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.  Please note:  only not-for-profit authorities are eligible for provincial funding.

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 (PDF, 10KB) 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.

Apply to the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools for Interim Certification (in the Spring) prior to the school opening.

Complete the Application for Interim Certification for New Independent Schools
(PDF, 154KB).   Include the following information with the application:

  • The name of the governing authority, include a copy of the society or company Certificate of Incorporation (issued by the Registrar of Companies);
  • The date the schools plans 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.

An Interim Certificate will be issued only when the above noted steps have been completed.  In an independent school's first year of operation a Group 2, 3 or 4 classification is possible.

Appoint a principal and hire staff.

Group 1, 2 (funded) and 4 (non-funded) independent schools and offshore schools offering the British Columbia program are required to employ British Columbia-certified teachers and principals. Certification to teach in British Columbia’s independent school system or in the BC Offshore Program can be achieved in two ways:

  1. through the British Columbia College of Teachers, or
  2. through the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools

In order for graduates to receive a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) all teachers, principals and school programs must be certified.

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 2, 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 regularly visit the Ministry of Education Independent Schools web site and E-board (the Ministry's main communication tool to independent school authorities and principals).

Please Note:

  • New school principals will be provided E-board access after receipt of interim certification.
  • Communications are posted every Friday afternoon.
  • School authorities and principals are encouraged to share this information as appropriate with staff.