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David Thompson Secondary

1755 55th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5P 1Z7 · Vancouver

Rating

7.1

5-year avg

N/A

Rank

38/252

Quick take

School review information

The 'AP Powerhouse' of East Vancouver, David Thompson has successfully shed its past reputation to become a top-tier destination for academically driven students, particularly those aiming for STEM careers through its elite Odyssey program.

Editorial review summary

Reviews often highlight a 'tale of two schools': the highly competitive, tight-knit Odyssey Mini School community versus the general main school population. Parents and alumni note that the school's reputation has improved drastically from a 'rougher' image in the 90s/2000s to a serious academic hub today. Students appreciate the incredible variety of AP courses and the convenient location near Victoria Drive's food scene, though some mention the building is older and facilities are functional rather than fancy.

Common positives

  • Home to the 'Odyssey Mini School', one of Vancouver's most prestigious accelerated programs
  • Offers the largest selection of AP courses in the Vancouver School Board
  • Significant recent improvement in academic rankings (top 15% provincially)
  • Diverse, multicultural student body (strong Cantonese, Tagalog, and Punjabi communities)
  • Excellent location for student lunch options (Victoria Drive)

Common concerns

  • Older facility built in 1958, lacking the modern aesthetics of newer west-side schools
  • Odyssey program is extremely competitive with rigorous entrance exams
  • Large student population can feel impersonal for those not in the Mini School cohort
  • Historical reputation for being 'rough' still lingers with some older locals, despite being outdated

Who this school may fit

Highly recommended for self-motivated students, especially those interested in STEM and Advanced Placement credits. It is an ideal choice for families seeking high-level academics within a grounded, diverse public school setting, without the pretension sometimes found in West Side schools. The Odyssey program is a 'must-apply' for gifted learners.

Ratings and data

Academic information

David Thompson has recently surged in rankings, achieving a notable 7.1/10 rating and ranking 38th out of 252 secondary schools in BC. This represents a significant recovery from a dip to 5.0 just a few years prior. The school markets itself as the 'AP Headquarters of Vancouver,' offering more Advanced Placement courses than any other school in the district. The Odyssey Mini School is a major driver of this academic success, attracting high-achieving students for accelerated STEM learning.

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

Odyssey Mini School (Accelerated Math/Science)AP Capstone Diploma ProgramAdvanced Placement (AP) Courses (Calculus AB/BC, Physics 1/2, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Human Geography, English Lit, Chinese, Microeconomics, Statistics)Culinary ArtsMarketing and E-Commerce (School Store)Robotics & EngineeringFine Arts (Music, Drama, Visual Arts)Modern Languages (French, Spanish, Mandarin)Autism Resource ProgramEXEC (Executive Functioning Support)Junior Learning SupportSocial Development Program

Common questions

Where is David Thompson Secondary located?+

David Thompson Secondary is located at 1755 55th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5P 1Z7 in Vancouver.

Does David Thompson 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 David Thompson Secondary?+

InsideVan currently lists 1 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near David Thompson Secondary?+

InsideVan currently lists 6 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

1

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

1

nearby options

Nearby classes

6

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

David Thompson Secondary school information

David Thompson Secondary is a secondary school in Vancouver. 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.