Island Pacific School logo

Island Pacific School

IPS

Secular

Updated July 2026

11–15Ages
Co-edGender
DayType
72Students
Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrench

Island Pacific School is an intentionally small, co-educational IB World School for Grades 6–9 located on Bowen Island, British Columbia. It provides a focused, nature-inspired environment designed specifically to meet the developmental needs of adolescents.

Teaching approach

The school is founded on the belief that the middle years (Grades 6–9) are a critical, formative period for identity development rather than just a bridge to high school. It promotes a culture of "freedom with accountability" and "belonging with high expectations," aiming to equip students with wisdom, courage, and integrity. The educational approach is inquiry-based and holistic, focusing on fostering intellectual engagement, citizenship, and self-confidence.

Programmes

As an IB World School, the institution delivers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The core academic curriculum includes English, French, Humanities, Science, and Mathematics, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary connections and critical thinking. The programme is enriched by specialized classes in philosophy, reasoning, and ethics, alongside a mandatory capstone project known as Masterworks.

Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for the transition to high school, demonstrating organizational skills, self-awareness, and the ability to speak confidently. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, clear writing, and the management of long-term projects. Alumni report that the school's emphasis on identity formation and academic rigour provides a strong foundation for their future academic and personal pursuits.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school maintains small class sizes of 15–18 students to ensure constant feedback and strong teacher-student relationships. A dedicated Learning Strategies lead provides support, and the school employs a school counsellor who utilizes evidence-based practices, including CBT and mindfulness, to assist with student well-being and nervous system regulation. The community adheres to established Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) standards to ensure all students feel safe and valued.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Island Pacific School offer?
Island Pacific School offers IB MYP.
What ages does Island Pacific School teach?
Island Pacific School enrolls students aged 11 to 15.
Is Island Pacific School a day or boarding school?
Island Pacific School is a day school.
What accreditations does Island Pacific School hold?
Island Pacific School holds accreditations including IB and CIS.
Is Island Pacific School co-educational?
Island Pacific School is a co-ed school.
Where is Island Pacific School located?
Island Pacific School is an international school in Downtown Vancouver, Canada.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Island Pacific School is currently accepting applications for Grades 6–9. The admissions process involves an enquiry, and the school hosts regular webinars and open houses for prospective families. Financial aid is available through a bursary program that can cover up to 50% of base tuition, with applications assessed by a third party and due by January 31st each year.

Calendar

The school operates on a standard academic year from September to June. The campus is closed during the last two weeks of December, the last two weeks of March, and throughout July and August. Families can subscribe to the school's digital calendar via Google, Apple, or Outlook to track holidays, events, and deadlines.

Facilities

GymnasiumPlaygroundOutdoor areaLibrary

About the campus

Located on Bowen Island, the campus is a purpose-built facility surrounded by forest trails. It features the Colin Ruloff Community Field House, a 40’ x 54’ versatile space used for sports like pickleball, futsal, badminton, and volleyball, as well as performances and community events. The school utilizes its natural surroundings for outdoor education and experiential learning.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a variety of activities designed to foster leadership and service, including monthly community service initiatives and multi-day outdoor expeditions. Students participate in athletics such as Ultimate, and the school hosts a "Masterworks" program, an eight-month independent project that culminates in a public defense. Other opportunities include an Eco Club, student bands, and various recreational activities held in the school's field house.

  • Brad Carter
    Brad CarterHead of School

    Brad Carter is the Head of School at Island Pacific School. He brings 25 years of global experience to the role, including prior work as an Apple education executive and NoTosh consultant, and he leads AI-in-education initiatives for the Independent Schools Association of BC.

  • Jennifer Henrichsen
    Jennifer HenrichsenAssistant Head

    Jennifer Henrichsen is the Assistant Head, a mathematics teacher for grades 6–9, and the Masterworks Coordinator. She has a background in wildlife biology and nature interpretation, previously taught at IPS for three years, and spent time teaching internationally in Ghana before returning to Bowen Island in 2011. She is a recipient of the 2019 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

  • Barbara Bingham
    Barbara BinghamDirector of Operations

    Barbara Bingham is the Director of Operations at Island Pacific School, having joined the team in 2002. She has a professional background in sales, distribution, and marketing, with previous experience in the insurance, real estate, and information technology industries.

  • Dylan Gromen
    Dylan GromenAthletic Director / Outdoor Life / Health & Wellness / Design / Ultimate / Field House Manager

    Dylan Gromen serves as the Athletic Director, Field House Manager, and teacher of Outdoor Life, Health & Wellness, and Design. He is an educator with a global perspective who has been teaching internationally since 2015.

  • Amanda Szabo
    Amanda SzaboLearning Strategies Lead

    Amanda Szabo is the Learning Strategies Lead at Island Pacific School. She has been in education since 2000, serving as a classroom and learning support teacher, running an ESL school, and working as an instructor at the Down Syndrome Research Foundation; she holds a master’s degree in Special Education.

  • Cheryl Messier
    Cheryl MessierFinancial Controller

    Cheryl Messier is the Financial Controller at Island Pacific School, a position she has held since 2018. Her professional background includes working in the mining and exploration industry as a CFO, with expertise in managing finance systems and corporate governance.

  • Kirsten Degner
    Kirsten DegnerCommunications Coordinator

    Kirsten Degner joined the team in 2022 as the Communications Coordinator. She has over 25 years of experience in the graphic design industry and has received several local and international awards for her work.