The Coquitlam School District (SD43) is renowned for its high-quality education and diverse learning opportunities. Within the district, there are eight exceptional secondary schools, each offering unique programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Below is an in-depth look at each school, providing detailed information to help students and parents make informed decisions about their education.
1. Centennial Secondary
Established: 1966 | Renovated: 2018
Student Population: 1,700 | School Team Name: Centaurs
Facilities and Learning Environment
Centennial Secondary, the first high school established in SD43, is situated in an area surrounded by excellent recreational facilities. The school boasts modern amenities, including three gymnasiums, a theatre, a new cafeteria, and a covered outdoor student common area. Additionally, students have access to a weight room, and a large multi-use grass field and rubber track, making it an ideal environment for both academic and athletic pursuits.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- Language Courses: Japanese, Spanish, French
- Award-winning youth business club
- On-Line Learning, Calculus
- Unique Courses: Fish & Wildlife, Economics, Entrepreneurship & Marketing, Cook Training, Automotive Maintenance, Metal Art Jewelry
- Clubs: Youth International Photo Club, Red Cross Youth Club, Salmon Project Club, Chess & Games Club
- Sports: Badminton, Weight-Training, Dragon Boat Team, Football, Golf, Tennis
- Music & Arts: Choir, Vocal Jazz, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Music Composition, Guitar, Musical Theatre, Theatre production
Explore courses: Centennial Course Guide
2. École Dr. Charles Best Secondary
Established: 1971
Student Population: 1,650 | School Team Name: Blue Devils
Facilities and Learning Environment
Dr. Charles Best is named after Dr. Charles Best, the Canadian scientist who co-discovered insulin. The school features modern facilities, including a FieldTurf sports field (home to the Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club), a well-equipped gym, woodworking & electrical labs, and collaborative learning spaces. Students also have access to the nearby Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex for additional recreation.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Career & Trades:
- BCIT Partnership Programs: Joinery (cabinetmaking) & Electrical Studies for Grade 12 students
- French Immersion
- Robotics, Digital Media, Business Education
- Arts & Theatre:
- Best Players Theatre Group: Annual Metfest one-act plays + spring musicals/traditional plays
- Music & Visual Arts: Concert/Jazz Band, Choir, Graphic Design, Photography
- Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, Field Hockey (girls), Badminton, Tennis, Hockey
3. Gleneagle Secondary
Established: 1997
Student Population: 1,250 | School Team Name: Talons
Facilities and Learning Environment
Gleneagle Secondary features an open-concept student commons area, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. The school is equipped with a modern gym, weight room, and a large outdoor field. Students also benefit from nearby recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool across the street and the Town Centre Aquatic Centre, which offers additional swimming and fitness opportunities.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement (AP), CISCO Networking Academy, C.O.A.S.T. Outdoor Education Program
- Music & Arts:Theatre production, Modern Band, Music Composition
- Language Courses: Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French
- Arts & Tech: Animation, Commercial Art & Design, Multimedia
- Sports: Performance Dance, Swimming, Basketball, Skiing & Snowboarding, Golf, Mountain Biking, Tennis, Rugby, Dragon Boating
Explore courses: Gleneagle Course Guide
4. Heritage Woods Secondary
Established: 2004
Student Population: 1,500 | School Team Name: Kodiaks
Facilities and Learning Environment
As the newest school in SD43, Heritage Woods Secondary is designed with modern learning in mind. The school features a wireless technology network, allowing students and teachers to use laptops anywhere on campus. Athletic facilities include two gymnasiums (one full-sized and one smaller), a weight room, tennis courts, a running track, and two full-sized fields. The 350-seat theatre supports the school’s strong performing arts program.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- CISCO Networking Academy
- Outdoor Education Program & Wireless Writing Project
- Advanced Placement & Honours Programs (English, Math, Social Studies)
- Language Courses: Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French
- Unique Courses: Ceramics, Media Arts, Film & Television, Hospitality/Tourism, Guitar, Robotics
Explore courses: Heritage Woods Course Guide
5. Pinetree Secondary
Established: 1997
Student Population: 1,650 | School Team Name: Timberwolves
Academic Excellence and Facilities
Pinetree Secondary has built a strong reputation for academic achievement, with its graduating classes consistently earning among the highest provincial scholarship rates per capita in School District 43. The school offers a comprehensive range of programs in modern facilities designed to support diverse learning needs.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement & Honours (Chemistry, Math, Physics, Psychology)
- Language Courses: Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French
- Computer Information Systems
- Arts & Music: Guitar, Photography, Electronic Music Composition
- Sports: Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Cheer & Dance, Rugby, Swimming, Wrestling, Basketball, Badminton, Field Lacrosse, Ski & Snowboarding, Tennis
Explore courses: Pinetree Course Guide
6. Port Moody Secondary
Established: 1973 | Renovated: 2001
Student Population: 1,350 | School Team Name: Moody Blues
Facilities and Learning Environment
Port Moody Secondary stands out for offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, providing students with globally recognized academic challenges. The school features two modern gymnasiums, an extensive weight training and fitness area, cafeteria, library, and well-equipped music band rooms. Its outdoor spaces include a large multi-use grass field, while the indoor open-concept student common area serves as a vibrant hub for student interaction.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- IB & Advanced Placement (AP)
- Environmental Science, Debating Club, Multicultural Club
- Language Courses: Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French
- Clubs: Animation Club, Web Team, Third World Awareness Group
- Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cheer & Dance, Soccer, Outdoor Pursuits, Weight Training, Cross Country
Explore courses: Port Moody Course Guide
7. Riverside Secondary
Established: 1996
Student Population: 1,450 | School Team Name: Rapids
Facilities and Learning Environment
Riverside Secondary is distinguished by its French Immersion program and renowned Technology Education department. The school takes pride in its unique Korean Drumming Group, which adds to the cultural diversity of its extracurricular offerings. Modern facilities support both academic and hands-on learning experiences.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement, French Immersion, CISCO Apprenticeship Program, BCIT Computer Systems Network Fundamentals, Science Co-op Education and Secondary School Apprenticeship Program & On-Line Learning
- Chef Training Program
- Language Courses: Italian, Japanese, Spanish (starting in Grade 11), French
- Clubs: Eddy Newspaper, Multicultural Society, Hovercraft Club, Drama Club
- Sports: Gymnastics, Dance & Cheer Team, Curling, Ice Hockey, Mountain Biking, Golf, Field Lacrosse, Swimming
Explore courses: Riverside Course Guide
8. Terry Fox Secondary
Established: 1996
Student Population: 1,650 | School Team Name: Ravens
Facilities and Learning Environment
Named after Canadian hero Terry Fox, the school embodies his legacy of determination and excellence. Facilities include well-equipped music rooms, a large outdoor athletic field, modern gym facilities, and a beautiful 1,350-seat theatre that hosts various performances and events throughout the year.
Academic and Extracurricular Programs
- Advanced Placement, French Immersion, On-line Learning
- Arts & Music: Music & Theatre Productions, Performance Dance, Jazz, Classical & Modern Band, Choir
- Language Courses: Mandarin, Spanish, French, Intro to German
- Web Publishing & School Newspaper
- Sports: Dragon Boat Team, Golf, Tennis, Aquatic, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Volleyball, Soccer
Explore courses: Terry Fox Course Guide
Coquitlam School District’s eight secondary schools each offer distinctive learning environments, specialized programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities to meet diverse student needs and interests. From Centennial’s historic legacy to Heritage Woods’ modern facilities, from Port Moody’s IB program to Riverside’s technical focus, families in the district have access to exceptional educational options.
Prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit individual school websites and attend open houses to discover which learning community best aligns with their academic goals and personal interests. With such varied programming across the district, every student can find their path to success in SD43 schools.
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