Does my ranking of programs make a difference?

(You will be asked to rank your program(s) of choice when you register on-line.)

Yes, please consider your ranking of programs very carefully before making this selection. The ranking system gives the student an element of choice in the selection process. Our student selection process is based on the merit of your application and an interview process, but we also take the ranking into consideration. PW Mini School uses this ranking system, in consultation with other alternative schools, to find the best fit for as many students as possible. Students who rank a particular school as their “first choice” will have a greater chance of being selected by that school.
Note: be careful when making your choice on-line – the Vancouver Board of Education will not make changes to your selections once you have registered.

If I accept a position at school “X” during the first round of offers, can I still be offered a position at school “Y” during the second round of offers?

No, once you accept an offer your name is removed from the list of applicants from all other schools.

Can I take Math 10 (or any other advanced class) when I’m in Grade 8?

No. We are an enrichment program not an accelerated program. Part of the strength of our school is derived from students learning within their cohort group.

Can I take an advanced French class if I’m a French Immersion student?

Possibly. Advancement of students in French is given special consideration because of the federally mandated Official Languages Act. French Immersion and bilingual students accepted to PW Mini School will be scheduled to write a test (reading, listening, and oral components) during April of 2012. Placement in an advanced French class will be based on the results of this test, and availability of a particular class within the timetable.

Will I find out my test results from December 12?

No, test results are not given out to the student or parent. The test is only used to assist with the placement of students in specific alternative programs.

Should I apply to Prince of Wales Mini School if I’m interested in applying to TREK in Grade 10 or the International Baccalaureate Program in Grade 11?

No, your acceptance to Prince of Wales Mini School involves a 5-year commitment. Please do not apply if you cannot keep this commitment.

Do I need to fill out a VSB Cross-Boundary Application Form?

No, Prince of Wales Mini School is a district program – there are no boundaries to cross.

Can I apply to Prince of Wales Mini School if I live out-of-district?

Yes, but we will only examine your application once we have exhausted all in-district applications – the possibility of this is extremely low.

What percentage of PW Mini School Grads go to university?

Our primary aim is to create a positive learning environment where students are challenged to excel in a broad range of subjects. Although we do not consider ourselves a university-prep school, each year more than 90% of our graduates are accepted to a university of their choice.

If I’m not admitted for 2012–13 (Grade 8) can I re-apply for 2013–14 (Grade 9)?

Yes, you will need to submit a new application (available in April each year). If a space comes available (this happens occasionally) we will contact suitable applicants in a specific grade. These applicants will be interviewed and a new student will be selected. There is no test to be written, but up-to-date report cards are required. We do not accept new applications for our Grade 12 class.

Should I call Prince of Wales Mini School if I don’t receive a phone call?

No. Due to the large number of applications that we receive, we are only able to contact those applicants who are advancing in the application process. We simply don’t have enough time or resources to contact everyone. We realize that this absence of communication between Prince of Wales Mini School and unsuccessful applicants is not congruent with the guiding principles of our school (honesty, respect and responsibility). If time were available we would call each student to discuss why their application was unsuccessful, but this is just not possible.