With pillars of rigor and personal excellence, Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) prepares boys and girls in Preschool to Grade 12 to be trailblazers for an unknown future. Through hands-on learning in global sustainability, entrepreneurial thinking, and equine-facilitated leadership, boarding and day students develop a passion for discovery and a desire to make a difference in the world. Set on 27 beautiful acres on Vancouver Island, BC, QMS offers an optional integrated equestrian program.
Vancouver Island has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beautiful, excellent schools, and certainly Queen Margaret’s is one of them. It was founded in 1921 by Norah Creina Denny and Dorothy Rachel Geoghegan, who dedicated themselves to providing what was, for the time, something unique: a robust educational experience for all, including women “capable of realizing ourselves as complete individuals.” Certainly, that’s what they did, and it’s a tradition that the school maintains today. The riding program is distinguishing, as is the strength of the academic programs. A strategic plan begun in 2014, to complete at the school’s centenary, will reaffirm the commitment of the founders to excellence as well as their commitment to adapting to the changing needs of students.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Queen Margaret's School.
Play Field
Gym
Aerial of the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre
Fine Arts Hall
Art Studio
QMS Chapel
Aerial view of Spurgin and Rowantree Hall
Aerial View of Residence and The Learning Centre
Rowantree Hall Foyer
Squire Science Lab
Senior School Classroom
Residence Common Room
Junior Boarding Program Room
Single Bed Residence Room
Squire Science Lab
Intermediate Classroom
Senior School Classroom
Dance Studio
Indoor Riding Arena
TLC Library
Residence Atrium
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Queen Margaret's School.
Focus |
---|
Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
Flexible pacing style | offered |
---|---|
Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
QMS offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
Subject Ttype | offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Ttype | offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Program | offered |
---|---|
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.
Program | offered |
---|---|
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
In grade Gr. 12, QMS students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QMS | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 57 mins | 69 mins | 81 mins | 98 mins | 107 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 10
Recreational sports: 16
Queen Margaret's School offers 22 clubs and extracurricular programs.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day | $13,625 | ||||||||||||||
Day (Domestic: in province) | $15,525 | $17,250 | $19,815 | ||||||||||||
Boarding (Domestic) | $52,330 | ||||||||||||||
Boarding (International) | $62,920 |
Discounts
Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
---|---|---|
Early payment | all students | 3% |
2nd child (sibling) | all students | 20% |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | SK to 12 |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 23% |
Average aid package size | $3,000 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 23% |
Total aid available | $250,000 |
Applying for bursaries requires families to complete a confidential full disclosure form of their family financial information, based on the previous tax year.
Queen Margaret’s School wishes to recognize Pony Club members for their commitment, skills, and community-minded attitude fostered under the Pony Club’s motto of “Loyalty – Character – Sportsmanship.” Pony Club membership provides an advantage to new students entering into educational and riding life at Queen Margaret’s School. To acknowledge this investment in character and skill development, Queen Margaret’s School is offering an entrance scholarship to eligible Pony Club members. Scholarship Criteria: 1. Candidates must be a Pony Club member in good standing and provide documentation showing at least one full year of Pony Club membership. 2. Candidates must have successfully passed their D2 level or higher. 3. Candidates must provide a letter of recommendation from their branch leader or instructor. This letter must reference: a. The candidate’s level of commitment to riding and care of their equine partner; and b. The candidate’s attitude in the stables and with their fellow Pony Club members. 4. Candidates must submit a written essay to the QMS Admissions Office of approximately 500-1000 words explaining why they believe Queen Margaret’s School can help the candidate continue with their goals and skills they have developed in Pony Club (in their own words please). 5. Qualifying candidates will receive a Pony Club entrance scholarship to help ease first year entry costs. The amount of this award will be determined by the program in which the student is registered (day or boarding). 6. This entrance scholarship acknowledges preparation for enrolment. Successful candidates will not be eligible to apply for this award in subsequent years of enrolment at QMS. Scholarship Value: New Boarding Students $1,000 New Day Students $500 (Awarded as a reduction of first year fees)
To Apply contact the Queen Margaret’s School Admissions Office at: [email protected]
For more details, visit:www.qms.bc.caQueen Margaret’s School wishes to recognize Pony Club and 4H members for their commitment, skills, and community-minded attitude. Pony Club and 4H membership prepares new students to enter into educational and riding life at Queen Margaret’s School. To acknowledge this investment in character and skill development, Queen Margaret’s School is offering an entrance scholarship to eligible Pony Club and 4H members.
Candidates must be a Pony Club or 4H member in good standing and provide documentation showing at least one full year of membership. 2. Pony Club candidates must have successfully passed their D2 level or higher. 3. All candidates must provide a letter of recommendation from their branch leader or instructor. This letter must reference: a. The candidate’s level of commitment to their club’s activities and values; and b. The candidate’s attitude and contribution to their club. 4. Candidates must submit a written essay to the QMS Admissions Office of approximately 500- 1000 words explaining why they believe Queen Margaret’s School can help them continue with the goals and skills they have developed in their club (in their own words please). 5. Qualifying candidates will receive an entrance scholarship to help ease first year entry costs. The amount of this award will be determined by the program in which the student is registered (day or boarding). 6. This entrance scholarship acknowledges preparation for enrolment. Successful candidates will not be eligible to apply for this award in subsequent years of enrolment at QMS.
For more details, visit:www.qms.bc.ca/admissions/scholarships--bursaries/Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | Gr. 6 to Gr. 12 | Coed | Boarding | 72 |
Group 2 | Preschool to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 332 |
Total enrolment | 404 |
Average class size | 16 to 22 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 8% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 20 |
Five-day boarding program offered | No |
% in boarding (grade-eligible) | 30% |
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 20 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 24 | 17 | 29 | 28 | 38 | 32 | 31 | 20 | 8 | 12 |
Boarding Enrollment | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 18 | 18 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | PS - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | ||
Entrance Essay |
Day students: Rolling
Boarding students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry: Yes
Application fee: $200
Registration fee: N/A
Deposit: N/A
Please visit our Admissions page at http://www.qms.bc.ca/admissions/ for our current admissions criteria and costs.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
Student Type | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
Homestay Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Average graduating class size | 26 |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | N/A |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | N/A |
Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK) | N/A |
University of British Columbia | 30% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Toronto | 30% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Victoria | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Queen's University | 15% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
King's College London | 5% |
Queen Margaret's School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
This information is not currently available.Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | |
Internships |
Mentorship Program | N/A |
University counseling |
What QMS says:
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Eve Savory | 1965 | Legislative reporter CHQM Vancouver 1973-74; CBC Radio Ottawa 1975-76; regional parliamentary reporter CBOT Ottawa 1976-79; national TV reporter CBC-TV Saskatchewan/Alberta 1979-83; medicine/ science/technology reporter The National CBC Toronto/Vancouver 1983-abt.2000. |
Suzanne Anton | 1974 | Suzanne Anton, Q.C. (born 1952 or 1953) is a Canadian politician and the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General of British Columbia. |
Charles Hoey | 1925 | A Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. |
Rona Jean Murray | 1941 | A Canadian poet. |
Susanna Blunt | 1958 | A Canadian portrait artist who designed the most recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the current Canadian coinage, which began in 2003. |
Clio Smeeton | 1959 | Clio Smeeton is president of the Cochrane Ecological Institute (CEI). CEI is best known for initiating and implementing swift fox reintroduction in North America. |
Barbara Cole Walton | 2005 | Canadian soprano who was a recipient of numerous awards including the Governors’ Recital Prize in Singing (RCS). She is a professional & performs around the world. |
‘Fit’ is everything when choosing a school for your children or when selecting a place into which you want to pour your skills, character and energies. Here at QMS, we pride ourselves on a strong sense of community where everyone is an individual and meaningful relationships are the order of the day. Most people crave a sense of belonging and value connection so a school that works very hard to develop a meaningful culture can indeed be a place where strong attachments are formed.
I encourage you to explore our programmes and approaches to learning both inside and outside of the classroom. If you take that step and visit us here on campus, you will feel the sense of community for yourself. As we approach our 100th birthday, we are proud of our Founders’ vision, yet, we are excited about the future with all of the opportunities that it presents.
QMS is vibrant and ready to keep developing these “young trailblazers” who will take the lessons learned here out into the world to great effect. That’s the joy and it all just seems to be a good ‘fit’ for so many people.
May 29, 2020
QMS Pioneers Use Of Thermal Imaging For Safe Return To School
School’s re-open will look a little different for “new normal”
Read full article
May 14, 2018
Duncan's Queen Margaret's School to go entirely co-ed
Boys will be allowed in Grades 8-12 program for first time in September 2019
Read full article
August 2, 2017
QMS Scholar First in BC
Fifth Time in Seven Years QMS Student Claims Top Spot
Read full article
Disclaimer: Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. See Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2015 All right reserved. | ![]() |