Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IB curriculum and how does it compare to the public school system?

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is an international curriculum developed for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The IB Programme is designed to challenge and develop children to reach their optimum levels of performance, academically and socially, through a carefully structured and closely monitored programme of transdisciplinary inquiry. The PYP focuses on the heart as well as the mind, and addresses academic development and progress alongside social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs. A broader and more balanced curriculum than many national or provincial curricula, the IB PYP is taught from both a local and global perspective. Being open-ended, it provides the opportunities children need to be challenged and excel according to their individual abilities.
Please see our IB webpage for more information.

What are the benefits of the IB programme?

At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning. Six themes of organisation enable teachers and students to explore knowledge in its broadest sense. Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry. Students acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts. The development of explicit attitudes is an essential element of the programme. All students are encouraged to become, in accordance with the IB Student Profile, enquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk takers, as well as knowledgeable, open-minded, principled, reflective, caring, and well-balanced global citizens. Students are also given plenty of opportunity to reflect and take action as their learning progresses.

Is Greybrook an IB World School?

Greybrook is an official IB Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Only schools that have gone through the full IB authorisation process, which takes about 3 years, can be called IB World Schools; we are currently in the second stage of that process.
Greybrook communicates closely with the IB Regional Co-ordinator for the PYP, who has given full support to Greybrook preparations. Staff development continues regularly with PYP professional training and development both in-house and at IB training seminars and conferences around the globe. Many of the Greybrook staff also have prior PYP experience in various PYP authorised international schools. Greybrook benefits greatly from these factors in the teaching of the PYP and in our continuing efforts to complete the IB authorisation process.

What sort of teachers do you have?

Greybrook recruits only the most capable, enthusiastic, and child-centred teachers. Many have international teaching experience, and thus bring a global perspective to Greybook to complement their specific subject knowledge and teaching expertise.

What school grades are offered?

In September 2005, Greybrook opened from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6; in September 2006 we added Grade 7, and we will add Grade 8 in September 2007.

What are the school hours?

The school's regular instructional day is from 8:30am to 3:45pm. For Grades 1 and up, there are optional daily after school activities scheduled until 4:50pm, which are included in the tuition fees. Before and after school care is also available at an additional hourly rate.

Why is Greybrook’s school year longer than is typical?

Greybrook operates on a balanced calendar; this means that, while we begin at the same time as most other schools in early September, our school year extends to the end of July. The year is broken into five terms of 6-8 weeks, with breaks of 1-2 weeks between each. Our summer holiday comprises the month of August – approximately five weeks. The result of this balanced calendar is greater academic retention from one school year to the next, as well as evenly-paced learning throughout the academic year.

What is Greybrook’s homework policy?

Greybrook maintains a no-homework policy. This policy is based on the most current educational research, which indicates that there are negligible academic gains attributed to time spent doing homework. Only assignments that have relevance to home or family – i.e. asking family members about family history, or finding examples of recyclable materials at home – would be required of our students out of school time. In addition, because of our extended school day and longer school year, we have approximately 30% more contact time with our students than most other schools, thus allowing for more teaching and more learning to take place during school hours. We believe that when the children are at home, they should be taking time to relax and reflect, and interact with their families.

We do, however, recognize that self-directed study skills are important, and in addition to addressing and developing these strategies in class, we also offer Study Skills options to our senior students in the after-school activity programmes.

How many children are there per class?

Classes are capped for Junior Kindergarten at 16, Kindergarten at 18, and all other grades at 20.

Do you cater for special needs children?

Only children with mild special needs issues can be accepted, and all must be able to function in the regular classroom with a minimum of support. At this time, Greybrook can only accomodate students who can reasonably meet grade level expectations in a regular classroom.

What languages are taught?

Spanish, as an IB World Language, is the main foreign language and is taught regularly to all students from Junior Kindergarten onwards. French and additional language options are offered as part of the after school activity programme, subject to community interest.
Please see our Languages webpage for more information.

What after-school activities are available?

There are a wide range of after school activities scheduled from 4pm-5pm every day, and we are always sure to offer a variety of physical, academic, and creative options to our students. Some of our current activities include: Jazz Dance, Wall-Climbing, Outdoor Activities, Soccer, Taekwondo, Yoga, Computer Club, French, Cultural Geography, Science Club, Newspaper Club, Board Games, Band, Choir, Paper Engineering, Drama, Crafts, and Cooking. Activity options change at certain times during the school year, and final choices are determined by school community interest.
Please see our After School Activity webpage for more information.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes. A parent committee helped in the design and development of the uniform options, and our students wear their uniforms with pride.

Are school lunches served?

We do have an optional hot lunch programme available three days per week, and on other days students are asked to bring a healthy lunch and snacks from home. Each classroom has a fridge and a microwave, so that when foods are brought from home they can be stored and/or heated as necessary.

Are there school buses for pick-up/drop-off?

Greybrook runs a pick-up/drop-off route through Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam every day. Should there be sufficient demand, a route through Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge may be introduced.
Please see our School Bus webpage for more information.

Is there before and after school care available?

Yes. Greybrook provides before school care from 7:30am, and after school care for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students until 5:00pm. There is an hourly fee for this care, and professional and qualified staff are hired for this purpose.
Please see our Before and After School Care webpage for more information.

Are parents requested to volunteer a certain number of hours per month or year?

There are no specific requirements, although Greybrook welcomes those parents who can participate in various school activities and events, subject to their availability and interest.

What are the School Fees?

Please see our Tuition Fee webpage for more information.

Is a bond or deposit required from parents in addition to the tuition fee?

No. The $500.00 deposit confirms a place and is deducted from the annual tuition fee.

What is the cut-off date for applications?

Greybook takes applications and allocates places on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to all documentation being provided. Classes are capped at 16 for Junior Kindergarten, 18 for Kindergarten and 20 for all other grades, so early registration is recommended. Students are placed on a waiting list until the $500.00 deposit is received, and only then will they be placed on the official class list.

How do I apply?

Please see our Application webpage for more information.