The High School at Vancouver Island University is one of 2 high schools in Canada that are part of a university. It offers high school students the independence and flexibility of learning on a university campus with access to university facilities (including library, gymnasium, science labs, and cafeteria).

A student-teacher ratio of 15:1 creates a more personalized learning environment for their 100 students, and a one-to-one technology initiative puts a Chromebook into the hands of every student. Its diverse student body allows for a multicultural learning environment with representation from Canada (40%) and around 20 other countries (60%).

The High School at VIU also offers intensive language support aimed at preparing students to graduate from a Canadian high school and study in English at a university level.

Field trips and community contact are integral to all programs of study. After school and on weekends, students can participate in sports, clubs, class parties and excursions. In the Nanaimo area, recreation and cultural activities are easily accessible. Because of the proximity of the ocean and the mountains, recreational activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, golfing, skiing, and skating are popular.

Nanaimo is a beautiful, oceanside community offering students a friendly and supportive community. Warm weather, with temperatures in the high 20 to low 30 degree C range in summer and 6 to 9 degrees C in winter, are typical for Nanaimo. The campus is set in park-like surroundings on a hillside overlooking the City of Nanaimo and the Strait of Georgia.