provide a personalized learning experience in an environment where students  can be daring, gain confidence and discover their passions. Our student-directed programs equip students with the knowledge, attitudes, and courage to thrive in their studies, careers, and life.

At SMS, we know girls. We know how to spark their imaginations, cultivate their curiosity, and raise their expectations of themselves. 

We recognize that learning occurs at different times and in different ways; our learning environment respects our students' diversity and supports each students’ development. If a student is struggling, she will receive added support; if she is excelling, she will be provided with opportunities to stretch herself further. Our teachers consider the best approach for each student and address her learning needs together through personalized learning plans. We challenge each student  to improve her performance, exceed her expectations, and realize her potential.

SMS is an IB Candidate School for the Diploma Program (DP). By September 2023 our first cohort of IB students will begin Year One in this exciting, rigorous program of studies. We Strongly believe in preparing our students for university and beyond, and this preparation begins early.

Experiential programs offer meaningful opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and see the value of what they learn in class. Learning this way is less fragmented and takes place authentically through social, physical, or academic exploration and trial and error. Students can see how subjects are interconnected and develop skills and attitudes that could never be taught in a classroom.

Vancouver Island and the City of Victoria contribute significantly to the unique learning environment at SMS. Our school is in a safe, quiet neighbourhood, only minutes from downtown Victoria. Learning experiences extend well beyond our campus; our community is safe, our surroundings are beautiful, recreational activities are possible year-round, and world-class cultural and natural attractions are at our doorstep.

Our Mission

Confident Learners. Inspiring Leaders. Creating a thriving world.

Our Values

Courage

We are a forward-leaning school that takes courageous action in girl-centered education, creating a culture that embraces integrity and resilience.

Connection

We are a community where everyone belongs.  We foster authentic relationships built through individual and collective wisdom. We value diversity, a connection with nature and a commitment to service.

Care

We are global citizens, who respect the perspectives of others and take action using empathy, compassion and an ethic of care. We recognize each student’s unique learning journey, creating pathways for success. 

Curiosity

We are learners who think deeply, creatively, and rationally.  We illuminate injustices, innovate and challenge the status quo.  

Challenge

We are risk takers who challenge ourselves and hold each other accountable to continually improve and achieve personal excellence in academics and development of the whole self. 

Admission Requirements

• A final report card for the 2019/2020 school year
• A most recent report card for the current school year, 2020/2021
• An Academic Reference completed by a current teacher
• A Character Reference completed by a non-related adult – this could be another teacher, but cannot be a family friend or a relative
• A copy of the student’s passport and birth certificate
• A photo of the applicant
• Interview

Entrance Test Requirements

• Teacher Assessment

• Only all-girls school on Vancouver Island
• Only all-girls boarding school in Western Canada

Program Details:

Grade 12

Motto: Servite in Caritate, “Service with Love” 

• Outweek to Strathcona Park every year

Wellness Independence Leadership Diversity (W.I.L.D.)

Girls entering grades 7-11 will spend between two and four weeks on our breathtaking 22-acre campus for an experience of unity, celebration and empowerment. As part of the St. Margaret School's signature W.I.L.D. program, students will engage in activities that emphasize building a positive self-image, fostering healthy relationships with others, team building, skill development, and much more. Participants will stay in our boarding facilities, eating meals in the dining hall, and engaging in fun off-campus activities.

Includes an English Language Learning option.

Visit www.stmarg.ca/programs/camp-wild for more details including session dates and rates.