The VLC is not a school but a Specialist Learning Centre. The VLC delivers a team-based process. A teaching captain is assigned to oversee the program delivery and to be the main contact with the parents who then become an integrated part of the team. Schools can then be involved as appropriate.
In the case of home schooling, the curriculum, homework tasks, testing, and the program to earn credentials and provide oversight to the curriculum is up to the distance education school. This becomes the learner’s school and the VLC will work collaboratively with the school’s contact person and will actively address all IEPs or special needs developed by that school.
Whether the student attends on site at VLC and remains as part of a class or works with a distance education school, the VLC becomes the specialist provider of one to one teaching based on the special needs of the learner in collaboration with the learner’s parents and the contact person assigned by the school.
Testimonials
There is no comparison to the quality and delivery of the instruction at the VLC. Speaking as an experienced teacher as well as the mother of two children with learning disabilities, and having spent countless hours overhearing lessons at the VLC - not just A's, but many other students, as well.
The VLC is by far the most professional, comprehensive, effective, self-esteem boosting educational environment I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.
All of the teachers there are exceptional, and Andrew is the finest teacher I have ever encountered. He has the ability to connect with any child, regardless the age, temperament or ability, and to deliver a lesson targeted exactly to the student's challenge level, as well as their level of emotional maturity. This is not easy to do when the work level is typical of a kindergarten or grade 2 class, but the student is a budding teenager.
'A' works harder than anyone I have ever met, yet has so little to show for her efforts in comparison to her peers. Yet at the VLC, each tiny step is acknowledged and celebrated as the accomplishment that it is, filling 'A' with pride in her work and the confidence and self-esteem needed to continue the struggle to make progress. At the VLC, 'A' will finish her schooling with the greatest cognitive level possible to ensure her best success in life. I have said repeatedly that every child should be as lucky to attend at the VLC. Parent
I spoke with Andrew this morning and he is as lovely and eloquent as you are. Thank you with all my heart for your TIME, INSIGHT, EXPERTISE, WARMTH, BRILLIANCE and DEEP COMPASSION.
I am deeply touched and moved by who you are.
-M., parent of student age 13
Dr Schwartz,
When I walked into your office six years ago feeling completely overwhelmed, you confirmed for me that there is, indeed, something special and unique about my baby girl. I'll never forget the feeling of relief. VLC changed our lives, and we will miss it enormously. Thank you so much for everything you've done for our family.
- T., D., E. parent of students age 8 and 12
Dr. Schwartz,
When I first came to VLC I was 8 years old and couldn't read or write and was struggling with learning disabilities that had severely eroded my self-confidence. The school system told my mom that it was unlikely I would make it past grade nine. Under your brilliant guidance and direction, I transformed all learning outcomes. Not only did I learn to read and write, but I succeeded in graduating from my high school in the top 5% of my class resulting in acceptance into an honors program at the University of British Columbia. From there my educational life blossomed as I completed an Interdisciplinary Arts Degree from UBC and went on to study political science at Sciences Po in Paris and get a music diploma in jazz voice and piano.
VLC gave me more than just an education, it set me free to discover one of my greatest passions, which is a profound and deep love of reading and writing. I've become a poet, writer and singer/songwriter and could not have succeeded at these things without VLC and the genius of Gerri Schwartz.
Thank you for your belief in me, Gerri, and for all the VLC staff for your inspiring teaching!
- T. 18 year old student
"We continue the fun of VLC attendance outside of school hours, maintaining poise and balance, and celebrating the successes." Parent
"Our daughter now has a better future thanks to Dr. Schwartz and staff. Thank you so much!" Parent
"Our son was very unhappy in school. We noticed a change in his attitude almost immediately after he started attending VLC. Since that time he has been consistently motivated to learn." Parent
"Keep sending the VLC reports. My daughter thrives on them." Parent of 9-year-old
"It is important to me that my daughter has confidence in herself as a student and a person. She finds this at the VLC." Parent
"Dr. Geraldine Schwartz and the VLC faculty have always provided a healthy balance of academic challenge and encouragement." Parent
"I have learned a lot about the basics of English grammar, communications and family studies." Student
"When we came to the VLC five years ago, we were hoping my daughter would experience affirmation and encouragement that seemed lacking in her school experience. I am pleased to say we found it." Parent
"We were particularly impressed (and touched) by the VLC’s support and understanding when our son faced a difficult personal health issue and a tragic life experience." Parent
"The experience I have at the VLC is teaching me about the world and essentially to see the big picture of the world in real life." Student
"When my daughter goes into her Learning Centre session feeling discouraged about an assignment or a particularly long day at school, I often notice she comes out buoyant and upbeat about the work she did." Parent
"Never a school day at VLC goes by that my daughter doesn’t return home and say, ‘Yes, I had a great day!’ Parent
"VLC has been a great school for me and I look forward to the upcoming years I have left." Student
"In the 10 years I have been here at the Vancouver Learning Centre, so far I have learned a lot. I have learned lots about different parts of math, such as multiplication, division and fractions." Student, 16 years
"My daughter’s enthusiasm in attending VLC is consistent, barely bounded, and demonstrates her motivation for achieving her Grade 12 diploma." Parent of 18-year-old
"I hope other students will enjoy and gain knowledge the same way as I have at the VLC." Student
"My daughter admires her VLC teacher who enthusiastically models and teaches learning behaviours that are essential to succeed." Parent
"My daughter receives excellent tuition as she ploughs through math, English, and various other assignments." Parent of 15-year-old
"We are just thrilled with our daughter’s academic progress. She was failing math and doing poorly in English, but now she is obtaining As and Bs in her subjects, and her confidence has soared academically." Parent
"I am grateful to know that every week my daughter experiences an hour of one-on-one time with a teacher who believes in her and nurtures her strengths." Parent
"The worldview is very helpful. We have extended it at home, talking about ‘here’s how it works, ok? Worldview 101!’" Parent
"The VLC staff is always upbeat! They are caring, attentive, intelligent, perceptive, and open-minded. They recognize the importance of individuals." Parent
Thank you for another jam-packed year of learning. AZ is so incredibly fortunate to have you has her teacher. You really are the finest teacher I have ever encountered.
As AZ says, “Andrew is the man.” Parent of 11-year-old