For many African families, finding the right overseas school for their wards is more than just academic excellence. It’s also about trust, safety, and long-term opportunity. Alexander Academy, located in downtown Vancouver, BC, Canada, is quietly earning that trust by offering students not just a place to learn and excel, but a home away from home.
With its flexible High-Performance Program for Grades 10–12 (the equivalent of SSS1-3 in the Nigerian secondary education system), Alexander Academy helps students manage both academic commitments and demanding training schedules in sports, arts, or music. But beyond the curriculum, what truly sets the school apart is how it supports African students through every step: admissions, visa guidance, homestay placement, and daily school life.
As more Nigerian and African students find their footing at Alexander Academy, testimonies from the students themselves offer compelling evidence of how this Vancouver school is shaping the next generation, offering critical support that resonates with families back home with improved focus, strong grades, and young people thriving in a caring and structured environment abroad.
A School That Understands Your Passion and Potential
Shemen Unegbu, a Grade 12 transfer student and semi-professional footballer of Nigerian descent, knows exactly what balance looks like. A former player for Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamos FC, he joined Alexander Academy to continue his training without sacrificing his education.
“Being part of the high-performance program was convenient for me due to my teachers allowing me to leave classes early because of the high demand club set,” Shemen said. “Assignments were pushed back for me due to how busy I was. If I needed any extra help the teachers were always there for me, so I think I benefited in my school life as well.”
The High-Performance Program at Alexander Academy is open to students who train at least 10 hours a week in sports or arts. With small class sizes and flexible schedules, the
school helps students stay on track academically while keeping their competitive edge.
“During English lecture, my teacher, Mr. Todd, helped me out with the assignment that was a bit overdue,” Shemen recalled. “But due to the high-performance program, he was able to push that back a little bit for me and offered more help to me after school.”
Because of that support, Shemen was able to receive professional contract offers, along with admission into Division I American universities and the University of Toronto.
“Coming to Alexander Academy really helped me get high marks in my grades,” he added “Which eventually allowed me to apply to top-end universities as well as keeping a high level of performance.”
For Shemen, the structured environment at Alexander Academy restored his focus after struggling with online schooling.
“When I was doing an online school at my previous club, I noticed that I was kind of slacking and my focus wasn’t there due to all the stuff around me,” he explained. “So, coming to Alexander Academy really helped me develop my focus and find a good balance between my education and football.”
Meet Amusa — A Trailblazer from Ogun, Nigeria
It’s not just athletes who are finding their path at Alexander Academy. Amusa, a 16-year-old student from Ogun State, Nigeria, is the first Nigerian to attend the school. Her journey tells another story of courage and support offered by the school community she now calls her home.
“I was raised in Ogun State, Nigeria, and I’m the first Nigerian to attend Alexander Academy.
“So, at first, I wasn’t planning on making new friends, but on my first day, it was very nice. Everyone was being too calm, the students, the teachers, the head of school. My locker is right in front of his office, so every time he comes out, he speaks to me every morning. And I like the environment.”
Though Amusa had already graduated in Nigeria, she needed to complete a chemistry course to meet university entry requirements. Alexander Academy not only admitted her but guided her through every stage of the journey, from admissions and visa support to finding accommodation.
“I’ve already graduated in Nigeria, but I needed chemistry, and Alexander Academy was the only school that was willing to help me,” Amusa said. “They made sure I got my visa to study. They were helpful with every process.”
Her goal is clear and inspiring: to study nursing at a top university.
“I want to be a nurse, and I plan to apply to the University of British Columbia or the University of Cambridge. Being a nurse is just (what) I like. I love being nice to people, and I love smiling. I love taking care of people. So, I think that’s the best job for me.”
Alexander Academy Offers Smooth Transition for African Students
Alexander Academy understands that moving from Africa to Canada can be an emotional leap. That’s why the school works closely with trusted homestay providers to ensure students live in safe, welcoming homes while studying.
Amusa recalls the initial fear of moving to a new country alone without the family and community support and care that she was used to in Nigeria.
“It’s not easy moving from your hometown to this place, because you obviously had a lot of friends and family. Like, I’m here without my mom, my dad, my brother. I mean, I felt afraid, like I said before, but now it’s getting better.”
Thanks to the homestay program, Amusa quickly found a second family.
Narrating the unwavering support she got from the school in securing her accommodation, Amusa disclosed that Ms. Berenice Lewis, Director of Admissions and Business Development at Alexander Academy, ensured she got a Homestay company without any hassles. According to Amusa, this made it possible for her to settle down in Canada as soon as she moved in. “My homestay mom takes care of me very well, just like my normal mom does,” she said.
African students like Amusa and Shemen are finding more than just academics at Alexander Academy. They’re finding a supportive community, the chance to dream big, and the tools to achieve those dreams.
University Guidance and Preparation
Alexander Academy’s support continues right up to graduation and beyond. According to the school, student services team provides one-on-one academic counselling to create a personalized graduation plan for every learner. From choosing the right courses and sequencing them effectively, to applying for scholarships and practicing university interviews, students are guided at every step.
The results speak volumes: “with a remarkable 91% acceptance rate into the top 10 Canadian Universities, as well as acceptances into prestigious universities worldwide such as Columbia, Berkeley, King’s College London, and University of Sydney, our graduates excel academically,” Alexander Academy wrote on its website.
