About Class Afloat

Leaders in experiential learning since 1984.

Class Afloat offers rigorous and internationally acclaimed academic programs for Grade 11, 12, University and Gap Year students while they voyage on land and sail the world’s oceans aboard a majestic tall ship. Class Afloat has a long legacy of commitment to academic excellence, community service, leadership and personal development since first setting sail 40 years ago.

In 1984, under the banner of International Youth Year, the United Nations invited schools and agencies worldwide to interpret the themes of “peace, participation and development”. In response to that call and with a commitment to those themes, Class Afloat- West Island College International was formed.

A History of Excellence

Since 1984, over 2,000 Class Afloat students have sailed more than 700,000 nautical miles to over 250 ports of call worldwide

Past Our School

Class Afloat – West Island College International was founded in 1984. Our school headquarters is now located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vibrant coastal city with a rich maritime heritage. From our head office, our administrative team supports the classroom, shipboard, and land-based experiences that make up each school year, while preparations are always underway for our upcoming voyages.

We are proud to be part of the Halifax community, a city shaped by generations of seafaring, shipbuilding, and ocean exploration. Surrounded by one of the world’s great natural harbours, Halifax provides an inspiring setting for a school built around life at sea, global learning, and personal growth. We honour the legacy of the tall ships that came before us while continuing to create transformative experiences for students from around the world.

Present Our Students

Class Afloat students come from all over the world. They are a diversified group of open-minded youth between the ages of 16-19, inspired by the challenge of life at sea and committed to broadening their horizons through travel.

Through the pursuit of excellence in the classroom, a rigorous routine of sail-training and academics, and encounters with new cultures, our students acquire the skills required of a 21st century education.

Future Our Grads

Class Afloat graduates have matriculated to some of the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities including University of St. Andrews, Columbia University, University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, Acadia University and more.

The majority of Class Afloat students gain acceptance to their first choice of post-secondary institution following their Class Afloat school year experience.