Located on a 10-acre campus on Vancouver's west side, this independent day school for girls offers a comprehensive education from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Led by Head of School Ena Harrop, the school emphasizes the holistic development of each student, fostering growth across social, emotional, intellectual, and physical dimensions. Rooted in a history dating back to 1898, the school provides a girl-centred learning environment informed by the BC Curriculum and the First Peoples’ Principles of Learning. Every day is a vibrant mix of learning, creativity, collaboration, and play, allowing students to explore their passions while building confidence and curiosity about the world.
🎓 Academics
The academic program is designed to challenge and inspire girls at every grade level. From foundational skills in the Junior School to advanced concepts in the Senior School, students benefit from a dynamic curriculum enriched with experiential learning opportunities and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school integrates innovative teaching methods, including project-based STEM initiatives, critical thinking exercises, and global studies programs. Language acquisition is emphasized early on, with engaging French programs that bring the language to life through interactive activities and cultural events.
🎨 Creative Arts & Technology
Creativity thrives here, with an extensive array of arts and technology offerings tailored to nurture diverse talents. Junior School students engage in music, dance, visual arts, and hands-on craft clubs such as Watercolour Wonders and Clay Creations. Older students participate in sophisticated programs including theatrical productions, music ensembles, and digital media projects like animation and film festivals. The design thinking approach encourages innovation through challenges such as the Protohack Challenge, empowering students to develop solutions using technology.
🤸 Sports & Wellness
Commitment to physical health and teamwork is evident through a broad sports program that engages students across multiple grades. From Junior School intramurals to competitive varsity teams, girls enjoy opportunities to excel in activities such as basketball, badminton, volleyball, cross-country, track and field, and more. Many teams have earned recognition in regional competitions, reflecting a culture of dedication and school spirit. Concurrently, wellness initiatives promoting mindfulness, balance, and unstructured play support emotional resilience and social growth, complemented by a Community Dining Program providing daily hot healthy lunches.
📚 Libraries & Learning Resources
Both the Junior and Senior School libraries serve as welcoming hubs for inquiry and exploration. The Junior library fosters reading with a diverse collection of fiction, non-fiction, and digital media, alongside space for quiet study and collaborative learning. The Senior library further supports research skills with guidance on topics ranging from sciences to humanities, ensuring students develop information literacy in a digital landscape. Staff are available to assist with academic inquiries and foster lifelong learning habits.
🌏 Global & Co-Curricular Programs
With over 60 clubs and activities, students are encouraged to pursue interests and develop new skills outside the classroom. Enrichment programs include debate, robotics, choir, tech crew, and environmental initiatives. Senior School students can also engage in international service trips and cultural exchange programs that broaden their global perspectives while reinforcing leadership and community-mindedness. Special offerings include the signature Ivy Compass program, which fosters personal growth, leadership, and engaged citizenship, alongside outdoor education and work experience programs.
✨ Conclusion
Rooted in a history dating back to 1898, the school remains committed to fostering confident, compassionate, and capable young women. By balancing academic excellence, creative expression, athletic participation, and global awareness in a supportive environment, it prepares students to embrace challenges, lead with integrity, and make contributions to their communities and beyond, backed by options for financial assistance for qualifying families.
Developing strong writing skills is an essential component of comprehensive academic growth, enabling students to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision across all subjects. To foster these capabilities, educators often encourage a consistent writing practice that spans multiple genres, from analytical essays to creative narratives and scientific reports. Engaging regularly with diverse texts helps students expand their vocabulary and understand structural nuances, while the iterative process of drafting, receiving constructive feedback, and revising allows them to refine their voice. Within a supportive learning environment, students learn to approach writing not merely as an assignment, but as a powerful tool for critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong intellectual exploration.
