A Collingwood education is more accessible than you think
For nearly 40 years, Collingwood School has excelled at educational excellence. Located in West Vancouver across two campuses, the Collingwood approach goes beyond traditional academics, fostering a personalized journey of growth where students explore aspirations across academics, arts, athletics, and service learning. Boasting a wide array of curricular and co-curricular offerings, Collingwood empowers students to discover their passions and cultivate a profound sense of purpose.
A Commitment to Inclusivity and Belonging
At the heart of Collingwood’s philosophy lies a deep commitment to inclusion and belonging. The school prioritizes creating a safe, respectful, and healthy learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. Head of School Lisa Evans emphasizes the school’s responsibility in preparing students not only for higher education but also for navigating the complexities of the world with empathy and understanding. This commitment cultivates a strong sense of belonging. As one Grade 5 student expresses, “Collingwood has always been a safe environment for me to be myself...A place where I can make mistakes, try my hardest and grow as a person”. This nurturing environment allows students to thrive and become the best versions of themselves.
Forward-Focused, Experiential Learning
Collingwood provides an exceptional foundation in numeracy and literacy and its academic principles–from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12–are centered on experiential learning, personalization, and well-being. The school’s Junior School programming and unique Senior School timetable enable teachers to design immersive experiences that deepen student learning and encourage exploration. Experiential learning fosters student initiative, deep exploration, and reflection, all of which contribute to the transfer of knowledge across disciplines and experiences.
Collingwood employs diverse instructional models, assessment types, and educational strategies to support the academic success of all students. In Grades 4-7, “Unbounded Learning” provides dedicated time and space for students to imagine, explore, collaborate, create, and enhance their learning across and beyond the curriculum. Grades 10-12 offer students the opportunity to choose their own immersive, experiential third-trimester courses. The school’s extensive course offerings include BC Ministry Courses, Advanced Placement (university-level) courses, and electives in performing arts, visual arts, PHE, STEM, and entrepreneurship.
Well-being is fundamental to learning at Collingwood. Students are given voice and choice within the curriculum, with opportunities to demonstrate their learning in various ways. Faculty partner with students to set and reflect on personalized learning goals, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. This approach prepares students for diverse pathways beyond Collingwood, with graduates receiving numerous offers from post-secondary institutions worldwide.
Making a Collingwood Education Accessible
Collingwood School recognizes that the cost of independent education can be a significant consideration for families. Nita Pickering, Collingwood’s Director of Enrolment and Financial Assistance, notes that a Collingwood education is more accessible than many families might think, with nearly half of students in Canadian private and independent schools coming from middle-income families. To further support accessibility, Collingwood offers both entrance scholarships and need-based financial assistance, having supported over 300 of our students in the last decade alone.
Financial Assistance: Opening Doors to Opportunity
Collingwood School is committed to promoting an inclusive and socioeconomically diverse community, reflecting the residents of the North Shore and the Lower Mainland. The school’s need-based financial assistance program supports students in Grades 6-12 whose families demonstrate financial need through a confidential online application. Families considering financial assistance should be aware that the admissions and financial assistance committees make their decisions independently, ensuring a fair and objective process. Collingwood also aims to limit tuition growth year over year to support affordability.
Applications for Financial Assistance for the following school year must be completed before December 1, of the prior year. Financial assistance decisions are based on a family’s demonstrated financial need, and while there are no predetermined levels or ranges, the school strives to provide meaningful support to eligible families.
Scholarships: Recognizing Excellence and Potential
Collingwood School also offers Entrance Scholarships for new students applying to Grades 8-10. These scholarships recognize student merit, with some awards also considering a family’s financial need. Collingwood seeks students who actively participate in their school and community and embody the school’s educational philosophy, demonstrating excellence in academics as well as a commitment to arts, athletics, and service learning.
Periodically, Collingwood School offers prestigious awards such as the Maryanne McLean Scholarship and The Anderson Scholarship, which support students throughout their Collingwood journey. These awards are renewed annually, contingent on the student’s academic performance and the family’s consistent financial situation.
Collingwood’s Entrance Scholarships include:
Head of School Entrance Scholarships - $2,500.00
Board of Governors Entrance Scholarships - $2,500.00
Outstanding Student Scholarships - $5,000.00
Periodically, the School also offers scholarships that are allocated to a student over multiple years including:
Maryanne McLean Scholarships - $5,000.00
The James Garratt Scholarship Award - $3,500.00
The Anderson Scholarship - $10,000.00
First Founding Family Scholarship - $2,500.00
The scholarship application form is accessible through the school’s Admissions Portal after a formal application has been completed.All scholarship applications for the school year are due on or before December 1 of the previous year (i.e. Dec 1, 2026 for the 2027-28 school year).
Discover Collingwood School
Collingwood School provides an environment where students thrive, discover their passions, and prepare to make a meaningful impact on the world. With a commitment to inclusivity and a range of financial aid options, a Collingwood education may be more in reach than you might think.
Families interested in learning more about the unique educational experience at Collingwood School are encouraged to request a tour or attend an Open House event in the fall. Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year open September 1, 2026.
For more information and Admissions inquiries, please contact admissions@collingwood.org.