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Alexander Academy is a grades 8 to 12 independent secondary institution established in 2013. The campus is located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is a sister school of Alexander College.

Background

Alexander Academy offers various programs including the BC Dogwood Graduation Program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Other programs available include the University Foundation Program, and the English Language Development Program. Alexander Academy is recognized and accredited by the BC Ministry of Education and Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills and has been an IB World School as of March 2018. It is a proud member of the Federation of Independent School Associations in British Columbia (FISA), the BC Council For International Education (BCCIE) and the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA).

As of January 2020, the Alexander Academy student body has represented 26 countries. The academic year is divided into two terms: Fall (Sept-Jan), Winter (Jan-June).

History

Alexander Academy is named for Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the Scottish-born fur trade adventurer and author who was the first person to make an overland crossing of what is now called Canada. The school was established in 2013.

Vancouver Campus

Alexander Academy's campus is located in the urban center of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on West Hastings Street. It is in walking distance to the Waterfront Skytrain/Seabus station, and easily accessible by multiple bus routes. Facilities include classrooms, cafeteria, computer lab, science laboratory, and a gym.

Curriculum

BC Graduation Program

The BC Certificate of Graduation or the Dogwood Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete the provincial graduation requirements. In order to graduate, students must earn a minimum of 80 credits and complete graduation assessments. These 80 credits consist of a combination of required courses and elective courses.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The diploma program is designed as an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and is held in high regard by many universities worldwide.

University Transfer Program

Alexander Academy's University Foundation Program is designed for grade 11 and 12 students who require less than 10 courses to graduate. Students who join this program will complete their high school diploma in one academic year, including summer school. If desired, this program also gives students the option to study dual credit courses concurrently at Alexander College.

English Language Development Program

The English Language Development program (ELDP) allows international students to advance their English language skills. Students in this program acquire the skills required to integrate successfully into the standard academic English program required for BC high school graduation, through supplementary courses and/or small group tutoring. Support is also provided within the regular classroom setting through differentiated instructional methods.

Junior Achievement

Grade 12 students participate in the Junior Achievement Company Program (JABC) to create their own business and raise charitable funds for non-profit organizations. Through mentorship with members of local business communities, students develop their financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills.

House System

The house system is a unique and important element of the school's culture. It aims to help new staff and students adapt to the culture of Alexander Academy while instilling in every student a sense of pride in a supportive and safe environment. Alexander Academy has four houses, named after Canadian icons. They are Terry Fox, David Suzuki, Emily Carr and Margaret Atwood. Each house has student leaders, and the four houses compete in a number of sporting, academic and cultural activities throughout the year for house points. Each term the winning house receives the house shield and other prizes.

School Culture

Uniforms

Alexander Academy has a compulsory uniform dress code comprised of a white dress shirt, blazer with school emblem, grey pants and black leather shoes. Boys must wear the Mackenzie tie but it is not mandatory for girls. The summer polo can be worn after Spring Break until the end of June.

Girls have the option to wear either a kilt with knee-high socks or pants.

Extracurricular Activities

All students are required to participate in at least one extracurricular club per semester. Clubs vary each year, and include examples such as:

Photography Art Fitness IELTS Prep Ping pong Euclid Prep Sword fighting Action Club

In addition, Alexander Academy offers a diverse selection of activities for students to develop new skills and connect with the local community. Examples include the Learning Centre, Student Council, school-wide events, and volunteering opportunities. Annual school-wide events include Pink Day, Terry Fox Run, International Food Fair Day, and school visit by participants of the Cops for Cancer fundraiser.

Student Resources

All students have access to a variety of health and wellness resources including in-school counseling, Keep.me SAFE Program by Guard.Me, and Kids Help Phone. Every student also has access to the Gale Virtual Reference Library for academic research, the Vancouver Public Library downtown and the Alexander College library located in the Vancouver campus.

Students meet with an academic advisor one-on-one and receive advising on post-secondary preparation and career guidance. This includes one-on-one meetings on course selection, graduation plan building and setting extra-curricular goals.

Homestay

Alexander Academy does not provide direct accommodation for its students, and families are required to make their own homestay arrangements for their child. However, it works in collaboration with several homestay services within the areas of Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby.

References