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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Glenlyon Norfolk School

Grades JK TO Gr. 12 — Victoria, BC (MAP)

Glenlyon Norfolk School:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

School address

  • 781 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia, V8S 3Z2 (MAP)
  • 1701 Beach Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V8R 6H9 (MAP)
  • Busing available (View details)

School Busing:

GNS offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, occasional rider.

The regions GNS offers busing from are:

  • Victoria
  • Langford
  • Saanich

Our Perspective

How we see Glenlyon Norfolk School


Our Kids Feature Review

The 50-page review of Glenlyon Norfolk School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.

Read our in-depth review

School's Perspective

Compare with:  

How Glenlyon Norfolk School sees itself


The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"Glenlyon Norfolk School is an inclusive family-driven community whose members care about each other and the world around them, where dedicated teachers and staff deliver the full International Baccalaureate Program in a co-educational environment from First Steps to Grade 12. Building on our foundation as a university preparatory school, we encourage students to be curious, engaged and balanced learners who are ready to take positive risks, make mistakes and discover their true selves."

  • There is no single mold that defines success for a GNS student
  • The partnership built between the school and our families is critical for student growth and success
  • We have been delivering the IB—the 'gold' standard of education—for over 25 years
  • Every student at GNS is an IB learner; every teacher at GNS is an IB educator
  • The strength of GNS lies in our connected, collaborative and caring community
  • The partnership built between the school and our families is critical for student growth and success
  • GNS is a Canadian school with a global viewpoint
  • International students at GNS have the option to take part in our unique Family Boarding program
  • We also operate a small boarding house in a beautiful heritage property near campus
  • When you come to GNS you are not just another student—you become a Gryphon for life

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Every student at GNS is an IB learner. During their time at GNS, they are encouraged to ask questions, investigate topics independently and take action about issues they feel are important. Building on a foundation of over 25 years of training and experience, our teachers have created a unique approach to delivering the IB curricula that enables our students to develop higher-level skills in inquiry, analysis and innovation that they can put into action in the real world today and in the future."

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"At GNS, you are not just another student. The GNS experience is an enriched one that meets every student where they are and supports them to do their very best. This is possible because of our people. Our community. A strong partnership between the school and our families creates the best environment for student growth, and the relationships forged between students and teachers who know them and care about them as individuals set us apart and make our great school truly exceptional."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"GNS is a Canadian school with a global viewpoint. As an International Baccalaureate school with membership in the Round Square, our staff strive to broaden our students’ world views, both inside and outside of the classroom, to impart to each student that we all have a role to play in the maintenance and growth of our communities. Being part of the GNS community prepares students to recognize how their actions have an impact on the world around them and helps them become capable global citizens."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"We embrace the greatness of small. Our students enjoy the richness of opportunity that comes from being a part of a small school that offers large school programs, where everyone is encouraged and expected to take part. Play on the soccer team, perform in the musical, or organize a beach clean-up—we count on our Gryphons to be active, involved members of our community. As a result, students gain confidence, learn how to work for and with others, and are inspired to pursue their passions."


School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities


Athletics facilities


Arts facilities


Campus


Classrooms


Residences


Science facilities


Instructional resources


Shared spaces


School Videos

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see Glenlyon Norfolk School


Video reviews of Glenlyon Norfolk School

Roundtable Q&A (2021)

Watch our Glenlyon Norfolk School Q&A discussion with Claudia (Parent), Matthew (Alum), Zara (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.

Alum, Ella Chan (2020)

Watch our alum interview with Ella Chan to learn about the unique experience of attending Glenlyon Norfolk School.

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone


Interview with school leader

Watch our Glenlyon Norfolk School leadership interview with Chad Holtum to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
Watch the interview

Message from school leadership

Mr. Chad Holtum, Head of School

I am honoured to be the head of the Glenlyon Norfolk School community school, entrusted with ensuring a quality education for our students from Gryphon First Steps (3 years old) to Grade 12.

We are a proudly Canadian school with a global viewpoint, as demonstrated by our International Baccalaureate (IB) World School designation.

If you’re reading these words you’ve already begun an important process. If you explore further you will find detailed information and vivid descriptions of student life, both inside and outside the classroom, at each of our two unique and idyllic campuses.

You’ll discover the depth and breadth of the IB curricula that underpins every aspect of our academic life, and you’ll learn about the first-class co-curricular opportunities that ensure each and every GNS student has the opportunity to embrace an experience that is well-rounded, challenging and fun.

In that sense, GNS is no different from so many of the other fine schools in BC, across Canada, and around the world.

But GNS is so much more than that.

The GNS experience is an enriched one that meets every student where they are and supports them to do their very best. This is possible because of our people. Our community. The partnership built between the school and our families creates a strong environment for student growth. The relationships forged between students and teachers who know them and care about them as individuals set us apart and make our great school truly exceptional.

As I often state, the foundation of GNS lies in Our Core Values. Truth. Courage. Caring. Individuality. Community. These principles guide each member of the “GNS Family,” as we ensure the school remains an exceptional place for students, parents, families, alumni, faculty and staff. I know that my two boys love it here!

Our collective philosophy is to never miss an opportunity to celebrate one another’s achievements, but to also never miss a chance to grow and to learn. As in many schools, excellence at GNS is measured in part by academic success, but it’s also gauged by the development of empathy, by the discovery of new passions, by a willingness to push beyond comfort zones, and by the ability to create and maintain enduring relationships and friendships that last a lifetime.

We’re so excited that you’re considering joining our community, and we look forward to assisting you through the process. If you have questions, please ask. If you have comments, I hope you’ll share them with our Director of Enrolment, Trevor Mannion.

The journey you are about to embark on is one that is shared and enhanced by every other member of this community. Together, we’ll ensure that the future is brighter for you, for your family, and for our school.

Warmly,
Chad Holtum
Head of School


THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Glenlyon Norfolk School

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