400-570, Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1Y1(MAP)
Busing not available
Our Perspective
How we see Alexander Academy
In many ways, Alexander is very much an expression of its context, namely the cultural and social life of Vancouver. The approach is international, drawing students from a range of cultural backgrounds, though also teaching with an eye to global communication and issues. The school is very forward looking, adapting programs to address 21st century literacies, and providing support for individual student success, including flexible scheduling. Academics are front and centre, just as they should be, but there is an attention to student life within the walls of the school and beyond. The location is proximate to a range of resources, including galleries and museums, arts venues, and transportation. The ideal student is one preparing for university studies.
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How Alexander Academy sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Alexander Academy is a private high school for students in grades 10-12 and is dedicated to educational excellence that is both student-centred and community-oriented. Alexander Academy offers the BC Dogwood Diploma, a unique University Transfer Program and an English Language Development Program for our international students. Our approach is to offer personalized learning, relevant out-of-classroom experiences, and the opportunity to earn advanced university transfer credits."
Unique University Tarnsfer Program
BC Transfer Credits
English Language Development
BC Dogwood Diploma
Concurrent Studies Program with Alexander College
Centrally Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver
Individualized Student Sucess Program
Robust Extra-Curricular Program
Mandatory uniform
Co-education
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We recognize that each student has their own academic goals, learning style, passion, and talent. Our teachers are committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically to reach their full potential. Alexander Academy’s teaching staff is comprised of 11 full-time equivalent qualified faculty members, as well as our Head of School, Headteacher, Student Services Manager, Health and Wellness counselor, and a full-time Librarian. Our student-teacher ratio is 1:11."
What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"To best serve families, Alexander Academy strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, discipline and play, specialization and holistic education, competition and collaboration, and local focus with a global mindset. We uphold traditional values while continuously innovating our programs. Our curriculum combines discipline with play to foster creativity and critical thinking. We offer specialized programs while emphasizing a well-rounded education. We promote healthy competition alongside teamwork and empathy. Additionally, we celebrate our local community while encouraging a global perspective. These tradeoffs ensure that our students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world."
What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Key junctures in Alexander Academy's history have significantly shaped its present trajectory. One pivotal moment was our establishment under the British Columbia Ministry of Education, laying the foundation for our internationally renowned status. Another crucial point was our commitment to personalized learning, which remains integral to our academic approach. Additionally, our embrace of downtown Vancouver as our campus has influenced our intimate learning community and attracted exceptional students and teachers. These milestones have molded our identity as a school dedicated to educational excellence, personalized learning, and community engagement, shaping our present commitment to providing a safe, caring, and internationally-minded environment for our students."
What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"At Alexander Academy, our distinct approach to education is best suited for students who exhibit a proactive mindset, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to personal growth. Ideal candidates are those who value academic excellence, embrace diversity, and are eager to engage in a dynamic learning environment. We seek students who are self-motivated, collaborative, and empathetic, as these traits align with our emphasis on inquiry-based learning, teamwork, and community engagement. Additionally, students who appreciate our focus on personalized education, holistic development, and global perspectives will thrive in our school community. Overall, a good fit for our school is a student who is curious, open-minded, and ready to embrace the opportunities for growth and discovery that Alexander Academy provides."
Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Families may reconsider choosing our school if their educational preferences differ significantly from our distinctive approach. If they seek a more traditional model, prioritize specific programs we don't offer, or prefer a larger student body, they may find another institution better suited to their needs. By being transparent about our unique offerings, we aim to ensure families can make informed decisions aligned with their values and goals."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Alexander Academy is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in an ever-changing world. We aim to foster a safe, caring, student-oriented community by focusing on building strong relationships between a diverse and inclusive group of internationally-minded learners. We do this by cultivating a collaborative and supportive learning atmosphere that encourages action, inquiry, healthy living, and life-long learning."
How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Our school is recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in education. We're known as a nurturing, inclusive community that values diversity and fosters creativity. Families trust our academic rigor, personalized attention, and community engagement. Overall, we're respected for providing a top-tier education in a supportive environment."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"What makes us special? Alexander Academy is widely proud of the 100% University Acceptance of its students."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Our staff promotes holistic education and sustainability practices that place the students first. We aim to cultivate creativity, engagement, collaboration, empathy, and integrity in our students. Alexander Academy seeks to raise awareness for the process of truth and reconciliation and creating authentic connections with Indigenous communities. We nurture skills such as leadership, creativity, resilience, and responsibility to prepare our students for success in an increasingly interconnected w"
What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Recently, Alexander Academy has implemented several impactful changes to enhance the student experience. Notably, our graduating students achieved a record-breaking amount of scholarships, nearly reaching one million Canadian dollars since 2018. In response to student requests, we have also invested in new musical instruments for the school band, enriching our arts program. Additionally, we have empowered students to initiate various clubs tailored to individual interests, including social media, dance, math, sports, and hiking clubs, among others. These changes demonstrate our commitment to supporting student growth, fostering diverse interests, and enriching the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at our school."
Gr. 11 (current) — The school is very compact, has under 100 students, and feels very private and personal. My son love...
School leadership
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Nigel Austen, Head of School M. Ed
Welcome to Alexander Academy. We are delighted that you have found us and invite you to get to know us better. As you will see, at Alexander Academy our lively classrooms celebrate the joy of learning and foster the quest for excellence and exploration. The first thing you will notice when you arrive at Alexander Academy is that the excitement is tangible: you will feel the energy and sense the vibrancy as soon as you enter our school. You will grasp the wonder of discovery in the classrooms as each student and faculty member engage in authentic critical thinking and learning. Our small classes provide the opportunity to challenge students to express themselves in an environment where teachers are a vital part of each student’s daily experience. Our personalized community also helps to build lifelong friendships among students and faculty.
We are a professional learning community following a holistic approach to education. We educate the whole person: academically, artistically, physically and socially as we put the student and their strengths and interests first. No two students or journeys are alike and we will go out of our way to find and nurture each student’ unique abilities. To help students on their path, we craft a unique program designed for each student. Ultimately, it is our goal is to shape 21st century leaders who have the courage to take intellectual risks as they work effectively with others. Our aim is that every student should leave Alexander Academy happy, fulfilled and prepared for the next stage of their life.
In navigating through the pages of this website, I hope that you will get a real sense of the richness and diversity of life at Alexander Academy. Above all else, I hope that you will gain a strong impression that, at Alexander Academy, the interest of our students comes first.
Please do come and visit Alexander Academy. You will be warmly welcome.
