Coquitlam School District

Our School District

The Coquitlam School District welcomes students in Grades 5 through 12, ages 5 to 18. We offer language classes, a diverse range of subjects, and many courses for students from around the world. Our district is the third largest in British Columbia, with more than 30,000 students attending 66 schools.

International students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum taught by teachers certified by the provincial government of British Columbia, in our modern new schools equipped with the latest facilities and technology. Located in the mountain ranges between the Pacific Ocean and the Fraser River, the Coquitlam School District encompasses the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, as well as Anmore and Belcarra. The region’s natural beauty, proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, attractive newly built secondary schools, diverse classrooms, high academic standards, and safe communities make it an appealing destination for international education programs. Our location is close to major post-secondary institutions such as Simon Fraser University, Douglas College, and the University of British Columbia.

Our Schools

Our elementary and secondary schools offer international students engaging academic challenges in a modern, safe environment, where they can build their knowledge on the path to becoming educated global citizens.

Established by the provincial government of British Columbia, our schools employ provincially certified teachers who are considered among the best in the world. We use only curricula approved by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. All 66 of our schools, many of which have opened in recent years, take pride in their modern learning facilities and technology. Our certified ESL teachers provide international students with instruction, training, and support. In addition, the secondary school graduation credential, known as the Dogwood Diploma, is recognized by universities throughout Canada and the United States.

Programs

We offer a variety of programs for international students throughout the school year. The 10-month academic programs place international students in regular Canadian classes, while short-term intensive ESL programs are offered in one-week sessions. We also offer a Summer ESL and Culture Program in July and August, with half-day morning classes and afternoon cultural activities to reinforce the English skills students have recently acquired. English Preparation courses for Grades 9, 10, and 11 are also available throughout the summer. Short-term intensive ESL classes run from September to June for elementary, middle, and secondary school students.

The provincial curriculum includes core subjects such as English, social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, visual arts, and career and technology education. Students can also choose from a range of electives to complete a specialized program that meets the requirements of the British Columbia education system. Students graduating from Grade 12 in the Coquitlam public school system are eligible to apply to universities, colleges, and institutes anywhere. The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs welcome students seeking more advanced academic study.

College- and university-level courses are part of the regular curriculum. Students who earn credits for outstanding achievement in these courses can use them when applying to colleges and universities around the world. Students benefit from graduating from one of Canada’s leading school systems with English-language proficiency, an essential skill in demand worldwide.

Winter ESL and Culture Program

The ESL Experience and Culture Program gives students the opportunity to strengthen their English skills and learn about Canadian culture through group and team activities, while exploring the beautiful Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Activities include swimming, skiing, hiking, golf, bowling, team sports, and arts and crafts. The program includes field trips to Westwood Plateau, Robson Street, Metrotown, Gastown, Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Summer Camp Program

Intensive ESL: Morning Classes Only

This half-day program focuses on speaking, listening, reading, grammar, and writing skills. Students take part in activities centered on topics such as Canada, communities, the environment, and British Columbia. Students are assessed at the beginning of each session. They also take weekly quizzes and receive a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION and a report card at the end of the program.

Class time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon Cultural and Sports Activities

Students have the opportunity to experience Canadian culture and practise their newly learned English skills by taking part in group activities and exploring the beautiful Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. The afternoon cultural program includes swimming, picnics, golf, tennis, bowling, canoeing, hiking, team sports, arts and crafts, and bus excursions to well-known attractions such as Gastown, Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge, the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology, and the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Start Dates

The Coquitlam School District welcomes international students to full-time programs at the elementary and secondary levels. The school year begins in September and runs through the end of June. Mid-year entry is available on the Monday of January for elementary and secondary students. Secondary students may also start in February.

Our secondary school program consists of two five-month semesters: the first runs from September through the end of January, and the second from early February through the end of June. For the 2023 school year, annual tuition was $16,500, including medical insurance, but excluding extracurricular activity and facility fees.