EW20  The VancouVer courier  wednesday, january 26, 2011

january 2011special advertising featurePrivate Schools

Making a Difference

For more information, contact our Director of Admissionsat admissions@stjohns.bc.ca or 604 732 4434.

www.stjohns.bc.ca2215 West 10 Avenue Vancouver 604 732 4434

Middle Years andDiploma Programme

St. John’s School

New Senior School facility opening in September 2011

Admissions Information SessionMarch 8, 2010 - 7:00 pm

An IB World School

3000 Commercial Drive | 604.436.0608www.stratfordhall.ca

Are you looking for a world class education to engage your child?Stratford Hall is authorized to teach International Baccalaureate Primary Years (grades K-5), Middle Years (grades 6-10) and Diploma Programmes (grades 11 & 12)

Please contact Olivia Law at olivia.law@stratfordhall.ca for details

compiled by Helen Peterson

Vancouver’s private (also known as ‘independent’) schools offer students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 a wealth of opportunity and academic achievement that is proven year after year, by the accomplishments of students both at school and in society.

For an education and social experi-ence like no other, check out these pri-vate schools in the city, and see what each has to offer to your child.

Crofton House School is beginning an exciting new chapter in its 113-year his-tory. After months of construction, the new Early Childhood Education Centre

will be complete in February, ready to welcome junior and senior kindergarten girls in the fall of 2011.

The essence of the Early Childhood Education Program is play. By connect-ing play and creativity with founda-tional skills in literacy and numeracy, children experience the joy of learning. Four and five year old girls will learn to plan creatively, problem-solve and they will develop important social and life skills.

This new addition to the campus will allow girls to begin the Crofton House School experience earlier, creat-ing a foundation for learning and growth while teaching self confidence and resil-iency, allowing each girl to reach their unique potential.

St. George’s School is a world-class boys’ university preparatory school offering a day program to boys in Grade One to 12 and a boarding program to students in Grades Eight to 12. With a total enrolment of 1,158, of which 119 are boarding students from over 18 countries worldwide, St. George’s has achieved national and international prominence in many academic, artistic, and athletic competitions.

St. George’s exceeds provincial gradu-ation requirements and offers its stu-dents a broad range of curricular offer-ings, many at an advanced level, as well as numerous co-curricular options like fine and performing arts. Students also have access to more than 20 clubs and a diverse program that includes a spe-

cialized full-year Outward Bound-style program for students in Grade 10.

At Pattison High School (PHS), stu-dents are exposed to a plethora of expe-riences that assist greatly in developing a comprehensive education. Students from around the world gather at PHS to pursue their dreams and aspirations while enriching their lives in the cultur-al mosaic reflective of our society.

Students immerse themselves in their studies that include opportunities that occur outside the classroom. Student activity days, field trips and field stud-ies add to the rich education environ-ment. Social interactions and group leadership activities enrich the stu-dents’ life experiences. Thus, a PHS

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wednesday, january 26, 2011 The VancouVer courier  EW21

private schoolsstudent becomes a more global citizen ready to contribute to the world.

Stratford Hall stands out as East Van-couver’s independent, co-educational, non-denominational, K-12, Internation-al Baccalaureate (IB) school. Its exclu-sive commitment to the IB for students in kindergarten to grade 12 supports a school culture focused on international-mindedness, balance and preparation for a complex world.

The location and real connection to Vancouver set it apart. Situated on Commercial Drive, Stratford Hall is only minutes away from many Vancou-ver amenities. This central location and direct connection with the neighbour-hood make it an urban school. The K-five building, which opened next to the existing six to 12 building in 2009, was purpose built for inquiry based learning and collaboration.

St. John’s School is an independent, non-denominational, IB World School for boys and girls Grades Kindergarten to 12. St. John’s is a vibrant community that embraces families and provides individual attention for students. With only 400 students and small class sizes, every student is known.

Head of School, Stephen Hutchison, explains, “When children come into the school, they have that sense of belong-ing. This is a place where they are val-

ued, a place where they are known and a place where they are safe.”

Students participate in a breadth of athletic, artistic and academic co-curricular activities and competitive programmes. A Grade Seven student describes his experience: “I’m mostly in sports clubs like, basketball, track and field, soccer and running club. I like these clubs and teams because they cul-tivate friendship and teamwork.”

St. Francis of Assisi School is cen-trally located minutes from downtown Vancouver, resting in the family-ori-ented community of Grandview Wood-lands. Experienced and caring educa-tors including Physical Education and Fine Arts specialists have contributed to its award-winning Academic and Physical Education programs. Its mis-sion:

Saint Francis of Assisi School, as a faith community, is committed to excellence in Catholicity and in all areas that promote the development of the whole child to his or her full potential. We strive to develop Chris-tian leaders, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners.

At St. Francis of Assisi School, chil-dren of all faith backgrounds are wel-comed. Plus, the competitive fee struc-ture will ensure that your child can benefit from small class sizes with envi-able teacher-to-student ratios.

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