By Peter Biggs

HORSESHOE BAY Christian School (HBCS) sits only a block away from the main ferry terminal in this picturesque community on the North Shore.

It was founded in the early 1990s by Bill and Maureen Cameron, both of whom are now deceased. Maureen’s leadership was substantial and her passing last October has  placed additional pressure on staff members, according to director of development Mary Thompson.

The school has always had a unique vision, spawning Gibsons Christian School in 1996, which is thriving.

HBCS has a reputation for a low pupil-to-teacher ratio. With B.C. certified teachers, the overall size of this full kindergarten to grade 12 school of 40 – 50 students offers unique benefits.

Thompson explained a few of the school’s distinctives.

“If a student is behind in a subject area, being in a multi-grade classroom allows them to advance without feeling inferior or discouraged. Conversely, high achievers can excel and  be challenged without being limited to their grade level.”

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Asked about how students of different ages actually interact in a smaller setting, Thompson responds, “We see students far more mutually supportive – with older students not looking down on younger ones, but becoming excellent role models.”

Smaller, more personalized educational options do bring challenges though. “There are always financial challenges,” said Thompson; “however, this has encouraged a high level of community participation.”

Although people sometimes think of Horseshoe Bay as slightly inaccessible, it is actually only 15 minutes from Lonsdale Avenue, on the No. 1 Highway.

Horseshoe Bay Christian School provides an educational option which may be especially attractive to parents of children who have heavy extra-curricular commitments such as competitive dance, skating or some sports.

HBCS is also unique for its four-day school week (with longer hours each day), designed to accommodate the needs of working parents.

“Our flexible environment fits well with students that are being stretched to other areas of achievement,” says Thompson.

For more information, go to: www.hbcschool.net.

August 2007