Secondary Schools

At our acclaimed secondary schools, we pride ourselves on offering an expansive array of elective courses alongside essential university prerequisite subjects. These core subjects encompass a broad spectrum including, but not limited to, English, Literature, History, Geography, and a comprehensive suite of scientific disciplines such as Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.

Our schools have an exceptional track record of nurturing International students who, upon graduation, secure placements in some of the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities annually. This testament to our commitment to excellence is not by mere chance, but the result of a carefully curated academic environment.

International students are seamlessly integrated with their Canadian peers in both academic and elective classes. This integration fosters a mutual cultural understanding, enriches the global perspective of all students, and provides a dynamic environment for practicing English skills through active interaction.

Recognizing the challenges of mastering a second language, we offer robust support and dedicated instruction in English as a Second Language (ELL). This service is tailored to assist students in achieving English fluency, ensuring they have the linguistic confidence and proficiency to excel in their academic journey.

Highland Secondary

750 Pritchard Road, Comox, BC

Highland Secondary, located in the town of Comox, is surrounded by sports fields, forests, and suburbs. Known as a ‘neighbourhood’ school, little transportation time is required.  Hosts in this area of the Comox Valley tend to live close to the campus and students enjoy the freedom of travelling to and from the grounds independently.

Highland enrolls approximately 650 students in grades 8-12.  This school offers a comprehensive high school program.  There is a diverse range of academic and elective courses, as well as several specialty programs.  Students also engage in a wide-ranging co-curricular program including dozens of sports teams, clubs, in-school events and after-school activities, so that all students can find a place and get involved.

Founded: Opened in 1978

Student Population: Around 700–900 students

Programs: Offers a wide range of academic programs, trades training, fine arts, and athletics.

Close-Knit Community: With a slightly smaller student body than the other local high schools, Highland is known for its inclusive and supportive school culture, where students often form close bonds with teachers and peers.

Notable Alumni: The school has produced several athletes who have gone on to represent Canada in international competitions, especially in soccer and swimming.

Student-Led Initiatives: Highland students are active in social justice projects, environmental efforts, and peer leadership programs. The school has a reputation for student engagement and activism.

Arts and Music: The school’s band and drama programs are vibrant, with regular concerts and theatrical productions that draw audiences from the wider community.

Location Perks: Situated in Comox, the school is close to the ocean and mountains, and students often take part in outdoor education activities like kayaking, hiking, and environmental science fieldwork.

Linear scheduling: grades 8 & 9

Semester scheduling: grades 10 – 12

Marine Biology – This elective gives students a chance to explore oceanography and marine biomes Barrier reefs, atolls, the open ocean, the abyss, and the life that lives there are introduced through a variety of project-based activities, video, media and field trips. Perfect for students living on the west coast and who plan to travel worldwide.

Book Club

Choir

Jr. & Sr. Jazz Band

Game Development & Programming Club

Girl’s Guitar Group

Highland Environmental Action Team

Highland Indigenous Student Council

Improv Class

Interact Club

Mental Health Leadership

Model UN Club

Queer Straight Alliance

Outdoor Adventure Club

Robotics

Yearbook Club

FallWinterSpring
Cross Country RunningBasketballTrack & Field
Soccer (Boys)Skiing & SnowboardingSoccer (Girls)
Volleyball
(September 7 - November 30)(November 29 - March 12)(February 28 - June 6)

Mrs. Amber-Skye Brammall
International Suport Teacher

Email: Amber-Skye.Brammall@sd71.bc.ca

George P. Vanier Secondary School

4830 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC

Approximately 1100 students from grades 8-12 attend G.P. Vanier each year.  It is located next to the Comox Valley Track and Field Center, Comox Valley Regional Sports Center, which includes a swimming pool, two ice arenas, an outdoor artificial turf, and weight room.  G.P. Vanier is surrounded by rural farmland and the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds providing an excellent learning environment and picturesque international student experience.  All academic courses leading to a BC graduation certificate are offered at G.P. Vanier.

Founded: Opened in 1968

Student Population: Typically around 1,000–1,300 students (numbers can vary year to year)

Programs: Offers a wide range of academic courses, trades and technical programs, and various arts and athletics opportunities.

Athletics: Known for strong teams in sports like basketball, rugby, and soccer.

Facilities: Features gymnasiums, science labs, computer labs, art and music rooms, and updated learning spaces after recent renovations.

Linear scheduling: grade 8

Semester scheduling: grades 9 – 12

Recent Upgrades: The school underwent significant renovations in recent years, including seismic upgrades and new learning spaces, which improved safety and modernized the facilities.

School Schedule


Event Start Time End Time
Warning Bell 9:00 AM
Block 1 9:05 AM 10:25 AM
Block 2 10:30 AM 11:50 AM
Lunch 11:50 AM 12:30 PM
Warning Bell 12:30 PM
Block 3 12:35 PM 1:50 PM
Block 4 1:55 PM 3:10 PM

Aspire to Action – The GP Vanier Aspire to Action Program is a unique opportunity for highly motivated senior students to pursue the traditional academic requirements in an integrated studies program that combines academics with experiential learning in the community. The program runs during semester two at Georges P. Vanier Secondary School and is open to all grade 11 and 12 students at Georges P. Vanier.  More information can be found here.

Debate Team

Mountain Bike Club

Badminton Club

Tennis Club

EDAS Knit / Crochet Club

Rotary Interact Club

Indigenous Culture Club

Homework Club

D & D Improv Club

Weightlifting Club

Dungeons and Dragons

Environment Club

Vanier Speed Shop Car Club

Student Government

FallWinterSpring
Cross Country RunningBasketballGolf
Soccer (Boys)Skiing & SnowboardingMountain Biking
Swimming/AquaticsWrestlingRugby
VolleyballSoccer (Girls)
Track & Field
Ultimate Frisbee
(September 7 - November 30)(November 29 - March 12)(February 28 - June 6)

Ms. Helen Oliphant
International Support Teacher

email: Helen.Oliphant@sd71.bc.ca

Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School

1551 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC

Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School is named after Canadian Forces Master Corporal Mark Robert Isfeld who was killed while conducting de-mining operations near Kakma, Croatia on June 21, 1994.  It is centrally located in east Courtenay amongst suburban houses and the Crowne Isle Golf Resort community.  North Island College and the Comox Valley Aquatic Center are a short walk from campus.  The student population fluctuates from 900 to 1100 from grade 8-12. Formerly a middle school, Mark Isfeld has developed into a thriving high school with academic and extracurricular opportunities for all types of students.  All academic courses leading to a BC graduation certificate are offered at Mark Isfeld.

Founded: Opened in 1995 (originally as Courtenay Junior Secondary, renamed in 2001)

Student Population: Roughly 900–1,000 students

Programs: Offers a variety of academic courses, French Immersion, Advanced Placement (AP) English, trades and technical training, arts, and athletics.

Sustainability Focus: Mark R. Isfeld is recognized for its environmental initiatives, including recycling programs and efforts to make the school more eco-friendly.

Active in the Arts: The school’s music, drama, and visual arts programs are strong, often putting on public performances and exhibitions.

Sports: Mark R. Isfeld’s athletic teams, especially in basketball and volleyball, consistently perform well at both the regional and provincial level.

Innovative Learning Spaces: The school has updated learning commons and tech labs, adapting to modern approaches in education.

Community Engagement: Isfeld students are known for their leadership and involvement in local and global causes, from fundraising for charity to participating in humanitarian projects.

Linear scheduling: grades 8 & 9

Semester scheduling: grades 10 – 12

Standard class schedule -Sample

Fitness Trainer Certification

French Immersion

Spanish – grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

Core French (French as an Additional Language) – grades 8, 9, 10, and 11

Interact Club

Environment Club

Model United Nations

Garden Club

Dungeons & Dragons / Magic the Gathering

Leadership Club/Sports Leadership

Queer and Alliance Club (QAC)

Magic Club

FunGi Club

Disc Golf Club

Board Games Club

Library Learning Commons Student Advisory Club

Junior Jazz Band

Improv (Gr 8-12)

The “Ice Cubed” Math Club

Tennis Club

FallWinter
Spring
Cross Country RunningBasketballBadminton
Soccer (Boys)Skiing & SnowboardingGolf
Swimming/AquaticsWrestlingMountain Biking
VolleyballRugby
Soccer (Girls)
Track & Field
Ultimate Frisbee
(September 7 - November 30)(November 29 - March 12)(February 28 - June 6)

Ms. Victoria Mulrooney
International Support Teacher

email: Victoria.Mulrooney@sd71.bc.ca

Lake Trail Middle School

805 Willemar Avenue, Courtenay, BC

260 Students from grades 6-9 make up this small middle school.  It is a good location for younger international students to improve their English language skills before progressing to secondary school. This neighbourhood school is centrally located near downtown Courtenay

All elective programs like in Senior Secondary Schools

One-on-one ESL attention

Linear schedule grade 6-9

To apply to the Comox Valley’s International Student Program, click the button below

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