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Secondary
Compare schoolsKillarney Secondary School
6454 Killarney St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2X7 · Vancouver
Rating
4.5
5-year avg
N/A
Rank
124/252
Quick take
School review information
Killarney is a powerhouse of specialized talent disguised as a standard comprehensive high school. While its overall academic ranking is average, it offers arguably the best public school Music and IT/Networking education in Vancouver. It is a school where motivated students can access professional-grade opportunities, provided they can navigate a large, busy, and socially diverse environment.
Editorial review summary
Parents and alumni frequently describe Killarney as a grounded, diverse, and 'real-world' high school, contrasting it with the more prestigious atmosphere of West Side schools. The music program is universally praised as world-class, often cited as a primary reason for attending. The Computer Science Mini School is highly regarded by parents seeking enrichment. Common complaints center on the school's massive size (approx. 2,000 students), which can make the hallways feel crowded and the facility feel aging. Some reviews note that students need to be self-motivated to stand out in such a large population.
Common positives
- Largest and most acclaimed Fine Arts/Music program in the district
- Unique Cisco Networking Academy (CCNA) offering industry certification
- Highly competitive Computer Science Mini School for gifted students
- Diverse, inclusive student body with a strong sense of community
- Extensive course variety due to large school size
Common concerns
- Declining academic ranking in recent years
- Very large student population can feel impersonal or crowded
- Aging facilities compared to newer schools
- General stream academics may lack the rigor of the Mini School
Who this school may fit
This school is an ideal choice for two types of students: those with a serious passion for music (Band/Strings/Choir) who want to perform at a high level, and those interested in Computer Science or Engineering who can get into the Mini School or Cisco program. It is less suitable for students who need a small, intimate learning environment or those solely focused on general academic prestige without a specific interest in Arts or Tech.
Ratings and data
Academic information
Killarney Secondary currently holds a Fraser Institute rating of 4.5/10, placing it 124th out of 252 schools in British Columbia. The school's academic rating has shown a downward trend over the last five years (from 5.7 to 4.5). However, this aggregate score masks a significant divide: the specialized 'Mini School' and IT programs are highly rigorous and produce top-tier graduates, while the general stream faces challenges typical of large, diverse urban schools. It is considered an average performer overall but an elite performer in specific technical and artistic niches.
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
Killarney Mini School (Computer Science Focus)Fine Arts (Band, Choir, Strings, Drama, Art)Cisco Networking Academy (CCNA Certification)Information Technology (Robotics, Animation, Programming)Business EducationTechnical Studies (Enhanced Trades)Athletics (Cougars)Modern LanguagesLearning Support Programs
Common questions
Where is Killarney Secondary School located?+
Killarney Secondary School is located at 6454 Killarney St, Vancouver, BC V5S 2X7 in Vancouver.
Does Killarney Secondary School have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 2 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near Killarney Secondary School?+
InsideVan currently lists 2 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near Killarney Secondary School?+
InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near Killarney Secondary School
0 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 2 are nearby within 3km, plus 2 tutors and 5 class options.
Find pickup programs
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near Killarney Secondary School
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Nearby tutors
Classes near Killarney Secondary School
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
Nearby classes and activities
After school
2
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
2
nearby options
Nearby classes
5
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
0 explicitly serve this school, plus 2 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
Killarney Secondary School school information
Killarney Secondary School is a secondary school in Vancouver. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 2 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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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.