Good private/independant schools?

Shopgirl · by **Shopgirl** on Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:48 am

We are looking to get out of the public school system and into a privately run school. We do not attend church, so unfortunately Pacific Christian is out for us. We have looked into Island Catholic Schools and would love to go that route, but, of course, they are full. We can not afford St. Margarets or St Michaels. We are willing to look at other independant schools as well, but not sure of all that is out there.

Can anyone recommend some school to us? We are looking for grades 4 and 6.

Thanks!

Samandemma · by **Samandemma** on Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:25 am

If you are interested in a Catholic School please contact the school(s) directly as St. Patrick's does have openings in some of its grades as does St. Andrew's Elementary. St. Joseph's is generally full for all grades, however you could choose to go on a wait-list if interested.
St. Andrew's High School also has openings for some of its grades.
Good luck with your decision!

TazDevil · by **TazDevil** on Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:05 pm

Elizabeth Buckley is a great school but I don't know if it goes past Elementary to Middle or not.

Selling Stuff · by **Selling Stuff** on Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:24 pm

St. Patrick's definitely has openings in Grade 6 and I'm almost positive there are a couple of spaces in Grade 4.
Or do you mean those grades for September?
In that case, grade 4 will probably be full but Grade 6 will likely have some openings.
I'll double check tomorrow.

by **777** on Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:46 pm

Both my children went to Elizabeth Buckley School and it is a great independant school. The staff are wonderful, it is affordable, lots of field trips, inclusive environment, small classes, detailed report cards, great hot lunches, etc.... I can go on and on and on. EBS is a hidden treasure.

EBS goes from kindergarten to grade 6. If there are spaces available, I think they accept students throughout the school year. If you are looking for Sept. 2012 I suggest you check it out now. Any available spaces go quick.

Visit the following website for more information, elizabethbuckleyschool.com.

Selling Stuff · by **Selling Stuff** on Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:34 am

As promised, I checked.
If your children are currently in Grades 4 & 6 there are a few spaces. We have had several new students join us in January and we take students throughout the year.

If your children are going to be in Grades 4 & 6 in September...there are a couple of spots available for grade 6 (at this time but they may fill up) and grade 4 is full with a waiting list.

Good luck with your search.

erinsutherland · by **erinsutherland** on Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:07 pm

Lakeview Christian School is a really affordable independent school. Tuition is around $260 a month. They provide a Christian education without the church attendance requirement.

I was a student there way back in the day and really enjoyed the rural setting and small class sizes. Maybe that would work for your kids.

Good Luck!

Justkeepswimming · by **Justkeepswimming** on Mon Jan 30, 2012 5:48 pm

St Andrews elementary has space

Shopgirl · by **Shopgirl** on Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:37 pm

You ladies are a wealth of information! Thanks so much! My oldest is waitlisted for St. Joseph's, but it is good to know about the spots at the other schools. I'll look into the other schools mentioned as well. Thanks again!

Selling Stuff · by **Selling Stuff** on Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:57 pm

Shopgirl:
It's Catholic Schools Week next week.
All of the Island Catholic Schools will be holding Open Houses.
You might want to visit during one of those times.

From what I can find for you:
St. Pat's Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6-8 p.m.
St. Joe's Wednesday, Feb. 8, 3:00 p.m.
St. Andrew's Elementary, Thursday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
St. Andrew's High School, Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m.

Of course, you can double check with each of the schools just to confirm the dates and times (I think they are accurate but can't guarantee it).
ETA: Page 19, Island Parent Magazine, February edition has all of the dates and times for the ICS Open Houses.

Samandemma · by **Samandemma** on Tue Jan 31, 2012 11:20 pm

Another thing to know about Island Catholic Schools reconfiguration process is that St. Joseph's will be doubling in size within the next 3 years (or as is projected). St Andrew's Elementary will eventually be closing and students enrolled at St. Andrew's will have a choice to move to St. Patrick's or St. Joseph's.

Elizabeth Buckley School · by **Elizabeth Buckley School** on Mon Feb 06, 2012 5:17 pm

Hi Shopgirl,
As a few other posters have mentioned, Elizabeth Buckley School is a great option. (And thanks for all the kind words!)

We are an independent K-6 school, and we offer low student-to-teacher ratios.

Our classrooms are warm, nurturing environments where "typical" children and those with special needs learn side by side in an inclusive, integrated setting. We offer ASL (American Sign Langugage) instruction to all students in the school and use a "total communication" approach.

If you are interested in learning more you can visit www.ElizabethBuckleySchool.com or call us at 250-995-6425 to book a tour.

Regardless of where you go, I hope you find what you are looking for!

Shopgirl · by **Shopgirl** on Mon Feb 06, 2012 5:32 pm

Elizabeth Buckley School - I have only ever heard fantastic things about your school. Thanks so much for your response. I, unfortunately, don't think you are the best match for us at this time due to my daughter's age (she will be going into grade 6) and you are at the opposite end of town from us. I did, however, just suggest your school to another family who is needing a school that can support their son. I think you would be a great match for them.

dolce · by **dolce** on Mon Feb 06, 2012 6:54 pm

I love having a k-7 school followed by high school 8-12. In my opinion this is a much better age grouping than middle school 6-8. I hope you find a good fit, the right school can make all the difference!