In 1987 the current property and buildings were purchased by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada with the goal of creating a Social and Economic Development project to prepare youth to contribute to the betterment of the world.  After extensive renovations, Maxwell opened it doors to students in September, 1988.

The school was named for May and William Sutherland Maxwell, two of the earliest Bahá’ís in Canada.  May Maxwell was among the first Westerners to embrace the Bahá’í Faith, making her first Pilgrimage in 1898 to the Bahá’í Holy Places in what is now Israel.  William Sutherland Maxwell was one of Canada's premier architects and a leading figure in the arts societies of Montreal.  The Château Frontenac and the Legislature Buildings in Regina, Saskatchewan were buildings designed by William Sutherland Maxwell and his brother Edward.  

The Teachings and Principles of the Bahá'í Faith, which promote the unity of the human race, provide the foundation of the Maxwell program and guide the curriculum.  The school’s purpose is to prepare students for service to humanity and to contribute significantly to the unity and advancement of the peoples of the world. 

In a typical school year, students from about 35 different countries and First Nations communities attend Maxwell, making it an ideal environment for nurturing human development and learning world citizenship.
 
Striving for both academic excellence and the development of ones character is central and constant themes at Maxwell.  Many Maxwell students achieve significantly higher than provincial and international averages in independent studies and regularly receive scholarly honours and acceptance to universities or colleges of their choice.  Our graduates have attended some of the finest universities around the world – including Harvard, Oxford, McGill, Princeton, Yale, Wellesley College, University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia, to name a few.

In addition to sound preparation for study at college or university, our staff and students strive to create a transformative environment designed to encourage students to reflect deeply about their active involvement in the world’s advancement.  Students participate in social outreach programs to experience learning through service.

One of the best-known service projects at Maxwell is the Dance Workshop. The Dance Workshop blends the energy and enthusiasm of youth with the dynamics of dance, music and drama, to provide insight and solutions to many of the critical issues challenging today’s young people.  Their performances address issues such as unity, equality, confusion, drugs and alcohol abuse, racism, abuse and violence, family unity, poverty, equality of men and women, multiculturalism and environmental stewardship.

Although known for our strong arts program, Maxwell also offers a strong athletic program.  Our soccer field, gymnasium and lakefront are well used.  Our teams regularly compete in Island and Provincial meets and have brought back several trophies and medals in recent years.

To learn more about Maxwell please visit our website at www.maxwell.bc.ca
or call us 250-743-7144.