The big picture on Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology
We summarized the school ourselves
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is a tech-heavy high school where all teachers are subject-matter experts. Learning is project-based and follows the B.C. curriculum at an accelerated rate, in which both the sciences and humanities are taught at a challenging pace. Computer science is taught starting in Grade 8. Fun is deeply woven into the programming, creating an environment where students are excited to learn. And learning new things is not the only metric for success—creating a learning environment where students are excited to learn is key. The school respects students’ capabilities and time, and it clearly communicates goals to each student and for each project. VISST is currently admitting students at all grades (Grades 8-12), with a flexible tuition model that accounts for each family’s financial situation and resources.
We questioned the school administration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is Vancouver's first & only dedicated STEM high school, offering the full BC curriculum with accelerated/enriched STEM taught via a mix of traditional methods and project based learning. The school is run democratically so that students are involved in planning and decision-making. You will find all sorts of students at our school, united by a shared curiosity and desire for challenge."
Classes start at 10:00am.
A progressive tuition model that accounts for each family’s circumstances.
Computer science starting from Grade 8.
An integrated curriculum where teachers forge connections between subjects.
Transparent and open communication between the school, students, and parents.
Students take responsibility for, and take care of, the facilities and each other.
Fun as an explicit goal of the school - learning new things is not the only metric for success.
Working outside the school bubble: our students will create value for the broader community.
A learning environment where all students want to be there and are excited to learn.
Transparent communication of goals: students won’t be left wondering, "Why am I learning this?"
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
VISST is a reimagining of high school and differs from other schools in several ways. We are a STEM school with enriched and accelerated STEM offerings, delivered by experts in our respective fields. Our goal is that no VISST student hits their ceiling or finds themselves bored at school. VISST also deeply values student buy-in and ownership. We include students in important decisions such as which teachers to hire.
"VISST is a reimagining of high school and differs from other schools in several ways. We are a STEM school with enriched and accelerated STEM offerings, delivered by experts in our respective fields. Our goal is that no VISST student hits their ceiling or finds themselves bored at school. VISST also deeply values student buy-in and ownership. We include students in important decisions such as which teachers to hire."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Our students spend more hours per week on STEM subjects, which necessarily means fewer hours in other areas. Our STEM classes run year-round rather than half the year on a semester system.
"Our students spend more hours per week on STEM subjects, which necessarily means fewer hours in other areas. Our STEM classes run year-round rather than half the year on a semester system."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Curious, motivated.
"Curious, motivated."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
If a student is not meeting expectations for their grade level in Grade 7, they are likely not prepared to start high school at VISST. If a student is not interested in working hard at school, they are likely not a good fit for VISST.
"If a student is not meeting expectations for their grade level in Grade 7, they are likely not prepared to start high school at VISST. If a student is not interested in working hard at school, they are likely not a good fit for VISST."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Families are drawn to VISST for different reasons: the STEM curriculum, the way students are treated and respected, the project-based learning, the like-minded peers. One of VISST's key competitive advantages is our teachers. In BC, it is not required that a teacher have a degree in a subject in order to teach it. In contrast, VISST teachers are highly trained experts who buy into VISST's philosophy and values. We give our teachers the time and resources to shine and do their life's best work.
"Families are drawn to VISST for different reasons: the STEM curriculum, the way students are treated and respected, the project-based learning, the like-minded peers. One of VISST's key competitive advantages is our teachers. In BC, it is not required that a teacher have a degree in a subject in order to teach it. In contrast, VISST teachers are highly trained experts who buy into VISST's philosophy and values. We give our teachers the time and resources to shine and do their life's best work."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
VISST's culture is sometimes underrated. In a word, we are a STEM school -- this features in our school's name, even. But in sentence, we are a STEM school with an utterly different school culture. At VISST students are first class citizens. Students call teachers by their first names, share social spaces with teachers, interview teacher candidates during hiring, and participate in school governance. Students truly feel a part of VISST, and in doing so they build justified self-confidence.
"VISST's culture is sometimes underrated. In a word, we are a STEM school -- this features in our school's name, even. But in sentence, we are a STEM school with an utterly different school culture. At VISST students are first class citizens. Students call teachers by their first names, share social spaces with teachers, interview teacher candidates during hiring, and participate in school governance. Students truly feel a part of VISST, and in doing so they build justified self-confidence."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Some families think of VISST as a school for "math genius" types. While we do provide an excellent environment for students who excel in STEM subjects, VISST was created for a broader audience. We measure success by how much a student grows in 5 years, not by where they start or end up. All students at VISST enjoy STEM, are curious about it, and are capable of succeeding, but math doesn't have to be your strongest suit for you to attend and thrive at VISST. We also welcome "artsy" types!
"Some families think of VISST as a school for "math genius" types. While we do provide an excellent environment for students who excel in STEM subjects, VISST was created for a broader audience. We measure success by how much a student grows in 5 years, not by where they start or end up. All students at VISST enjoy STEM, are curious about it, and are capable of succeeding, but math doesn't have to be your strongest suit for you to attend and thrive at VISST. We also welcome "artsy" types!"
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
New science lab facility.
"New science lab facility."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Watch our parent interview with Connie Kekwaletswe to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
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