Vancouver Island University and the High School at VIU conclude partnership

The High School will close as of July 31, 2024.

Vancouver Island University has made the difficult decision to end its financial and administrative support of The High School at VIU (THS), as part of its efforts to eliminate its deficit and return to balanced budgets.

VIU is mandated by the province to provide post-secondary education, be fiscally responsible through balanced budgets and uphold its responsibilities under the University Act. With an ongoing deficit, VIU cannot continue to provide support to THS. As a result, the THS Board made the decision to close the school as of July 31, 2024.

“We have enjoyed an incredibly positive partnership with the High School at VIU since 1996,” said Dr. Michael Quinn, VIU’s Provost and Vice-President Academic. “However, both VIU and THS have faced significant financial and enrollment challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and VIU is not able to continue to support the financial and administrative needs of THS. We recognize this decision will have a significant impact on the students, parents and employees of THS at VIU. VIU is committed to supporting THS for the remainder of the school year to minimize disruptions to its high school students.”

“My heart is incredibly heavy for everyone at our school, especially our current students and staff,” said Catherine Brazier, Principal of the High School at VIU. “THS is grateful for all the students who have chosen to study at THS and who have enriched our school and community for nearly 30 years. We would like to express our gratitude to VIU for the amazing support they have provided over the years.”

VIU will continue its administrative and financial support of THS until July 31, 2024. THS will continue to fully support all its current students through the end of the 2023-24 school year.

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.