Alexander Academy
Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Languages
EnglishAlexander Academy is a co-educational, university-preparatory independent day school for students in grades 10–12 located in downtown Vancouver. It offers a personalized, academically rigorous experience designed to inspire students to follow independent paths to success.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Alexander Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, caring, and internationally-minded environment that emphasizes student-centred and community-oriented educational excellence. The school fosters values of engagement, empathy, respect, and integrity, while promoting inquiry, collaboration, and holistic life-long learning. It also maintains a commitment to the process of reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
Programmes
The school offers the BC High School Graduation Program, leading to the BC Dogwood Diploma, and a University Transfer Program for grade 11 and 12 students. The curriculum includes over 45 courses per semester, such as Human Geography 12, Law Studies 12, Pre-Calculus 11, Physics 11, Chemistry 11, and Entrepreneurship. Specialized pathways include the English Language Development Program, a University Pathway Program, and a High-Performance Program.
Outcomes
Graduates of Alexander Academy receive the BC Dogwood Diploma, a globally recognized certificate of graduation. Alumni have been accepted into prestigious institutions worldwide, including the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of Edinburgh. The Class of 2025 earned over CAD $1.5 million in scholarships and received 92 offers from top-tier universities.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides academic counselling to assist students in building individual learning plans and developing their leadership and extracurricular profiles. Additionally, the English Language Development Program (ELDP) offers four levels of instruction focused on academic subjects such as science, social studies, and literature to ensure students succeed in the BC Graduation Diploma program.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Alexander Academy offer?
- Alexander Academy offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at Alexander Academy?
- Annual tuition at Alexander Academy is CA$18.5K–CA$24.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Alexander Academy a day or boarding school?
- Alexander Academy is a day school.
- Is Alexander Academy co-educational?
- Alexander Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Alexander Academy located?
- Alexander Academy is an international school in Vancouver, Canada.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| BC Dogwood Graduation Program Grade 10 – 12 (Domestic) | 15–18 | CA$18.5K |
| BC Dogwood Graduation Program Grade 10 – 12 (International) | 15–18 | CA$24.8K |
| University Transfer Program Grade 12 (International) | 17–18 | CA$24.8K |
Other fees(6)
| Application fee· A non-refundable application fee must be submitted with each application. | CA$300 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Student Service Fee paid every year. Includes school activities and most field trips. | CA$1.2K |
| Uniform· Mandatory for all students. Ordered from and paid directly to Cambridge Uniforms. | CA$900 |
| Insurance· Private health insurance with StudyInsured. Paid at registration or yearly. | CA$600 |
| Materials· Technology: Students are required to provide a personal iPad, Windows laptop, or MacBook. | — |
| Deposit· Non-refundable tuition deposit required to guarantee a seat for an upcoming school year. | CA$2K |
Admissions
Alexander Academy accepts applications from domestic and international students, assessing them in accordance with British Columbia Ministry of Education guidelines. Prospective families are encouraged to schedule an in-person or virtual campus visit or attend one of the virtual open houses held throughout the school year. The admissions process includes an interview, a preliminary course plan, and the development of an individual learning plan.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into two semesters: September to January and February to June. Additionally, the school offers a summer intensive semester in July. The school operates on a block schedule.
About the campus
Located in downtown Vancouver, the campus is situated near the ocean and North Shore mountains, providing access to city amenities including the Vancouver Art Gallery, local gyms, and public transportation hubs like the Waterfront Skytrain Station. The school utilizes various learning centres throughout the downtown area to conduct classes and activities. Students are required to provide their own iPad, Windows laptop, or MacBook to support the school's technology-integrated curriculum.
Co-curriculars
The school’s enrichment program includes the Action Club, which encourages students to participate in creative, physically active, and service-oriented experiences. Students engage in activities such as organizing food fairs, volunteering at local soup kitchens, scuba diving, and producing podcasts to discuss global issues. These activities are designed to foster leadership, empathy, and community engagement.
- Nigel AustenHead of School
Nigel Austen joined Alexander Academy as Head of School in June 2021. He holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria. He has two decades of experience in administrative and teaching roles across Canada, China, and Japan.
- Spencer ToddHead Teacher
Spencer Todd has been a Humanities teacher since 1998, initially working in the public system in Victoria before moving to Vancouver. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies and a Post Degree Professional Program in Education from the University of Victoria, as well as a Post Degree Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia.
- Berenice LewisAdmissions & Business Development Director
Berenice Lewis oversees all enrolment activities at Alexander Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has extensive experience in independent schools as a former educator, principal, and Head of School.
- Jenny GuanStudent Services Manager
Jenny Guan received her Bachelor of Science (major in Biology) and Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. She has taught various subjects at a secondary level, including Math and Science, in British Columbia.
- Carol WangMarketing and Admissions Officer
Carol Wang has 8 years of management and 16 years of work experience in the international education industry in China. She holds a Diploma in Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership from Trinity Western University.
Ummehani ShakirMarketing and Admissions OfficerUmmehani Shakir is a public relations and communication specialist with a postgraduate degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Psychology.
Bilguun GanbaatarEducational Counsellor and Finance OfficerBilguun Ganbaatar is an alumna of Alexander Academy who graduated in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Management with Honours from the University of British Columbia.