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Go to child profileVancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is Vancouver's first and only STEM high school, offering the full BC curriculum with accelerated and enriched STEM including computer science starting from Grade 8. VISST's teachers are experts, PhDs and UBC professors whose mandate is to support students in both rigorous fundamentals and pursuing their passions through projects. We strive to respect students' capabilities and their time, in the process of helping them build justified self-confidence.
Focus |
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Science and technology |
Subject | offered |
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Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
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Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
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Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Subject | offered |
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Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
Flexible pacing style | offered |
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Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
Subject Type | offered |
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Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Type | offered |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)
Program | offered |
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Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
In grade Gr. 9, VISST students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
8 | 9 | |
---|---|---|
VISST | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 56 mins | 69 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 |
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | 8 to 9 |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 90% |
Average aid package size | $8,000 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 90% |
Total aid available | $0 |
There is no application process for VISST's financial aid - it is automatic for all applicants. After registration is complete, the family is required to provide documentation of their family income (e.g. tax returns) and assets (e.g. property).
Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
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Group 1 | Gr. 8 to Gr. 9 | Coed | Day | 30 |
Total enrolment | 30 |
Average class size | 10 to 20 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 0% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 1 |
8 | 9 | |
---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 15 | 15 |
Class Size | 15 | 15 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
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Interview | 8 - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | ||
Entrance Essay | 8 - 12 |
Day students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry:
Yes
Application fee: N/A
Registration fee: N/A
Deposit:
N/A
See https://www.visst.ca/admissions for admissions information.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Welcome to the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST)! Before founding VISST, I was a computer science professor at UBC where I taught over 25 courses to thousands of students. At UBC I made two key observations. One, that university students are much more comfortable with well-defined short-term tasks than with ambiguity and long-term planning; this, I concluded, is likely a product of our current high school system. And two, I observed firsthand the insatiable demand for computer science at UBC and all universities around the world, which is well beyond our capacity to provide it. This is unfortunate, I felt, because kids are more than capable of learning computer science. Combining these observations with my teaching experience, I decided to create VISST along with a fantastic team. VISST is a non-profit high school in Vancouver that aims to address the struggles I observed in university students and the lack of computer science in high schools.
Our pedagogical approach is to combine project-based learning with rigorous fundamentals. The former builds teamwork skills, long-term planning, and comfort with ambiguity. The latter is an essential component to STEM excellence. An overarching theme of our educational philosophy is to have students interface with the real world as much as possible. Whether it is publishing an article, interpreting data from the news, or partnering with a community organization during a project, real-world experiences are motivating and educational. We would consider it a failure on our part if our students are left wondering, "Why am I learning this?"
We look forward to having you explore VISST. Welcome to the VISST community.
When is the application deadline for Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology?
The application deadline for day students is typically open year-round based on availability. More application details are available here.
What is the curriculum pace at Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology?
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology has an Accelerated approach to curriculum pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched or Student-paced). Learn more about curriculum pace here.
How many students attend Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology?
There are 30 students enrolled at Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology from Gr. 8 to Gr. 9. More details about enrollment are available here.
Do students at Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology wear uniforms?
No
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