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Burnaby North Secondary

751 Hammarskjold Dr, Burnaby, BC V5B 4A1 · Burnaby

Rating

5.1

5-year avg

N/A

Rank

109/252

Quick take

School review information

Burnaby North is a high-volume academic and artistic giant housed in a shiny new facility. It is defined by its 'Viking' pride and its massive AP catalog, making it the premier destination in Burnaby for students seeking university-level rigor, provided they can navigate a crowded and competitive hallway.

Editorial review summary

Parents and students frequently describe Burnaby North as a 'mini-university' due to its size and course variety. The 'Viking' school spirit is strong, particularly surrounding the famous marching band and sports teams. Reviews highlight the excitement of the brand-new school building (opened January 2024) but also note immediate overcrowding issues, with the district already seeking expansion. Some students feel the environment is highly competitive and stressful due to the heavy AP focus. The linear (full-year) schedule is generally preferred for academic depth, though the large class sizes can make it harder to get individual attention.

Common positives

  • Largest AP Program in Canada (20+ courses)
  • Brand new, state-of-the-art facility (opened Jan 2024)
  • World-class Visual & Performing Arts (famous Marching Band)
  • Specialized Hockey Academy and SFU Soccer partnership
  • Diverse course selection including unique languages and career programs

Common concerns

  • School is extremely large (1,800+ students) and can feel impersonal
  • Overcrowding is already an issue despite the new building
  • Competitive academic culture can be stressful for some
  • Does not offer French Immersion (must go to Alpha or Moscrop)
  • Average provincial ranking statistics do not reflect the high-end academic ceiling

Who this school may fit

Best suited for self-motivated, high-achieving students who want to load up on AP credits or join a top-tier music/arts program. It is an excellent choice for athletes (Hockey/Soccer) needing flexible academics. Students who prefer a small, intimate community or require significant individual support might find the sheer scale of this school overwhelming.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Burnaby North Secondary holds a Fraser Institute rating of 5.1/10 and a provincial rank of 109/252. While this score appears average on paper, it belies the school's reputation as an academic powerhouse. Burnaby North hosts the largest Advanced Placement (AP) program in Canada, offering over 20 university-level courses and the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma. The 'average' rating is often attributed to the school's massive, diverse student population (approx. 1,800+ students), which includes a wide range of learning needs. However, for high-achieving students, the school provides elite preparation for top-tier universities, with many graduates accepted into Ivy League and major Canadian institutions.

Sources include Fraser Institute data and InsideVan School Guide summaries. Ratings do not represent the full quality of a school.

School-run details

Special programs

Advanced Placement (AP) Program (Largest in Canada)AP Capstone DiplomaVisual & Performing Arts (Marching Band, Orchestra, Choir, Dance, Drama)Hockey Academy (Skills Academy)Career Education (Film & Broadcast, Music Production)Honours CoursesSummit Program (Enrichment)Industry Connect ProgramsAthleticsModern Languages (Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, French)SFU Soccer Academy Partnership

Common questions

Where is Burnaby North Secondary located?+

Burnaby North Secondary is located at 751 Hammarskjold Dr, Burnaby, BC V5B 4A1 in Burnaby.

Does Burnaby North Secondary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 1 nearby after-school options.

Are there tutors near Burnaby North Secondary?+

InsideVan currently lists 3 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Burnaby North Secondary?+

InsideVan currently lists 4 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

1

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

3

nearby options

Nearby classes

4

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

0 explicitly serve this school, plus 1 nearby within 3km.

What this page covers

Burnaby North Secondary school information

Burnaby North Secondary is a secondary school in Burnaby. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 1 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.

Sources & data context

Search website
Check programs, admission requirements, and day-to-day arrangements with the school.

Fraser Institute · 2020 report
The rating dataset used here covers 2018-2019. The five-year average belongs to that historical report, not the five years ending today.

Academic ratings do not capture the whole school experience, including belonging, support, or fit for your child. A nearby care provider does not necessarily offer school pickup; confirm with the provider.