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Trusted by families since 1998.
Columbia Academy logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

Columbia Academy

Grades K — 12 — Vancouver, BC (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Columbia Academy
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    K — 12
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    12 — 15 students
  • Tuition
    $14,400 to 24,000/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Special Needs Support
    No support
  • Enrolment
    150 day students, 53 homestay students
  • Curriculum
    Traditional
  • Associations
    AP, AMS, FISA
  • LOCATION
    Vancouver, BC (View address)

The big picture on Columbia Academy

We summarized the school ourselves

Columbia Academy is an independent school in downtown Vancouver that blends academic excellence with character development and global citizenship. With small class sizes capped at 15 students, nightly homework starting in Kindergarten, and a structured yet supportive environment, the school consistently delivers top-tier outcomes: 100% of graduates are accepted into university, with 90% admitted to top 50 global institutions. Its distinctive “Five Elements” framework—Academics, Competitions, Volunteering, Charities, and Clubs—ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that includes national math competitions, over 40 annual volunteer events, and diverse extracurricular activities such as coding, debate, music, and meditation. Bilingual instruction in French and Mandarin begins in Kindergarten, while a musical excellence program has students learning three instruments early on. Columbia also prioritizes emotional well-being through its unique “Happiness Course” and student-led initiatives like the WeLove and Helping Clubs. With two modern campuses and a warm, inclusive culture, Columbia Academy appeals to families seeking high academic performance within a nurturing, globally minded community.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Columbia Academy is the only K–12 independent school in downtown Vancouver, accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. With two campuses, we prepare students for top universities—100% of graduates attend university, over 90% at top 50 globally ranked schools. We are an AP-certified school and official testing centre, ranked top 5 in BC for Canadian Lynx and Canadian Open Math Competitions. We also offer 40+ volunteer and charity events each year."

  • 100% of graduates are accepted into university,90% of graduates are accepted into the world's top 50
  • Students regularly achieve top 5 provincial rankings for national Mathematics competitions
  • Maximum class sizes of 15
  • Central downtown location with two campuses (Yaletown and Coal Harbour)
  • Before and After school care program
  • French and Mandarin offered from Kindergarten
  • Daily homework and reading assignments for all students, K-12
  • Musical Excellence program, with three instruments learned from Kindergarten
  • We organize and participate in over 40 voluntary and charity events each year
  • Multiple times a month our elementary school organizes events, inside and outside of school

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Columbia Academy differentiates itself as a private K–12 school in Downtown Vancouver by combining structured academics with strong character development. We maintain consistent homework and guided reading across all grade levels to build discipline, responsibility, and independent learning skills. As an AP-certified private high school in Vancouver and official testing centre, we provide clear pathways to university success, reflected in our 100% university acceptance rate and over 90% of graduates admitted to top 50 global institutions. Our small class sizes and supportive environment ensure that students receive personalized attention from elementary through graduation.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

At Columbia Academy we focus on the 'Five Elements', they are at the heart of everything that we do: Academics, Competitions, Volunteering, Charities and Clubs. Consequently, we steer clear of current social trends within our classroom and focus on delivering a strong educational foundation while also supporting the social and emotional development of each child.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Information not yet available.

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who aspire to reach their potential, go beyond what they expect of themselves, work hard and show discipline will get the most out of their education at Columbia Academy. We also prefer our students to be of an altruistic mindset: giving back to the school's local community and taking part in selfless acts of service for charity.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

Whilst we aim to be understanding of all student needs, we have strict homework/assignment and attendance policies that some families may not appreciate. One of the founding principles of the school was to have our students give back to their local community through charitable works and donating their time.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

When families choose our school they do so knowing that we provide students the tools to 'finish the job': 90% of our graduates go onto the world's top 50 universities. None of our students 'coast' and are pushed to achieve their absolutte best by our staff.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

100% university acceptance, 90% enter the global top 50 universities. We also have consistent top 5 rankings in BC for Canadian National Math Contests. We focus on our 'five pillars': academics, volunteering, charity, competitions and clubs. Columbia Academy has 40+ charity, performance and volunteer events yearly. Lastly, we are home to students from over 20 countries around the world.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

The Columbia Academy is an active donor to a number of local and national charities. We also organize multiple charity events to allow our students to engage with local good causes. We also do particularly well in national mathematics competitions at all levels.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Families might expect the school to be extremely rigid and 'serious', given its emphasis on academics and homework. We ensure that there is a healthy balance between 'work and play': students have the opportunity to take part in ski trips, a cruise, international culture days, cycling in Stanley Park, many music performances, tours of BC Place to name a few.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Columbia Academy has recently expanded to two campuses in downtown Vancouver. The Elementary (Yaletown) Campus is located next to BC Place whilst the High School (Waterfront) Campus is located in the heart of downtown close to Coal Harbour. Between the two campuses we now have a dedicated music classroom, arts room, multiple purpose activity room, computer lab, science lab, a gym, and a library for both schools

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

At Columbia Academy, we envision a future shaped by growth, innovation, and a deepened commitment to excellence in education. Guided by our core mission—to cultivate globally minded, compassionate, and academically strong individuals—we are focused on expanding both our reach and our impact.

These future plans will shape the educational experience of our students by creating a more interconnected, inclusive, and dynamic school culture. As we grow, we will continue to prioritize small class sizes, individualized learning, and real-world skill development. Our vision includes investments in teacher professional development, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary learning to ensure that students are equipped to thrive in a globalized world.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

Alumnus, Parmida Cheraghi Zanjani (2025)

(5)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — If I were to go back in time and choose a high school once again, I'd still definitely pick Columbia Academy because of their amazing community and the wide range of opportunities that they provide. I loved that they organized fun events throughout the year, such as ski trips and sports days, so that we could jump out of the academic bubble once in a while to build core memories with our friends. The teachers were also a big part of my preparation for the next steps in my life. My best memories from this school are from the discussions that I had with my classmates and teachers during class time, because those were the times when I learned the most and changed my perspective on things the most. Prospective students should expect to be welcomed by a diverse and friendly community that will help them learn and grow both academically and in life.

Alumnus, Aaron Guo (2025)

(5)

Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 — Columbia Academy gave me everything I needed to get to where I am today, and I truly believe that without their guidance and support, I wouldn't have been accepted to UC Berkeley. This school taught me confidence and purpose, and built a strong foundation for me to grow as a person. I felt fully prepared to go to university and the real world, and that is thanks to everyone at the school who helped me along the way. The teachers genuinely care about your well-being and are always willing to help, whether it’s with schoolwork, personal challenges, or future goals. The staff is incredibly supportive and responsible, and it always felt like everyone was fully invested in helping students succeed. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities Columbia Academy gave me, and I carry the lessons I learned there with me every day.

 

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