Ideal Mini School

Ideal Mini School is a secondary building in Vancouver that provides a complete program for grades 8 through 12 in a smaller learning environment. The school operates with approximately 110 students across all grades in its current location on West 59th Avenue.

Founded in 1972 by teacher Garry Nixon, the school started in a converted sausage factory building. The school moved through several locations in Vancouver before establishing itself at its present address on West 59th Avenue.

Staff and students interact on a first-name basis, creating a tight-knit learning community where relationships form across age groups. This approach shapes how the school operates as a group and how people work together daily.

Admission involves an entrance evaluation that includes English and cognitive skills testing, along with consideration of grades, community involvement, and activities. Visitors should know this is a selective institution and not a casual drop-in location.

In 1995 the school achieved top scores on provincial exams in English 12 and placed second in English Literature 12 across British Columbia. This achievement shows how a smaller school could compete with larger institutions in academic performance.