Ideal Mini School
Encyclopedia
Ideal Mini School is a mini school in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a complete grade 8–12 high school program. It is generally accepted as the "steward school" of Sir Winston Churchill Secondary
, although it is run independently under the leadership of head teacher Jim King.
Community service, marks, and extra-curriculars are also considered for entrance. Interviews with the students narrow down applicants further.
Students at Ideal may join sports teams at Churchill Secondary, as well as clubs (although Ideal has its own student-run clubs), and elective classes in Grade 11 and 12.
Since 2008, Ideal has been holding an annual science fair
, with some students progressing to higher levels. As of late 2009, Ideal features an advanced Moodle
course management system that provides students access to online learning discussions and resources.
Ideal rented classrooms at various facilities, including the Unitarian Church. Once absorbed by the Vancouver School Board, the tuition was removed, teacher salaries were increased, and it was temporarily allocated to Sir William Dawson School on Helmcken Street (which closed in 1972, and was used by Ideal and City School, another alternative program, from 1974–1977). It was placed under the administration of King George Secondary School
, and prospered for two years with help from the school board, that advertised for it to maintain enrolment. In November 1975, a research report released by a member of the Board of School Trustees reported around 100 students and five teachers. It claimed that the students benefited from their experience at Ideal due to freedom to participate in school decisions, dedicated teachers, and low student–teacher ratio, while criticizing the building and the lack of facilities and equipment.
On April 21, 1976, the school board stated that Ideal was to be moved to Lord Byng Secondary School
. A parent-student committee was formed to discuss the situation, which presented arguments against the move to the school board, claiming that its independence was necessary to maintain students' individuality and creativity. The committee succeeded in convincing the board to withdraw its decision. On October 4, 1976, a board official stated that the move to Lord Byng was being reconsidered, but the committee succeeded once more in convincing the board against the relocation. However, on December 6, 1976, the board announced their irreversible decision to perform the move before February 1, 1977, as the Dawson School building was considered to be expensive to maintain.
It was agreed that the school board would assess Ideal's situation at Lord Byng for six months, and if the accommodation was deemed inadequate, it would be relocated again. Lord Byng and Ideal did not co-exist well, and parents from both schools wrote complaint letters to the media.
Relocation to a small school in Shannon Park was considered, but residents of the area disapproved of the presence of a secondary school. Eventually, Ideal was relocated to 855 West 59th Avenue.
Vancouver School Board budget cuts in 2010 threatened mini schools, including Ideal, resulting in student protests.
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (Vancouver)
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School is named after the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill.Churchill Secondary is one of two International Baccalaureate schools and one of three French Immersion secondary schools in Vancouver.Churchill is fed by the surrounding...
, although it is run independently under the leadership of head teacher Jim King.
Entrance
An application test covering IQ, mathematics, and English is required to be eligible to attend Ideal Mini School. The results from this test are weighed in the acceptance process.Community service, marks, and extra-curriculars are also considered for entrance. Interviews with the students narrow down applicants further.
Program
Other than for its size, Ideal differs from Churchill Secondary because of its enriched approach to learning. It offers an intimate and creative environment, and utilizes an informal, unique teaching style where the teachers are addressed by their first names and trust is highly regarded. Integration among grades, expression and leadership are extremely common and promoted with "school meetings". Ideal also offers some non-standard courses, such as History of Science, History of Art, History of French, and Science Art. There are six classrooms in the school, which is currently attended by 129 students.Students at Ideal may join sports teams at Churchill Secondary, as well as clubs (although Ideal has its own student-run clubs), and elective classes in Grade 11 and 12.
Since 2008, Ideal has been holding an annual science fair
Science fair
A science fair is generally a competition where contestants present their science project results in the form of a report, display board, and models that they have created. Science fairs allow students in grade schools and high schools to compete in science and/or technology activities...
, with some students progressing to higher levels. As of late 2009, Ideal features an advanced Moodle
Moodle
Moodle is a free source e-learning software platform, also known as a Course Management System, Learning Management System, or Virtual Learning Environment...
course management system that provides students access to online learning discussions and resources.
History
Ideal School was established in 1972, intended by Garry Nixon as an independent, alternative high school. It was originally housed in the Vancouver Fancy Sausage Factory, on 16th Avenue and Heather Street. The school faced financial problems, resulting in high tuition and low teacher salaries. After two years of operation, the school approached the Vancouver School Board for economic support.Ideal rented classrooms at various facilities, including the Unitarian Church. Once absorbed by the Vancouver School Board, the tuition was removed, teacher salaries were increased, and it was temporarily allocated to Sir William Dawson School on Helmcken Street (which closed in 1972, and was used by Ideal and City School, another alternative program, from 1974–1977). It was placed under the administration of King George Secondary School
King George Secondary School
King George Secondary School is a public secondary school located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.The school is located in the West End, with two elementary schools feeding in...
, and prospered for two years with help from the school board, that advertised for it to maintain enrolment. In November 1975, a research report released by a member of the Board of School Trustees reported around 100 students and five teachers. It claimed that the students benefited from their experience at Ideal due to freedom to participate in school decisions, dedicated teachers, and low student–teacher ratio, while criticizing the building and the lack of facilities and equipment.
On April 21, 1976, the school board stated that Ideal was to be moved to Lord Byng Secondary School
Lord Byng Secondary School
Lord Byng Secondary School is a grade 8-12 school located in the West Point Grey neighbourhood on the west side of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
. A parent-student committee was formed to discuss the situation, which presented arguments against the move to the school board, claiming that its independence was necessary to maintain students' individuality and creativity. The committee succeeded in convincing the board to withdraw its decision. On October 4, 1976, a board official stated that the move to Lord Byng was being reconsidered, but the committee succeeded once more in convincing the board against the relocation. However, on December 6, 1976, the board announced their irreversible decision to perform the move before February 1, 1977, as the Dawson School building was considered to be expensive to maintain.
It was agreed that the school board would assess Ideal's situation at Lord Byng for six months, and if the accommodation was deemed inadequate, it would be relocated again. Lord Byng and Ideal did not co-exist well, and parents from both schools wrote complaint letters to the media.
Relocation to a small school in Shannon Park was considered, but residents of the area disapproved of the presence of a secondary school. Eventually, Ideal was relocated to 855 West 59th Avenue.
Vancouver School Board budget cuts in 2010 threatened mini schools, including Ideal, resulting in student protests.
Notable alumni
- Joshua JacksonJoshua JacksonJoshua Carter Jackson is a Canadian American actor. He has appeared in primetime television and in over 32 film roles. He is best known for playing Charlie Conway in The Mighty Ducks film series, Pacey Witter in the television series Dawson's Creek and Peter Bishop in the television series...
, actor - Ben Krakowsky, candidate for mayor of Vancouver, 2002
- Chris William MartinChris William MartinChris William Martin , also known as Corky Martin, is a Gemini Award-nominated Canadian actor...
, actor - Terry McBrideTerry McBrideTerry McBride is the current CEO and one of three founders of the Nettwerk Music Group, which includes Nettwerk Productions , Nettwerk Management , Nettwerk One , and Artwerks...
, co-founder of Nettwerk Music Group - Chelsea HobbsChelsea HobbsChelsea Hobbs is a Canadian actress and singer. She has appeared in such roles as Gerda in the 2002 film Snow Queen and the ABC Family teen drama Make It or Break It as Emily Kmetko.-Career:...
, actress