REVIEW OF Collingwood School BY Alum, Yuri Park

(5) Overall Experience

Looking back on my overall experience at Collingwood I am more than grateful. For me, it was life-changing and it did prepare me for my future endeavours. Collingwood High School is one of the largest day schools in Canada, which offers a wide range of academic programs including the prestigious AP (Advanced Placement) program. My advice to prospective students would possibly to be embrace the new environment. With such a large student body, the school is able to provide a diverse and enriching learning environment, where students can grow and develop both academically and socially. It does not matter if the student is gifted academically or talented in other categories, they are all catered for as Collingwood Four Strand education balances: Academics, Arts, Athletics and Service. With the right support and resources, I believe any student can overcome presented challenges and succeed at Collingwood.

(4.5) School Leadership

The administration at Collingwood High School was very dedicated and passionate about the school and the students. They were highly respected by both the students and the parents, and they worked hard to create a positive and supportive environment. They were also very approachable and responsive to the needs of the students. There was a very collaborative atmosphere at the school, and the administration did an excellent job of communicating with everyone involved. The overall feeling was one of trust and respect.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Collingwood High School was, in my opinion, of very high quality. The teachers were passionate and knowledgeable about their subject matter, and they were very effective communicators. The teachers were also enthusiastic and supportive. They were always willing to help me if I needed extra assistance, and they truly cared about my success. They challenged students to do their best and were always available to provide feedback and support. There was a mutual respect between the teachers and the students, and this created a positive and supportive learning environment. I had many positive experiences with the teachers, some would even come join students for lunch in the cafeteria to bond with them outside the classroom. I always had memorable and teachable moments with Ms. Yuri Yoon the math teacher. It's always nice when you can have a teacher who is both a good instructor and someone you can enjoy spending time with outside of class.

(5) Academics

I would say that the academic program at Collingwood High School was very strong. The school had a good balance of academic rigor and support for students. The teachers were always available to help, and they were very knowledgeable about their subjects. There was a good balance between the different academic subjects, and the school had a good selection of courses to choose from. The student body was competitive in a healthy way, and everyone was supportive of each other's success. I definitely felt challenged and supported, and I feel like the AP program prepared me well for post-secondary. I think it would be important to expect a rigorous academic environment, with high expectations and standards. The school would provide a lot of support to help students reach their full potential, but it would also be demanding and require a lot of hard work

(4.5) Extracurriculars

At Collingwood, extracurriculars are a really important part of the high school experience. It's not just about what happens in the classroom. There were many extracurricular opportunities at Collingwood High School, ranging from athletics and the arts to clubs and community service. The atmosphere around extracurriculars was generally positive and supportive, though there was some healthy competition as well. There were opportunities for everyone, whether they were looking to win championships or just have fun. The school did a great job of developing well-rounded students.

(5) Students

The student body at Collingwood High School is relatively big, with around 1300 students. The atmosphere is tight-knit and supportive, with a strong sense of community. As for the "typical" student, it's hard to pin that down because there was so much diversity, but most students were academically focused and driven. There is a wide range of students, from athletes to artists to scientists, and all are respected and appreciated. The values that students tended to share were respect, diversity, and a willingness to work hard. The student body got along well. One common value that all students share is a commitment to diversity and inclusion. They take pride in the school's diverse student body and work to create a welcoming environment for all. Delving into the nuances of the school's culture the student body at Collingwood School was diverse in terms of both ethnicity and socio-economic background. There were students from all over the Region and some parts of the country, and from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds.

(5) School Life

Overall, I would say that student life there was excellent. The school was well-equipped to provide students with the resources they needed to be successful, and the environment was supportive and collaborative. There was a strong sense of community, and the students were passionate about their studies. The school could improve the quality of life for students, Well, maybe I would suggest adding more resources for students who are interested in pursuing specific career paths. For example, if a student wanted to go into medicine, it would be great if the school offered more opportunities for internships or job shadowing with local hospitals or clinics. Or if a student wanted to pursue a career in engineering, the school could offer more opportunities to work with local engineering firms. Other than that, it's hard to find fault with Collingwood. And, most importantly, the students were happy, engaged, and passionate about learning.

(5) Community

The broader community at Collingwood High School was and still is very inclusive and welcoming. Parents were always welcome to be involved in the school, and they were an important part of the community. A lot of parents would show up for school events such as Parent-teacher meetings and were in constant communication with the staff and administration. The alumni community was very active and supportive of each other while I was there and alumni would often contribute to school development. And yes, I've kept in touch with many students from Collingwood High School since leaving the school. We've formed a strong bond and continue to support each other in our various endeavors. It's been really rewarding to maintain those relationships. I'm now part of the alumni group and we have our own communication platform and we meet at least 3 times a year.

(5) School Location

The school is located in West Vancouver, which is a vibrant and multicultural part of the city with a lot to offer. West Vancouver is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and events to explore. Students at Collingwood High School would definitely venture beyond the school grounds, as there was a fair share of restaurants, shops, and parks nearby.

(5) Admissions

My advice to someone applying for admission would be to be yourself and to highlight your unique qualities and experiences. The admissions officers are looking for students who will be a good fit for the school, and who will contribute to the community in a positive way. I found the admissions process to be very supportive and low-stress. The officers were very helpful and patient, and they made sure to answer all of my questions. They were not trying to trick me or make things difficult, but rather they were trying to get to know me as a person. That's what really stood out to me. Do you have any specific questions? The cost of tuition is on the higher end, but I believe it's worth the investment for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding educational experience.

(5) University placement and counselling

The University Guidance department at Collingwood high school was excellent. The counsellors were very knowledgeable and supportive, they were always available to answer my questions and help me with my university applications. They were also very honest and realistic, which I appreciated because I was able to get into all 3 schools I had applied as well as my first-choice program. I never felt pressured or overwhelmed by the process. However, I do think the school could have provided more information about scholarships and financial aid earlier in the process. I also wish there had been more information about gap years and other non-traditional paths after high school. But overall I was satisfied by Collingwood's University Guidance department. I believe they obtained 100% University Placement during my time.