Schools in Victoria: Public/Private Schools & Colleges in Victoria

There's a multitude of reasons for moving to Victoria, British Columbia, including its wide variety of schools and universities. Most children travel short distances to attend classes because the city of Victoria has more than 100 primary and secondary schools. Some specialize in language immersion or preparation for college. Adult students can find several top-notch colleges in Victoria—including public research universities, technical schools and private career colleges—and continuing education classes at public high schools. Read on to learn the details about schools in Victoria.

Public Schools in Victoria, BC

Greater Victoria District 61 serves approximately 20,000 students across much of Victoria and several nearby locales, such as Oak Bay, the Esquimalt community and the town of View Royal. It operates seven high schools as well as 38 elementary and middle schools. Districts 62 and 63 serve about 16,000 students in certain parts of Greater Victoria, such as the city of Langford and Sooke community. These three districts provide optional French immersion programs. They also accommodate children who speak English as a second language.

Over 1,000 students from foreign countries live in Victoria to attend its public schools. Students can enroll in specialized courses, including classes that prepare them for specific careers. Victoria's schools offer various courses, programs, clubs, and sports.

Victoria High School serves more than 800 students. It's located on Topaz Avenue and ranks among Canada's oldest schools. At the same time, it has the most modern technical education centre in the area. Students may gain practical skills like carpentry and metal fabrication, while other courses focus on dance, art, technology, home economics or business. Students can choose from clubs and 12 different team sports when they're not busy studying. 

Another well-known public school is the École Intermédiare Central Middle School on Fort Street. It's located on the site of the earliest public school in British Columbia. The building opened in 1954 and was once known as Central Junior High. Among other subjects, the classes educate students about technology, art, homemaking, and music.

Private Schools in Victoria, BC

Residents can find almost any type of private school in the city. The options range from preschools to college-oriented high schools. For instance, St. Margaret's School—a girls' school—focuses on math, technology, science and leadership. It has served students longer than any other private academy in the area. Learners can live in a boarding house on Lucas Avenue or return home after classes.

Like St. Margaret's, Glenlyon Norfolk School offers Pre-K through Grade 12 instruction. It has locations in the Rockland neighbourhood and Oak Bay—the latter campus provides excellent views of the ocean. This co-ed institution supplies an optional boarding service and aims to promote critical thinking and prepare students for college. Glenlyon Norfolk offers an International Baccalaureate program that uses sophisticated teaching methods to achieve optimal results.

St. Michaels University School on Richmond Road provides education at every level up to 12th grade. Its co-ed Advanced Placement classes cover Chinese, English, art, and calculus. Other subjects range from theatre arts to outdoor education. Like many private schools, St. Michaels requires uniforms, and students can live at home or on campus. Each boarding room houses two individuals and has its own bathroom. Residents frequently enjoy movies, shopping, sporting events and outdoor recreation during the weekend, and campus also features a fitness centre.

There are several other private schools in Victoria, BC. Dwight International School provides optional boarding and co-ed classes for Grades 6–12, while the UWC Pearson College and Brookes Westshore have International Baccalaureate programs. Local Catholic schools include St. Andrew's Regional High School and St. Patrick's Elementary, and Pacific Christian School serves Kindergarten through 12th-grade students of all denominations.

Universities & Colleges in Victoria, BC

Adults can attend an assortment of well-known colleges in Victoria. For instance, the University of Victoria is on Finnerty Road near the Oak Bay community. This public research university's history began in 1903 when it was called Victoria College. Today, it has around 18,500 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students. Many of its research efforts involve environmental issues, technology, or health. The campus features dormitories, multiple restaurants, and an athletic centre.

Another option for higher education is Pacific Rim College. Its courses focus on subjects related to sustainability and holistic healing. Pacific Rim seeks to combine modern science with traditional health treatments from multiple cultures. The private Excel Career College represents another potential choice for students who want to get ready for specific jobs. They can learn to work in health care, aquaculture, insurance, marketing, hospitality, social services and more. Additional courses teach students about:

• Supply chains
• Specific industries
• Managing businesses
• Financial topics
• Immigration

Camosun College also concentrates on career preparation. Students earn degrees and certificates involving business, accounting, medical care, technology, law, engineering and various types of art.

Finally, Royal Roads University on Sooke Road offers four-year degrees and graduate programs. This public research college's classes cover business administration, justice, environmental science and tourism. The campus spans over 500 acres and features a fitness centre and numerous hiking paths with impressive area views. Although the university has nearly 100 dorm rooms, they're only available for short-term use. Royal Roads runs a cafeteria that stays open throughout the week, and student lounges allow people to save money by preparing their own meals.

Great Opportunities for Education in Victoria

Schools in Victoria keep expanding and introducing new learning options. No matter where residents are in their educational journey, Victoria's education system meets its students' needs. And with the thriving economy in Victoria, students often find post-education employment in the area. The city also offers a great variety of housing for learners and their families, so students can live comfortably while attending school.