Frequently Asked Questions

• What grades are taught at Purpose?
  Purpose offers courses at the grade 10, 11 and 12 level.
   
• What is required to get into Purpose?
  Students should have completed grade 9 and be between the ages of 15 and 19 years of age to attend Purpose.
   
• Can I graduate from Purpose?
  Purpose fully subscribes to the the Ministry of Education guidelines for Independent Schools. Just as in the public school system, Purpose students must complete 80 credits in grade ten, eleven and twelve.Our students also write Provincial Exams at all three grade levels.Once the Provincial graduation requirements are met, students receive the Standard Dogwood Diploma. Purpose students go on to community colleges, university and trades programs.
• Do I get full credit for the work I do?
  All courses taught at Purpose are recognized by the Ministry of Education and they count towards the 80 credits required in grade 10, 11, and 12. All teachers at Purpose have their B.C. teaching credentials.
• How many classes does a full-time student take?
  Purpose is on a quarter system. Students do only two courses at a time – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each course lasts nine weeks; students move on to two more courses. Students who attend for the whole year still complete eight courses, but they only take two courses per term (quarter).
   
• Why do students chose Purpose over other schools?
  Purpose Secondary School is available to students from all over the Lower Mainland. Students come to Purpose because the public system or their previous school did not work for them.Many students prefer to learn in a smaller educational setting with smaller classes. We are a supportive school community – placing as much emphasis on supporting students emotionally as academically.
• Is Purpose School close to public transportation?
  For most students, Purpose School is easy to get to since it is only one short block from New Westminster Station of Skytrain.
   
• Since Purpose is an independent school, what does it cost to attend?
  Unlike many independent schools, there are no tuition fees.Students pay a registration fee of $200 and a $100 book deposit. The book deposit is returned at the end of the school year provided all books have been returned.If the fees present a hardship for a student or the student’s family, alternative arrangements regarding payment can be made. No student will be refused entry based on inability to pay.

All enquiries regarding the School should be directed to the Principal at: 604-526-2522.