20561 Logan Ave., Langley & Burnaby, British Columbia, V3A 7R3(MAP)
3450 Boundary Road, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5M 4A5(MAP)
Busing available (View details)
School Busing:
Whytecliff offers bus transferring.
Additional notes: To ensure every child has access to our programs, we have a few passenger vans at each of our campuses, and are able to offer daily pick-ups and drop-offs at certain hub locations. Please contact us for more details.
Our Perspective
How we see Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres
Our Kids Feature Review
Whytecliff provides a highly student-centred environment that has a proven record of promoting student success.
Belonging within an inclusive, supportive environment is seen as the first step to student success, something participants find here for the first time.
The 50-page review of Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres 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.
We really try to do things differently and to reach kids on an emotional level. We’re not bound by a lot of the same rules and structures that some schools are. Everything that we do here, in the end, comes down to relationships. And the program that we’ve created here is a family. What we do here is create a warm, caring environment. It’s like a home. —From Interview with Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres Principal: Ilona Davidson.
We were just amazed that, within that first week, he had made social connections. It was life-changing, instantly. The teachers understand neurodivergence, but their focus is on the kids’ strengths. They are not constantly trying to correct children’s behaviour or change them. Our son feels like his interests and strengths are really being recognized. —From Interview with Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres parent: Erica Williams.
Kissner says that “if environments can drive people crazy, they can make them well,” and indeed that’s a cornerstone of the Whytecliff program. “When you’re happy and you're grateful, the carbon dioxide in your body is the highest and that increases cerebral blood flow and your whole physiology changes."
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Whytecliff Centres in Langley & Burnaby offer a highly successful Gr. 8-12 curriculum tailored for youth with diverse learning/personal challenges. Our caring and competent staff gently weave the academics with a positive strengths-based therapeutic program, paving the way for whole-life success. Despite struggling in other schools, attendance here soars, and course completion increases 4 to 8 times. 95% of students entering grade 12 graduate, and later self-report as 9.3 out of 10 for being on a solid life path! "
Safe, empathetic, supportive community for students with a diverse range of learning needs
Low student-to-educator ratio of less than 5:1 lets us really get to know you
Each child gets a personalized program tailored to their unique gifts, strengths, and talents
Dual-accredited as both an independent school and a Positive Youth Development program
Kids love it here! On average, student attendance doubles (vs. previous learning environment)
90% of graduates successfully engaged in work, school, or trades programs (at 3-month follow-up)
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"We reach kids on an emotional level. We’re not bound by a lot of the same rules and structures that some schools are. Everything that we do here, in the end, comes down to relationships. And the program that we’ve created here is a family. What we do here is create a warm, caring environment. It’s like a home."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Most students are at Whytecliff because things didn't go well at other schools. Students chose us because they're looking for a fresh start, a new approach; a school that might have success where others hadn’t. And once here, both parents and students find it life altering."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Since the beginning, the force of the programs was in working with student assets, rather than deficits: finding talents and passions, and using those as the means of developing skills and engagement. It’s unlike any school in the region or, for that matter, the country."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Parents are always surprised with the changes they see in their child and how quickly thrive at Whytecliff. Despite struggling in other schools, student attendance at Whytecliff soars, and course completion increases 4 to 8 times. 95% of students entering grade 12 graduate, and later self-report as 9.3 out of 10 for being on a solid life path."
Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 (current) — Watch our parent interview with Jill Craven to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres.
School leadership
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Interview with school leader
Watch our Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres leadership interview with Ilona Davidson to learn about the academics, culture, and values of the school.
At Focus Foundation of BC we work from a strength based approach with a focus on students' strengths and abilities. Each student has an IEP that helps them set and meet their educational, social, emotional and physical goals. This approach has a proven track record; this year we had a 95% graduation success rate with our grade 12 students.
Teaching Philosophy:
I want to create an exciting leaning environment that is challenging, interactive and respectful. I believe students learn best by being engaged and knowing it is okay to make mistakes. When students leave my classroom I want them to feel confident and have a passion for life long learning.
Why I work at Whytecliff
I work as a Teacher and Principal for the Focus Foundation of BC. I work here because I can’t imagine another job existing that has the perfect combination of challenges and successes. Whytecliff School has become a part of what defines me as a professional and as a person, and it is a part of me that I am extremely proud of.
