Secondary Program (8-12)
Secondary Program (Grades 8-12)
Burnaby’s Secondary Program invites students from around the world to immerse themselves in an authentic and unforgettable Canadian high school experience. From the moment they arrive, they join a vibrant school community—learning with local classmates, exploring exciting courses not typically offered at home, and forming lifelong friendships.
Live the Canadian high school experience. Learn more, discover more, be more.
Students can also earn the British Columbia Dogwood Diploma—a globally recognized credential respected by top universities in Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Whether it’s joining one of over 100 student clubs, cheering on their school team, starring in a theatre production, or diving into hands-on science labs, there’s always something happening and something new to discover.
A Pathway to Academic and Personal Growth
Our secondary schools offer academic excellence, inclusive communities, and unmatched opportunities for growth—in the classroom and beyond.
High academic standards
Diverse electives and academic courses offered in modern facilities
Strong school spirit through sports, clubs, and leadership
Personalized support from our International Student Support Team
All You Want is Here!
Advanced Placement (AP) & AP Capstone
Competitive sports teams & elite Sports Academies
Extensive Visual & Performing Arts programs
Career Education & hands-on specialty programs
Extracurriculars that build confidence and connection
Burnaby School District Secondary Vice Principal
Students can enroll for varying durations:
- One semester, One Year, Multiple Years
- Limited 3–4 month enrollment is also available.
Pre-Arrival:
Students complete a course preference form and an online English language
assessment. This allows the school to start developing a personalized course schedule.
Orientation:
Students meet with a school counselor to finalize their course schedule.
The schedule is tailored to their goals, interests, English language skills, and course availability.
Student schedules consist of:
- Required academic courses (Math, Science, English or English language training, Social Studies)
- Electives
- For grades 8-10, Physical Education, Arts, and Applied Skills courses are also mandatory.
Students take 8 courses per year (4 courses per day, 5 days a week) from September to June.
Semester Schools
4 courses from September–January, and another 4 courses from February–June.
Linear Schools
8 courses from September–June, alternating between 4 courses each day.
| Time (Duration) | Block |
|---|---|
| 7:15 – 8:33 (78 min) | X-Block Early Start |
| 8:40 – 10:00 (80 min) | Period 1 / Period 5 |
| 10:00 – 10:15 (15 min) | Nutrition Break |
| 10:15 – 11:35 (80 min) | Period 2 / Period 6 |
| 11:35 – 12:20 (45 min) | Lunch |
| 12:20 – 1:40 (80 min) | Period 3 / Period 7 |
| 1:47 – 3:05 (78 min) | Period 4 / Period 8 |
| 3:15 – 4:35 (80 min) | Y-Block Afterschool |
- Students can take summer courses for an additional fee.
- Summer courses can help students expedite graduation or deepen their knowledge in
specific areas.