Burnaby Lake Secondary School has been a cornerstone of the Renfrew-Collingwood community in Burnaby since 1998. We're a public high school serving approximately 1,200 students in grades 8 through 12 from diverse backgrounds — including about 180 international students from over 20 countries.
We offer a comprehensive academic program including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong English Language Learning (ELL) program, and a full range of fine arts, athletics, and extracurriculars. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, foster global citizenship, and empower every student to reach their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Burnaby Lake Secondary School is part of the Vancouver School Board (School District 41 (Burnaby)).
40+
Years Serving
15%
International
20+
Countries
AP
Advanced Placement
ELL
English Support
Burnaby Lake Secondary School offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for university, college, and the workforce.
BC Graduation Program (Dogwood Diploma)
All students work toward the BC Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) with a flexible course selection that meets post-secondary entrance requirements. Core subjects include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education.
Advanced Placement (AP)
We offer AP courses in English Literature, Calculus AB, Biology, and United States History. AP students earn university transfer credits and strengthen their post-secondary applications. Open to grades 11 and 12 with prerequisite grades.
University transfer credits
English Language Learning (ELL)
Our dedicated ELL program serves beginner to advanced learners with specialized classes that count toward graduation credits, in-class support from ELL-trained teachers, a Conversation Partners program pairing ELL students with native English-speaking volunteers, and after-school homework clubs. Most students transition to mainstream classes within 1-2 semesters.
Beginner to advanced levels
Credit-earning courses
Fine Arts
Band (concert and jazz), choir, drama productions (fall play and spring musical), visual arts, and media arts. Students perform at school events, district festivals, and community showcases throughout the year.
Athletics
Burnaby Lake Secondary School Knights compete in the Burnaby Secondary Schools Athletic Association (BSSAA). Sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross-country running, track and field, badminton, and ultimate frisbee.
BSSAA member
Clubs & Extracurriculars
Robotics Club, Debate Society, Yearbook Committee, Environmental Club, Multicultural Club, Chess Club, Student Council, Peer Tutoring, and more.
Career & Trades Programs
Career preparation programs in partnership with BCIT and Vancouver Community College, including work experience placements, co-op opportunities, and ACE IT programs.
Burnaby Lake Secondary School warmly welcomes international students from around the world. Here's what you need to know.
Admission Requirements
International applicants must be between 13 and 18 years old, have satisfactory academic records (minimum C+ average or equivalent), demonstrate basic English proficiency (no minimum test score — we assess and place students in ELL), have a guardian or homestay arrangement, and submit a complete application package.
Required Documents
- Completed application form *
- Certified transcripts (last 2 years, English translation) *
- Copy of student's passport *
- Letter of recommendation from current school *
- Custodianship declaration (if under 19) *
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of medical insurance
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
International Student Fees (2026-2027)
| Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | $300 |
| Annual tuition (10 months) | $16,500 |
| Homestay placement fee (one-time) | $350 |
| Homestay monthly fee | $1,200 - $1,500 |
| Medical insurance (mandatory, annual) | $950 |
| School supplies & activity fees (approx.) | $500 - $800 |
Tuition deposit of $8,000 CAD due upon acceptance to secure your spot.
Merit scholarships available: $1,000 - $3,000 CAD for outstanding applicants. All applicants automatically considered — no separate application needed.
Homestay Program
Burnaby Lake Secondary School partners with BC Homestay Network to arrange carefully screened host families. Accommodation includes a private room, three meals daily, and a supportive family environment. Our international student coordinator visits host families regularly to ensure student well-being.
For students under 19, we can arrange custodianship through our homestay partner.
Note: For study permit or visa questions, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed immigration consultant. Ms. Chen can help with our school's requirements only.
Key dates for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Registration Deadlines
International — September 2026
Applications due May 31, 2026. Late applications considered case-by-case if space permits.
International — February 2027 (Semester 2)
Applications due November 15, 2026.
Domestic (Local) — September 2026
Registration opens March 1, 2026 and closes August 15, 2026.
Orientation & School Year
International Student Orientation
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM · Welcome breakfast, campus tour, homestay introductions, Canadian school culture session.
General New Student Orientation
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM · All new students welcome.
First Day of Classes
Monday, September 8, 2026
School Calendar
| Event | Date |
|---|
| First day of classes | Sep 8, 2026 |
| Winter break | Dec 19, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 |
| Spring break | Mar 15–26, 2027 |
| Last day of school | Jun 30, 2027 |
School hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM (four 75-min blocks + 45-min lunch).
Meet the Burnaby Lake Secondary School leadership team.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Principal · Since 2019
Dr. Mitchell holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UBC. She is known for her focus on inclusive education, student well-being, and building bridges between the school and the community. Under her leadership, Burnaby Lake's ELL program was expanded and the AP program was introduced.
smitchell@burnabylake.sd41.bc.ca
Mr. James Chen
Vice-Principal · Grades 8-9
Mr. Chen oversees the junior grades and coordinates the school's ELL programming. He is the first point of contact for new international student families and speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.
jchen@burnabylake.sd41.bc.ca
Ms. Lisa Tran
Vice-Principal · Grades 10-12
Ms. Tran manages senior grades, AP course coordination, graduation requirements, and post-secondary pathways. She leads the school's Career and Trades programs.
ltran@burnabylake.sd41.bc.ca
Ms. Patricia Okonkwo
International Student Coordinator
Ms. Patricia is the primary point of contact for all international students and their families. She manages admissions, homestay coordination, and student support services. Fluent in English and French.
pokonkwo@burnabylake.sd41.bc.ca
For international student inquiries, email international@burnabylake.sd41.bc.ca or call (604) 555-9842.