Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We frequently receive inquiries about the Summer Learning Program and are happy to provide the necessary information to assist students and families. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have other questions, please email summerlearning@vsb.bc.ca or call 604-713-4550.
I am a non-VSB student. Can I register for the VSB Summer Learning Program?
Yes, current Kindergarten to Grade 11 students who are not attending a VSB school are eligible to register for summer school. Once the registration process begins, students will be asked to enter their PEN. Non-VSB student will be required to complete the VSB Summer Learning Pre-Registration form for Non-VSB Students. Upon completion of the form, the registrant will be notified by email that their PEN will be processed and added to the school district’s summer registration system within the next 2 business days. Please note that further information may be required to verify the non-VSB student’s eligibility for provincial funding to attend a public school. Please see https://summer.vsb.bc.ca for registration information.
What are the differences between VSB Summer Learning Program and the Vancouver Learning Network (VLN)?
The VSB Summer Learning Program offers face-to-face classes for 3-5 weeks in the summer for students currently in Kindergarten to Grade 11. Students attend classes in person. The Vancouver Learning Network (VLN) offers online classes. Students can sign up with VLN and start and complete Grade 10 – 12 courses at any time, according to the student’s pace and schedule.
How many courses may I register in the VSB Summer Learning Program?
Elementary students are limited to one Ministry funded course and one fee-based course. They must register in their current grade level. Grade 7 students may take up to two Grade 8 Preview courses at a Secondary Summer School site.
Secondary students may take more than one Ministry funded course.
I will be travelling out of the country; can I still register in the Summer Learning Program?
No. The Summer Learning Program offers in-person classes. Students attend classes in person daily.
I am a Grade 12 student who will be turning 19 years old on June 30. I do not have enough credits to graduate. Can I take the course in Summer Learning Program?
No. To be eligible for the Summer Learning Program, students need to be under 19 years of age on June 30th of the current school year. Non-school age students may register at South Hill Adult Education Centre or at VLN.
I am a Grade 12 student who will be turning 19 after July 1. I will graduate in June, but I need an additional course(s) to apply for university. Can I take these courses at Summer Learning Program?
No. Only non-graduate, school age students are eligible for the Summer Learning Program. Secondary school graduates may register at VLN or at South Hill Adult Education Centre.
I am a Grade 12 student. I will turn 19 on July 1. I only need English Studies 12 to graduate. Can I take English Studies 12 and one other Grade 12 course in the Summer Learning Program?
Yes. Grade 12 non-graduates who are still 18 years of age on June 30 are eligible to take summer learning courses. Grade 12 students who wish to register for summer learning courses must be referred by their home school administrator. You will be notified once you have been registered in a summer learning course.
I am a Grade 12 non-graduate student who meets the age requirement for Summer Learning Program. Why am I not able to register online?
Grade 12 students are not able to register online. They must seek permission to attend Summer Learning courses from their home school administrator who will send a list of approved students and courses to the Summer Learning office. The Summer Learning office will register Grade 12 students into approved courses.
Can I finish a secondary completion course in summer and have the credits to continue to the next level?
Secondary students who successfully complete a summer learning course will receive a final mark and credits which enables proceeding to the next level. Work with your secondary school counsellor to finalize your school schedule.
How do I know if I have successfully registered?
Students who have successfully registered will receive an email receipt sent to the email address provided during the registration process. Students can also log into the Summer Learning registration site (summerreg.vsb.bc.ca) with their PEN and DOB to view their registered courses.
If I withdraw before the end of the course, will there be a grade or mark on my transcript?
No mark will be recorded on your transcript if you withdraw prior to the last week of your Summer Learning Program. More information will be provided by the Summer Learning Principal regarding the deadline when students may withdraw with a “W” rather than a final mark on their final Summer Learning report. For students who are granted permission to withdraw from a course, the course will not appear on the student’s Ministry of Education transcript.
Do I need to pay a deposit for a textbook?
No. There will be no deposits required for textbooks for the Summer Learning Program.
Do I need to pay a deposit for a workbook?
Some courses require students to pay for a workbook deposit ranging from $20 - $50. This deposit will be refunded if the workbook has not been written in and returned in good condition. Workbook deposits and refunds will be managed through the VSB’s School Cash online payment system. Students registered in courses where a workbook deposit is required will receive instructions by email regarding workbook deposit payment prior to the start of class.
I am a newcomer to the Vancouver School District, can I take Summer Learning courses in July?