Top 5 High Schools in Langley BC: Which One is the Right Fit for Your Family?

by Alex Dunbar

Top 5 High Schools in Langley BC: Which One is the Right Fit for Your Family?

If you're moving to Langley with kids in tow, the school question comes up fast. And it should, because where your child goes to high school can shape everything from their university prospects to the friendships they carry for life. The good news is that Langley has some genuinely outstanding public secondary schools, and each one brings something different to the table.

Whether your kid is a future scientist eyeing an IB diploma, a theatre kid who lives for the spotlight, or an athlete who wants top-tier facilities and competitive teams, there's a school in this district that fits. Here's a breakdown of five of the best public high schools in Langley and what makes each one stand out.

👉 Short Answer: Langley's top public high schools each have a distinct identity, from IB and AP programs to specialized arts training and career-focused pathways, so the best fit really depends on your child's goals and interests.

RE Mountain Secondary: Langley's Only IB School

RE Mountain Secondary is one of the most sought-after schools in all of Langley, and for good reason. Located in the rapidly growing Willoughby area, it's one of the largest secondary schools in the district and was built just a few years ago, so the facilities are essentially brand new. What really sets it apart is the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, the only one offered anywhere in Langley. Grade 11 and 12 students who qualify can pursue this globally recognized curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking, international mindedness, and the kind of academic rigour that universities around the world respect.

Beyond academics, RE Mountain has a thriving fine arts department with music and drama programs, plus strong athletics in soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Its location right next to the Langley Events Centre gives student athletes access to facilities that most schools can only dream about. The school also has a diverse and inclusive culture, which makes it a genuinely well-rounded option for families moving into the Willoughby corridor.

Walnut Grove Secondary: AP Courses, French Immersion, and a Competitive Sports Culture

Walnut Grove Secondary has built one of the strongest academic reputations in the district. Situated in the heart of the Walnut Grove neighbourhood, it offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program that lets students earn university-level credits in subjects like calculus, biology, and English literature before they even graduate. For families who want their kids hitting the ground running at university, that's a serious advantage.

Walnut Grove also runs a robust French immersion program, making it a strong choice for families who want their children to graduate bilingual. The athletics department is competitive at a high level, with standout teams in basketball, volleyball, rugby, and ice hockey. Music and fine arts programs are equally impressive, with concert bands, jazz ensembles, and drama productions forming a big part of campus life. The school's motto, "Together We Learn," reflects a culture built around collaboration and community, and that spirit comes through in how the school operates day to day.

Langley Fine Arts School: A One-of-a-Kind Option for Creative Kids

🎨 For students whose passion lives in the arts, the Langley Fine Arts School is genuinely special. Tucked into the historic community of Fort Langley, this school offers a specialized curriculum that weaves together traditional academics with intensive, professional-level arts training. Students choose a major from disciplines like dance, drama, music, visual arts, or creative writing, and spend their high school years developing real skill in that area while still completing their required coursework.

The school's approach is performance-based, meaning students regularly present their work through exhibitions, concerts, and full stage productions rather than just completing assignments. It's a close-knit community where individuality is celebrated and students are genuinely encouraged to explore their creative voice. If your child has always felt a little out of place in a conventional school environment, the Langley Fine Arts School might be exactly what they've been looking for.

Brookswood Secondary: Well-Rounded Programs in a Welcoming Community

Brookswood Secondary is the kind of school that works well for a wide range of students. It offers both French immersion and a solid variety of electives, including some genuinely practical options like auto mechanics and video production alongside more traditional choices like theatre. The athletics program is a real highlight, particularly in basketball, soccer, and volleyball, and the performing arts department keeps pace with full theater productions, band performances, and dance showcases throughout the year.

📌 What I think makes Brookswood stand out beyond its programs is the culture. The school places a real emphasis on leadership development and personal growth, actively encouraging students to get involved, take on responsibility, and contribute to the school community. Whether your child is driven by academics, athletics, or the arts, or is still figuring out what they're passionate about, Brookswood offers a genuinely supportive environment to do that.

Langley Secondary School: Career Pathways and Hands-On Learning

Langley Secondary is one of the oldest schools in the area, but don't let that fool you. It's a school that has continued to evolve and invest in its programs, and today it offers one of the most career-focused curricula in the district. Students can take courses in business, trades, and technology, with hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare them for apprenticeships, technical training programs, or direct entry into the workforce. For students who know they want a practical path after graduation, or who learn better through doing than sitting in a lecture, this school delivers.

💡 Langley Secondary's close ties with local businesses and post-secondary institutions set it apart from more traditionally academic schools. Those real-world connections translate into actual opportunities for students. The athletics side is competitive too, with strong programs in football, basketball, and track and field rounding out a school that truly serves a broad range of student goals.