Private Schools
fri d ay, o c t o b e r 1 5 , 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r
EW29
october 2010
special advertising feature
A Different Way of Learning Under the auspices of the Independent School Act, the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA B.C.), established in 1966, is an umbrella organization for independent school groups in British Columbia. Eleven per cent of all students are enrolled in independent elementary and secondary schools in B.C. (approximately 69,300 in 2009-10). However, independent schools receive only five per cent of grants the provincial budget allocates toward operating costs of schools. The maximum grant to an independent school is half that of the per-pupil grant to a public school, according to FISA’s website. When considering an independent (or private) school, parents have a lot of questions. FISA has a few answers for them:
Are there waiting lists?
Whom do I contact about student admissions?
Tuition fees are regarded as fees for service for Kindergarten through Grade 12 and are not deductible. However, the portion of fees paid for the religious instruction of a school may be receipted by the school as a charitable donation.
Call the independent schools you are considering for admission information. Most independent schools have admission information/application forms which may be downloaded from their website. There is no central admissions office for independent schools.
Waiting lists for student admissions varies from very few to extensive, depending on the individual school. Call the independent school you are considering for waiting list information. There is no central office to provide this information.
What is a typical annual tuition fee?
There is no typical fee. Fees at independent schools vary widely depending on the programs offered, grade level, type of student served, and donations given to the school, particularly in the case of schools affiliated with religious groups. Call the independent schools you are considering for tuition information.
Are tuition fees deductible as an education deduction or charitable donation?
Go to www.fisabc.ca for further information.
Dwight International School
Outstanding teaching...
Small School, Big Community Immaculate Conception School is an independent Catholic elementary school located on Vancouver’s West Side. We offer a diverse and enriched learning program with an emphasis on academics, language, sports, music, drama, technology, and community service. We are now accepting admissions and have space available in some grades from kindergarten to grade 7.
Non-Catholics and overseas students are welcome to join our inclusive, nurturing learning community. For information on admissions please email us at info@icschoolvancouver. com or call 604.224.5012. www.icschoolvancouver.com
...in a safe and caring environment! Weekday Boarding Available • Small Class Sizes
Immaculate Conception School 3745 West 28th Avenue Vancouver BC V6S 1S6
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Tel: (250) 929-0506 • 2371 Shawnigan Lake Road admissions@dwightinternational.org
EW30 T h e
Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r friday, october 15, 2010
Private Schools
The Education edgE
cal: Asking the right question is the key. Thinking and communicating are more important than ever. Connecting seemingly different disciplines opens up new ideas and new solutions to problems. Interacting with other cultures in other places is essential to global understanding. These are elements of a Stratford Hall education. Stratford Hall is one of the few schools in the world authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate in a Kindergarten to grade 12 setting. The IB is the world standard for 21st Century learning. Graduating students have succeeded in the most rigorous university entrance program available. Learning at Stratford Hall is active and interactive. It is balanced, with strong outdoor education and creative arts programs, and it is future-oriented in its mandate.
compiled by Helen Peterson
Knowledge is king (or queen) when it comes to selecting just the right learning and social environment for your child. Here is a sampling of private / independent schools around Vancouver (check ads in this section for contact info.), featuring their unique atmosphere and educational values: Immaculate Conception School is a small, independent Catholic elementary school located on the west side of Vancouver. Situated on a quiet cul-desac, ICS is a family orientated school of about 200 students. While it is a faith based school, it follows the B.C. government’s approved elementary school curriculum. At Immaculate Conception School, they believe that every child is a unique gift from God and they strive to provide a learning environment that nurtures this gift academically, spiritually and socially. The spirit of the school is one of Christian community and the school encourages parents to be the first educators of their children, thereby becom-
YORK
HOUSE
The exceptional learning environment at Crofton House School is enhanced by superb facilities and is situated on a beautiful campus surrounded by woods and flowering gardens. Pictured: The new Senior School, opened in Sept. 2009
ing an integral part in their success. Immaculate Conception is proud to be partners with parents in promoting life long learning and high aspirations for their children’s future.
SCHOOL
Reaching eagerly and confidently for personal excellence
W HER E
she exc els OPEN HOUSE Please join us at our main campus and Little School campus during November Open House events. Please register your attendance online at: www.yorkhouse.ca/admissions. Come and discover our dynamic programs and inclusive school community!
For more information, please contact Mabel Lim, Director of Admissions, at 604.730.2419 or mabel_lim@yorkhouse.ca
A Stratford Hall education prepares students for the future. We live in a world where information is readily available. Making decisions about which information to use, and how to use it, is criti-
West Point Grey Academy (WPGA) is tremendously proud of its reputation for top quality education, and the reasons include the high calibre of its students, faculty and parents, all deeply committed to developing a passion for
continued next page
fri d ay, o c t o b e r 1 5 , 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r
Private Schools
Making a Difference St. John’s School Admissions Information Sessions
October 26, 2010 - 10:15 am & 7:00 pm a wide range of extra-curricular activities are available at private schools, which helps students graduate with well-rounded personalities
continued from page 30 excellence. Selecting the right school for your son or daughter is one of life’s most difficult decisions. The foundation of skills and lifelong attitudes that they learn in school will influence their success later in life. WPGA is about people, academics, community, and individual growth. Programmes emphasize the essential skills that students need to succeed in university and later in life - solid study habits, effective communication, mastery of technology, and personal organization. In combination with WPGA’s rigorous curriculum, these essential skills build a foundation of self-confidence and achievement. Graduates of West Point Grey Academy have the opportunity to select from a multitude of post-secondary institutions, through carefully planned individual timetables. Graduates have been successful in attaining post-secondary acceptance from institutions in Canada, the United States and abroad. Crofton House School is a progressive and dynamic independent all-girls school rich in history, dating back to 1898. Building on a foundation of academic excellence, the school is at the forefront of 21st century education that empowers young women to reach their full potential. An exemplary academic program is balanced with opportunities for the girls to hone their skills in athletics, arts, social responsibility and the environment. The love of learning begins in the Junior School where small class sizes and highly qualified teachers ensure each girl’s individual learning needs are met. Technology is an integral part of the educational programming and enhances an interactive experience in the classroom. The Senior School offers an enriched university preparatory curriculum balanced with a wide range of programs and activities where girls realize their potential. Academic programming is
EW31
complemented by local and international extra-curricular activities. An outstanding new building features integrated technology, an exceptional library and digital film studio. Airy classrooms and flexible workspaces ensure the girls can excel.
Additional Grade 7 class in September 2011 For more information, contact our Director of Admissions at admissions@stjohns.bc.ca or 604 732 4434.
www.stjohns.bc.ca 2215 West 10 Avenue
Vancouver
604 732 4434
Middle Years and Diploma Programme
York House is a leading independent day school for girls located in the heart of Shaughnessy. Founded in 1932 by seven insightful women, York House continues to honour its traditions of the past by providing challenging opportunities for girls in academics, fine arts, athletics and community service. The school has always existed for the benefit of its students. They honour the individual by helping girls explore, discover and grow their passions – whether it be in music, track and field, or science. It is a place where she excels. What does it mean to be a Yorkie? To be successful, girls need to be wellrounded individuals who not only excel at academics, but know how to take care of their bodies (athletics), care for others in the community (by upholding their motto: not for ourselves alone) and understand the world (global issues). A Yorkie ask questions, takes risks. She is a confident leader who respects others and takes responsibility for the life she leads. She will always be exceptional. York House leadership and staff are dedicated to helping set up students for success. Dwight International School (DIS) is a coeducational and non-denominational day and boarding school. Located on the beautiful shores of Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, DIS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school and the only independent boarding school in Western Canada to offer both the IB and BC Dogwood curriculum. DIS offers a unique weekday boarding option, where students living in Vancouver can study and live at the school during the week and return home on the weekend. continued next page
Watch for
Kidz beat Friday Nov. 5
EW32 T h e
Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r friday, october 15, 2010
Private Schools
spotlight
continued from page 31 DIS follows a holistic philosophy and believes in educating the entire person. DIS is committed to student-centred experiential learning and always puts the individual learner’s strengths and interests first. Committed to both diversity and inclusiveness, DIS is proud to be preparing a future generation of welleducated and ethical global leaders. At Pattison High School (PHS), students are exposed to a plethora of experiences that assist greatly in developing a comprehensive education. Students from around the world gather at PHS to pursue their dreams and aspirations while enriching their lives in the cultural mosaic reflective of our society. Students immerse themselves in their studies that include opportunities that occur outside the classroom. At PHS, a well-rounded experience includes getting outside the classroom walls to indulge in the various resources that the Vancouver Metropolitan area provides. Student activity days, field trips and field studies add to the rich education environment. Social interactions and group leadership activities enrich the students’ life experiences. Thus, a PHS student becomes a more global citizen, ready to contribute to the world.
St. John’s Celebrates 25 Years St. John’s School is an independent, non-denominational, IB World School for boys and girls in Grades Kindergarten to 12. St. John’s is a vibrant community that embraces families and provides individual attention for students. With only 400 students and small class sizes, every student is known. Head of School, Stephen Hutchison, explains, “When children come into the school, they have that sense of belonging. This is a place where they are valued, a place where they are known and a place where they are safe.” Students participate in a breadth of athletic, artistic and academic cocurricular activities and competitive programmes. A Grade Seven student describes his experience: “I’m mostly in sports clubs like, basketball, track and field, soccer and running club. I like these clubs and teams because they really bring friendship and teamwork all together.” St. John’s has a dedicated librarian as well as specialist music, art, French, Mandarin and physical education teachers in the Junior School and Senior School. A full-time gifted programme teacher works with select children oneon-one and provides enriching exercises for all Junior School classes each
week to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The school also offers an English language support programme. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme educates the whole student - intellectual, personal, emotional and social - and develops inquiry, critical thinking and self-reflection skills. Students develop an understanding of global issues and a concern for others in the community and the broader world IB provides excellent preparation for university, according to Hutchison. “Universities offer incentives to IB students because the curriculum develops a balanced variety of knowledge and skills, “he says. “Universities actively recruit IB graduates because they are proven to be successful in university due to the range of subjects they have studied. Employers too, are increasingly looking for flexibility and adaptability - something all IB students are able to offer. St. John’s has a full-time graduate advisor and 100 per cent of our graduates attend the postsecondary programme of their choice.” St. John’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011. In September, the school opened the new Senior School facility, which includes an expansive
gymnasium and specialized classrooms. Hutchison states: “St. John’s is committed to inspiring academic excellence and graduating confident learners who pursue their goals with passion, integrity and respect for others within the global community.
An IB World School
Are you looking for a world class education to engage your child? Stratford Hall is authorized to teach International Baccalaureate Primary Years (grades K-5), Middle Years
WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY Information Sessions Thursday, October 28 Pre-K to Grade 4 at 9:30 am Thursday, November 4 Grades 5 – 12 at 9:30 am RSVP not required
(grades 6-10) and Diploma Programs (grades 11 & 12) Bus service is now available Please contact Olivia Law at olivia.law@stratfordhall.ca for details
3000 Commercial Drive 604.436.0608 www.stratfordhall.ca
An Independent Co-Educational University Preparatory School Entry Years: Pre-Kindergarten (Age 4) and Grade 1 Acceptance in other grades dependent upon available spaces
APPLICATION DEADLINE – December 2, 2010 ADMISSIONS OFFICE
4125 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6R 4P9 Visit our website for more information www.wpga.ca admissions@wpga.ca (604) 678-2351