Only you can make this decision for your family but having spoken to many parents over the years, we have compiled some of the key reasons why they consider an education with SMUS invaluable. We would also encourage you to contact our Admissions office to learn more and to answer your questions around cost and affordability, especially if a SMUS education seems immediately outside your means.

Breadth and Depth

If you want to give your child the best possible opportunities, you would be hard-pressed to find another school that offers both the breadth of program with the same level of depth. In addition to our strong academic program, students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 get a wide range of opportunities in arts, athletics, leadership, service, outdoor education and more. Whether your child has existing interests or has yet to find something they’re passionate about, they will find teachers and staff dedicated to supporting them on their journey.

Personalization

While there is always a lot of consideration given to class sizes, and yes, we have small class sizes, we think what really matters is personalization. At SMUS, every student has several adults who know them, who know where they are on their educational journey and who know your child's individual learning style – where they might need additional help and where they might need more challenge. These personal connections and an education that's personalized to your child are at the root of what we do. Our teachers are in many ways more like guides and mentors, encouraging your child to develop their sense of curiosity and love of learning.

Outstanding Faculty

Teachers at SMUS are some of the very best in Canada and their passion and dedication motivates and inspires their students. Time and again we hear from students and alumni how their life was changed by a teacher at SMUS. Every teacher at SMUS is also a learner, and the school continually invests in their personal and professional development to ensure they are bringing the latest in pedagogical thinking to their classrooms, laboratories, gymnasiums and outdoor environments.

University Preparation

If you’re thinking about Kindergarten, it may be too early to think about university preparation but you will be glad to know that SMUS is one of the world’s best university prep schools. This doesn’t mean we focus solely on grades but that we also develop necessary life skills and values so that students are able to transition to a university environment. This extends to our Advanced Placement program, Canada's longest-running and one of the largest and most successful in the country.

We also have one of Canada’s best equipped and dedicated university counselling departments. Navigating the higher education admissions process can be challenging but at SMUS each student gets the academic advice and assistance they need to help them achieve their future goals.

Resources and Support

It is likely that at some point through their educational journey, your child will need some extra assistance and support. SMUS has the resources and staff to understand the needs of your child and provide the necessary assistance to ensure they can fully grow and be successful as learners and as people. This includes additional on-campus academic and learning support, access to personal counselling and health services, and more.

Under One Roof

Because there are so many extras at SMUS, sometimes it can be hard to realize the value until you have experienced being here. In many ways, an independent school like SMUS can be like a "one-stop-shop" meaning that instead of investing time and money in different activities from different places, you can find everything under one roof as part of a complete education. From competitive and recreational sports to a wide range of clubs available to students, there are countless opportunities to participate in activities and keep busy.

Community of Learners

It is an often overlooked fact that when you invest in a school, you are entering a community of people that values education. This goes for the parents, teachers, staff and students. This has an impact on the respect shown by students for their education and makes a huge difference to the overall feel of the school. At SMUS, being passionate about a subject is cool. If your child comes home from their current school feeling embarrassed about wanting to learn, you should consider an independent school education. 

An Investment for Life

Kindergarten to Grade 12 is the most important and transformative period of people's lives and we firmly believe therefore that an education at SMUS is an investment for life. Whether you live in Victoria or in another country, choosing one of Canada’s very best independent schools means giving your child the best possible opportunity to learn necessary academic skills, develop important character qualities, be supported on their post-secondary journey, and gain a lifelong love for learning. How much that is worth is a decision only you can make.