1939 Sooke Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 1W2, Canada
3450 Boundary Road, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5M 4A5, Canada
Indirect Support:
1939 Sooke Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 1W2, Canada
3450 Boundary Road, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5M 4A5, Canada
2009
1993
251
32
4 to 12
8 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English
Academic
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
12 to 18
3 to 6
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
In-class adaptations
$10,290 to $17,750
$8,900 to $21,000
$40,640 to $62,000
Yes
Yes
10%
0%
7 to 12
8 to 12
$5,000
$5,000
28
6
30%
0%
95%
0%
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 4 - 12
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Brookes Westshore, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, envisions a future filled with self-confident, lifelong learners who are connected and inspired to help others. Brookes Westshore fosters an inclusive, multicultural community, with over 20 different nationalities represented across Grades 4 through 12. Small class sizes, engaging teachers, and a caring community support students in a personalized environment that develops their critical thinking skills and a passion for life-long learning. Brookes Westshore provides students with the tools they need to pursue their dreams.
View full reportWhytecliff is different, something the youth and families who attend deeply appreciate. … For students with diverse learning needs, especially those who have struggled with anxiety or depression, Whytecliff is a refuge—an island of stability in a turbulent world. The hallmark of the Whytecliff program is that it’s community-based and anchored in real relationships.
The school began operations in 1993, though is an expression of a larger program of activity that dates back to 1975 with the creation of the Focus Foundation, a non-profit intending to provide social and educational support for youth aged 13-19. Since the beginning, the force of the programs was in working with assets, rather than deficits: finding talents and passions, and using those as the means of developing skills and engagement. The school extends that mandate, providing a positive, understanding environment for students who, for a range of reasons, haven’t been able to thrive in prior academic settings. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and that’s demonstrated through high rates of attendance, course and degree completion, and academic success. Students arrive with a range of challenges, though also with a shared experience of finding themselves on the periphery of their various social circles. In that sense, while they may be different from each other, here they are different in the same way. The school, for many, is the first truly positive, inclusive community they’ve been a part of. That forms the basis of the work of the school, as does a faculty that brings a wealth of professional and therapeutic accreditation and experience.
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"I consider the academics at Brookes to be among the best I have experienced as an educator."
Hannah Ashwood-Smith - Parent (Aug 05, 2022)
Our son loves his school experience at Brookes. He has enjoyed the culturally diverse community and ...
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"We found our community, we feel like we belong here and my kids are thriving."
Silvia Cardenas - Parent (Mar 13, 2023)
Both my kids have been thriving since they started in Brookes Westshore in the 2020-2021 school year...
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"We think our kid receives the support he needs."
José Tomás Martínez de Pablo - Parent (Mar 20, 2023)
He enjoys most of the sports facilities, the availability of a gym, an indoor court at school, and t...
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"Brookes Westshore is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. We are just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria on the scenic West Coast of British Columbia. Our small class sizes, engaging teachers and caring community support students in a personalized learning environment that develops critical thinking skills and a passion for life-long learning. Students have the opportunity to graduate with both the IB Diploma and the BC Dogwood Diploma."
"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!"
"Brookes Westshore teaches all students the International Baccalaureate curriculum. We believe this is the most comprehensive curriculum available provides students with the knowledge and skills to be their best selves in an increasingly globalized world. Students graduate from Brookes Westshore with the IB Diploma as well as the BC High School Diploma (BC Dogwood). The global perspective of the IB is enhanced through our commitment to having 50/50 local and international students."
"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."
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"Families choose Brookes Westshore for our small class sizes, excellent teaching, and the International Baccalaureate curriculum. With a maximum of 300 places available we are able to maintain a strong sense of community, where students are noticed and recognized for their unique attributes, and are given individualized support in areas where they need it."
"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."
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"Our international teaching staff. As an IB school we attract teaching staff who are highly qualified, motivated to support student excellence, and who have lived and worked around the world. Our diverse teaching staff bring a range of skills and perspectives to the classroom that directly benefit students, and build on the global mindedness at the heart of the IB curriculum. Our senior teachers mentor our younger staff, and our younger staff bring new ideas and energy into our community."
"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."
"One of the things that we consistently hear from our families is surprise at the breadth of afterschool activities we offer, despite our small size. Students are able to take part in ASAs every day of the week and can choose new activities each term. We take advantage of the many facilities available in our community, as well as the stunning natural environment of Vancouver Island. Students can choose to go rock climbing, play tennis, take action on the environment, create music and much more."
"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."
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At Brookes, feel the positive energy that fills the corridors with a spirit of adventure, and sense the wonder of discovery in each classroom.
Our students thrive in the challenging, productive, and supportive learning environment we offer. Our goal is to nurture the joy of learning within our students and provide a safe place for them to explore their interests and discover their potential. We encourage students to take intellectual risks, to think creatively, and to work effectively with others.
Brookes Westshore is an authorized IB World School. Our mission is to prepare young men and women to become global citizens who have a passion for service and leadership, and who use compassion and communication to inspire peace in our world. Our small size allows us to tailor our classes to each student's need, allowing for a highly personalized learning experience.
I invite you to rise to the challenge of an IB education. Take a step beyond the average and begin to realize your boundless potential!
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Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
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We currently offer the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11 and 12, and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6 through 10. Our school embraces the newly revised BC Ministry curriculum and is taught through the MYP and IB framework. Our approach is to engage students in big ideas, asking essential questions to make learning meaningful and relevant. For 2020 we will be pioneering a grade 4 and 5 class as we build towards offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
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These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
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These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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We teach literature as a progression of analysis skill building, and learning to express ideas through presentations and writing through the grades. Students are exposed to diverse cultural views through different types of texts and being able to understand the different means through which a writer can convey their ideas and purpose to an audience. Students are encouraged to think independently and collaborate with others in the learning process. In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students will study Language and Literature course in their mother language. Many of our international students in this programme love to be able to have this opportunity.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Most of our students study French until Grade 10 and many universities require an additional language for their programs. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme requires all IB students (Grade 11 and 12) to complete a second language.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Visual Arts encourage students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. By exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and reflect upon a wide range of contemporary art practices and media. Courses are designed for students who wish to study the arts at a post High School level, as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment. We celebrate the visual arts in the way we create images and objects, and in the way we appreciate, enjoy, respect and respond to the practices of art-making by others from around the world. Theories and practices are dynamic and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production and thoughtful interpretation.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
We believe in a creating a balance of the physical and academic by providing PE to all of our students. Daily physical activity is a requirement of all of our students.
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The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
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A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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We offer challenging learning environments to develop the imagination and the motivation to excel, and to inspire a joy of learning that is infused with enthusiasm and empathy.
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FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIESA - Forms of SupportAccommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - EnvironmentsIndirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
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| Forms of Support | Environments | Forms of Support | Environments | |
ADHD (moderate to severe) This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life. | ||||
| Learning disabilities | ||||
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability) This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment. | ||||
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language. | ||||
Dyscalculia This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money. | ||||
Dysgraphia This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas. | ||||
Language Processing Disorder This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills. | ||||
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination. | ||||
| Developmental | ||||
Autism Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome). | ||||
Asperger's Syndrome On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour. | ||||
Down syndrome his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. | ||||
Intellectual disability This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation). | ||||
Williams syndrome This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems. | ||||
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems. | ||||
| Behavioral and Emotional | ||||
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. | ||||
Clinical Depression This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life. | ||||
Clinical anxiety This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror. | ||||
Suicidal thoughts This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life. | ||||
Drug and alcohol abuse This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning. | ||||
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning. | ||||
| Physical | ||||
Multiple sclerosis This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties. | ||||
Cerebral palsy his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. | ||||
Muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals. | ||||
Spina Bifida This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine. | ||||
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech. | ||||
Blindness Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness." | ||||
Deafness Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds). | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults. | ||||
Multiple physical Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities. | ||||
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Accommodations
Extra support
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy
Information not available
As a small school our learning assistance is limited to extra support after classes with some in-class accommodations based on specific student needs and the classroom learning environment.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
7 - 12
8 - 12
10%
0%
$5,000
$5,000
95%
0%
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Yes: grades 4 - 12
Yes: grades 8 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
It is our goal to enrol a diverse student body united by every student's ability and interest in an international education, global citizenship and passion for service and leadership.
Whytecliff considers applications of any child in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley, age 13-18, who is not being successful or engaged in school. The majority of children we accept have challenges with anxiety & depression and are seeking an environment where they can feel safe ⎯ a real school offering Dogwood and Evergreen graduation that doesn’t seem remedial or like an ‘alternative school’, and a place where they can begin to relax, feel normal, and develop their personal abilities and self-esteem. Many of the children who are successful and qualify for acceptance at Whytecliff have been labelled within a diagnosed category such as: –ADHD –FASD –Dyslexia –Dyscalculia –Dysgraphia –Language Processing Disorder –Nonverbal Learning Disorders –Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit –Chronic Health Impairment –Gifted –High Functioning Autism –Asperger’s Syndrome –Behavioral and Emotional Challenges –Troubled Behavior –Clinical Depression –Clinical Anxiety –Suicidal Thoughts –Drug and Alcohol Abuse –Oppositional Defiant Disorder If you don’t see your child’s challenge listed above, that doesn’t mean they won’t qualify; we have a policy of actively considering all applications to the program.
We require an online application with supporting documentation, including:
To apply for a place in one of our programs, contact us, ideally by email.
Most of our intake occurs in August or early September, for the full school year, and in January and before February 10th for the Spring session.
We’re also happy to call you and get further details if you would prefer to apply that way. As we’re seeking to build a real community, we like to make sure the program is a good fit for each student.
We also have several Open Houses during the year. To find out our next open house date or arrange a private tour, please contact us.
