A Message to Prospective Students and Parents

Thank you for your interest in Shawnigan Lake School. The information herein allows you to become better acquainted with this vibrant community of learners. Students interested in joining us next September are encouraged to submit an information request form as soon as possible. Once we receive this form, we will send you a copy of our prospectus and Application Form. Please note that both of these items are available in pdf format should you wish to download them for immediate use.

While we have made every effort to provide a great deal of information on this web site, nothing can replace a visit during the school year to give you a sense of what student life at Shawnigan is really like. Please call the admissions office at 250-743-6207 or email admissions@sls.bc.ca if you have questions about the School, the admissions process, or if you would like to schedule a visit.

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While the next school year seems months away, the Admissions Office is beginning the process of confirming enrollment for September. Re-enrollment packages have been sent to students in grades eight, nine, ten, and eleven. We ask that these be returned to us by Monday, April 7th.

Click on and download the appropriate form:

Day Student
BC Student
Canadian Student
US Student
International Student

Shawnigan’s mission—to lead young people in the pursuit of personal excellence through the challenges of a well-rounded education—guides the admissions process. Through the application and interview process we endeavor to learn as much about every candidate as possible. Admissions decisions are based on a student’s academic performance and potential, extra-curricular skills and accomplishments, integrity, and suitability for the boarding experience. We admit students for the following September on a continuous basis throughout the year. Admission to Shawnigan is competitive and it is impossible for us to meet the demand for places in every grade. It is advisable to apply as early as possible.

Request Information
If you have not already contacted the Admissions Office, you may submit an electronic request and we will be pleased to mail a copy of our prospectus and application to you. Or, you may phone the Admissions Office at 250-743-6207 to request this information.

Application Instructions
Step #1, Submit the following forms:

1. completed Application Form
2. recent photo of the applicant
3. ONE completed Applicant Evaluation Academic Reference form
4. ONE letter of reference from a community member
5. copy of last year’s final report and a copy of the most recent report card
6. copy of applicant’s birth certificate or passport
7. application fee of $200.00

Step #2, Schedule a Campus Visit
The campus visit is an important part of this process for both the applicant and the School. While we welcome visitors to campus at any time, applicants are strongly encouraged to visit during the academic year in order to get a full appreciation for the community of students and staff, and to experience daily life at the School. A typical visit includes a tour of campus with a student tour guide, an interview with a member of the Admissions Team, and entrance testing. Families should anticipate spending up to four hours on campus. To schedule a visit, please phone the Admissions office at 250-743-6207, or email admissions@sls.bc.ca.

A Chance to Explore
If you are uncertain about whether you wish to apply, but would like to learn more about Shawnigan, you are very welcome to come and tour our beautiful campus and to meet with an Admissions Officer who will be glad to answer any questions that you might have. Call 250-743-6207 or email admissions@sls.bc.ca to schedule your visit.

International Students
While first and foremost a Canadian independent boarding school, Shawnigan is pleased to enhance the learning opportunities of students and staff by welcoming students from all over the world. Below is a geographic summary of our student body:

* 60% from British Columbia
* 10% from other Provinces and Territories in Canada
* 10% from the United States
* 20% (including many Canadian citizens living abroad) from 20 countries: Australia, Brazil, Brunei, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

At Shawnigan, international students will improve their fluency in English, gain a strong academic background, and develop an understanding of Canadian education and culture. One of our primary goals for international students—just as with any student—is to prepare them for success at a North American university. Admission to universities in North America is competitive and for international students it is determined, in part, by their success on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). To ensure that Shawnigan graduates have the necessary level of English proficiency to complete our programme and to secure placement in university following graduation, applicants’ TOEFL scores will be given careful consideration during the application process. Please note that proficiency in English is necessary for admission as Shawnigan does not offer English as a Second Language.
Admission Requirements and Procedures

To apply for admission international students must submit:

1. completed Application Form
2. ONE completed Applicant Evaluation Academic Reference form
3. ONE letter of reference from a community member
4. recent photograph
5. transcripts of all school work
6. copy of passport
7. TOEFL* scores
8. application fee of $200.00

For more information on the TOEFL, or to register for a test in your area please visit www.toefl.org.

Campus Visits for International Students
Campus visits are required for every applicant. However, when distance and time preclude a campus visit, the Admissions Office may be able to schedule an interview and testing in the applicant’s home country. To see if a School representative will be in your area, go to Admissions on the Road.