International Program

Kindergarten to Grade 12

Welcome to Maple Ridge Christian School

Our International Program welcomes students from around the world into the Maple Ridge Christian School community, providing academic excellence, cultural connection, and supportive care within a Christ-centred environment.

Maple Ridge, British Columbia is a welcoming, family-oriented community that provides an excellent environment to learn, grow, and thrive. The city offers a diverse blend of established neighbourhoods, new residential developments, farmland, and green spaces, creating a safe and balanced setting for family life.

Maple Ridge offers convenient access to parks, recreation, shopping, dining, healthcare, and public transit. It is located approximately one hour by car from Vancouver International Airport.

We welcome students from around the world to be part of our community.

Maple Ridge Christian School is ranked within the top 10% of schools in British Columbia, according to the Fraser Institute school rankings.The school was built in 1956 and expanded with a new building and second gym completed in April 2025.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students learn on the same campus and positive cross-grade interactions are witnessed each day. Students in all grades spend time weekly in our school library. There are opportunities to experience fine arts (music, drama, and art) and physical activities all year round. Being a smaller school means teachers walk alongside students, giving individual support and mentorship. Maple Ridge Christian School offers a unique immersion experience with a limited number of international students per class.

International Student Program

Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 5)

Early learning includes a mix of creativity, coaching, and connection. Students in our elementary program thrive academically and grow in their faith while developing healthy social skills and a joy of learning.

Middle School (Grade 6 to 8)

These are years when youth discover and develop their strengths and passions. Students in our middle school program experience community as they learn through projects, collaboration, and exploration. Instruction in music and athletics are offered all year round.

High School (Grade 9 to 12)

Our graduates are proven to be problem solvers and critical thinkers who know how to work in teams and to relate to people of all ages. Teachers mentor students to dive deeper into academics, athletics, and the arts while engaging safely with technology. High school students have the opportunity to attend various educational field trips with their classmates. Our high school students leave Maple Ridge Christian School prepared to pursue their goals and succeed beyond the classroom.

Our Stories

Read stories about Student Life at Maple Ridge Christian School.

From Newcomer to Belonging

When I first came to MRCS, I was in grade 6. I could only speak some basic English. I was very frustrated and nervous because I couldn’t understand the lessons. My English got better in every aspect —understanding my classmates’ small talk and the teachers’ teaching. I made friends who always cheered me up when I was upset. When I first came to MRCS I was surprised that the school was quite small. Then I realized being in a small private school is an advantage. I prefer small schools like MRCS because your voice is being heard and it is more peaceful and loving. One of my favourite memories from MRCS was helping organize the school dance as part of Student Council. Seeing everyone come together, laughing and dancing, made me realize how special our school community really is. It wasn’t just about the event itself, but about creating a space where everyone felt included and connected. — Amy (China)

From Challenge to Connection

One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the English academic environment. Even though I had studied English before, understanding lessons, participating in discussions, and expressing my opinion took time. When I hung out with Canadian students for the first time, it was a great experience. After that it became easier to be close to them so that I started to speak in English more than before. This helped my English skills. The greatest thing about MRCS is that most people at MRCS are kind and welcoming to brand-new students. When you try to mingle, they accept you. Also, ELL classes are very helpful for international students. ELL teachers understand the difficulties that we face and sometimes give us extra time for assignments, which really helps to lower the pressure of using English. — Luke (South Korea)

A Caring Place to Grow and Learn

In the beginning, I had a tough time building up my courage to talk with people with my poor English but everyone at MRCS helped me adapt into the community. Teachers always had time to respond to my questions. They always listened to us and helped me find an answer. I had never felt such a caring environment in any school I had ever been to! — Coco (China)

A Life-Changing Journey

Maple Ridge Christian School was and always will be a family for me. I attended MRCS from Grade 10 to 12, and it was definitely one of the most life-changing journeys in my life. At MRCS, I learned more about myself, my identity, and my purpose in this world. The experiences I had there constantly remind me that I made the right choice by choosing to study at MRCS. —Kylie (Hong Kong)

A Memorable Year

When I came to Canada, I was anxious whether I would make friends and understand the classes. Studying abroad was challenging, but MRCS is the best school for international students. Everyone was so sweet. My classmates talked to me. When I was depressed, my friends encouraged me. When I made mistakes they always correct me. If I could go back to the past, I would study English so hard before coming. I think broadening vocabulary is the crucial skill of learning English and that talking is the best way to improve English skills. — Ai (Japan)

Finding Faith Far From Home

When I first came to MRCS from Korea, I wasn’t a Christian. Faith was something distant and unfamiliar to me. But through this school — through the gentle love of the teachers, the warmth of the community, the quiet moments in Chapel, and the stories shared in Bible class, I came to meet God for the first time. Not just as an idea, but as someone real and present in my life. This school led me to Him, and for that, I will always be thankful. Over time, MRCS became more than just a place of learning. It became a place of transformation. I found not only knowledge, but faith. Not only classmates, but long life friends. Even though I was far from my family, I felt their warmth through the kindness and care of the people around me. Every moment from everyday conversations to unforgettable performances has become part of who I am. It’s a journey I once thought was too big for me, but now I walk it with faith, because I know I’m not alone. MRCS will always be part of my story. It gave me a new path, new people, and a new heart. Thank you for showing me love, truth, and the beauty of walking with God.

Long-term

Fully Integrated Learning in a Canadian Classroom

Our long-term international students gain an authentic Canadian experience through full integration into their classes and activities at Maple Ridge Christian School.

This fully-accredited program includes a high standard of academics, a biblical worldview, increased language proficiency, and lasting friendships with Canadian peers.

Short-term

English Immersion

Inquiries for short-term admissions for individual international students may be forwarded to the International Program department.

Language Immersion

Integrated Experience

Only a limited number of international students are admitted per class making it a truly integrated program. Since our international students are fully immersed with English-speaking classmates, they maximize English language learning and proficiency. English Language classes are also offered in the regular student schedule.

Homestay

A Supportive Canadian Home Experience

Students in grade 9 and older who are not living with their own family are placed with a Canadian host family. A host family provides a safe, secure, Christian environment for the student, ensuring consistency between the home and school. The student will attend a local church and participate in family activities and outings with their host family.

The homestay family cares for the student’s social, mental, spiritual, and physical health all within a genuine Canadian context.

Community

Where Every Student Belongs

Maple Ridge Christian School is known for its friendly students and staff.

Lasting friendships often develop between students of different grades and cultures. The staff create a caring community through their commitment to and involvement with the students. Maple Ridge Christian School students and staff look forward to supporting international students on their stay here!

University Preparation

Preparing Students for Post-Secondary

High school classes at Maple Ridge Christian School are offered across a wide range of academic interests, including science, technology, humanities, and the arts. Through engaging instruction and innovative teaching methods, students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their learning to real-world challenges. Teachers intentionally support and guide students as they develop meaningful knowledge, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of how their studies connect to life beyond the classroom.

Leadership Experience

Building Skills for Lifelong Success

Students who gain leadership experience stand out in the competitive university admissions process. Maple Ridge Christian School encourages international students to pursue both on-campus and off-campus leadership opportunities. In the past, international students have served in a variety of meaningful roles, including supporting the school office, assisting in elementary classrooms, and leading activities in community programs.

Group Outings

Exploring Canada Beyond the Classroom

Students enhance their experience by seeing local and seasonal sights. These outings give students the opportunity to explore the surrounding community, experience Canadian culture firsthand, and connect classroom learning to real-world settings.

Teaching for Transformation

Learning That Shapes Who Students Become

Teaching for Transformation is the educational framework that guides learning at Maple Ridge Christian School. Rooted in a biblical worldview, it invites students to see God’s story unfolding in every subject and equips them to faithfully participate in it.

Through meaningful learning experiences, students develop knowledge, character, and a sense of purpose — discovering how their gifts can serve God and others.

Every day we focus on being

God-Worshippers

honouring the Lord with grateful hearts

Image-reflectors

representing Jesus as His ambassadors

Community-servers

building peace and healing brokenness

Justice-promoters

identifying injustices and becoming agents of change

Temple-keepers

caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit

Beauty-creators

praising God by creating beautiful things

Creation-caretakers

working diligently as stewards of God’s creation

Order-discoverers

finding harmony and order in God’s creation

idolatry-discerners

determining and understanding the idols of our time

Truth-seekers

seeking and proclaiming truth in all areas of life

Ready to start your child’s adventure at Maple Ridge Christian School?

For all general inquiries, please contact:
Mrs. Karen Bowering
Maple Ridge Christian School International Program Coordinator
Email:
Phone: 1.604.465.4442
[ Download the English Brochure ]

For inquiries from China & Hong Kong, please contact:
Mr. Rocky Dong
Email:
Phone: 778.898.1508
WeChat ID: Rocky1508

For inquiries from South Korea, please contact:
Ms. Anna Seung
Phone: +82-10-5896-0005
Kakao @ https://open.kakao.com/o/srRueTQg

Join Our Community

Choosing a school is an important step. We’d love to walk alongside you as you explore whether Maple Ridge Christian School is the right fit for your family.