Secondary
Compare schools820 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 3S9 · New Westminster
Rating
6.7
5-year avg
N/A
Rank
53/252
Quick take
New Westminster Secondary is a modern 'mega-school' that functions more like a small university campus than a traditional high school. While its size and open-concept design can be daunting for shy students, its top-tier facilities and unmatched variety of academic and extracurricular programs make it a powerhouse for students who know how to advocate for themselves.
Parents and students frequently describe NWSS as a 'legendary' but overwhelming institution due to its sheer size (2,000+ students). The new $106.5 million campus, opened in 2021, is a major talking point; reviews praise the state-of-the-art facilities, 'university-style' common areas, and professional-grade theatre. However, some students find the glass-heavy, concrete aesthetic 'sterile' or 'airport-like,' noting a lack of privacy. A common complaint is overcrowding, particularly during lunch hours and in hallways. The IB program is highly regarded for its academic rigour, while the broad range of clubs and electives is seen as a major advantage over smaller schools.
This school is best suited for independent, socially confident students who can navigate a large environment to take advantage of specialized opportunities like IB, trades training, or elite athletics. It is the only public high school option in the district, so local families should expect a bustling, diverse, and resource-rich experience.
Ratings and data
New Westminster Secondary holds a Fraser Institute rating of 6.7/10, placing it 53rd out of 252 secondary schools in British Columbia. This ranking positions it comfortably in the top 25% of schools in the province, indicating a strong academic standard for a large public institution. The school's performance has shown resilience, recovering to a 6.7 from a dip to 6.2 in previous years (History: 7.4 → 7 → 7.2 → 6.2 → 6.7). The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a standout academic feature, offering a rigorous, globally recognized curriculum for high-achieving students in Grades 11 and 12.
Sources include Fraser Institute data and InsideVan School Guide summaries. Ratings do not represent the full quality of a school.
School-run details
New Westminster Secondary is located at 820 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 3S9 in New Westminster.
InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 3 nearby after-school options.
InsideVan currently lists 19 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
InsideVan currently lists 16 nearby kids class or activity options.
0 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 3 are nearby within 3km, plus 19 tutors and 16 class options.
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Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
3
pickup or nearby
19
nearby options
16
nearby options
After-school pickup
0 explicitly serve this school, plus 3 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
New Westminster Secondary is a secondary school in New Westminster. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 3 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.
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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.