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The big picture on Lowell High School
We summarized the school ourselves
Lowell High School stands out for its commitment to educating globally-minded and academically strong students. Lowell maintains a culture of critical thinking, shared values, and deep connections within the community. Their central vision is to educate engaged, innovative, and compassionate individuals. The school’s balanced approach to academics, athletics, arts, and social activities ensures the holistic development of the students. Their curriculum likewise supports flexibility and personalization and prepares students for success. The school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which emphasizes academic rigour alongside personal growth and community service. The Pathway Program further offers students the opportunity to take complementary courses through distance learning, tailored to their post-secondary goals. Students benefit from small class sizes and a personalized educational experience. With dedicated teaching faculty and a mission to inspire knowledge-seeking and critical thinking, Lowell High School prepares its students to excel both academically and personally.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Lowell High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and a university preparatory school located in Yaletown, downtown Vancouver. We offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11-12 and the British Columbia Graduation Program for grades 10-12. Known for our commitment to academic excellence and a holistic approach to learning, we empower students to "Aim Above the Mark" and take their education to the next level."
International Baccalaurate World School (Grade 11-12)
Dogwood Diploma certified by the BC Ministry of Education (Grades 10-12)
University preparatory high school with a 100% university/college acceptance rate
Small class sizes of 10-12 students, ensuring personalized attention and support
A focus on academic excellence, balanced with a holistic approach to student development
Tailored support to meet individual student needs
Pathway Program: A flexible online study option
Total Care Services (Custodianship, Homestay, Medical Insurance, and Volunteer Opportunities)
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Lowell High School, we take pride in offering a unique Pathway Program that allows students to begin their studies online while waiting for their Canadian visa approval,...(more)
"At Lowell High School, we take pride in offering a unique Pathway Program that allows students to begin their studies online while waiting for their Canadian visa approval, ensuring a seamless transition to on-campus learning. This flexibility helps students stay on track and accelerate their graduation plan.
Additionally, our strong university preparation sets us apart, with a 100% university acceptance rate. Through small class sizes, individualized academic support, and a rigorous dual diploma program (BC Dogwood Diploma & IB Diploma), we equip students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive at top universities worldwide.
At Lowell, we don’t just prepare students for university—we prepare them for success beyond the classroom."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Lowell High School, we prioritize small, focused class sizes to ensure that each student receives individualized attention and tailored learning experiences. This approach...(more)
"At Lowell High School, we prioritize small, focused class sizes to ensure that each student receives individualized attention and tailored learning experiences. This approach allows our educators to provide personalized mentorship, deeper academic engagement, and stronger student-teacher relationships, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Rather than emphasizing broad, standardized instruction, we focus on meeting the unique needs of each student, helping them thrive academically, build confidence, and fully engage in their educational journey."
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?
"The ideal student at Lowell High School is an engaged learner, innovative thinker, and compassionate leader who strives for academic excellence, personal growth, and global...(more)
"The ideal student at Lowell High School is an engaged learner, innovative thinker, and compassionate leader who strives for academic excellence, personal growth, and global impact.
We welcome students who wish to succeed in high school and gain admission to prestigious universities, with 100% of our graduates accepted into post-secondary institutions.
At Lowell, we welcome students who are ready to aim above the mark and take their education to the next level."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Families seeking a large, traditional school environment with hundreds of students per grade may find that Lowell High School's close-knit community and small class sizes do not...(more)
"Families seeking a large, traditional school environment with hundreds of students per grade may find that Lowell High School's close-knit community and small class sizes do not align with their expectations. Our model prioritizes personalized attention, meaningful teacher-student interactions, and tailored academic support, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a broader, more standardized school experience with large-scale programs."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"• 95% of families reported that their children receive individualized support and extra care from teachers due to our small classroom environment.
• 97% of families indicated...(more)
"• 95% of families reported that their children receive individualized support and extra care from teachers due to our small classroom environment.
• 97% of families indicated that they enrolled their child at Lowell because they believe we provide the guidance and support necessary for academic success and preparation for future post-secondary education.
• 92% of families selected our school because of our Pathway Program, which allows students to shorten their study abroad period while still achieving their educational goals, ensuring a smoother transition."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Lowell High School is characterized by a strong image of being globally inspired, academically innovative, character-driven, community-spirited, and intentionally balanced. We...(more)
"Lowell High School is characterized by a strong image of being globally inspired, academically innovative, character-driven, community-spirited, and intentionally balanced. We embrace and contribute to great ideas from around the world, ensuring that our programs are progressive and foster creativity. Our commitment to empathy and integrity shapes our actions, while deep connections within our community strengthen our relationships. Additionally, we thoughtfully balance academic, athletic, artistic, and social activities, creating a holistic environment that supports the growth and development of every student."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"One often underappreciated aspect of Lowell High School is our holistic approach to student support. While many recognize our commitment to personalized academic assistance, we...(more)
"One often underappreciated aspect of Lowell High School is our holistic approach to student support. While many recognize our commitment to personalized academic assistance, we also prioritize the personal well-being of our students. Our dedicated staff takes the time to understand each student’s unique challenges and aspirations, providing guidance that extends beyond academics. We offer resources for emotional and social development, ensuring that students feel supported in their personal lives as they navigate the complexities of growing up. This comprehensive support system fosters not only academic success but also resilience and personal growth, helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Many families initially choose Lowell High School for its strong academic reputation and university preparatory programs, but once they become part of our community, they discover...(more)
"Many families initially choose Lowell High School for its strong academic reputation and university preparatory programs, but once they become part of our community, they discover something even more valuable—our close-knit, supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom. At Lowell, we foster deep connections between students, faculty, staff, and parents, creating a school culture where every student is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Our dedicated teachers and administrators take an active role in each student’s journey, guiding them academically and personally. Parents are engaged partners in their child’s education, with open lines of communication, regular check-ins, and collaborative events that strengthen the bond between home and school. More than just an academic institution, Lowell becomes a second home where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired to achieve their full potential."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We have recently implemented the Pathway Program, designed to provide high school students with greater flexibility in their academic journey. This program serves as an...(more)
"We have recently implemented the Pathway Program, designed to provide high school students with greater flexibility in their academic journey. This program serves as an opportunity for students to enhance their diploma by taking complementary courses through a distance learning platform tailored to their post-secondary goals. With personalized support, weekly check-ins from teachers and advisors, and progress tracking, this initiative ensures that students stay on track academically while preparing for their future university studies."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Over the next five years, Lowell High School will continue to evolve while staying true to our core mission of academic excellence, holistic development, and preparing students...(more)
"Over the next five years, Lowell High School will continue to evolve while staying true to our core mission of academic excellence, holistic development, and preparing students for global success. We aim to enhance the student experience, expand our academic offerings, and strengthen our community connections to better serve families."