Aspengrove School
Founded 2003
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Aspengrove School is a private, independent university-preparatory school for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, located on Vancouver Island. It is the only school in the Central Island region to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the values of Curiosity, Citizenship, Courage, Creativity, and Compassion. It aims to challenge and inspire its community to act as compassionate, knowledgeable, and principled global citizens. The educational approach is rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which encourages students to become independent thinkers who can evaluate information and construct their own systems of knowledge.
Programmes
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 10, followed by a personalized graduation pathway for Grades 11 and 12. The academic structure is divided into Junior Kindergarten (ages 3–4), Junior School (Kindergarten–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–7), and Senior School (Grades 8–12). The curriculum is designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring students through a holistic approach that balances academics with athletics, arts, and global leadership.
Outcomes
Aspengrove School reports a 100% acceptance rate for its Grade 12 graduates into top-rated universities in Canada and internationally. Over the past five years, graduates have attended post-secondary institutions across the globe, including in the United States and Europe. The school aims to prepare students for post-secondary success by fostering critical thinking, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes a student-centred approach with small class sizes and caring teachers who work to support each student as an individual. Faculty members are dedicated to championing student interests, providing personalized learning, and fostering an environment where students feel safe, supported, and challenged to reach their personal goals.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Aspengrove School offer?
- Aspengrove School offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Aspengrove School?
- Annual tuition at Aspengrove School is CA$20.3K–CA$26.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Aspengrove School hold?
- Aspengrove School holds accreditations including IB.
- Where is Aspengrove School located?
- Aspengrove School is an international school in Nanaimo, Canada.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025/2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 5–5 | CA$20.3K |
| Grade 1 – 5 | 6–10 | CA$23.3K |
| Grade 6 – 7 | 11–12 | CA$26.5K |
| Grade 8 – 12 | 13–17 | CA$26.9K |
Other fees(2)
| Application fee | CA$200 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· One-time fee of $7,000 ($3,500 initial payment, remaining in $500 annual installments). Reduced to $2,500 for 3rd+ children, and $3,500 for Grades 10-12. | CA$7K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5% - 10%
Admissions
Aspengrove School accepts applications for students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. The admissions process includes an inquiry phase, and the school hosts information sessions for prospective families. New families are required to pay a one-time registration fee, which is reduced for the third and subsequent children or for students entering Grades 10–12. The school also offers a bursary program and scholarship opportunities for qualified students.
Calendar
The school year typically runs from early September to late June. The calendar includes breaks for Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Winter Break, Spring Break, and various statutory holidays. Professional development days are scheduled throughout the year, and the school provides licensed Out of School Care (OSC) for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 during many of these non-instructional days.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 40-acre campus in Lantzville, British Columbia, the school features a 16,000-square-foot gymnasium built in 2020, which accommodates sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The campus includes an outdoor environmental science classroom, a dedicated music building known as "Treehouse," and a facility for the Diploma Programme called "DP Hall." The grounds also provide access to forests, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and experiential learning.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to a wide range of enrichment activities, including athletics, arts education, and outdoor education. The school offers high-performance programs in golf, hockey, basketball, ballet, and volleyball, which are integrated into the school day. Additionally, the Global Leadership Program provides students with opportunities for international travel, academic exchanges, and pen pal partnerships with schools in countries such as Japan, Germany, and France.
- Gary KernHead of School
Gary Kern serves as the Head of School at Aspengrove. He is committed to fostering a school environment rooted in strong relationships, where students are challenged and supported to reach their full potential.
- Susan RiordanJr. School Principal & PYP Coordinator
Susan Riordan serves as the Junior School Principal and PYP Coordinator.
- Rob OhlyMiddle/ Senior School Principal & MYP Coordinator
Rob Ohly serves as the Middle/Senior School Principal and MYP Coordinator.
- Catalin AlbuChief Financial Officer
Catalin Albu serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the school.
- J.O. ErikssonDirector of Global Leadership and International Students
J.O. Eriksson is the first Head of Global Leadership at Aspengrove. He focuses on creating opportunities for students to develop leadership awareness, cultural understanding, and global competence, emphasizing the importance of building authentic connections.
- Luke HolmesDirector of Athletics
Luke Holmes serves as the Director of Athletics.
- Alison Strobl,photo_url:Director of External Programs
Alison Strobl serves as the Director of External Programs.
IB PYP