School programs · Vancouver School Board

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.

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Grades
Grade 7
Format
District registry online, then each program's own application. Some programs add a test or interview.
Cost
Free to apply.
Official site
vsb.bc.ca

Key dates

  • ConfirmedProgram information nightsOctober 8 to November 18, 2026 (varies by program)
  • ConfirmedDistrict registry opensMon, November 16, 2026
  • ConfirmedDistrict registry closesThu, December 17, 2026
  • Not confirmed yetProgram tests, interviews and offersJanuary to February 2027, set by each program

What it is

Mini schools are smaller enriched programs inside Vancouver secondary schools, for highly motivated students who work consistently at a Proficient level.

They're competitive: about 1,400 students apply for about 500 Grade 8 seats each year.

Programs include Britannia Venture, Byng Arts, David Thompson Odyssey, Gladstone Mini, Hamber Challenge Studio, Ideal Mini, John Oliver Digital Immersion, Killarney Computer Science, King George Catalyst, Magee SPARTS, Point Grey Mini, Prince of Wales Mini, Templeton Mini, Tupper Mini, Van Tech Flex Humanities, Van Tech Summit and Windermere Leadership.

You must live in Vancouver when you register, with proof of residency.

A good fit if: Grade 7 students who are curious, motivated and excited by a particular focus such as science, arts, leadership, technology or humanities.

How to register

  1. Go to the program information nights in October and November to choose up to three programs.
  2. Complete the District Mini School General Registry at govsb.ca/secondary-programs between November 16 and December 17, 2026, listing your top three choices.
  3. Apply separately to each program on its own website, by that program's own deadline.
  4. Send report cards and attend any test or interview the program asks for.

How to prepare

  • Start looking in Grade 6. Grade 6 final report cards are often part of the application.
  • Read each program's focus. Pick ones that match your child's interests, not just the best-known names.
  • Practise talking about interests and projects if the program interviews applicants.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 7.

Common questions

When do Vancouver students apply to mini schools?

In Grade 7. For September 2027, the district registry is open from 9 a.m. November 16 to 11:59 p.m. December 17, 2026. Each program also has its own application and deadline.

Is there one test for all mini schools?

No. There is no district-wide assessment. Each program decides whether to use a test, interview or other requirements.

Can families outside Vancouver apply?

Students must be Vancouver residents at the time of registration and provide proof of residency.

Does Burnaby have a mini school?

Burnaby's BETA mini school at Alpha Secondary closed starting in the 2025–26 school year because of budget constraints.

Sources

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