Burnaby Central: Spotlight on Burnaby’s Secondary Schools

Burnaby Central Secondary School’s building and surrounding facilities are a source of pride for its students. And for good reason: the gleaming new $55-million building opened its doors to great fanfare in 2012, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by then-Premier Christy Clark, and Minister of Education George Abbott. The school is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified, and is full of the latest technological and sustainability features, such as geothermal heating.

Outstanding Facilities For Outstanding Programs

The school features an impressive foyer, world-class track facility, competition-sized double gymnasium, enviable science lab, dedicated 255-seat theatre, a 3-bay auto mechanics shop, and is flooded with natural light throughout. The school offers many programs that will appeal to students: an Advanced Placement program, ACE-IT Professional Cook’s Training, elite athletics programs, and a robust visual and performing arts department.

Track and Field Facilities at Central are Second to None

The track facility at Burnaby Central was built to international standards, and is host to regional, provincial, and national competitions. It boasts a lit artificial turf field, a natural grass field, an 8-lane running track, throwing facilities for discus and javelin, and a seating plaza. Along with its track team, Central has teams in badminton, rugby, golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, field hockey, netball, cross country running, and wrestling.

Burnaby Central is Home to an Elite Ice Hockey Academy

Students who are serious about ice hockey come to Central. The school is a 5-minute walk from the Burnaby Winter Club, which boasts three ice surfaces, including an NHL-sized rink. Players in the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy have a tailored schedule that enables them to combine their academics with significant weekly ice time at BWC and off-ice training at nearby Fortius Sport and Health Centre. Alumni of the Academy have moved on to play successfully for teams in the Western Hockey League and beyond. Admittance to the Hockey Academy requires an invitation and involves a selection/try-out process.

ACE-IT Professional Cook Training Program is Offered at Central

Iron Chef Canada winner and celebrity chef Rob Feenie is a Central alumnus, who is the creative force behind some of Vancouver’s most prestigious restaurants. Central is home to the successful ACE-IT Professional Cook Training Program, which trains students in all aspects of food service, from food safety to cooking and baking, in a gleaming training kitchen located within the school.

Arts Shine at Central

Central’s music department offers band, jazz band, and several choirs. The high calibre of the choirs at Central have earned them numerous local and regional awards, and they have toured internationally. There is also a dance program and studio, as well as a drama program offering theatre company and improv. Burnaby Central has some illustrious alumni, most notably actor Michael J. Fox. Visual arts offered include photography, media arts, and printmaking.

Clubs Play a Large Part of Student Life

Currently, active clubs at Central include STEM competition, business, improv, theatre sports, robotics, model United Nations, ski/snowboard, student newspaper (Burnaby Central Paws), green club, chess, music, and many more.

Burnaby Central is where students can find success in academics, the arts, trades, athletics, and leadership, in an outstanding school building that inspires pride in all who use it.