Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about Alcuin College — from admissions and tuition to how our curriculum is different from other private schools in North Vancouver.
Admissions
Alcuin College offers a complete Kindergarten through Grade 12 program on our North Vancouver campus. Students can enroll at any grade level, subject to space availability. We recommend applying early for Grade K and Grade 8 entry years, as these have the highest demand.
Applications are accepted year-round. Download and complete the application form, then email it to our admissions team. The process includes a personal interview with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s), along with an assessment of the student’s current academic level and readiness for the program. Kindergarten applicants must be at least 5 years old by December 31 of the entry year. Register for our next Open House, or visit our Inquiry page to schedule a call or tour.
Alcuin College offers rolling admissions — there’s no fixed deadline. As soon as you’ve decided you’d like your child considered for a spot, we encourage you to submit your application. Some grades do carry a wait list, though that status can shift as the year progresses, and in the right circumstances we can admit students partway through the year if space is available. Late entry into Grade 12 typically isn’t considered. Contact our admissions team to confirm current availability for your child’s grade.
There is no one type of student who does well at Alcuin College. We understand that each child is an individual with a unique style of learning. Our teachers work with each student’s strengths. Every student is encouraged to attain his/her own potential. Our model of education attracts students who are coping in their current schools, but are not necessarily thriving, or who are uninspired. A student who is a curious and motivated learner, who enjoys actively participating in learning and who respects the ideas and opinions of others thrives at Alcuin.
Alcuin College works well for students who are curious, like to be challenged, and thrive in a structured but personal environment. We are not the right fit for every student — and we’re honest about that. If your child benefits from small class discussions, close attention from teachers, and a program that adapts to how they learn rather than a fixed curriculum, we’d love to talk. The best way to know is to come see us in person.
At Alcuin College, we have a four-step approach to our admissions process. The initial step is for you, the parents, to come in to discuss the educational goals of your child, learn more about Alcuin’s philosophy, and to see the school in action. Next, your child will meet with a senior administrator for an informal interview. Following the interview, we would arrange for your child to spend either a half or full day with their peer group, taking part in the routine of that day. Finally, we will arrange a meeting with our Head of School to determine if Alcuin is the best fit for your child. Please note that the application fee is not linked to acceptance; instead, it is a fee for the application process and is not refundable. However, it is a once-only fee. If an application needs to be deferred, the fee may be applied to a future application, depending on the amount of time that has passed since the original application and the circumstances of the deferral.
Yes, international students are accepted at Alcuin College. They must submit with their application for enrolment: copies of an appropriate valid visa, valid passport and proof of residence. International student fees appl
Tuition & Fees
Total tuition varies by grade and is published annually for the upcoming school year, along with sibling discounts, international student rates, and payment plan options. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for current figures, or contact us with any questions specific to your family.
Yes. Alcuin College offers a limited number of need-based bursaries each year. Families may apply for a bursary after completing the admissions process. Bursary applications are confidential and evaluated separately from academic admissions. We believe a quality education should be accessible to families who are committed to our program, regardless of financial circumstance.
The tuition paid to Alcuin College is not tax deductible as it does not meet the CRA’s requirements for a charitable donation or a medical expense tax credit.
Curriculum & Programs
Rather than following a fixed curriculum with structured lesson plans, Alcuin’s teachers work from the province’s required learning outcomes but adapt their approach to each student’s curiosity and interests. Many of our classrooms are open-concept rather than walled, so different grades mix, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. We think of Alcuin less as a school and more as a community of scholars — students and teachers alike, all pursuing the same quest for knowledge.
Our classes are intentionally small — typically 15 to 18 students per class in the lower school, and 12 to 16 in the upper school. This allows teachers to know each student individually, adjust pacing when needed, and hold students to a high standard. A small class is not just about less noise — it changes the quality of every discussion and every interaction.
Alcuin College is regulated by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care and must present the required curriculum. It is in how we present the curriculum that you will see a difference. Many of our teachers are experienced IB teachers and some are qualified to offer senior Advanced Placement courses. Our philosophy of keeping our class sizes small means that our teachers have the ability to cover more material in an academic year, therefore enabling our teachers to introduce further subject matter into their classes. Each student’s interests can then be explored. Upon graduation, a student receives the Dogwood Diploma, which is recognized globally for university admissions.
Yes, be on the lookout for Pizza Fridays!
No, at this time we do not offer a before or after school care program.
School Life & Community
Alcuin offers extracurricular activities including athletics — our Alcuin Thunder soccer club competes for Grades 2–7 — alongside other activities that round out the school day. We deliberately keep the program manageable so students have time to pursue outside interests and actually rest.
Alcuin graduates attend universities across Canada, including UBC, McGill, the University of Victoria, the University of Waterloo, and Capilano University. More important to us than the name of the institution is that each graduate leaves with intellectual confidence and genuine curiosity — both of which tend to open doors wherever they go.
The discussion of university entry starts in grade 10, when we talk about choices and expose our students to many different career options. We have developed a mentorship programme between local businesses and our students. This partnership allows our students to experience many careers first hand. We have extensive experience in counseling our students and their families on university entry in Canada, the US and overseas.
Alcuin College is located at 200-1046 St Georges Avenue in North Vancouver, BC. Free parking is available on-site.
The best way to experience Alcuin is to visit in person. Register for our next Open House, or visit our Inquiry page to schedule a call or a private tour with our admissions team. We encourage families to bring their child along — a student’s first impression matters as much as the parents’.
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