Attending a boarding school – as a boarder or a day student – provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop strong interpersonal skills, resilience, compassion, and independence. Shawnigan supports students through the challenges of high school with involved and caring staff, well-equipped dorms and facilities, and an extensive holistic pastoral care program.
A Shawnigan education goes beyond the traditional scope of academics, athletics, and fine arts; it extends to preparing students to live happy, healthy lives. Since 1916, Shawnigan has nurtured the growth of our students’ intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative, and spiritual potential, and empowered them to discover the joy of lifelong learning and a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Each student and staff member has the personal responsibility to integrate the School’s values of curiosity, compassion, community, and courage into day-to-day life, bearing in mind our shared purpose to “inspire the best in each to create the best for all.” Shawnigan is dedicated to empowering student initiative and voice, ensuring an equitable co-educational experience, and building a tolerant and respectful community that values and embodies diversity, inclusion, belonging, and multiculturalism.
At Shawnigan, we seek to develop our students into community builders, and to prepare them to thrive and flourish beyond our gates.
“Shawnigan is a mosaic. It brings together academics, arts and athletics, and wraps it in a community where people grow together, not just side by side. That interconnectedness is what makes this place so special.” – current student
Chapel
The Chapel is the soul of the Shawnigan community: a gathering place where students of all faiths and cultural backgrounds are made to feel welcome. School Chaplain Rev. Ruth Dantzer takes an all-inclusive approach to creating a space where students can reflect, refresh, and find comfort and solace during their busy lives, and where they can learn from each other and share their experiences and talents.
One of the oldest buildings on campus, the Chapel was constructed in 1928 and retains its stately character, with wooden floors and ceilings, a bell tower that calls students together for Saturday Services and Wednesday Gatherings, and the largest pipe organ on Vancouver Island outside Victoria. It is also used for awards ceremonies and other special events, including an annual Nativity play featuring staff children.
“Shawnigan asks a great deal of its students, but it matches great expectations with great care.” – current parent
Academic Advisor Program
The Advisor-Advisee relationship is among the most important relationships at Shawnigan. From the day they arrive on campus to the day of their graduation, a student’s Advisor is a key part of the support system designed to maximize potential and resolve any issues.
Advisors – who are often teachers, but may also fill other roles at the School – support students as they meet the demands of a Shawnigan education, assist with the decision-making process, communicate regularly with parents, and serve as a valuable first point of contact with the School. Advisors strengthen work already being done by House staff, teachers, and coaches, and work to ensure a positive Shawnigan experience for all students.
Around Campus
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Campus Life
Grade 8 Sorting Hat
Cops for Cancer
Shawnigan Carol Service
Student Life - FAQs
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Will I wear a school uniform at Shawnigan?
Yes, Shawnigan students wear school uniform during class time and other structured times throughout the week. Shawnigan has two uniforms: classroom dress, which is worn – you guessed it – to attend classes, as well as weekday breakfasts and lunches, and for certain events at other times throughout the week; and what we call “Number 1s,” a more formal uniform with blazer and tie. Number 1s are worn to Saturday Chapel and other formal occasions such as awards ceremonies and graduation. All uniform items, except for shoes, are sold through the School store -
What is the School’s cell phone policy?
In September 2024, the province of British Columbia (the Canadian province in which Shawnigan is located) implemented a “bell-to-bell” cell phone policy limiting cell phone use in schools in order to minimize distractions and support mental health. This policy essentially restricts cell phone use during class time (with exceptions for medical, psychological, and accessibility needs). At Shawnigan, students are required to leave their cell phones in their rooms during the school day, including for after school co-curriculars. Cell phone use is also limited during Prep (supervised evening homework time) and is prohibited overnight, with phones removed at bedtime until the following morning to support healthy sleeping habits. Even with these restrictions in place, parents still have many opportunities to connect with their children at other points throughout the day, and can always reach a member of staff in an emergency. -
Do I need a laptop?
Yes, all students are expected to have a laptop at Shawnigan. It is an important tool for completing homework and for working on other projects. Laptops are also a great help in staying connected to family and friends while you are living away from home. Shawnigan uses the Google platform, and both PC and Mac computers are accepted. The School’s IT department will help all students set up their student profile after they arrive on campus, and is available during weekdays to help students troubleshoot problems they may have with their devices.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
