Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash 

Welcome to Kelowna, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of British Columbia's wine country. Our city is not just known for its breathtaking views and thriving cultural scene; it's also home to a diverse and robust education system.

For those looking to relocate and place the workforce of tomorrow in a setting that teaches them both work and life skills, you’ve come to the right place. Any of the following public schools and private institutions are sure to nurture your childrens development.

Today we'll guide you through our public school districts and an array of private institutions that make Kelowna a great place to raise a family.

School Districts of Kelowna

Our public school system in Kelowna is governed by School District No. 23 Central Okanagan and School District No. 93 Conseil Scolaire Francophone, offering a variety of excellent educational opportunities.

School District No. 23 Central Okanagan encompasses diverse neighbourhoods such as Glenmore, Downtown, South Kelowna, and Lake Country. This district is known for its top-ranked schools like Glenmore Elementary and Kelowna Secondary School, along with  the soon to be George Pringle Elementary replacement school in West Kelowna. These schools boast strong parent-teacher communities and a wide variety of extracurricular activities, from music and art to sports and technology, catering to different student interests.

On the other hand, School District No. 93 Conseil Scolaire Francophone primarily serves French-speaking or bilingual families throughout Kelowna. Schools like École de l'Anse-au-sable offer immersive bilingual education, emphasizing cultural diversity and inclusivity. If you're looking for a multicultural and multilingual environment for your children, this district is a perfect fit.

Schools in Kelowna Ranked (Private & Public) 

While these two main districts cover most schools, they do not include the private institutions that Kelowna has to offer, nor do they dive deep into where these schools rank. And, while choosing a school for your children is quite subjective depending on the needs of your family, we think having an understanding of how these schools rank might help to inform your decision.

For the purposes of this guide we’ve tapped the Fraser Institute which ranks schools annually solely on the results of the Foundation Skills Assessment - a yearly multiple choice exam for grades 4-7 that tests reading, writing and mathematics abilities.

Top Elementary schools

Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School - Private (9.0/10)

Aberdeen Hall, a top-ranking preparatory school in Kelowna, BC, boasts a 9/10 score in the 2018 elementary report. Located near UBC Okanagan, the 44-acre campus hosts K-12 students in two buildings. Known for its professional academic culture, modern facilities, and small class sizes, the tuition fees range from $12,000 to $15,000 per year for elementary students.

Kelowna Christian School - Private (8.0/10)

The largest independent Christian school in the city, offers an integrated curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12 that combines academic excellence with spiritual growth.

Anne Mclymont Elementary - Public (6.8/10)

Anne Mclymont, named after a historic Kelowna teacher and relative of renowned author Lucy Maud Montgomery, is Kelowna, BC's highest-ranking public elementary school with a 6.8/10 Fraser Institute score. Situated in the desirable Lower Mission neighborhood, it caters to around 500-600 students annually.

Mar Jok Elementary, West Kelowna - Public (6.7/10)

Opened in 2014 and named after Chinese Canadian pioneer, Jok Mar, Mar Jok is West Kelowna's top-ranking new elementary school. Located in Rose Valley, it's an ideal choice for West Kelowna, BC residents.

Top High Schools

Kelowna Christian School - “KCS” - Private (8.0/10)

Kelowna Christian School, an independent institution, tops Kelowna's private secondary schools with an 8.0/10. Located adjacent to Munson Pond Park on Benvoulin Rd, KCS offers annual tuitions between $5,000 and $6,000.

Okanagan Mission Secondary - “OKM” - Public (8.0/10)

Established in 1978, OKM is recognized in Kelowna, BC for its academics and vibrant arts program, which features an annual Broadway musical. Located in the sought-after Lower Mission area, it's rated as the top high school in Kelowna, ranking 24th among 256 British Columbia high schools in 2018, with a student body of 1371.

Kelowna Secondary School - “KSS” - Public (7.2/10)

Located in the Upper Mission neighborhood, KSS boasts a score of 7.2/10 and is renowned in Kelowna, BC for its strong athletics, particularly in basketball and rugby. It serves approximately 1800 students annually.

Aberdeen Hall Prep School - Private (7.0/10)

Aberdeen Hall's Secondary School, sharing its campus with the elementary school, serves 670 K-12 students. Tuition for grades 10-12 ranges between $15,000 and $16,000 annually.

Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash 

Whether you're looking for a strong academic focus, a culturally diverse environment, or a faith-based education, Kelowna's school districts and private institutions offer a variety of options to cater to every family's needs. I encourage you to visit these districts and schools to discover which one could be the perfect fit for your child's educational journey.

Education is a crucial part of our community, and in Kelowna, we're proud to offer quality options to shape the leaders of tomorrow.