frequently asked questions
Does my ranking of programs in the District Registry make a difference?
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. While our student selection process is based on the merit of your application and an interview process, we also take the ranking into consideration. Prince of Wales Mini School uses this ranking system in consultation with other district programs 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 online, as the Vancouver School Board will not make changes to your selections once you have registered.
Can I change my ranking of programs after I have registered by “intent to apply” on the VSB website?
Yes, but NOT on the VSB website. You would have to send one (1) email to all of the programs involved. All of the programs/schools should be able to see each other as recipients of that same email stating your new program rankings. Separate emails to each individual school/program will not be valid.
If I accept a position at School ‘A’ during the first round of offers, can I still be offered a position at School ‘B’ during the second round of offers?
No. Once you accept an offer in a program, your name is removed from the list of applicants from all other schools.
Can I take Math 9 or Math 10 when I’m in grade 8?
No. Part of the strength of our school is derived from students learning within their cohort group. Teachers have found that students with advanced math skills are adequately challenged within the Mini School enriched math classes (Math 8, 9 and 10 are covered in Grades 8 and 9).
Can I take an advanced French class if I’m a French Immersion student?
Possibly. If there are no timetable conflicts and there is room in the class, French Immersion and bilingual students accepted to Prince of Wales Mini School will be placed in French 10. If this is not possible, students will be placed in Spanish 9 or another Fine Arts elective.
Should I apply to Prince of Wales Mini School if I’m interested in applying to the TREK Outdoor Education Program in Grade 10 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program in Grade 11?
No. Your acceptance to Prince of Wales Mini School involves a five (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?
No. This program is for students who live within the Vancouver School District. Applicants must be residents of the boundaries of Vancouver School District to be considered eligible.
If I am planning on moving to Vancouver, can I apply to Prince of Wales Mini School?
No. This program is for students who live within the Vancouver School District at the time of application.
What % of Prince of Wales Mini School graduates attend post-secondary (e.g., college, university, etc)?
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 apply to universities in Canada and beyond. All of these students are accepted to a university of their choice. For more recent data: 100% of Class of 2024 and Class of 2025 graduates attended/are attending post-secondary.
If I am not admitted in this cycle for 2026-2027 (grade 8), can I re-apply the following cycle for 2027-2028 (grade 9)?
Absolutely. 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.
Note: We do not accept new applications for our grade 11 or 12 cohorts.
May I contact Prince of Wales Mini School to ask questions if I am not selected for an interview or admission?
No. Given the volume of applications we receive each cycle, we unfortunately do not have enough time or resources to discuss individual applications.
Can I submit an application digitally (i.e., over email)?
No. All applications must be submitted as a physical package to the Prince of Wales Secondary Main Office (2250 Eddington Drive) or Prince of Wales Mini School Office (4750 Haggart Street). Digital submissions will not be accepted.
Note: In some cases, digital copies of the Learning Updates will be accepted (see below).
My elementary school’s Report Cards/Learning Updates will not be available by the application deadline. What do I do?
In some Vancouver schools, Learning Updates do not get released until the last day before winter break. If this is the case for you, please still submit a physical copy of your application by the deadline (Monday, December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM) and include a note in your application that your Learning Update will be provided at a later time. Once the Learning Update becomes available, submit a digital copy of the Learning Update via email to pwmini@vsb.bc.ca as soon as possible.