Students at Meadowridge come from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and passions. What unites them isn’t where they began, but what they bring. They are curious, motivated, and connected by a shared belief in our mission: learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community. If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t for me…” think again. You may be surprised by what’s possible and how naturally you’ll fit in.
The Head of School Bursary is a needs-based scholarship for exceptional kids, enablingstudents to attend Meadowridge on a four-year, full tuition scholarship.
All Strengths Are Welcome
We’re looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and engaged students. While grades matter, we care just as much about well-rounded applicants. Things like extracurriculars, attitude, and how you contribute to your community all count. Most of all, we want students who bring a positive energy to our school and are excited to be part of it.
“The bursary isn’t just about academics. It’s one that supports kids with a passion and drive. When I was applying, I submitted my transcripts, sure, but I remember the interview being about me: they asked me what I enjoy doing, what interests me, what activities or clubs I wanted to get involved in. They wanted to know me on a personal level and how I would benefit from and contribute to the school community. They’re looking for much more than straight As.”
Thiago Amin, Class of 2021
Your Next Four Years, Closer In a Few Steps
Step 1:
Inquiry & Interest
Contact the Admissions Team by submitting our interest form to register for an Open House or book a private campus tour.
Families are contacted to complete the application form, which includes student-written responses. Once submitted, students are scheduled for an assessment consisting of a 30-minute interview and a one-hour MAP test in numeracy and literacy.
If financial need is confirmed, students submit either a letter or a video to the Head of School outlining why they wish to attend Meadowridge. They will also participate in a final interview with the Head of School.
"I was scared at first, but I quickly realized that the application wasn’t just about my grades. I met with school leaders and shared with them how community oriented I was, and how involved I was in volleyball and with theatre. My grades mattered, but they weren’t everything. Show your personality and who you are and what you’ll add to the community."
Mia Zebibbo, Class of 2024
You’ll Belong
Starting at a new school can feel overwhelming, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll find your community and get involved. Meadowridge offers many ways to connect—clubs, sports teams, extended trips, outdoor adventures, and more. There’s something for everyone.
You’ll Be Supported
The IB program is challenging, but you’re never alone. Our teachers take the time to understand you, and you’ll have a dedicated post-secondary counsellor, advisor, and project mentors supporting you every step of the way. Plus, you’ll find friends in a community that lifts each other up rather than competes.
And You’ll Thrive
Throughout high school, you’ll have opportunities to try new things, discover your interests, and explore what you love. With the full support of our community, you’ll have the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive.
Friends | Omid
“It’s not the typical “private school” you might think of. The kids are normal. One thing that stood out to me is, when we had big get-togethers, we invited every single person in our grade and made sure no one was left out. You might not get that inclusion elsewhere. People care, because you know and care for everybody.”
Omid Motameni, Class of 2018
Belong | Viktor
“I kept my scholarship to myself, and Meadowridge made that easy. Outside of my counselor and a couple of administrators, no one knew — no jealousy from classmates, no extra expectations from teachers. Whether you share it is completely up to you.”
Viktor van Schaardenburg-Zizka, Class of 2022
Balance | Mia
“You learn to balance your priorities. School was always a priority, but so was my social life and my extracurriculars. I volunteered at the school almost every day to score keep, but was also really involved in volleyball. The teachers here understand this and work with you to succeed. Teachers adapt and work with you so you can still participate in sports or other extracurriculars.”
Mia Zebibbo, Class of 2024
Accepted | Thiago
“Meadowridge is such a diverse school, it would be hard to say what a ‘typical student’ looks like—there are people from all walks of life and backgrounds. There was never a single time throughout my entire time at the school when I felt excluded. My friends from Meadowridge are still my friends because you grow up together and they understand you, and know you, in a way no one else can.”
Thiago Amin, Class of 2021
Criteria | Mia
“I joined the school in Grade 10, so it was naturally a bit difficult at first. But if you get involved and make an effort, you’ll find your people. I love all my friends, and in my first year, I was already hosting a joint birthday party with someone who had been at the school since Junior Kindergarten.””
Mia Zebibbo, Class of 2024
Accepted | Akira
"Meadowridge is a great community. The kids I was surrounded by were nice, cool, and diverse. You’ll find your crew. It’s not the ‘private school’ you see in the movies; it’s a different environment than that, very welcoming.”
Akira Yoshiyama, Class of 2023
IB | Viktor
“Yes, there’s a jump — but the bigger difference is the teachers. They help you so much that once you catch up, IB actually feels easier than what I was doing before. Learning easy material with bad teachers is hard. Learning advanced material with great teachers is way easier.”
Viktor van Schaardenburg-Zizka, Class of 2022
Friends | Thiago
“Making friends is exponentially easier at Meadowridge than at any other school. One of the big reasons is that they have all these ways for you to connect. From Kinderbuddies to Week Without Walls to Houses, and even the IB itself, where you spend your whole year with the same students. You make deeper connections with students and teachers. I was a bit scared before joining, but it was a nice surprise to realize making friends was not just easy, but actually supported through all these activities, events and initiatives.”
Thiago Amin, Class of 2021
Balance | Akira
“You can still do everything that you want to do. You’ll be just as busy in university, so doing it in high school actually prepares you better.”
Inquiryand Interest
Families register for an Open House or schedule a school campus tour.
Application
Families complete the application form, which includes student-written responses. Once submitted, students are scheduled for an assessment consisting of a 30-minute interview and a one-hour MAP test in numeracy and literacy.
Conditional Acceptance and Financial Review
Upon acceptance, families complete the Apple Financial application.
Final Steps
If financial need is confirmed, students submit either a letter or a video to the Head of School outlining why they wish to attend Meadowridge. They will also participate in a final interview with the Head of School.
Bursary applications follow the regular admissions cycle and are considered in priority order. However, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all bursaries have been awarded. If you have missed the deadline and are unsure whether bursaries are still available, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@meadowridge.bc.ca or 604.467.4444.
Yes. Uniforms and Programme Fees are not covered, nor are optional expenses such as busing, the cafeteria, extended trips, and paid extracurriculars.
For more information, check out our tuition and fees page.
No. The bursary is designed to support students for all four years, contingent on continued engagement and good standing in all academic courses and extra-curriculars.
Families will submit a financial aid application through Apple Financial Services upon acceptance to determine eligibility. This process includes providing your last two years of tax assessments, along with an overview of your household income and expenses.
Financial aid decisions are made holistically, considering each family’s unique financial circumstances. While there is no strict income cut-off, support is intended for families who demonstrate a clear and meaningful need.
The Apple Financial Application provided by Apple Financial Services (AFS) is a bursary and financial assistance analysis program for independent and private school across Canada. This programs assists schools in determining financial need by providing an arm's length and unbiased evaluation of applying families financials. When you send an application to AFS, you are giving permission for an analysis to be done and for the computation of the recommended parental contribution to be provided to the school. As you complete the application, you should know that the information that you provide will be held in complete confidence. Only Meadowridge will be sent your financial information and the AFS analysis.
No. This bursary is designed to support students entering High School, and starting in Grade 9 is in the student’s best interest as it provides them the academic foundation for the Diploma Programme (DP).
Most students arrive not knowing anyone—and that’s completely normal. What sets our school apart is how intentionally we build a sense of belonging from day one. Through programs like Week Without Walls, Advisory, and our Buddy Program, students are supported in forming meaningful connections right away.
It doesn’t take long before those first introductions turn into real friendships—you’ll find your people here, and you’ll find them quickly.
No. Neither teachers nor students will know who a bursary student is. The only way a student’s bursary status will be revealed is if the student chooses to share it.