Our Approach to Special Education
At Whytecliff Agile Learning Centres, located in Langley and Burnaby, we offer a personalized education that meets each student’s unique needs. Our focus is on students who qualify for Individual Education Plans (IEPs), offering the tailored support they need to succeed. Many of our students have faced challenges in traditional schools and require a more individualized approach—providing the social, emotional, and academic support that might be missing elsewhere. While we welcome students from all backgrounds, our program is ideal for those who are ready to be part of a community, eager to grow, and committed to uncovering their potential in a supportive, strengths-based environment.
What makes us different? Whytecliff is both a high school and a youth development program. This dual focus allows us to combine academic learning with essential emotional and personal growth, ensuring students not only succeed in the classroom but also develop the skills they need for lifelong success. By nurturing both academic and personal growth, we empower students to gain confidence and resilience as they move forward.
Whether you’re looking for special education in Langley, Burnaby, Vancouver, or surrounding areas like Surrey, Richmond, or North Vancouver, Whytecliff offers a flexible, individualized approach that helps students grow at their own pace, uncover their strengths, and find their path to success.
How We View Special Needs
At Whytecliff, we believe every student is more than their challenges. Rather than focusing on labels or deficits, we focus on each child’s gifts, strengths, and potential. Every student is seen as an agent of their own growth, with the ability to overcome obstacles and thrive.
This approach aligns with the BC Ministry of Education’s “Building Student Success†initiative, which promotes a more holistic, strengths-based approach to learning. We work to build students’ confidence, resilience, and life skills, preparing them to succeed not only in academics but in all areas of their lives.
A Strengths-Based Tailored Curriculum Approach
For over 30 years, Whytecliff has embraced a Positive Youth Development model and a curriculum that focuses on each student’s strengths, gifts, interests, talents, and passions. By encouraging self-direction and fostering curiosity, we create an environment where students are actively engaged in their learning and feel empowered to explore their own interests.
Whether it’s working on a hands-on STEM project, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, or pursuing a passion project like creating a short film or designing a social media campaign, students have the freedom to dive into topics that excite them. This personalized, project-based approach not only makes learning exciting but ensures students feel deeply connected to their work, motivating them to succeed. It’s especially beneficial for students who’ve had negative experiences in school and feel disconnected from traditional learning.
Endorsed by the BC Ministry of Education’s “Building Student Success†initiative, our approach is centered on self-paced and self-directed learning. Educators at Whytecliff provide the tools, resources, and experiences students need to explore topics they’re passionate about and develop the skills to succeed.
To further explain, we have outlined below our philosophy and approach to many of the specific designated learning challenges that children attending Whytecliff may face. For specific information on our approach to your child’s particular needs please contact us for a further explanation.
Supporting Students with Diverse Learning Needs
Whytecliff serves students facing a wide range of challenges, from ADHD and dyslexia to ASD (high-functioning autism) and gifted students. We understand that each student has unique needs, and we provide individualized support to ensure every child can succeed at their own pace.
Some of the learning challenges we help students overcome include:
–ADHD
–FASD
–Dyslexia
–Dyscalculia
–Dysgraphia
–Language Processing Disorder
–Nonverbal Learning Disorders
–Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
–ASD (High Functioning Autism)
–Chronic Health Impairment
–Gifted
–Asperger’s Syndrome
–Behavioral and Emotional Challenges
–Troubled Behavior
–Clinical Depression
–Clinical Anxiety
–Suicidal Thoughts
–Drug and Alcohol Abuse
–Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Whether your child is facing academic struggles or emotional challenges, we’re here to help them unlock their potential and develop the skills they need to succeed.
Start Your Child’s Path to Success
At Whytecliff, we offer more than just a traditional school experience. We are a community dedicated to providing personalized education and inclusive special education for students in Langley, Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver, and beyond. Our special education programs are tailored to support a diverse range of learners, from those with learning differences to those who are gifted, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
With over 30 years of experience, we have seen how students with diverse learning needs succeed when given the right tools and support. More than 90% of our graduates go on to pursue higher education, trades, or careers within months of graduation.
If you’re seeking an inclusive special education program that values your child’s individual growth and learning, Whytecliff is the place. Contact us today to learn how we can help support your child’s journey to success.