Located on a 44-acre campus in Kelowna, British Columbia, adjacent to UBC Okanagan, this independent, non-denominational co-educational school has blossomed from humble beginnings since its founding in 2004 into a vibrant learning community with over 700 students. Operating as a registered not-for-profit charity, its purpose-built campus features modern facilities including the Marjorie Callahan Early Learning Centre, Merrifield Junior School, Hanlon Senior School, Holzhey Hall, and the Athletics and Wellness Centre. Every building on campus stands as a testament to the strong support from families who have invested in creating an inspiring environment.
Emphasizing meaningful interpersonal connections, the school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where students, parents, and educators collaborate closely to nurture personal growth alongside academic achievement. Under the leadership of Chris Grieve, Head of School, the community remains committed to fostering an environment that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. A rich array of clubs and after-school programs enrich the student experience, encouraging exploration, creativity, and social development.
📚 Academic Excellence and Curriculum
Designed as a university-preparatory institution, the school offers a rigorous curriculum focusing on a personalized, student-centered approach with small class sizes, blending rigorous core academics with character development, arts, physical and emotional wellness, experiential learning, and STEM. The academic program prepares learners to thrive in higher education and beyond while cultivating critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
The curriculum includes specialized offerings such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Montessori-trained preschool programming, and language instruction in English, French, and Spanish. Dedicated support structures such as study halls, guided after-school care, and peer mentoring and tutoring ensure students have the resources necessary to succeed.
💡 Enrichment Programs and Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the classroom, the school offers an extensive range of clubs and theme-based activities, including Forest School sessions, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and an international student homestay program. These programs provide students with opportunities to discover new passions, develop teamwork, and cultivate leadership.
In athletics, the school supports students from junior to senior levels with programs focused on skill development, sportsmanship, and competitive play, including a Basketball Centre of Excellence. Senior students participate in leagues such as the Okanagan Central School Association and the Independent School Association of British Columbia, gaining valuable experience in a variety of sports.
🎭 Arts and Cultural Opportunities
The arts program is a cornerstone of the school’s holistic approach, fostering creativity and expression through comprehensive arts, music, and design studio spaces. Both junior and senior students take part in annual stage productions, offering opportunities to build confidence and showcase their talents.
The music curriculum invites students to learn a diverse selection of instruments including violin, cello, guitar, and percussion. Meanwhile, visual and studio arts classes encourage students to engage with two- and three-dimensional mediums, enhancing their artistic literacy and creative problem-solving skills.
🌟 Leadership and Admissions
Guided by its mission to empower students to lead meaningful lives as compassionate, contributing citizens and to inspire their success in learning and life, the school emphasizes academic achievement alongside character development. Leadership initiatives and community engagement play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions.
Applications for admission are accepted year-round and are increasingly competitive. The admissions process involves booking a campus tour, submitting an online application with an application fee and supporting documentation such as report cards and teacher references, participating in an admissions conversation or interview, and completing a readiness assessment. Preschool and Kindergarten applications for a September start are due by January 31, with priority placement given to families who currently have students attending the school.
📝 Conclusion
Rooted in a collaborative community and a commitment to excellence, this Kelowna school stands out as a destination for families seeking a comprehensive, university-preparatory education in a supportive setting. Its well-rounded offerings across preschool, Kindergarten, Junior School, Middle School, High School, and international programs combine to create a nurturing school experience that equips students with the skills, values, and confidence to succeed.
Integrating digital tools into modern education offers valuable opportunities to enhance student learning, expand access to information, and foster collaborative problem-solving. When thoughtfully applied alongside traditional classroom instruction, technology provides dynamic ways for students to engage with complex subjects, conduct research, and personalize their academic progress. Interactive software, digital libraries, and virtual collaboration platforms enable learners to explore concepts at their own pace while developing essential digital literacy skills for higher education and future careers. At the same time, educators utilize these resources to track academic growth, provide targeted feedback, and create interactive lessons that cater to diverse learning styles. Balancing screen time with hands-on, experiential activities ensures that technology remains a purposeful tool that supports critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful human connection within the educational environment.
