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International students working together in a Richmond classroom.

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A Global City with Global Possibilities

  • Richmond · Metro Vancouver
  • School District No.38
  • Welcoming students since 1998
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Section 01

Why international students choose Richmond

Richmond International Education (RIE) has welcomed and helped thousands of international students from over 40 countries obtain a world class education and study abroad experience in the Richmond School District No.38’s public schools since 1998.

Academic Excellence

  • Exemplary graduation and completion rates for international students
  • Consistently one of the highest university entrance rates in BC
  • Bespoke English Language Learning (ELL), assessment support, development, options, and results

Location

  • By world standards, one of the safest cities in Canada
  • 22 minutes by transit from downtown Vancouver
  • Home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and cohost of the 2010 Winter Olympics
  • On an estuary where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean, 45 minutes to ski hills and 30 minutes to the US border

Academic Program Options

  • Over 100 course options
  • Specialty programs and advanced course options including business, engineering, medicine, outdoor recreation and hospitality
  • IB or AP options at all schools

Community

  • Welcoming multicultural community with supports for international learners
  • Active lifestyle with many local community centres and clubs
  • Upper-middle class community
  • Many community academies for athletic students
  • Ease of movement: public transit, bike lanes and walking

Student Support

  • International Education Office: 24/7/365 wraparound care
  • In-house homestay department
  • Vice Principals as International Student Coordinators at each school
  • In-school academic counsellors
  • Engaging teaching community with extensive experience integrating and supporting international students
Aerial view of Richmond city centre with the Fraser River and Metro Vancouver beyond.

Richmond City, Metro Vancouver

Richmond, a co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is an award-winning city situated 22 minutes south of downtown Vancouver. Richmond is known for having a high standard of living, a multicultural community and for being home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

It is a diverse, inclusive, family-oriented, Westcoast Canadian community that offers a soft landing for international students leaving home for the first time. It is an urban community within close proximity to downtown Vancouver through extensive public transit options.

Quick facts

22 minto downtown Vancouver
140parks
19scenic trails for walking or biking
4swimming pools
8community centresOthers: golf courses, tennis courts, climbing walls, and much more

Richmond School District Overview

  • Diverse program options for arts, business, sciences, math, and languages
International students holding a Canadian flag together outdoors in Richmond.

District quick facts

5thlargest school district in BC
37elementary schools
10secondary schools
21,000Canadian students, from kindergarten to grade 12
350average elementary population
1000average secondary school population
14+school sports
25+clubs at each school (average)
Students using microscopes and a molecular model in a Richmond science lab.

Section 02

Academic Programs

A variety of academic courses are available for international students at all schools. Credits may be given for completed courses for students that intend to graduate in British Columbia by meeting all BC curriculum requirements.

  • 5 months
  • Starts Sep or Jan/Feb

RIE Single Semester Study

The single semester study program is open to visiting students who wish to experience the Canadian school system. The study program starts in September or January/February each year. Students will have an authentic Canadian school experience and participate in regular credit classes combined with appropriate ELL support.

  • 10 months
  • Typically starts Sep

RIE Single Year Study

The 10-month, single year study program is an option for students who wish to return to their home country but get the benefit of a full academic school year in Richmond. The study program typically starts in September each year, but limited second semester start dates are also possible.

  • Multiple years
  • Starts Sep or JAN
  • Dogwood Diploma

RIE BC Graduation Study

Students wanting to graduate with a BC secondary school diploma (Dogwood Diploma) in British Columbia will be placed at an age-appropriate grade and put on a path towards graduation. Students will receive guidance from their counsellor on course requirements and in building an appropriate course schedule. This program starts in September or January each year.

Non-Academic Programs

Visiting students who want to develop English language proficiency and be immersed in a Canadian school environment can choose from a range of courses based on individual interest and seat availability.

  • 3 or 6 weeks
  • Ages 8 to 18
  • Jul & Aug

Summer Camps

3 or 6-week study options for students aged 8 to 18 are offered in July and August. Camps include three full days of school-based learning that focus on English development and cultural development. Students will also enjoy two full-day excursions each week around the Metro Vancouver area.

  • 6 weeks
  • Ages 13 to 18
  • Jul & Aug

Summer Academic English Program

This 6-week summer program is offered in July and August to develop English needed for academic purposes. Students attend English classes Monday to Friday and focus on English language proficiency needed for success in a secondary school environment. Open to students 13 to 18.

  • 1 to 3 months
  • Ages 13 to 18*
  • Mid-Sep to mid-Jun
  • Completion Certificate

Short-Term School Experience Program

1- to 3-month program for students wishing to experience an authentic Canadian school environment. Offered between mid-September and mid-June and when space is available. Open to students 13 to 18 or elementary students when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. Students will obtain a Completion Certificate at the end of their study program.

Elementary students may attend when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.

  • Year-round
  • All ages and grades
  • Groups & professional educators

Customized Group Programs

We can provide groups with a unique, high quality education experience that is customized to meet a group’s age, abilities, interests, and educational goals. Open year-round to all ages and grades, as well as professional educators.

English Language Learning (ELL) Support

Across Canada, Richmond is considered the leading school district in the development of ELL curriculum and assessment.

International students in Richmond schools can increase English fluency while completing their schooling at the same time, ensuring students are supported in all aspects of their academic and daily life.

Year after year our ELL student graduation and completion rates lead the province of British Columbia.

  • ELL curriculum & assessment
  • Simultaneous academic study
  • Academic & daily-life support
Students walking and talking together in a Richmond secondary school hallway.
A Richmond secondary school soccer team standing together on the field.

Section 03

Ten secondary schools, Grades 8 to 12

Overview

  • 10 Secondary Schools
  • Range from 550 to 1400 students
  • Grades 8 to 12 (13 to 18 years of age)
  • Sports and clubs available at all schools
  • Specialty and advanced programs and courses available at all schools
  • All provide comprehensive academic options

Facilities at all 10 Richmond secondary schools

  • Multiple gyms
  • Weight and fitness rooms
  • Automated resource centres
  • PC & MAC computer labs
  • WiFi connections
  • Science labs
  • Theatres
  • Performance areas
  • Lunchrooms
  • Cafeterias

Secondary Specialty Program Options

  • IB Middle Years Programme
  • IB Senior Years Diploma Programme
  • Advanced Placement in Science, Math, Art, and English
  • Engineering
  • Japanese, Mandarin, French and Spanish
  • English and Theatre Arts
  • Business, Marketing and Economics
  • Leadership
  • Chef Training
  • Music Composition
  • Medical Science Program
  • Outdoor Education
  • Information Technology
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Fashion Design

Sport Options

14+ school sports run across the fall, winter and spring seasons. Filter by school or season to see what is offered where.

Sport options by school, by season. All ten schools offer sports and clubs.

Scroll the table sideways to see every school, or choose a school above.

FALL
SportMcMathSLSSBurnettMcRobertsMcNairBoydCambieMacNeillPalmerRSS
FALL
SwimmingOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Cross-countryOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOffered
Boys SoccerOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Girls VolleyballOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Boys VolleyballOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOffered
Girls 8/9 RugbyOfferedNot offeredNot offeredOfferedNot offeredNot offeredOfferedNot offeredNot offeredNot offered
WINTER
SportMcMathSLSSBurnettMcRobertsMcNairBoydCambieMacNeillPalmerRSS
WINTER
Girls BasketballOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Boys BasketballOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Table TennisOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
SPRING
SportMcMathSLSSBurnettMcRobertsMcNairBoydCambieMacNeillPalmerRSS
SPRING
BadmintonOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
GolfOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOffered
Girls SoccerOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOffered
UltimateOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
TennisNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredNot offeredNot offeredOfferedOfferedOffered
Track and FieldOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOffered
Boys/Girls RugbyOfferedNot offeredNot offeredOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedNot offeredNot offeredNot offered
Grd 8+9 B VolleyballOfferedOfferedNot offeredOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedOfferedNot offeredOffered

Sports are based on student interest and staff availability. Not all sports may run each year.

Students kayaking on the water near mountains during an outdoor education activity.
Secondary school students playing trombone and saxophone in a jazz band.

Clubs Options

Each school will have a unique set of clubs that have been set up by students and teachers. Clubs are usually free and open to all international students.

Sample Clubs

  • French
  • Jazz
  • Mindfulness
  • Model United Nations
  • Ski/Snowboarding
  • Animal Protection Society
  • Choir
  • Robotics
  • Engineering
  • Dance
  • Library Monitors
  • Reach for the Top
  • Short Film
  • K-pop
  • World Vision
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Math
  • Environmental Team
  • Gaming Club
  • Glee
  • First Responders
  • Audio Visual
  • Art
  • Business
  • Volunteering
  • Japanese Culture

These clubs are samples of options. Schools will each have a different list of club options and may differ from above.

Secondary Schools in Richmond

Ten schools, each with its own crest, timetable and specialities. Numbers match the Richmond map below.

SEMESTER
Hugh Boyd Secondary building exterior.Map location 1Hugh Boyd Secondary crest

Hugh BoydSecondary

  • 650 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forIB Middle Years, Art & Design, English Literature & Composition, Calculus

boyd.sd38.bc.ca
J.N. Burnett Secondary building exterior.Map location 2J.N. Burnett Secondary crest

J.N. BurnettSecondary

  • 1100 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forAP Chemistry & Math, Arts & Athletics, Volunteering

jnburnett.sd38.bc.ca
H.J. Cambie Secondary building exterior.Map location 3H.J. Cambie Secondary crest

H.J. CambieSecondary

  • 600 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forRecreational Leadership, Medical Science Program, Robotics, Cheer Squad

hjcambie.sd38.bc.ca
R.A. McMath Secondary building exterior.Map location 5R.A. McMath Secondary crest

R.A. McMathSecondary

  • 1200 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forFrench Immersion, Leadership, AP options, location in historical Steveston village

mcmath.sd38.bc.ca
Matthew McNair Secondary building exterior.Map location 6Matthew McNair Secondary crest

Matthew McNairSecondary

  • 750 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forCulinary Program, Musical Theatre, Jazz Band, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball

mcnair.sd38.bc.ca
Hugh McRoberts Secondary building exterior.Map location 7Hugh McRoberts Secondary crest

Hugh McRobertsSecondary

  • 1100 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forFrench Immersion, Rugby, Sports

mcroberts.sd38.bc.ca
R.C. Palmer Secondary building exterior.Map location 8R.C. Palmer Secondary crest

R.C. PalmerSecondary

  • 950 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forIncentive, AP courses, Leadership, 40+ clubs and athletic teams

palmer.sd38.bc.ca
Steveston-London Secondary building exterior.Map location 10Steveston-London Secondary crest

Steveston-LondonSecondary

  • 1100 students
  • Semester timetable

Notable forArt programs, Languages, new facilities

slss.sd38.bc.ca
LINEAR
A.R. MacNeill Secondary building exterior.Map location 4A.R. MacNeill Secondary crest

A.R. MacNeillSecondary

  • 900 students
  • Linear timetable

Notable forOutdoor Education, Music & Theatre Program, Badminton

macneill.sd38.bc.ca
Richmond Secondary building exterior.Map location 9Richmond Secondary crest

RichmondSecondary

  • 1100 students
  • Linear timetable

Notable forIB Diploma Programme, Culinary Arts, Cheerleading, Jazz Band, Theater company

rhs.sd38.bc.ca

Student numbers are approximate.

Map

Secondary Schools in Richmond

Richmond sits on an estuary where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean, minutes from Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver.

Richmond International Education

  1. 1Hugh Boyd Secondary School
  2. 2J.N. Burnett Secondary School
  3. 3H.J. Cambie Secondary School
  4. 4A.R. MacNeill Secondary School
  5. 5R.A. McMath Secondary School
  6. 6Matthew McNair Secondary School
  7. 7Hugh McRoberts Secondary School
  8. 8R.C. Palmer Secondary School
  9. 9Richmond Secondary School
  10. 10Steveston-London Secondary School
Elementary students running and laughing together outside their Richmond school.

Section 04

Elementary Program and Schools

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 (ages 5 to 12) can join our elementary schools when space permits and when accompanied by a parent/legal guardian for the entirety of their study program. Students can enjoy small classes, exploratories, athletic teams, and clubs while developing English language skills and being immersed in Westcoast Canadian culture at the same time.

Schools

  • 37 Elementary Schools
  • Kindergarten to Grade 7 (5–12 years of age)
  • Average school size: 350
  • English language support available for all English language levels, for all grades, at all schools

Class Size

Class size limits vary per grade

Class size limits vary per grade based on Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) policy:

  • Kindergarten20 students
  • Kindergarten/Grade 120 students
  • Grades 1–322 students
  • Grades 3–424 students
  • Grades 4–728 students

Support for students

Elementary schools have extensive experience supporting students through the English language development process. Students from around the world are welcomed into Richmond schools each year and develop English fluency and confidence with the support of our experienced and thoughtful staff.

Homestay · for secondary students

A local host family, and a soft landing

There are a variety of accommodation options in and near Richmond for international students and their families, including staying with a local RIE program host family while studying in Richmond School District schools.

RIE host families are selected and guided to support international students who may be away from home for the first time. RIE Homestay families reflect the diversity of our west coast, Canadian, urban community.

A group of students and homestay hosts gathered together on a staircase at home.
A homestay family and student in Halloween costumes at home in Richmond.

Section 05

How to apply

  1. Apply

    Apply for the program online through our website www.studyinrichmond.sd38.bc.ca

  2. Acceptance

    Get an offer package.

  3. Program payment

    Program payment and submit all completed documents.

  4. Letter of Acceptance

    Receive a Letter of Acceptance Guarantee.

  5. Visa

    Apply for appropriate visas.

Richmond students holding a first-place banner from the 2022 Sea to Sky International Cheer Championship.
Students crossing a forest suspension bridge on an excursion near Vancouver.
Students holding snowboards on a ski hill near Richmond.
A large group of international students on a farm excursion with mountains behind.
Graduating students in gowns holding diplomas and flowers with a staff member.

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