Choosing a high school is a significant decision. The choice you make can have a lasting impact on your life, so it’s important to consider all of your options carefully. South Surrey and White Rock have some of the most prestigious high schools in British Columbia, but there are also several other excellent options within driving distance if you want to explore other areas as well.
If you’re still not sure where to send your child next year after graduating from elementary school or middle school (or if this is your first time making such an important decision), read on for some tips on how to choose wisely:
Elgin Park Secondary School
Elgin Park Secondary School is a public high school in South Surrey and White Rock, BC. The school offers an excellent academic program with a focus on the arts, including music and drama. Elgin Park also has an inclusive community that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
The catchment area for this school includes Ocean Park, Crescent Beach and parts of South Surrey (including Grandview Heights).
Earl Marriott Secondary School
Earl Marriott Secondary School is a public school in South Surrey, BC. It’s part of the South Surrey school district, which also includes Semiahmoo Secondary and Walnut Grove Secondary. This school is great for students who seek a strong athletics program and French immersion options.
The catchment area for Earl Marriott covers White Rock, Grandview Heights and parts of South Surrey.
Semiahmoo Secondary School
Semiahmoo Secondary School is known for its strong academics. The school has an International Baccalaureate program, and it offers many Advanced Placement courses. Students can also take part in a competitive basketball program that has produced several players who have gone on to play at the university level.
Semiahmoo Secondary School’s catchment area includes Sunnyside, Morgan Creek and parts of South Surrey.
Southridge School (Private School)
Southridge School is a private school that offers a personalized approach to education with a focus on academics and community involvement. It does not have a catchment zone as it is a private school, so you can choose to send your child there if he or she qualifies for admission.
Advantages of Attending a Private School
There are many advantages to attending a private school in South Surrey and White Rock, BC. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Smaller class sizes. Private schools tend to have fewer students than public schools, which means that teachers have more time per student and can give each student more attention. This can be especially helpful if your child has special needs or struggles with learning disabilities, as it gives them an opportunity for more individualized instruction from their teachers.
- Increased access to resources like athletics facilities and arts programs that may not be available at public institutions due to budget constraints or lack of space (or both!). Many private schools also offer unique programs such as Mandarin Chinese classes or STEM clubs where students can explore their interests outside of core curriculum requirements–and maybe even help them decide on what they want do after graduation!
Advantages of Attending a Public School
Public schools offer a number of advantages to students, including:
- Flexible and affordable tuition fees. Public schools are funded by the government, so you can expect your tuition costs to be lower than those at private institutions. This means that if you’re not sure what career path you want to take after high school or if your family is working on a budget, attending public school may be the better option for you.
- Access to more extracurricular activities like sports teams and clubs. Because these programs are typically free or low-cost (or even included in your tuition), they allow students who might otherwise not have been able to participate in them due their financial situation or other reasons an opportunity for self-expression outside of academics alone–which is important both during childhood development stages as well as later on when considering postsecondary options such as university programs or trade schools where participation in extracurriculars can help increase chances of acceptance into certain programs over others without any prior experience required!
How to Choose the Right School in White Rock / South Surrey
When choosing a school, consider your child’s interests and strengths. For example, if your child enjoys art or music, look for schools that offer these programs. Research each school’s academic programs and extracurricular activities so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for them.
When visiting a school, speak with the administration about their plans for future development and growth as well as any concerns they may have about current enrollment numbers or financial stability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. Research each school’s strengths and catchment areas to make an informed decision, then consider your child’s interests and strengths, as well as how they fit into the school environment. Visit the schools you are considering so that you can gain further insight into how they operate on a daily basis.
Choosing a high school can be daunting, but I’m here to help. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me at (604) 315-7227 or harrison@soldbypeers.com.
Want to learn more about White Rock? Check out the history of the White Rock Pier: https://soldbypeers.com/history-of-the-white-rock-pier/
For more details on High Schools in South Surrey and White Rock, see https://www.surreyschools.ca/