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Centennial Secondary School

570 Poirier St, Coquitlam, BC V3J 6A8 · Coquitlam

Rating

5.4

5-year avg

N/A

Rank

95/252

Quick take

School review information

Centennial Secondary is a 'phoenix' of a school—reborn with a stunning new facility that matches its spirited, diverse character. It is not an academic pressure cooker; instead, it offers a well-rounded, comprehensive high school experience where a future chef, a hockey star, and a university-bound scholar can all find top-tier resources under one roof.

Editorial review summary

Parent and student reviews frequently highlight the school's massive transformation following the opening of its new LEED Gold certified building in 2017. Reviews often describe the new facility as having a 'college campus feel' with open, flexible learning spaces. Historically, the school had a reputation for being 'rougher' than nearby peers like Dr. Charles Best, but recent feedback suggests this is outdated; families now praise the diverse, inclusive environment and the 'real world' social atmosphere. The Hockey Academy and trades programs (Automotive, Culinary) are repeatedly cited as major draws. Some students note that the large population (over 1,500) requires students to be self-advocates to stand out.

Common positives

  • State-of-the-art facility (opened 2017) with LEED Gold certification and modern amenities
  • Specialized RPM Hockey Academy integrated into the school schedule
  • Strong technical and trades programs, including a full teaching kitchen and automotive shop
  • Diverse course offerings including AP and French Immersion
  • Rich extracurricular culture with a notable Football program and Performing Arts

Common concerns

  • Academic rating (5.4) is average and lower than top-tier competitors in the district
  • Large student body (1,500+) can feel impersonal for shy students
  • Historical reputation can sometimes overshadow recent improvements
  • Cross-catchment admission can be competitive due to the popularity of the new building

Who this school may fit

This school is an excellent choice for students who want a modern, high-tech learning environment and are interested in more than just textbooks. It is particularly recommended for student-athletes (especially hockey and football players) and those inclined towards skilled trades (automotive, culinary). Families seeking a diverse, non-elitist community with fantastic facilities will love it here, whereas those strictly focused on Ivy League admissions might prefer a higher-ranked alternative.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Centennial Secondary holds a Fraser Institute rating of 5.4/10 and a provincial rank of 95/252. While the raw score of 5.4 suggests an average academic performance relative to the province's historical benchmarks, the ranking of 95th places it comfortably in the top 40% of secondary schools in British Columbia. This indicates that while it may not be an elite 'prep' school, it performs solidly compared to many peers. The school's focus is balanced between academics, trades, and athletics, rather than being purely test-score driven.

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) Courses (Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, World History)French Immersion (Secondary)RPM Hockey AcademyCulinary Arts & Chef TrainingAutomotive TechnologyMetalwork & Art MetalCarpentry & JoineryComputer Game DesignVisual & Performing Arts (Band, Choir, Theatre)Athletics (Football, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, Wrestling)

Common questions

Where is Centennial Secondary School located?+

Centennial Secondary School is located at 570 Poirier St, Coquitlam, BC V3J 6A8 in Coquitlam.

Does Centennial Secondary School have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan is still adding after-school pickup and nearby drop-off options for this school.

Are there tutors near Centennial Secondary School?+

Nearby tutor listings for this school area are being added.

Are there kids classes near Centennial Secondary School?+

Nearby class and activity listings for this school area are being added.

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What this page covers

Centennial Secondary School school information

Centennial Secondary School is a secondary school in Coquitlam. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 0 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.

Sources & data context

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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.