Dwight is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World school and the only boarding school in Western Canada to offer the IB diploma and provincial curriculum.

The school offers a safe and enriching learning
environment within easy reach of Victoria. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers ensure personal attention and a rich learning environment where students thrive.

INTERNATIONAL AND BOARDING STUDENTS

Dwight International School is an ideal setting for learning. We offer 5 and 7 day boarding programs for both local and international students. Our professional parent plan is an attractive option for local (the Islands and lower mainland) students who wish to stay in residence during the week and go home on the weekend.

Location:

Shawnigan lake school is situated in beautiful British Columbia which is Canada's westernmost province and is set between the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Rocky Mountains in the east. BC is home to breathtaking landscapes and a geographical diversity including mountains, rivers, beaches, forests and warm summer  lakes. The province boasts a temperate, mild climate which makes outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf a year round activity. However, if you go up into the mountains, there is snow and world class skiing. The city of Victoria provides an array of activities for our boarding students. The capital city offers shopping, restaurants, museums and all the amenities of a world class city.

Facilities

Dwight International School is a diverse community knit together by its physical environment as well as by its commitment to the highest standards of excellence, integrity, leadership, and inquiry.

With 14 buildings on 23 acres nestled along the tranquil shores of Shawnigan Lake, this vibrant community's every aspect has been designed to help students develop skills and build friendships. The schools environment enriches the educational experience of students by providing a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom, for easier access to a range of on-campus activities and resources, for socializing, and for building lasting relationships. The school  has its own docks with boats, a 2 acre sports field, a gymnasium, a cafeteria with beautiful views of the lake, state of the art computer and science labs.

Boarding students at Dwight International School stay in modern facilities offering two-, three- and four-person rooms. Each of our modern dorm rooms
has a lake view, and comes with a large deck, a telephone, and wardrobe/ storage lockers.

Residential Student Life

At Dwight International we see residential life as an opportunity to extend learning from the classroom and to teach students valuable lessons of independence. Keeping busy with healthy activities within a positive peer group is the best offence against what is becoming an increasingly toxic culture for teenagers. Research shows that the boarding experience helps students develop self-discipline, maturity, independence, time management, and leadership skills.

Our residential life families provide residential students with positive guidance and help from a range of issues. The House parent/teacher monitors behaviour and progress and works closely with other staff members, each of whom participates in the residential life of the students. Our teachers also work closely with our residential life families to extend learning from the classroom and to make sure all our students’ needs are being met. Our teachers implement our core values into every aspect of residential life, including integrity, honesty, respect for others, personal accountability, and a dedication to excellence-qualities that play a key role in developing the teamwork and sound judgment that are central to our educational mission.

For students staying in residence we provide a structured activities program, advanced study hall, and special tutorials. Also located in the dormitory is a common room where students can relax and talk with friends. In addition to these resources, activities are planned on a regular basis by our staff, and the students have access to a full-sized gymnasium, exercise facilities (aerobic, weight room, and dance studio) on-campus seven days a week. Overall, the dormitory provides a good balance for both productive studying and an enjoyable social atmosphere for the students.

Dining Services

At Dwight International we are proud to be leaders in quality. This permeates every aspect of our approach to education including the food we serve. We are proud to promote sustainable practices by supporting local farmers and producers by buying local, organic food where possible. This results in a seasonal menu offering students, faculty and visitors the finest of coastal BC.

Health and nutrition are important considerations in the preparation of all meals. Nutrition experts advise and help plan the menu to offer a delicious and healthy diet.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style, allowing students to create their own meals by choosing from an array of dishes, and the restaurant-style seating engenders a rich and positive social atmosphere.

Health and Wellness - At Dwight International School, we have a dedicated medical centre to provide for students concerns. Rest assured that if your child falls ill while attending Dwight International School, he or she will be given only the finest care that Canada's world-renowned health care system has to offer.

Athletics

Every student has the opportunity to participate in team and individual sports at his or her level. Dwight International teams participate in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) of BC tournaments, and local and international championships.

Our campus is located on a spectacular fresh-water lake in a west-coast rainforest. Students learn to canoe and kayak under the guidance of experienced instructors. Whether canoeing on our lakefront, kayaking on the ocean, camping in the forest, or hiking and mountain-biking in the surrounding hills, Dwight International students are sure of a variety of outdoor learning experiences.

In addition to the fresh-air activities offered year-round, Dwight International’s Physical Education classes ensure that students participate in traditional sports ranging from basketball, soccer, baseball and badminton, to track and field, weight-lifting and even ice skating and hockey.

Additional Programs Offered (short term and summer)
We offer a variety of options for students interested in studying at Dwight including: