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King George Secondary

1755 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1K6 · Vancouver

Rating

4.7

5-year avg

N/A

Rank

119/252

Quick take

School review information

King George Secondary is a hidden gem for students seeking connection over scale. While its quantitative rankings are average, its qualitative strength lies in its intimate, inclusive environment and specialized cohorts like the Catalyst Mini School. It is an ideal choice for urban families who want their children to be 'known' by their teachers rather than lost in a crowd, provided they can look past the aging infrastructure.

Editorial review summary

Parent and student reviews frequently highlight the school's 'small town feel' within the big city. The close-knit community is a major pro, with students reporting strong relationships with teachers and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity. The 'Catalyst' Mini School is highly regarded for its leadership and academic focus. However, common complaints center on the aging facility and lack of space; the school is often described as overcapacity, with limited on-site sports fields (relying on the adjacent community center). Some parents note that course selection for Grade 11/12 electives can be more limited than at larger high schools. There is also discussion about the phasing out of the IB MYP program causing some uncertainty.

Common positives

  • Strong sense of community and inclusivity due to small school size
  • Catalyst Mini School offers excellent enrichment for high-achieving students
  • Central downtown location with access to West End Community Centre facilities
  • Diverse student body fostering global citizenship
  • Unique 'City School' alternative program for experiential learning

Common concerns

  • Aging building with significant capacity constraints
  • Limited on-site outdoor fields and athletic facilities
  • Fewer elective course options compared to larger Vancouver high schools
  • Recent decline in Fraser Institute academic rankings
  • Uncertainty regarding the future of the IB Middle Years Programme

Who this school may fit

Best suited for students living in the downtown/West End area who thrive in smaller, supportive learning environments. It is particularly recommended for students interested in the Catalyst Mini School for leadership and enrichment, or those who prefer a diverse, close-knit community over the high-pressure academic race of Vancouver's West Side schools.

Ratings and data

Academic information

King George Secondary currently holds a Fraser Institute rating of 4.7/10, placing it 119th out of 252 secondary schools in British Columbia. The school's academic rating has seen a decline in recent years, moving from a high of 6.1 to the current 4.7. While this score suggests average to slightly below-average performance on standardized provincial metrics compared to highly ranked West Side schools, it does not fully reflect the school's specialized offerings. The 'Catalyst' Mini School and the IB Middle Years Programme (currently being phased out by 2025-2026) provide rigorous enrichment for motivated students. The small cohort sizes often lead to strong personalized attention, which can benefit student learning despite the lower aggregate ranking.

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

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)Catalyst Mini School (Enriched Leadership & Academics)City School (Alternative Program)Fine Arts (Band, Drama, Visual Arts, Photography)Applied Skills (Robotics, Mechanics, Woodworking, Foods, Textiles)Athletics (Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, Ski/Snowboard Club)Service-in-Action

Common questions

Where is King George Secondary located?+

King George Secondary is located at 1755 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1K6 in Vancouver.

Does King George Secondary have after-school pickup options?+

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

Are there tutors near King George Secondary?+

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

Are there kids classes near King George Secondary?+

InsideVan currently lists 3 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

0

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

3

nearby options

Nearby classes

3

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

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

What this page covers

King George Secondary school information

King George Secondary is a secondary school in Vancouver. 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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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.