Kelowna, BC Schools & School Districts

When individuals are looking for their new Kelowna condo or Kelowna townhome, they may ask their real estate agent about the nearby schools and school districts. Those living in the Kelowna community can find most answers to their questions about the public, private, and higher education available in this guide. Here's what to know about the public school districts, private schools, and colleges and universities in the Kelowna area.

Public School Districts Serving Kelowna

All residents of Kelowna fall under the Central Okanagan School District. It is the fifth-largest school district in British Columbia and continues to grow each year. Over 40 elementary, middle, and high schools are currently operating. Programs are available in English and French immersion, and students may enroll in early childhood education programs.

Some of the Central Okanagan public schools include:

• Anne McClymont Elementary (K-5)
• Bankhead Elementary (K-6)
• Casorso Elementary (K-6 English, K-6 French Immersion)
• George Pringle Elementary (K-5 English, K-5 French Immersion)
• Helen Gorman Elementary (K-5)
• Mar Jok Elementary (K-5)
• Peter Greer Elementary (K-5 English, K-5 French Immersion)
• Canyon Falls Middle School (6-8)
• Dr. Knox Middle (7-9 English, 7-8 French Immersion)
• École Glenrosa Middle School (6-9 English, 6-7 French Immersion)
• KLO Middle (7-9 English, 7-9 French Immersion)
• Springvalley Middle (6-8)
• George Elliot Secondary (8-12)
• Kelowna Secondary (10-12 English, 10-12 French Immersion)
• Central Programs and Services (Hospital/Homebound, Outreach Education, Continuing Education, Rutland Learning Centre, Westside Learning Centre)
• eSchool23: Online Learning (K-12)

Many of the schools are zoned to certain Kelowna neighbourhoods. However, parents can complete a zone waiver request form if they prefer to have their children educated at a school closer to their daily work commute. Should the student be accepted at a school outside of their zone, the parent will be responsible for the student's daily transportation.

Kelowna Private Schools

Several private schools are in operation within Kelowna. Each has its own unique tuition requirements, which are detailed below.

Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School educates students between kindergarten and seventh grade. Students can engage in a wide range of after-school clubs to build their social and emotional skills. While focused on education, students also have a fun learning environment that encourages their creativity. Tuition starts at $455 per month. The school offers sibling discounts.

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School began in 1939 and continues to provide kindergarten through seventh-grade education today. Tuition begins at $438 per month, and sibling discounts are available. International students are also eligible to enroll at an annual tuition rate of $15,840.

Kelowna Christian School provides education to students in two different schools on campus. Pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students learn in one school, while sixth-grade through 12th-grade students are educated together in another building. Tuition ranges from $5,200 to $7,100 per year, depending on the grade level. Sibling discounts are available.

Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School provides a global curriculum to its pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students. Classes are taught in both English and French at all levels. Music and physical activity are integrated into daily lessons to encourage mental, physical, and emotional development. Small class sizes are part of the core model of Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School. Tuition ranges from $13,350 to $17,620 annually, depending on the grade level.

Colleges & Universities Near Kelowna

In Kelowna, there are currently three higher education facilities offering a range of programs. As the area continues to grow, it's possible additional options will become available for high school graduates and adults seeking to continue their education.

British Columbia Institute of Technology: Kelowna Aerospace Technology Campus offers 18 disciplines to graduate with a Bachelor of Technology degree. Full-degree programs have annual tuition of $7,500 per year, and apprenticeship and trades programs cost $152 per week. Regardless of the path students take, they will gain a degree or certificate to start a career.

Okanagan University College currently offers over 40 career-driven programs. Students can graduate with associate degrees, applied bachelor degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Students may also obtain university transfer opportunities in arts and science. For those who need part-time continuing education courses and programs, OUC has options to fit most schedules. Tuition averages $4,500 per year, but each program has its own tuition fees and rates. On average, students can expect to pay an additional $3,000 per year for programs and books.

University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus allows students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees, choosing from 13 fields of study available in 11 schools on campus. Tuition falls between $5,500 and $6,000 per year, depending on the program. Students should prepare to budget an additional $3,000 to $5,000 per year to cover other costs, like books, technology, school supplies, and food. If students plan to stay on campus, they need to budget for an additional $10,000 per year.

Educational Opportunites Abound in Kelowna

Those looking to move to Kelowna have numerous education options available within an exciting community. With just over 140,000 residents, the community still feels close as it grows. Residents continue to gain access to new dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Those looking to grow roots will be hard-pressed to find a better city than Kelowna.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.