Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Application Process?

• Complete an Application Form and submit to the Registrar (see deadline).
• Remit the $100 non-refundable application fee (see Application fee).
• Attend the Annual Open House.
• Write the Entrance Placement Exam.
• Personal Interview if applicable.
• Acceptance in writing.

Where can I get an Application Form?

Download an Application Form  and checklist of required supporting documents using Adobe® Acrobat Reader or you may obtain a printed copy at the Main Office of Vancouver College.

Is there an application fee?

There is a non-refundable application fee of $100.00 which may be carried over if your son is not accepted for the current school year. Please note that updated school report information must be submitted to keep the file active.

What supporting documents do I need to submit?

• A photocopy of proof of Canadian or Landed Immigrant status for both parents and applicant (e.g. birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
• For International Student applications, photocopy of passport pages showing the number, dates of issue and expiry, name and date of birth, the stamp made by Canadian authorities of your son's most recent entry into Canada. Please include a photocopy of current immigration document if applicable (e.g. visitor record, study permit).
• Proof of citizenship of both parents regardless of nationality.
• Signed copy of Legal Residency of Parent form (Form A or Form B).
• Completed Form C - if Catholic, signed by your parish priest confirming that your family is registered with that parish and if not Catholic, signed by the minister or leader at your place of worship.
• If applicable, a photocopy of your son's baptismal certificate.
• A photocopy of your son's previous June report card.
• A photocopy of your son's latest report card(s) for the current school year.
• Completed Student Information Sheet for applicants going into Gr. 1 - 12 or Student Information for Kindergarten applicants.
• A Letter of Reference from a current or former teacher. Inclusion of additional reference letters from athletic coaches, alumni of VC, parents of present VC students is encouraged.
• A recent photo of your son (school photo preferred).

To ensure you have the required supporting documents, please refer to the Application Document Checklist. Please note that failure to submit any of the required documentation may delay your son's application.

What are the selection criteria?

While consideration will be given to all applicants, Administration reserves the right to exercise its admissions decision in the best interest of Vancouver College as a Catholic school and in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have a sibling attending Vancouver College and to sons of alumni and staff members. All admission decisions will be made by the Principal, along with the Assistant Principals of each section (i.e. Elementary, Middle, and Senior Schools). In all of the above cases, extenuating circumstances may be considered and may affect application priorities.

What are the tuition fees?

Tuition for the 2012-13 school year is $6,500 for K - Grade 12 and for Foreign (International) Students - $18,000. Families with more than one son attending Vancouver College may apply for a family discount. For 2012-13, the discount is $1,600 for the 2nd son, $3,600 for the 3rd son, $5,650 for the 4th son, and $6,300 for the 5th son. Tuition fees are determined by the Board of Directors at the January Board Meeting.

Does Vancouver College offer any tuition financial assistance?

Vancouver College is committed to providing accessible Catholic-based education to all families as envisioned by our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. Through a variety of financial assistance programs, including the Blessed Edmund Rice Bursary Program, the school is able to fulfill this commitment. Applications will be considered once students have been accepted. Please contact the Business Manager at 604-261-4285 loc. 225 for further details. Blessed Edmund Rice Bursary Program and Bursary Application Form.

When is the application deadline?

We encourage you to submit your competed application form well in advance of our Open House. The official application deadline for the 2012-2013 school year is January 31, 2012. Students applying for Grades 4, 7 - 12 will not be allowed to write the entrance placement exam unless their complete application has been submitted and processed prior to the application deadline.

What is the Open House and when is it?

The Open House is an excellent opportunity for parents and students to hear a presentation for the VC Administrative team, tour the school, speak with teachers and students, and learn more about our Faith and Learning Community.

We invite all applicants to attend the Annual Open House on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Do I need to write an entrance exam (Grades 4, 7 to 12)?

Applicants entering Grades 4, 7 to 12 are required to write an entrance exam scheduled on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 9 am - 10 am for Grade 4 and from 9 am - 12:30 pm for all other grades. Sign in begins at 8:15am - please proceed to the cafeteria (Gr. 4) or the Gymnasium (all other grades).

Your Application must be on file or submitted by January 31, 2012 in order to be permitted to write the placement exam. The format of the exam is multiple choice. Students will be provided with pencils and a calculator will not be required.

Do I need to write an entrance exam (Kindergarten to Grades 6 except Grade 4)?

No, there is no formal entrance exam for those applying for Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Applicants will be contacted for a personal interview as vacancies become available.

If my son wrote the Entrance Exam last year, does he have to write it again this year?

It is highly recommended that your son write the entrance exam again as he is now applying for a new grade level. Your son's application will be enhanced with current information.

What do I need to know about Kindergarten at VC?

Vancouver College offers full-day Kindergarten to two classes of 13 students. No student born after 31st December will be accepted into Kindergarten for that year.

All Kindergarten applications are evaluated and qualified applicants will be contacted by the Assistant Principal for a personal interview. (Form D.2 to be completed by a teacher from the applicant's pre-school)

What happens after I have submitted the application form and supporting documents?

After the Aministration team has reviewed all applications and entrance exam results in the month following the exam, parents of all applicants will be notified in writing the first week of March.

Upon acceptance, parents will be sent a Registration Package. This registration form, together with Parent Participation documentation, earthquake preparedness form, and immunization record (if applicable) must be completed and submitted to the Registrar together with a tuition deposit of $1,000.00 ($3,000 for International Students).

The balance of the tuition may be paid in one payment or by installments but must be fully paid by the end of January.

Please note the registration will not be processed and completed unless all of the registration requirements are submitted to the school's Registrar by the deadline stated in the letter of acceptance.

My son did not get accepted for this school year, what are our next steps?

An Applicant placed on the waiting list will continue to be considered for the following school year provided we receive a response to our "Request to Keep Application on File" form which will be sent in October. It is the parents' responsibility to forward their sons' updated school report information as received and to notify the school of any changes in contact information. To be considered for admission, a current first term report card must be submitted.

Is there any before and/or after school care?

Vancouver College is pleased to offer our Finnegan Out of School Care Program with facilities on campus. We have limited space for before and after school sessions. We will consider applications for this program once students have been accepted and completed the registration process. Siblings will have priority. This program is only in operation during school days (i.e. no child care service will be available on Pro-D days, statutory holidays, and summer vacation). For more information, please email Ms. Barbara Seppelt.