K–7 · Admissions
New to Canada? Starting at Columbia Academy Elementary School
Just arrived in Vancouver? Your child can join us any time in the school year, if a seat is available.
Columbia Academy Elementary School in downtown Vancouver welcomes local and international students from Kindergarten to Grade 7, and our admissions team is here to guide your family through every step.
Children who are new to English are welcome to apply. Free ESL support is provided every morning.
Two Things That Make Starting Easier
- Start when you arriveWe accept students all year and welcome transfers from other schools. Seats are limited. If a seat is available, your child can start as soon as 1 week after acceptance.
- No catchment areaVancouver’s public schools assign students by home address. As an independent school, we have no catchment area: families from anywhere in Metro Vancouver can apply.
Which Fees Apply to Us?
| Your child’s status in Canada | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or family with a work permit | Canadian student fees: $20,000 per school year (2026–27) |
| Study permit | International student fees: $24,000 a year, valid until December 31, 2028 |
For a study permit, we provide a Letter of Acceptance. We recommend that international families begin the study permit application process 3–4 months in advance.
What to Prepare
- A completed application form (Forms & Downloads)
- Report cards from the last two years, translated into English if they are from a school outside Canada. Kindergarten applicants don’t need report cards.
- The application fee: $200 for Canadian students, $300 for international students (one-time, non-refundable)
The Admissions Office will tell you what else to bring.
Step by Step
- Book a tour. Tours are by appointment, take about an hour and can be given in both English and Mandarin. Book a Tour
- Apply. Send the application form, report cards and application fee.
- Interview. A short conversation with your child and family; Kindergarten applicants meet the school with their parents. It helps us learn about your child’s learning needs, academic background and English support needs, and your family’s goals. Local families come in person; international families can interview online. There is no written test.
- Receive a decision within 3 days of the interview.
- First day. As soon as 1 week after acceptance, if a seat is available.
English Support
Students who are still learning English get free ESL support every morning from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m., plus extra help from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. if they need it.
Which Grade Will My Child Join?
Grade placement is based on your child’s age, not on a test.
The First Month
- A homeroom teacher for every class.
- Talk with the teacher every day when you pick up your child from the classroom.
- The principal is there too if you have a concern.
Hear from Our Parents
“Thank you so much for all the help and support you have given to my child. I know this has taken a great deal of your time and energy, and I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude.
“I have been in Canada for over a year, and it is because of you that I have felt a warmth and strength I have never experienced before. Your support has given me great confidence, and I truly believe that my child will be able to go through a new and positive transformation.
“Once again, thank you sincerely for everything you have done and for your continued support.”
Life in Downtown Vancouver
Our campus at 792 Beatty Street is beside BC Place in Yaletown.
- Getting here: about a 12-minute walk from Yaletown–Roundhouse Station (Canada Line) and a 5-minute walk from Stadium–Chinatown Station (Expo Line)
- Living downtown: families can walk to school
- Living in Richmond or Burnaby: families who work downtown can drop off on the way to work
- After school:
- Kindergarten to Grade 3 can stay in on-site care until 5:30 p.m. for $100 a month
- Grades 4–7 have free clubs until 4:00 p.m.
Questions Newcomer Families Ask
Yes. If a seat is available, your child can start as soon as 1 week after acceptance.
No. Children who are new to English are welcome to apply. Free ESL support is provided every morning.
Plan Your Child's Start in Vancouver
Tell us when you're arriving and your child's grade, and we'll walk you through the next steps.
- 792 Beatty Street, Vancouver (beside BC Place)
- 778-379-6811
- info@columbiaacademy.ca
- English WhatsApp · Español WhatsApp
- 中文 WeChat
