The Greater Victoria area offers a number of choices for elementary, middle, and secondary education in public school districts and independent (private) schools for both domestic and international students.

These schools offer a wide range of programs that lead to a British Columbia Grade 12 graduation diploma. Recommended schools are accredited by the BC Ministry of Education and meet the highest standards of academic excellence, allowing students to enter universities in Canada, USA, and world-wide if desired.

Victoria Academy of Ballet recommends schools with which we have developed positive working relationships, allowing accommodation for half day dance schedules as well as ballet examinations and rehearsals within the prescribed school day.

Post Secondary students requiring ELL classes are recommended to a language school partner. For more information on these academic options please contact our office at admissions@vaballet.ca

FREQUENTLY ASKED ACADEMIC QUESTIONS

I’m from Victoria, can I continue at my current school and be in the Professional Training Program?

Yes, you may be able to continue at your current school while in PTP. However, the schedule must allow for your courses to be taken in the morning so that you are available in the afternoon for your dance training. What is important is to establish what kind of timetable and schedule your school operates on. You must attend school with a morning, non-rotating timetable using a semester system.

I live in another province/territory in Canada.  Can I go to school in Victoria, BC?

Yes. There are many options for school and academics in Victoria, if you choose to attend school in BC. Each student’s situation is unique and details, including fees, will be discussed on an individual basis.

I live in another province/terrtory. Will my school credits transfer to a school in Victoria?

Education is a provincial responsibility, and each province has its own curriculum and graduation requirements. However, across Canada, the curriculum is similar and yes, your credits do transfer.

In BC, the graduation program starts in Grade 10. At VAB we have an Academic Consultant who will ensure that you receive all your transfer credits, will assist you to understand the BC program, and meet with you and the school counsellor to create the best timetable for your academic requirements.

I’m not from Victoria. What high school will be best for me to attend?

While you are in PTP, you will need to attend a high school that has a timetable that provides flexibility for your dance program. Your academic courses will be in the morning and your PTP classes are in the afternoon. VAB has developed positive working relationships with several academic schools that offer flexibility and support to VAB dancers. Our partner school, St. Margaret’s School provides the best option for international students.

What high school should I go to?

There are many options for public and independent schools in the Greater Victoria area to choose from. Partner schools, such as St. Margaret’s School, have a positive working relationship with the academy and can allow flexibility for students. Our Academic Advisor will advise you according to your situation. What is most important, is that the school you choose uses a non-rotating timetable and a semester system. Public schools in SD61 Victoria, particularly Oak Bay, and Vic High have been very cooperative and helpful. SD63 Saanich also has been very involved with VAB in a positive way. St. Margaret’s School, our independent school partner is also an excellent choice.

Can I continue in French Immersion?

French immersion programs and classes typically do not align with the PTP schedule. There are many ways to still receive education in the French language, and we encourage you to discuss this with us further.

What will a typical weekday schedule look like in PTP?

Students in PTP take their academic courses in the morning and attend the VAB Academy for their dance training in the afternoon. You will need to arrive to VAB by 1:00 pm to warm-up and prepare physically and mentally for your classes. Dance classes then begin around 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and finish between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. Students selected to work privately on coaching or variations may need to stay late one evening during the week. Otherwise, your evenings are free for homework and other studies.

If I only attend school in the mornings, how will I receive all my credits to graduate?

You have the option to meet with our Academic Advisor to ensure that you are taking all the required courses to graduate. Most students take some online classes to allow for even more flexibility in their schedule. Because PTP students have their evenings free, there is plenty of time for academic studies outside of the morning academic schedule. Many of our PTP students have enjoyed their online courses and are happy to share their experience with you. We recommend SIDES (South Island Distance Education School) for online education.

Can I receive credits from my dancing?

Yes, there are various ways to receive credits. These include external credits for dance exams (if taken) and course equivalency credits. We will discuss these options with you further.