Ideal Mini School
| Ideal Mini School | |
|---|---|
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| Address | |
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855 West 59th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia, V6P 6H7 Canada |
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| Coordinates | 49°13′02″N 123°07′32″W / 49.217334°N 123.125518°WCoordinates: 49°13′02″N 123°07′32″W / 49.217334°N 123.125518°W |
| Information | |
| School type | Secondary school (mini school) |
| School board | School District 39 Vancouver |
| Head Teacher | Mr. Ernie Pao |
| Grades | 8–12 |
| Enrollment | 129 (2010) |
| Language | English |
| Area | Vancouver |
| Website | www |
Ideal Mini School is a public secondary mini school in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a complete grade 8–12 high school program. It is generally accepted as the "steward school" of Sir Winston Churchill Secondary, although was run independently under the leadership of head teacher Jim King, who retired and was replaced by Ernie Pao.
An English and cognitive skills test is taken by prospective students as part of the application process. Community service, marks, and extra-curriculars are also considered for entrance. Interviews with the students narrow down applicants further.
Other than for its size, Ideal differs from Churchill Secondary because of its enriched approach to learning. It offers an intimate and creative environment, and utilizes an informal, unique teaching style where the teachers are addressed by their first names and trust is highly regarded. Integration among grades, expression and leadership are extremely common and promoted with "school meetings". There are six classrooms in the school, which is currently attended by 120 students.
Students at Ideal may join sports teams at Churchill Secondary, as well as clubs, and elective classes in Grade 11 and 12.
Since 2008, Ideal has been holding an annual science fair. As of late 2009, Ideal features an advanced Moodle course management system that provides students access to online learning discussions and resources.
Ideal School was established in 1972 by teacher Garry Nixon, who was teaching at St. George's School at the time. It was intended to be an independent, alternative high school. The Province reported that "[t]o be admitted, boys and girls must convince Nixon they sincerely want to learn and are willing to work harder than would be required in other schools", and that it would cost $60 a month in fees. Nixon published a job posting in The Vancouver Sun, promising prospective teachers "freedom, fascination and abject poverty". Six teachers comprised the original staff, chosen from a pool of over 60 applicants, and with much lower salaries than what could be expected at a public school. Ideal School was originally housed in the Vancouver Fancy Sausage Factory, on 16th Avenue and Heather Street. The blood gutters had to be cleaned out before the staff and students could move in. Faced with financial difficulties, in 1974 the school approached the Vancouver School Board for economic support.
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