Independent schools
Member of the Associate Member Society of FISA B.C. (AMS)
Vancouver, B.C. · Part time · Contract / term
Launched in 2022, the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is a not-for-profit independent school and Vancouver’s first dedicated STEM high school. Students at VISST…
Posted
Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is Vancouver’s first and only dedicated STEM high school.
Why You’ll Love It Here
We are a small, collaborative team where educators connect regularly and share a passion for meaningful teaching. We avoid egos and power dynamics in the workplace. We treat each other with respect because we do genuinely respect each other.
We exist to create an ideal environment for educators as well as students. Teachers benefit from significant prep time, autonomy and a motivated student body. VISST also outlines this philosophy in our blog post, On Finding Great Teachers.
What We Value
VISST supports broad student development beyond subject-specific knowledge and skills. Our mission is reflected in four commitment statements to students, teachers, parents and society.
Our core values include:
STEM focus: Emphasizing science and technology skills for 21st-century life and work
Student buy-in: Designing curriculum students care about and understand
Character education: Integrating academic and personal growth for success in and beyond the workplace
Diversity: Promoting inclusive access to science and technology
Access: Believing tuition should not be a barrier to a great education
What Makes Us Unique
Our school blends rigorous fundamentals with project-based learning. Projects allow students to explore interests, collaborate, navigate ambiguity and deepen their understanding.
At the same time, structured learning builds core knowledge and skills through consistent practice, helping students push their academic boundaries.
Our School Community
VISST fosters student engagement by challenging traditional school hierarchies. Students refer to teachers by first name, share common spaces and occasionally write report cards for staff.
We offer a distinctive learning experience:
Classes begin at 10 a.m.
Accelerated STEM curriculum starts in Grade 8.
Students have input into decisions affecting their education and school life.
Tuition is progressive and transparent, tailored to family circumstances.
Curiosity and enjoyment are core goals, not just academic achievement.
Subjects are connected to real-world applications to answer, “Why am I learning this?”
Our accelerated STEM program creates space in senior grades for courses like Philosophy 12, Economics 12 and Work Experience 12.
Life in Vancouver
We are located in the South Granville, a quiet, transit-accessible neighbourhood near downtown Vancouver. Students regularly visit community spaces like the False Creek Community Centre, Vancouver Public Library and local workshops as part of their learning.
The school is across from a station on the new Broadway Subway Line, making commuting and excursions easy. Afternoon classes run in a 2.5-hour block, giving teachers flexibility to take students off campus without added planning.
