Vancouver Christian School

Overall, Vancouver Christian School is a sufficient school, fulfilling its claim of a Christ-centered education. Nonetheless, the decline in the high-school department has led me to address various issues that future applicants may want to consider. As a ninth-grade student attending since Kindergarten, the learning environment has evidently changed throughout my time here. A strength of VCS is its smaller class sizes, giving students more opportunities to interact with teachers who display the will to contribute to their success. However, the number of students accepted have drastically increased despite the lack of space inside the building. Rooms such as the rooftop and library commons have been made into classrooms as there is limited space, and the main classrooms are minimal in area, as well. Lockers, as stated by others, are lacking in size, even with the few upgrades that were installed last summer. In short, the student to space ratio is off-balance, taking into account the building size. Furthermore, VCS is extremely restrictive in terms of course selections and external education. If seeking academic challenges, there are little to none, as staying within one’s community is encouraged over acceleration in courses. There is also a lack of variety in courses in comparison to other schools, such as Richmond Christian and Vancouver College. The number of AP courses have slowly lowered, accompanied by heavy restrictions concerning summer school applications. A grade 9/10 honours accelerated program is available, but is the only opportunity for extension above grade level. Rules and regulations at VCS are, in my opinion, questionable, as the strangest rules are enforced, whereas leniency is allowed in more general and important aspects. Community practices are explained, but are not always put into action. In particular, respect is a common issue, as students speak over and disregard both peers and teachers during presentations, lessons, and activities. However, this is not solely the students’ fault, as some teachers show no intention to change such habits. Instead, specific rules that scarcely impact the whole idea of community are enforced, such as dress codes and device infractions. Even these rules are not regulated properly, displaying the leniency VCS gives. Although teachers show substantial grace, it comes to the point where it seems like they do not care enough about respect to both teachers and students. Ultimately, VCS is a school that tries to bring everything to the table, yet is not able to fulfill basic requirements that cultivate a strong community, spiritual growth, and academic skills. With more attention to such aspects, I believe that VCS can become an all-rounder school; for now, it leaves as an unfavourable community that I wish could have been better.

I've been in the VCS community for around a decade now, and it pains me to say how it has only been downhill. I recall how excited everyone was about the new building; however, looking back, even the older one was better. Our lockers are smaller than most backpacks and cant even fit textbooks. We don't have an auditorium, nor a cafeteria (which you would expect from a brand new school). The school only knows how to accept new children without limits, leading to the school bursting from the seams. Small office rooms have had to be turned into classrooms, and a large portion of the lobby has been. Many electives are cancelled because of a lack of classroom space. The library in the old building was much better: it had computer desks and a more extensive library space. I love this school, don't get me wrong, but I wish they would think about their current students rather than accept as many students as they can.

The school is incredible for big or small families with caring teachers and a vast family support networkS. We thank the Community and the school come together to invest in the kid's futures.

I was a former student at VCS and I can tell you that VCS has a lots of pros and cons. I left the school in 7th grade and went to a public high school for 8th grade and now I am attending an academy in the United States. I can tell you that this school is really really small for a K-12 school. There are only 2 gyms which is not a lot since it is K-12. Lockers are really small could barely fit my backpack and you'd think there'd be a cafeteria but no, no cafeteria. Athletics aren't the best. Athletic field isn't good. Besides that, I can definitely say that the teachers are caring and they will put the time in and effort to help your kid with academics. When I transitioned into public school, I saw a huge difference. In public schools. It is very diverse and you meet a lot of different people good and bad. In VCS it is very Christ Centered which isn't a bad thing but public entering a public is seeing like a whole new world. You'll learn more about the outside world and not just Christianity. You will also interact with a lot more teachers and not just one teacher who teaches all your subjects. If you want your kids in small and Christ Centered school than this is a good school. I could definitely say I was much more happy in a public school. One last thing, I saw a lots kids leave this school in Gr. 7 to attend a public high school.

Came here from Manicaland Christian in Zimbabwe and at first the school was good. But then things just got worse, like the luke-warm water fountains and the Tiny classrooms and lockers. I don’t recommend it here. 💀💀💀👎