The South Surrey and White Rock area in British Columbia is home to a number of excellent schools, both public and private, that serve a diverse and growing community. These schools provide a variety of educational opportunities, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs designed to cater to the needs of their students. Below is a detailed overview of some of the notable schools in this region.
Located in the heart of South Surrey, Semiahmoo Secondary School is known for its strong academic programs and thriving arts community. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which attracts students from across the region who are looking for a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum. Semiahmoo also has an impressive fine arts program, including music, theater, and visual arts. Its catchment area includes neighborhoods such as Sunnyside, Bayridge, and parts of White Rock, and it draws elementary school graduates from Semiahmoo Trail, Sunnyside, Bayridge, and White Rock Elementary schools.
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Earl Marriott Secondary School is another prominent public high school in the area, located near the border of White Rock. It serves a diverse student population and is recognized for its strong athletics program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Earl Marriott also supports French Immersion programs, making it a choice for families seeking bilingual education. The school’s catchment area includes neighborhoods like Grandview Heights and parts of Ocean Park, and it serves students from elementary schools such as Jessie Lee, Peace Arch, and South Meridian.
Elgin Park Secondary is located in the Elgin Chantrell area and is highly regarded for its academic excellence. It offers a range of honors and Advanced Placement courses, catering to students with a strong academic focus. Elgin Park also emphasizes environmental stewardship and sustainability, with initiatives that engage students in real-world problem-solving. The school’s catchment includes neighborhoods like Elgin Chantrell and Crescent Beach, and it serves students from Chantrell Creek and Ocean Cliff Elementary schools.
A newer addition to the South Surrey school landscape, Grandview Heights Secondary was built to accommodate the growing population in the Grandview Heights neighborhood. The school offers modern facilities and technology-enhanced learning environments. It provides a balanced approach to academics, arts, and athletics, ensuring a well-rounded education for its students. Grandview Heights Secondary serves neighborhoods such as Morgan Creek and Pacific Heights.
The South Surrey and White Rock area is home to numerous public elementary schools, each with unique strengths and programs designed to nurture young learners. These include:
White Rock Elementary: Known for its arts-based curriculum.
Sunnyside Elementary: Offers a robust French Immersion program.
Ocean Cliff Elementary: Emphasizes outdoor education and community involvement.
Chantrell Creek Elementary: Recognized for its strong academic foundation and supportive learning environment.
Morgan Creek Elementary: Underwent a significant expansion in 2021. This $10.3 million project added eight classrooms, increasing the school's capacity by 190 students to better serve the growing community.
Edgewood Elementary: The school's design includes 27 classrooms, collaboration spaces, a library, a learning commons, a maker laboratory, a gymnasium, and a multipurpose room, providing a comprehensive learning environment for its students. The school's mascot is the Grey Wolf, symbolizing the values of community and teamwork that Edgewood strives to instill in its students.
Ta’talu Elementary: The name "Ta'talu," meaning "little arms," was gifted by the Semiahmoo First Nation, referencing the nearby tributaries of the Campbell River. Opened in 2024 to alleviate overcrowding at nearby Edgewood Elementary.
HT Thrift: Emphasizes academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement.
Bayridge Elementary: Focuses on core academics while supporting student growth through extracurricular activities and social-emotional learning initiatives. Encourages environmental awareness and sustainability projects, integrating outdoor learning experiences into the curriculum.
Semiahmoo Trail Elementary: Known for its involvement in the local community, which helps students feel connected and supported both academically and socially.
Peace Arch Elementary: Peace Arch Elementary emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and extracurricular opportunities for holistic student development.
South Meridian Elementary: The school is known for its emphasis on academic achievement and a structured curriculum. Teachers work hard to provide students with a solid foundation in core subjects.
Pacific Heights Elementary: Pacific Heights Elementary is known for its strong academic programs, with a focus on core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies. The school strives to provide a solid educational foundation for all students.
In addition to public schools, the South Surrey and White Rock area has several reputable private schools offering specialized programs and smaller class sizes.
Southridge School is a well-known independent, co-educational school that offers education from kindergarten to Grade 12. The school prides itself on its academic excellence, leadership programs, and emphasis on character development. Southridge integrates technology and innovation into its curriculum, preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. The school’s facilities are state-of-the-art, and its extracurricular activities include robotics, debate, and community service.
Star of the Sea is a private Catholic school providing education from kindergarten to Grade 7. The school focuses on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and community involvement. With a strong emphasis on values and ethics, Star of the Sea fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for its students.
Many schools in the South Surrey and White Rock area offer French Immersion programs, catering to families who want their children to become bilingual. Earl Marriott Secondary and Sunnyside Elementary are among the schools that support this program.
Semiahmoo Secondary’s IB program is a standout feature, providing students with an internationally recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and global awareness.
Elgin Park Secondary and Earl Marriott Secondary offer AP courses, enabling students to earn university credits while still in high school. These programs are ideal for students seeking a challenging academic environment.
The schools in South Surrey and White Rock are well-known for their arts and athletics programs. Semiahmoo Secondary’s music and drama departments consistently produce award-winning performances, while Earl Marriott Secondary’s sports teams often rank highly in regional competitions.
The schools in South Surrey and White Rock benefit from strong community and parent involvement. Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) play a significant role in fundraising, organizing events, and providing feedback to school administrations. Community partnerships also enhance the educational experience, offering students opportunities for mentorship and real-world learning.
As the population of South Surrey and White Rock continues to grow, the demand for quality education is expected to increase. The Surrey School District is actively planning for new schools and expansions to existing facilities to accommodate this growth. The recently constructed Grandview Heights Secondary School is an example of the district’s commitment to addressing the needs of a burgeoning community.
