FAQs

KGMS is a K–12 independent school in North Vancouver, BC, dedicated to neurodiverse learners—students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, written-output challenges, and other language-based or attention-related needs. We offer small class sizes, daily individualized support, and a caring community where students can discover how they learn best and build confidence for life.

KGMS is designed for bright students who learn differently and may struggle in traditional classroom settings. Many of our students have:

• Dyslexia or other language-based learning differences
• ADHD or executive function challenges
• Autism or social-communication differences
• Written-output, working memory, or processing difficulties

Families often come to us when their child is capable, but school has become stressful, overwhelming, or discouraging. 

We are located at 420 Seymour River Place in North Vancouver, BC, on the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Our campus is minutes from the Ironworkers

 KGMS is a K–12 school with three divisions:

• Junior School: Kindergarten–Grade 6
• Middle School: Grades 7–9
• Senior School (High School): Grades 10–12

Each division is tailored to the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of students at that stage.

 Unlike many independent schools, 100% of our students are neurodiverse. Every aspect of school life—from class size and tutoring to assessment and student support—is designed for learners who think and learn differently. Our model combines:

• Low student-to-staff ratios and small classes
• Daily, individualized instruction
• Orton-Gillingham-based literacy support
• In-house specialists (Occupational Theapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Developmental Specialist, counselling, learning support)
• Outdoor education and hands-on learning

This means students don’t have to “fit in” to a typical classroom; the classroom is built to fit them.

KGMS supports students with a wide range of learning profiles, including (but not limited to):

• Dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities
• Dysgraphia and written-output challenges
• Dyscalculia and math-related learning differences
• ADHD and executive function challenges
• Autism and social-communication differences
• Auditory or visual processing challenges

Many students have more than one diagnosis or profile; our team is experienced in supporting complex, overlapping needs.

We strongly recommend a current psycho-educational assessment, as it helps us understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning profile. In most cases, a recent assessment is required as part of the admissions process so we can determine fit and plan appropriate supports. If you do not yet have an assessment, our Admissions team can discuss options and timelines with you.

If your child is clearly struggling at school—with reading, writing, math, attention, or social-emotional regulation—but does not yet have a diagnosis, you can still reach out. Our Admissions team will review the information you have (report cards, teacher comments, existing reports) and advise you on next steps, including referrals for a psycho-educational assessment where appropriate.

Literacy instruction at KGMS is grounded in structured, evidence-based approaches such as Orton-Gillingham. Students receive explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, written expression, and comprehension, often in small groups or 1:1 sessions with trained tutors and learning specialists.

We integrate executive function strategies into classroom routines: visual schedules, chunked tasks, movement breaks, assistive technology, and coaching around organization, planning, and self-regulation. Our small class sizes and individualized supports allow teachers to adjust pacing, environment, and expectations so students can stay engaged without being overwhelmed.

KGMS emphasizes predictable routines, clear communication, and supportive relationships. Many autistic students benefit from:

• Small, structured classrooms
• Visual supports and clear expectations
• Social-skills coaching and counselling
• Sensory-friendly strategies (e.g., headphones, quiet spaces, movement breaks)

Our goal is for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent students to feel understood, accepted, and safe to be themselves at school.

Class sizes are intentionally small to allow for individualized support and relationship-based teaching. While exact numbers vary by grade and program, our overall student-to-staff ratio is significantly lower than in most public or traditional independent schools, supporting personalized attention for each learner.

A typical day includes core academics (literacy and numeracy), social-emotional learning, opportunities for movement, hands-on learning, arts, and outdoor time. Many students receive daily or frequent 1:1 or small-group tutoring as part of their schedule, along with access to specialists and support services when needed.

Yes. Outdoor learning is a key part of the KGMS experience. Students explore local forests, trails, and parks, and older students participate in structured Outdoor Education courses that build resilience, confidence, and real-world skills.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is embedded across the school. Teachers explicitly teach skills like self-advocacy, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and healthy relationships. Our counsellors and support team provide additional 1:1 and small-group support, and the overall environment is designed to help students feel safe, connected, and capable.

You can begin by submitting an inquiry, booking a private tour, or attending an Open House. Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll complete our online application through MySchool and upload your child’s reports and assessments for review.

Applications for September 2026–27 entry are now open; families are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2026 to be considered in the first round. We also offer rolling admissions throughout the year when spaces become available, particularly in select grades.

Yes. While many students start with us in September, we review applications on a rolling basis as space allows. If we believe KGMS is a strong fit but the grade is full, your child may be placed on a waitlist and considered when a spot opens.Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School+1

While details can vary slightly by grade, most applications follow these steps:

1. Submit an inquiry and/or attend a tour or Open House.
2. Complete the online application and upload supporting documents (report cards, psycho-educational assessment, specialist reports).
3. Admissions and Student Services teams review your child’s file for fit.
4. If appropriate, we invite your child for a school visit or intake session.
5. The Admissions Committee makes a decision and, if accepted, offers placement and next-step details.Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School+1

Yes. For many families, a school visit is an important part of seeing whether KGMS feels like the right fit. After we review your application, we may invite your child for a classroom visit or other intake experience to observe how they respond to our environment and supports.

Tuition helps fund our individualized academic programs, daily tutoring, specialist supports, classroom materials, and overall school operations. BC Ministry of Education funding for our students goes directly to school operations and does not cover the full cost of delivering a low-ratio, highly individualized program; tuition bridges that gap so we can maintain the supports neurodiverse learners need.

A typical day includes core academics (literacy and numeracy), social-emotional learning, opportunities for movement, hands-on learning, arts, and outdoor time. Many students receive daily or frequent 1:1 or small-group tutoring as part of their schedule, along with access to specialists and support services when needed.

Yes. KGMS offers bursary support for eligible families. We partner with an independent third-party organization to review confidential financial information and provide a recommendation to our Bursary Committee. This helps us distribute limited funds fairly while supporting families who might not otherwise be able to access specialized education. (See our Tuition & Affordability page for full details and deadlines.)

KGMS offers a sibling discount when more than one child from the same family is enrolled. Please contact the Admissions Office for current rates and eligibility.

Government funding associated with a child’s special education designation typically flows directly to the school to help cover staffing, supports, and services. It is not usually transferred directly to families as a tuition credit. However, families may be able to access additional supports—such as autism funding or Disability Tax Credit benefits—that can indirectly help with educational costs. Our Admissions and Finance teams are happy to outline common options KGMS families explore.

While KGMS cannot provide tax or legal advice, we regularly point families toward resources and professionals who can help with autism funding, the Disability Tax Credit, and other supports. Many of our families successfully access these programs alongside bursaries or other tuition-relief initiatives.

Yes. KGMS partners with a local bus provider to offer morning and afternoon transportation on select routes. Routes and availability are reviewed each year based on demand. For current routes, schedules, and fees, please visit our Parent Resources or Transportation information, or contact [email protected].

Extracurricular opportunities vary by year and student interest but often include athletics, arts, leadership, and interest-based clubs. Because our students are neurodiverse, we prioritize inclusive, relationship-based activities where they can build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

For new students, we work closely with families to plan a thoughtful transition, which may include shorter initial days, extra check-ins, or collaboration with previous schools and care providers. For graduates, our Senior School team supports transitions to post-secondary education, trades, work, or other programs through course planning, self-advocacy coaching, and connections to community resources.

KGMS graduates pursue a wide range of paths, including university, college, trades, entrepreneurship, and work. Our goal is not just academic readiness, but helping students build the confidence, skills, and self-advocacy to navigate the world as neurodivergent adults.

The best way to know is to connect with us. We encourage families to:

• Explore our website and blog to learn about our programs and stories
• Book a private tour or attend an Open House
• Speak directly with our Admissions team about your child’s needs
• Share your child’s psycho-educational assessment and reports for review

From there, we’ll be honest about whether KGMS is likely to be a strong fit—and if it is, we’ll guide you through every step of the admissions process.