St John's Preparatory Academy Shawnigan

About

St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake is located at 2371 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V8H 2H1, on Vancouver Island along the shores of Shawnigan Lake at the base of Baldy Mountain. The school describes itself as a small, close-knit community where students are known and supported, with learning deeply connected to nature and outdoor experiences. It offers a “world-class” academic program including the BC Dogwood Diploma and the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (IB), and aims to develop curious, confident, globally-minded learners who act with courage and compassion.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Cowichan Valley)

Education language: The school offers English Language Acquisition (ELA) support for English Language Learners (ELL), including an English support block within the timetable and additional one-to-one or small group English Intensive (EI) support for students who need more help accessing grade-level coursework.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: 4-12

Phone: 250 220-4888

Email: kimberly.edgson@sjasl.ca

Principal: Kimberly Edgson

Education Languages

The school offers English Language Acquisition (ELA) support for English Language Learners (ELL), including an English support block within the timetable and additional one-to-one or small group English Intensive (EI) support for students who need more help accessing grade-level coursework.

Programs and Services

International Baccalaureate (IB) / BC Dogwood Diploma St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake offers the BC Dogwood Diploma and the International Baccalaureate continuum, including the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). English Language Learners (ELL) / English Language Acquisition The school provides English Language Acquisition classes for recommended students, with a stated teacher-to-student ratio at or below 1:8. It also offers additional English Intensive (EI) blocks (one-to-one or small group) for students requiring more support. Learning support The school outlines a learning support model with categories that can include IEP creation/implementation, parent meetings, ongoing teacher communication regarding accommodations, liaison support, limited in-class support, and/or direct instruction outside class (depending on category). Outdoor / Environmental learning The school emphasizes environmental and outdoor learning connected to the surrounding lake and forests, describing hands-on ecosystem exploration and learning directly from the land. Library Learning Commons A Library Learning Commons is listed as a program area. Arts and music The school lists an Arts Program and a Music Program as part of its offerings.

School Culture and Expectations

The school emphasizes a caring, close-knit community where students are “truly known,” and describes an intentionally globally inclusive culture that connects local and international students. It highlights learning that builds resilience through challenge and encourages students to explore, take risks, and innovate in and out of the classroom. The school’s stated mission is to grow curious, confident, globally-minded learners through empowering academics, purposeful action, and a caring community, and it highlights values including Integrity, Caring, and Curiosity.

Enrollment

The Admissions Office supports families through the application process for domestic and international students in Grades 4–12, including pathways to the IB Diploma or Dogwood Diploma. The school offers boarding options for Grades 7–12 and invites families to contact admissions@sjasl.ca for help with required documents and questions.