West Vancouver School District 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. A dynamic, progressive, and technologically advanced learning community, West Vancouver’s 14 primary and elementary, and three secondary schools consistently rank in the top percentile of all schools in British Columbia for academic, athletic, and artistic achievement. Current enrolment of approximately 6,690 students is drawn from a combined population of approximately 45,000 residents. West Vancouver is a quiet residential area about 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The city has some of the most beautiful homes and some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Vancouver area. International students are admitted in Grades K to 12 (please note, elementary students must be accompanied by a parent who will commit to living in the district with the child throughout the year). An established program since 1982, we offer a safe, organized system through which international students can participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life and culture.

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 and the sciences, as well as valuable electives like environmental studies, computer science, art, humanities, business education, home economics, languages, physical education, technology, and visual and performing arts. West Vancouver excels at academic performance in the province.

Our International Student Program does not have on-campus housing. We offer our international students a homestay program only if required.

Homestay: International students live in a beautiful urban area bordered by mountains and the ocean. All students are expected to reside with one of the many prearranged homestay families in West Vancouver. All members of the host family are personally interviewed and the homes inspected. Students can expect their own bedroom with desk, dresser drawers, and closet space. Students benefit from the support of their homestay family while also getting the opportunity to take part in many new activities. This is the ideal situation to develop English skills in addition to learning about Canadian culture. Students are not allowed independent living in our program. All students must live with a responsible adult if they wish to attend the West Vancouver International Student Program.

First year students are integrated directly into classes with other Canadian students. International students whose English skills require more development, we offer special transitional courses in English, social studies and science, as well as specially developed courses to assist students with language development.

Our secondary schools have professional counsellors who are available to help students with their academic and career planning needs. Students are also required to take a course in career and personal planning, which also assists students in identifying career and educational goals.

Our schools offer extensive athletic programs for both males and females. Many of our school sport lead to provincial championships. As well, many sports and leisure activities are available in our community. Hockey, curling, baseball, yoga, martial arts, and many other activities are available through our community clubs and facilities.

Each high school has an international program coordinator responsible for a wide range of activities for the international students. As well, the schools host many activities, dances, special events, dinners, and assemblies throughout the year. International students are encouraged to get involved in student life to make the most of their experience in our schools.

Each school has many clubs. International students are encouraged to get involved in areas of interest. Participation in clubs, sports, and other activities is voluntary so students must make an effort to seek out areas of interest and get involved in school life.

Students attending any of the schools in the district can make use of the well maintained technologically advanced facilities. All computers in the school district have high speed fibre optic Internet capabilities and the students can make use of these resources for research and communication activities.

Throughout the year, we have many activities, which celebrate the diversity of cultures in our community. We have a very active international club, which is responsible to organizing many events and activities that reflect the diversity of our schools and community. All students, Canadian and international, are encouraged to participate in these activities.

West Vancouver has the highest high school completion rates in the province. Over 80% of our graduates go on to post-secondary education. About 60% of our graduates go to Simon Fraser University and The University of British Columbia, and many students attend nearby Capilano College. There are several other colleges in the Vancouver area as well.

West Vancouver School District is proud to have four sister schools. Japanese exchange students are welcomed from Mejiro Gakuen High School in Tokyo, Sendai Ikuei High School in Sendai, and Fukuoka Daiichi High School in Fukuoka. Our fourth sister school is the Instituto Technologico Y De Estudios Superiores De Monterrey, Mexico. In turn, West Vancouver School District's students have the opportunity to study for up to one year overseas at these schools.

School tours are arranged on an individual basis. If you are in Vancouver and would like to visit one or more of our schools, please contact our international office and we will be pleased to make arrangements with you for a tour and discussion of our programs and facilities.

Understanding the importance of extracurricular participation in a balanced education, West Vancouver School District 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. The Personal Touch: The principal of the International Student Program personally meets with the parents of our international students to deliver the second term report cards. This is done on a yearly basis and it allows the parents to be updated on each student's progress.