School programs · Vancouver School Board

Vancouver MACC gifted classes (Grades 5–7)

Full-time classes for gifted students in Grades 5–7, with 40 spaces across Vancouver. Students are referred by their school team, not by a direct application.

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Grades
Grades 4–7
Format
Referral by the school-based team to a district screening committee.
Cost
Free through the school system. A private psycho-educational assessment, if you choose one, has a fee.
Official site
vsb.bc.ca

Key dates

  • Not confirmed yetReferral deadlineNot published. Ask your school-based team.

What it is

MACC (Multi-Age Cluster Class) is a full-time class for gifted students in Grades 5–7, offering academic enrichment and social-emotional support.

There are two classes in the district with 40 spaces in total. One is at Sir William Osler Elementary.

Students need a Ministry gifted designation. Typical minimums are reading and math two or more grades above grade level and a cognitive ability score two or more standard deviations above average.

A psycho-educational assessment is required for full-time MACC placement.

A good fit if: Students who are far ahead of grade level and need more challenge and peers like them.

How to register

  1. Talk to your child's teacher about enrichment needs, ideally in Grade 3 or 4.
  2. The teacher brings it to the school-based team, which can refer your child for district screening.
  3. Provide any psychological assessment you have. The team completes the MACC referral and need-assessment forms.

How to prepare

  • Keep examples of your child's work and notes on what they do at home.
  • Read our guide to gifted assessment in BC before talking to the school.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7.

Common questions

What grades is MACC for in Vancouver?

Grades 5 to 7, according to the VSB program pages.

Can I apply to MACC directly?

No. Referral goes through your child's school-based team to a district screening committee.

Does Burnaby still have MACC?

Burnaby is phasing out its MACC classes, with no new Grade 4 intake for 2026–27. Students already enrolled continue through Grade 7.

What comes next

School programs

Vancouver mini schools (Grade 8 entry)

Enriched Grade 8 programs at Vancouver secondary schools. Grade 7 students register with the district in November–December, then apply to each program separately.

Grade 7Free to apply

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.