BC Guide for Independent Schools
ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
This section includes:
All British Columbia independent schools must meet the requirements specified in the Independent School Act, and Regulations, Minister's Orders and Inspector's Orders under the Independent School Act.
Key Steps to Establishing an Independent School
Establish the "authority" under either the Society Act or the Business Corporations Act.
Application should be made to the Registrar of Companies. The assistance of a solicitor may be desirable for processing the application.
Obtain a suitable facility for the school.
- Ensure the facility's location meets any municipal/district by-laws for school use. A sample letter to the municipality
 (10KB PDF) is provided for reference.
- Ensure the facility is suitable for the delivery of the educational program.
- Have the building inspected by the local building, fire and health authorities or those approved by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and obtain written confirmation that the facility complies with their standards.
- Obtain an "occupancy permit," or equivalent, from the local building permit authority, or from INAC.
Advise the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools in writing of:
- Your intention to establish and operate an independent school in compliance with the requirements of the Independent School Act;
- The name and registration number of the governing authority (copy of the society or company certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies);
- The date you wish to open for instruction;
- The anticipated student enrolment and the grade levels to be offered; and
- Include a copy of the letter from the municipality confirming compliance.
Appoint a principal and hire staff.
In an independent school's first year of operation only Group 3 or 4 classification is possible. After completing its first year of operation as a Group 3 school, if the school aspires to become a Group 1 or 2 school, all teachers must be BC certified in order to be classified Group 1 or 2. In Group 4 schools, 80 percent of the teachers must be British Columbia certified. All teachers in Group 4 schools must be certified if the school's program is to be certified so that its graduates are eligible to receive a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma).
Obtain an Interim Certificate of Group Classification prior to school opening.
Complete the Application for Interim Certification for New Independent Schools
(154KB PDF).
The Interim Certificate of Group Classification will be issued only when the above noted steps have been completed.
Establish Policies & Procedures.
The independent school authority should establish polices for school administrative procedures including such items as; safety practices, student discipline, reporting of child abuse, student records, appeals (parent and teacher), supervision and field trips.
Undergo an initial inspection of the school facility.
Upon issuance of interim certification, the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools will arrange for an initial on-site inspection of the independent school facility during the first year of operation. Upon completion of a successful on-site inspection, a Group 3 (or Group 4) classification will be issued.
Independent Schools Web site and e-board
It is important for independent school authorities and principals to become familiar with the Ministry of Education Independent Schools web site at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools and e-board (the Ministry's main communication tool, replacing paper correspondence, to schools).
The independent school e-board is available at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/eboard/ind School authorities and principals have been advised of the generic userid and password and are encouraged to share this information as appropriate with staff. New principals will be provided access after receipt of an interim certificate.
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