Answer Sheet
In the pages of this site, we have tried to anticipate many of the questions you may have about Shawnigan, our people, programs, and philosophy. Despite the power of the Internet, the true character of the school is best understood in person. Below, we have prepared answers to questions we're often asked about visiting the campus.
What is involved in a visit to Shawnigan Lake School?
During your visit, you will tour the campus with a student tour guide and hear about Shawnigan from a student's point of view. You will also meet with our Director of Admissions, Mrs. Gaynor Samuel, or one of the Associates in the office, Mr. Mark Hall or Ms. Margot Allen.
How long will the visit last?
A typical visit takes between two and two-and-a-half hours.
What should we bring and/or wear for the visit?
We would like to receive your application materials prior to the visit. The information you provide helps to match the applicant’s interest with one of our student tour guides. The campus tour takes about an hour, so we suggest you wear comfortable shoes. It is not appropriate for the candidate to wear a ball cap, hoody, jeans or skater shoes.
How do I schedule a visit to Shawnigan?
Contact the Admissions office at 250-743-6207 or email admissions@sls.bc.ca to schedule your visit. We welcome families on week days, and we suggest beginning the visit between 8:30am and 11:00am. If this is not suitable, then our office will arrange for an alternative appointment.
When should we plan for our visit?
Visits to Shawnigan are most ideal between October and March. The office is open all year, so we can accommodate visits to suit your needs; however, it is best to visit the campus when we are in session. Click here for an overview of our school calendar.
Should we submit an application prior to our visit?
In order to provide you with a tour that is meaningful to your family and to get the most out of your visit, we ask that you submit an application prior to your appointment.
Is there a deadline for applications?
The office works on a rolling admissions basis. This means that we accept applications all year, as we work through the admissions process (application, campus tour, interview and testing). Spaces for our senior grades (eleven and twelve) tend to fill up by April, but we still accept applications after that time. Spaces for our junior grades (eight, nine, and ten) are usually filled by late May.
What does Shawnigan look for in an applicant?
We are looking for applicants who are academically confident, involved in extra curricular activities (sports, arts, drama, music), and who may have had an opportunity to live away from home on a student exchange or sleep-away summer camp.
What is the best time to enrol at Shawnigan?
The application process is best started in the fall before the desired year of entry. Visits are scheduled between October and March.
How do we get to Shawnigan Lake School?
If you are arriving from another country, it is best to plan flights to the Victoria International Airport, where you can rent a car for the remainder of the trip.
If we plan to stay in the area overnight, at the time of our visit, where should we stay?
If you will arrive in Victoria the day prior to your visit, or you plan to stay in the area afterward, we can suggest places to stay and eat. Please contact our Admissions Office and we can send you some suggestions by email. Once you are on the island, use the following driving directions.
From the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Nanaimo:
From the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Victoria:
View Directions to 1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC in a larger map
How can we get in touch with current families to learn more about Shawnigan Lake School?
Many of of our current families are more than happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information.
Where and when does a representative from Shawnigan give presentations?
We regularly schedule visits to a variety of cities and towns in North America.