If you are exploring the top private secondary schools in Vancouver, you’ll find a wide range of options across Vancouver and the Metro Vancouver area. These schools are known for strong academics, university preparation, and well-rounded student development.
Many families choose private secondary schools for:
- Smaller class sizes
- Strong academic performance
- Personalized support
- Better university preparation
👉 If you are comparing all K–12 options, read our complete guide to the best private schools in Vancouver.
How Private Secondary Schools in Vancouver Are Ranked
Private secondary schools in Vancouver are often evaluated based on several key factors:
- Academic performance and provincial exam results
- Graduation and university acceptance rates
- Class size and student-to-teacher ratio
- Extracurricular programs and student development
- School reputation and parent reviews
While rankings vary depending on the source, these criteria provide a helpful starting point when comparing schools.
Top Private Secondary Schools in Vancouver
Below are some of the most recognized private secondary schools in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver:
| School | Location | What Makes Them Stand Out |
| Crofton House School | Vancouver | All-girls independent school (JK-12) known for its excellent Fraser Institute rankings, strong academics, broad arts & extracurricular programs. |
| Little Flower Academy | Vancouver | All-girls, strong graduation rates, high exam marks, solid reputation. |
| Columbia Academy | Vancouver | Co-ed private school with rigorous academic programs, good balance of academics and extracurriculars. |
| Collingwood School | Vancouver (including West Vancouver) | Co-ed JK-12, offers a rounded program (academics, arts, athletics, service) which appeals to many families. |
Top Public Secondary Schools in Vancouver / Metro Vancouver
These public secondary schools are also excellent and often attract students for special programs (e.g. IB, French immersion) or reputation in arts/science/etc.
| School | Location | What Makes Them Stand Out |
| Lord Byng Secondary School | Vancouver | Strong academics, arts programs, well-regarded across the city. |
| Sentinel Secondary School | West Vancouver | Good academic performance, strong offerings in athletics and the humanities. |
| Point Grey Secondary School | Vancouver | Known for French Immersion among other programs; balanced academic + extracurriculars. |
Why choose Columbia Academy?
- Columbia Academy is the only K-12 private school located in downtown Vancouver.
- Founded in 2014, licensed by the BC Ministry of Education and offering the certified BC K-12 curriculum.
- Operates two campuses in downtown Vancouver (Elementary and Secondary).
- An academically focused elite school that also emphasizes volunteer service, academic competitions, and extracurricular activities.
- 100% of graduates are accepted into universities, with about 90% admitted to the world’s top 50 universities.
- Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and is an official AP test center.
- Dedicated to providing an immersive learning experience, developing students’ social, emotional, intellectual, artistic, physical, and social responsibility skills.
- Aims to cultivate future global leaders.
Learn more about our Private Secondary School program in Vancouver
What to Consider When Choosing a Secondary School in Vancouver
Here are some criteria to help you decide which school might be best for you:
- School Tour — It is always the best to have a school tour, talk to the teachers and principal to get the feels about the school to see whether it is suitable for your child.
- Special Programs: IB, French Immersion, Advanced Placement (AP), arts specialization (music, theatre, visual arts), STEM programs.
- School Culture & Size: Smaller vs larger school, diversity, student-to-teacher ratios.
- Facilities & Extracurriculars: Music labs, sports fields, arts studios, clubs.
- Fees & Accessibility: For private schools, tuition cost, scholarships; for public, distance to school, catchment, transportation.
- Post-secondary Preparation: University acceptance rates, global or international student support, guidance programs.
