Vancouver’s Mini School for Advanced Students

Gabby Orea
February 10, 2022

The Vancouver School Board (VSB) offers something that no other school district in British Columbia offers and that is their Mini School Programs. From art to sports to math, there’s a mini school for every student.

Mini School at a Glance

In short, mini schools accomplish similar goals, even at different institutions. They offer smaller class sizes to promote supportive learning and to facilitate a community. Mini schools are there to provide advanced education for students who are academically exceptional. Not only do they enrich a student’s academic abilities, but also practical everyday skills.

Mini schools are offered to students going into Grade 8. About 1400 students apply every year, but VSB mini schools are not short on space and have 500 classes available for every applicant. If you don’t enter a mini school in grade 8, that doesn’t mean your child missed their opportunity. Some programs are offered at higher grades as well.

Schools that Offer Mini School

This is a list of schools that have their own unique mini school programs.

Though not mini schools, some institutions offer International Baccalaureate (IB). These schools are:

IB is similar to mini schools, except the student can stay within the program for the entirety of their high school career. Their level of academia is more intensive than regular classes and mini school.

Finally some unique programs that are neither mini school nor IB, but are grouped along with them include:

Churchill Synergy Program – small class size with a collaborative work environment. The program lasts the duration of how long the student is in high school.
TREK at Prince of Wales Secondary – Grade 10 program that integrates outdoor survival with academia.

You can find more details about their mini school programs in their links above. No matter what school you enrol in, your child will receive only top quality education.

The Benefits of Mini School

Ultimately it’s up to the student’s interest and ability. If they are able to keep up with the intensive learning style of mini programs, then they should definitely try it. The programs have passionate and knowledgeable teachers, and they have small class sizes to encourage the students to be a community.

When a student is successful in mini school, they are prepared for the rest of their lives. They will have the collaborative and critical thinking skills that the workplace needs. They’ll also have an impressive application for the universities they wish to attend.