Island Pacific School

About

Island Pacific School is located at 671 Carter Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2. It is a non-profit, independent, co-ed middle school for Grades 6–9, intentionally small (maximum enrollment of 72 students) and designed specifically for the adolescent years. The school is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), with an emphasis on strong relationships, serious academics, and real responsibility. IPS describes its community as values-driven, aiming to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity while fostering intellectual engagement, citizenship, leadership, and self-confidence.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (West Vancouver)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: 6-9

Phone: 604 947-9311

Email: info@islandpacific.org

Principal: Brad Carter

Programs and Services

International Baccalaureate (IB) / Academics Island Pacific School is an accredited IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school for Grades 6–9. The school emphasizes critical thinking, clear writing, long-term projects, and student growth through small classes and frequent feedback. Outdoor education / Expeditions and excursions Outdoor education is woven into the curriculum and includes two extended outdoor trips each year (a fall hiking trip and a spring kayak trip). The school also runs monthly excursions/field trips designed to provide academic, cultural, and experiential learning beyond the classroom. Athletics and extracurricular sports Capstone / Masterworks (Grade 9) Masterworks is a year-long Grade 9 independent project supported by a faculty mentor and professional advisors (e.g., science, business, arts, literature), culminating in a formal public presentation and defense. Financial aid / Bursaries IPS offers a student bursary (financial aid) program that can cover up to 50% of base tuition for families with demonstrated need (reassessed annually, with applications managed through Apple Financial). Learning support (fee-based) The school notes that additional annual fees may apply for learning support based on the number of blocks per week.

• Ultimate (school sport; co-ed teams)
• North Shore Ultimate League (senior students)

School Culture and Expectations

IPS emphasizes a small-school culture where every student is known and expectations are “high—and personal.” The school highlights belonging alongside accountability (“Freedom with accountability. Belonging with high expectations.”) and grounds its community in the values of wisdom, courage, and integrity. Students are encouraged to take real responsibility, build independence (including through the ferry commute for many students), and grow in self-confidence, citizenship, and leadership.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

Island Pacific School is on Bowen Island and notes that many students commute from the mainland by ferry (about a 20-minute crossing from Horseshoe Bay). The school describes students meeting at Horseshoe Bay for the 8:05 am ferry, crossing together, and travelling to campus as a group, with most returning on the 3:15 pm ferry. IPS also states it has established communication protocols and contingency plans for ferry delays, and that students can participate in after-school activities before returning on later ferries.

Enrollment

Island Pacific School is accepting admissions for the 2026–27 school year and directs families to start by submitting an enquiry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and the admissions process includes getting in touch via the enquiry page, a school visit (including a full-day student visit), and an informational academic interview focused on reading, writing, and numeracy. After review, families receive a written decision; if accepted, enrollment is confirmed by returning required documents (including a contract and tuition agreement) by the deadline in the acceptance letter. The school also provides tuition information and describes a bursary program for families with demonstrated financial need.