Schools in Whistler, BC: A Local’s Guide to Education

If you are thinking about moving to Whistler with children, the school system is probably right at the top of your checklist. Most people know us for the slopes and the village life, but there is actually a very tight-knit, grounded community here raising kids year-round.

Navigating the educational landscape in a resort municipality is a little different than in the city. Our schools are part of School District 48 (Sea to Sky), and they reflect the lifestyle here - expect a heavy emphasis on the outdoors, sports integration, and community involvement. Whether you are looking for public English streams, French options, or independent alternatives, there is a path for your student.

Let’s break down how the system works so you can figure out where your family fits best.

In Whistler, where your child goes to elementary school is almost entirely determined by where you sleep at night. The public system is geographically split into two main catchments, roughly divided by the Village and the Spruce Grove area.

Myrtle Philip Community School: If you are looking at neighborhoods north of Whistler Village - like Emerald Estates, Nicklaus North, or Rainbow - this will likely be your home base. Located on Lorimer Road, Myrtle Philip serves the northern half of town. It’s a true community hub. You will often see the parking lot full for local events or after-school programs long after the bell rings. The curriculum hits all the BC Ministry standards, but because it is Whistler, teachers often take advantage of the nearby trails and nature for outdoor learning.

Spring Creek Community School: For those settling in areas south of the Village - such as Creekside, Bayshores, or Cheakamus Crossing - Spring Creek is the designated elementary school. It is located on Spring Creek Drive and has a very similar vibe to Myrtle Philip in terms of community focus. It’s worth noting that if you live in Cheakamus Crossing, you are in a particularly convenient spot for this catchment. Like its northern counterpart, the school integrates the local environment into the day-to-day learning experience.

Once students graduate from grade 7, the two elementary streams merge. Whistler Secondary School (WSS) is the single public high school serving our entire community. It is located in the Alpine Meadows neighborhood, which makes it a busy spot in the mornings.

WSS offers a solid range of academic courses, including AP options and electives, but what really sets it apart is how it handles our local athletes. We have a lot of families here chasing podiums in skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

To support this, WSS runs a "High Performance Sports" program. This isn't just a gym class; it’s a structured academic pathway designed to accommodate elite athletes who need flexible schedules for training and competition. If your child is serious about their sport, this program is a game-changer. The school also partners with the RPM Hockey Academy, so the support for athletics is pretty comprehensive.

This is one of the most common topics I chat about with parents relocating to the area. It is important to know the difference between "Immersion" and "Francophone" schools here, as they serve different groups and have different entry points.

Late French Immersion: If your primary language at home is English but you want your child to learn French, you are looking for the Immersion program. In Whistler, we have what is called "Late French Immersion." This program starts in Grade 5. It is hosted at Spring Creek Community School for the elementary years and then continues on to Whistler Secondary. Note that we do not have Early French Immersion (Kindergarten entry) right in town; that program is currently based down the highway in Squamish.

École La Passerelle: On the other hand, if you are a Francophone family—meaning you have French-speaking parents or rights holders under the Charter—you might qualify for École La Passerelle. This is a fully Francophone public school operated by the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF). While it is physically located within the Spring Creek Community School building, it operates independently. It is designed for students who speak French as a first language, not for English speakers trying to learn it.

While the public system is strong, some families prefer an alternative approach. The main independent option right in town is the Whistler Waldorf School.

They offer programs from Pre-K all the way to Grade 12. If you are familiar with the Waldorf philosophy, you know it focuses heavily on holistic education, arts, and a deep connection to nature - which fits the Whistler vibe perfectly. They are currently located at Spruce Grove, though you will often see them utilizing portable classrooms and community spaces to make it work.

If you are open to a commute, Coast Mountain Academy is another option. It is located in Squamish and serves grades 7 through 12. It has a reputation as a university preparatory school, so some Whistler families find the drive worth it for the academic focus.

For older students or those taking a gap year, there is also the Whistler Adventure School. This is more of a post-secondary career training institution, offering courses in marketing, bike mechanics, and ski guiding. It’s not for K-12, but it’s a great resource to know about if you have young adults in the house.

If you are ready to make the move, getting registered is fairly straightforward, but you need your paperwork in order.

How to Register: Enrollment for School District 48 is handled largely online. The most critical piece of the puzzle is your proof of address. Because the elementary catchments are geographically rigid, the district needs to verify exactly where you are living in Whistler to assign you to Myrtle Philip or Spring Creek.

Transportation: Given that our neighborhoods can be spread out, not everyone can walk to school. SD48 offers bus services for students who live outside the designated walk limits. If you are buying a home in a spot like Alpine Meadows or farther out, you will want to look into the bus routes early.

Waitlists: Finally, a quick heads-up on capacity. While general enrollment is guaranteed for residents, specialized programs like French Immersion or specific childcare and after-school care spots can have waitlists. If you know you need those services, I recommend getting your name on the list as soon as your move is confirmed.

Whistler Secondary School (WSS) is the only public high school in town. It serves all students from grades 8 through 12 and is located in the Alpine Meadows neighborhood.

Yes, but it offers "Late French Immersion" which begins in Grade 5. If you are looking for Early French Immersion starting in Kindergarten, that program is currently located in Squamish, not Whistler.

Generally, students are expected to attend school in the community where they reside. Cross-boundary transfers are sometimes possible but depend heavily on space availability, and priority always goes to local residents.

Yes, the primary independent option is the Whistler Waldorf School, which serves students from Pre-K to Grade 12. There are also private options nearby in Squamish, such as Coast Mountain Academy.