Highlights
- Excellent academic, vocational, technical and fine arts programs
- Offers International Baccalaureate programs for students performing at a high level in certain academic subjects
- Students live in a beautiful urban area bordered by mountains and the ocean
- A special program for gifted athletes and musicians is in place to encourage excellence
Program Options
- British Columbia Ministry of Education Graduation Diploma Program
- Advanced Placement Program
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
- English as a Second Language Program
- Career Diploma Programs
Program Facts
DiplomaBC High School
Program Levelsgrades 8-12
Private vs Publicpublic
Calendar YearSeptember-June
Year Program Founded:1982
Hours of Instruction/Wk:25
College/University Admission Link:
WVSD has a high success rate in educating students whom later attend post-secondary institutions throughout the world.
Refund Policy
The C$200 application fee is not refundable. A full refund is given for students not granted visas. A 66% refund is given for withdrawals prior to commencement of the program (after a visa has been issued) or a 50% refund for withdrawals within 30 days of commencing the program. No refunds are given after 30 days of participation in the program. No refund of tuition fee will be granted if the student is found to be in violation of the Program Participation Agreement and asked to withdraw from the Program.
Students who have confirmed they will be returning to West Vancouver District schools to continue their programs will receive a maximum of a 50% refund of their annual tuition if they withdraw from the program prior to June 15. After June 15, no refund will be granted for any reason.
Student Profile
Student Ages13-19 years
Class Sizes22-26
School Size(s)600-1,500
Student/Teacher Ratio20:1
District Principal,
International Programs
#303 - 1549 Marine Drive,
West Vancouver, BCCanadaV7V 1H9
Phone:1-604-981-1158
Fax:1-604-925-2033
Email:
Website:
Curriculum Overview
West Vancouver School District (WVSD) has an internationally recognized excellent school system that offers qualified students from around the world the chance to experience Canadian culture and education in a beautiful urban setting.
International students from grades 8 to 12 can choose to study in one of two programs: an intensive English program or an integrated academic program. The intensive English program follows the principles of English as a Second Language training. Students are introduced to the basic rules of English and are instructed on how to use and expand on these guidelines. The skills learned in this program are useful in achieving additional educational, personal or employment objectives. All international students are required to take a one month long English language program during the summer vacations between grades 10 and 11 and between grades 11 and 12.
The regular academic curriculum integrates students directly into classrooms with Canadian students. International students can choose from core courses such as mathematics, social studies, English, French and the sciences as well as valuable electives like environmental studies, computer science, art, humanities, business education, languages, physical education, technology, visual & performing arts and home economics. These courses can be taken in various combinations to create a unique and valuable program that satisfies the school board’s requirements for graduation from British Columbia’s educational system.
International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs are a popular choice
for both local and international students in
the WVSD. Elevated levels of study earn students credit towards their diploma, while preparing them for studies in post-secondary institutions in North America. Students who successfully complete these classes gain advanced credit at the university level, enabling them to bypass introductory courses and proceed to intermediate levels of study in that particular subject.
Activities and Facilities
Students attending any of the three secondary schools in WVSD can make use of the well-maintained technologically advanced facilities.
In order to meet the changing needs of the late 20th century, WVSD is outfitting all educational facilities with modern computer technology. All school buildings are networked with LANs as well as outside access from sources such as the Internet. Automation of school libraries helps students to access knowledge banks and learning resources.
Understanding the importance of extra-curricular participation in a balanced education, WVSD has developed an excellent sports program that enables students to enjoy indoor and outdoor sports, community clubs and social clubs that encourage fitness, communication and friendship.
Program and Location
The West VancouverSchool District has been inviting international students to share educational and cultural experiences with Canadian students since 1982. As an established program, it offers a safe, organized system through which international students can participate fully in all aspects of Canadian culture.
The process of integrating international students into regular classrooms is seen as an ideal method of breaking through both language and social barriers. WVSD encourages participation and interaction between all students, thereby fostering a cooperative and exciting educational environment.
West VancouverSchool District
International Education Program
All students are required to reside with one of the many prearranged homestay families in West Vancouver. Students benefit from the support of their homestay family while also getting the chance to take part in many new activities.
The West Vancouver Transit system provides access to most areas in West Vancouver. Buses run at convenient times to major destinations within the residential area, as well as connecting to buses that serve the Greater Vancouver area.
West Vancouver, a suburb of Greater Vancouver, is situated between towering mountains and the ocean. It is a beautiful, well-established area consisting mostly of private homes that overlook the Lion’s GateBridge and much of the city. International students can live in the safe, peaceful surroundings offered by this area, while venturing to other areas of the city for excitement and entertainment.
Greater Vancouver offers a wealth of opportunities for students to experience outstanding food, sports events, shopping and entertainment. Nearby mountains offer exceptional sightseeing, skiing, hiking and bicycling.
Admissions
WVSD classes run from September to June every year with breaks in December and March.
Admission to the International Education Program is considered once applicants submit the following documentation: a nonrefundable C$200 application fee; at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or principal; and official transcripts from the past three years of schoolwork. Students must also pay a nonrefundable homestay placement fee of C$300 to cover the administrative costs of arranging accommodation for students.
Upon notification of acceptance into the program, students are required to pay the entire amount of tuition in order to reserve their position in the program. Students who fail to pay will lose their position to other students on the waiting list.
Student visas must be obtained by all international students. Applications can be made to the Canadian High Commission of the country in which the student resides. Failure to get a student visa will result in a withdrawal of the offer to participate in the program.
All international students must have health insurance to protect them against costs resulting from accidents or illness. WVSD has incorporated the C$700 cost of health care into its tuition fee. All documentation is completed once the student arrives in Canada.
Support for
International Students
WVSD international students have access to a number of resources that help to ease the strain of relocating and studying in an unfamiliar country. Cultural differences in lifestyle, education and religion are respected by fellow students, instructors, homestay families and school support staff.
Each school has an international student adviser who can address issues as they arise. Counselling and assistance services staff help students who are seeking information about future steps towards postsecondary education in Canada or elsewhere.
Extracurricular activities are ideal opportunities for international students to become involved in the WVSD way of life. Students are encouraged to actively participate in any clubs or teams that interest them. Their valuable contributions to the school diversify the perspectives of all students.
Community and Location
City Population41,000
Climate Range0 to 27 C
Settingurban
Admissions at a Glance
Minimum English Requirements:
Beginner Level: students are integrated into high school program as language abilities improve.
Minimum Academic Requirements:
Students are assessed on acase-by-case basis. Generally, 75% in academic course work.
Reference Letter(s):required
Application Fee:C$200
Application Deadlines:
March 31 for September entry.
October 31 for February entry in grades 8, 9 & 10 only; some grade 11 in special
circumstances.
Expenses
International TuitionC$14,700/year
(Approx:US$12,900/year)
Health InsuranceIncluded
Books and Lab FeesIncluded
Accommodation (including food costs):
School Residencesn/a
Privaten/a
Homestay PlacementC$300 (1 time)
HomestayC$800/month
International Students
Program Enrolment:500
% of District Enrolment:8%
Admitted/yr to Program:70
Countries of Origin:
WVSD has hosted international students from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Brunei, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Iran.