Choosing a high school means finding a place where your child will be known, supported, and encouraged to aim high. At Columbia Academy High School, we welcome students and families into a caring community where strong academics, personal growth, and a sense of belonging go hand in hand.
Columbia Academy High School is a BC Ministry of Education–accredited independent high school serving Grades 8–12 in downtown Vancouver. Located in Coal Harbour, close to Waterfront Station and the seawall, our campus connects students with the learning and community opportunities around them.
Academic achievement is central to our school, alongside helping students develop confidence, independence, and purpose. Our teachers combine clear expectations with individual encouragement, guiding students to strengthen their study habits, explore their interests, and take responsibility for their learning.
As an AP School and official AP Examination Centre with more than 10 years of experience offering AP examinations, Columbia Academy High School provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves with university-level subjects. University planning begins in Grade 10, helping students make thoughtful decisions about courses, programs, and future goals.
We are proud of our students’ achievements in university admissions, mathematics competitions, leadership, and community service. Our graduates have received offers from universities including the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, UC Berkeley, and University College London. Behind these outcomes are students who work hard, teachers who care, and families who support the learning journey.
Education at Columbia Academy High School extends beyond the classroom. Through clubs, peer tutoring, student leadership, and more than 40 volunteer events each year, students learn to contribute, take initiative, and care for others. Daily meditation also gives students time to pause and develop focus and self-awareness.
Our community brings together local and international students from diverse backgrounds. Students learn from different perspectives, build friendships, and develop the confidence to participate in an increasingly connected world.
Columbia Academy High School offers three intakes each year—in January, May, and September. Our three-semester structure provides flexible entry points and can help students catch up on required courses and work toward graduating on time, guided by an individual course plan.
Above all, we want every student to feel that they belong and that their effort matters. We combine clear expectations for attendance, homework, and respectful behaviour with encouragement and support, helping students develop habits that serve them throughout life.
I warmly invite you to visit Columbia Academy High School, meet our team, and discover what learning here could mean for your child. We look forward to hearing about your family’s hopes and helping you explore the next step.
Welcome to Columbia Academy High School. We look forward to growing together.
Warm regards,
Matthew Pellarin
M.Ed., B.A.
High School Principal
To learn more about career opportunities at Columbia Academy, please visit our Employment Opportunities page.
Columbia Academy is a leading private school in Vancouver offering Kindergarten to Grade 12 programming, proudly accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. Our mission is to prepare students for acceptance into the world’s top universities while fostering the development of well-rounded individuals equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders.
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