Everything You Need to Know About Richmond’s Secondary Schools

Mika Iwai
August 30, 2023

Embarking on a journey of education is a significant step, but it can be even more challenging when it’s done in another country. When it comes to Richmond’s secondary schools, the possibilities for international students are both exciting and diverse. In this mini guide, we’ll summarize everything you need to know about Richmond’s secondary schools – from their unique offerings to their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and the supportive communities that shape students’ experiences.

Linear-based schools (September – June)

Richmond Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 1250

Located near downtown Richmond, Richmond Secondary School is within arm’s reach of the city’s biggest shopping mall, city hall, and main library branch. Many students at the school are active in sports and intramural activities. Richmond Secondary School is 1 of 2 schools in the city that offer International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, which many universities around the world recognize.

Unique Programs & Courses

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
Chef Training
Global Perspectives
Metal Fabrication
Physical Education Leadership
Printing and Psychology

Allan Roy (A.R.) MacNeill Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 950

A.R. MacNeill is the only school in Richmond with an Outdoor Incentive Program, an accelerated program for motivated students with a passion for the outdoors. Students in this program will study in a higher-learning environment (Pre-AP-style courses) while developing leadership skills during outdoor excursions (hiking, snowboarding, camping, etc.). General students can choose 1 of 3 intermediate academies that suit their academic interests and learning styles.

Unique Programs & Courses

Fine Arts, Design, and Media
Citizenship/Leadership
Computer Programming
Guitar
Car and Concepts Fabrication
Law
Robotics

Semester-based schools (September – January; February to June)

Hugh Boyd Secondary School

Enrollment: Up to 850

Hugh Boyd Secondary School is 1 of 2 schools in Richmond that offer International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. These courses are a part of IB’s Middle Years Programme, which is a 5-year long program focused on teaching 8 subject groups – Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individual and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design.

Unique Programs & Courses

International Baccalaureate (IB) – Middle Years Programme
Drafting – Architecture and Habit Design
Advanced Placement (AP)
Multimedia/Video Production
Photography
Jazz Band
Music

John Napier (J.N.) Burnett Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 1200

At J.N. Burnett, teachers, and staff members emphasize student development. Every year, two conferences are held to focus on social responsibility and career awareness. Burnett also has an exchange program for students who wish to travel abroad, with several sister schools located in various countries around the world.

Unique Programs & Courses

Yearbook Journalism
Animation
Computer Science
Physics
Health Sciences
Music
Psychology

Henry James (H.J.) Cambie Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 900

Cambie Secondary School is located in East Richmond and is connected to the East Richmond Community Centre. The school has been recognized for its outstanding reputation in sports and extracurricular activities, with an award-winning robotics club and many provincial championships in badminton and volleyball.

Unique Programs & Courses

Accounting
Honours Mathematics
Mandarin
Entrepreneurship
Photography
Recreational Leadership
Jazz Band and Vocals

Robert Alexander (R.A.) McMath Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 1250

R.A. McMath Secondary School is a popular choice for students enrolled in French Immersion elementary schools since it offers instruction in both English and French. Located in the historical town of Steveston, the school is close to plenty of open space, local restaurants, and water.

Unique Programs & Courses

Explorations (Grade 8-10 enrichment program)
Leadership
Financial Management
Digital Media
Theatre Performance
Jazz Band
French Immersion

Matthew McNair Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 950

Matthew McNair offers a “Mini School” for students who wish to challenge themselves academically. The program runs for 5 years (Grades 8 to 12) and focuses on enriched academics, leadership, and outdoor education.

Unique Programs & Courses

Mini School – enrichment program
Culinary Arts Training
Environmental Science
Strings Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Band
Directing and Scriptwriting
Auto Mechanics
Stagecraft/Theatre Production

Hugh McRoberts Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 1150

Hugh McRoberts also offers a French Immersion program for students who wish to learn French. McRoberts has a long and reputable history when it comes to academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The school sits next to South Arm Community Centre, which many students go to after school to use its fitness centre, gymnasium, and outdoor basketball courts.

Unique Programs & Courses

Animations
Human Services
Photography
Economics
Industrial Design
Directing and Scriptwriting
French Immersion

Robert Cecil (R.C.) Palmer Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 750

Despite being a small school, R.C. Palmer Secondary School is well-regarded for its close community of students and teachers. The school’s Pre-AP Incentive Program, an accelerated program that prepares students for AP courses and postsecondary education, ranks high within British Columbia and is recommended for students who are up for an academic challenge. Palmer also has an active sports scene, with the school’s basketball and ultimate frisbee teams frequently ranking in provincial-level games.

Unique Programs & Courses

AP Psychology
Leadership
Accounting
Drafting-CADD
Fashion Design and Merchandising
Law
Marketing
Japanese Exchange (JAX)

Steveston-London Secondary School

Enrollment: up to 1250

Did you know that Steveston-London Secondary School was previously two separate schools: Steveston and Charles London? Steveston-London is one of three schools with a semester-based schedule. The school is known for its large student body, many of whom are involved in sports teams and extracurricular clubs.

Unique Programs & Courses