Schools Near East Hill: A Parent's Planning Guide
Quick answer: East Hill is home to Vernon Secondary School (VSS), and your children's elementary and secondary schools are set by catchment, which you can check with School District 22's School Locator. Registration for the next school year typically opens in mid-January, and some catchments, including the VSS family of schools, are closed to out-of-catchment transfers.
For many families, schools are the deciding factor in where to buy. East Hill has a big advantage: it's one of the few Vernon neighbourhoods with a high school right in the middle of it. Here's how to plan, whether you're moving across town or across the country.
Vernon Secondary School, right on East Hill
Vernon Secondary School sits at 2100 15th Street, near the centre of East Hill, and serves Grades 8 to 12. The current building opened in January 2013 and is LEED Gold rated, with features like geothermal heating and plenty of natural light.
A few programs families often ask about:
- EarthQuest: a long-running outdoor education program open to Grade 11 students from across School District 22, which makes regular use of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
- Trades and apprenticeships: VSS offers ACE-IT apprenticeship opportunities, including professional cook training.
- Languages: instruction has included French, German and Spanish alongside English.
Programs change from year to year, so check the school's website for what's offered now.
How catchments work
School District 22 (Vernon) assigns each address to a catchment school. Before you buy, it's worth checking the specific address, since catchment lines don't always follow neighbourhood names.
- Use the School Locator on sd22.bc.ca. Enter the home's address to see its elementary and secondary schools.
- Check the catchment maps the district publishes for general reference.
- Ask questions early. The district's transportation department handles catchment questions.
Out-of-catchment transfers are limited
For the 2026–2027 school year, SD22 listed the Vernon Secondary family of schools (VSS, Hillview, Silver Star and BX) as closed to out-of-catchment transfers. If you want your children at VSS, buying within its catchment matters. Transfer policies can change each year, so confirm with the district.
French immersion
SD22 offers French immersion at several entry points:
- Early immersion and late immersion (Grade 6/7) at École Beairsto Elementary, 3302 27th Street.
- Secondary French immersion (Grades 8–12) at W.L. Seaton Secondary, 2701 41st Avenue.
If immersion is a priority, factor in the travel time from your East Hill street to these schools.
Registration timing and documents
For the 2026–2027 school year, SD22's registration and transfer period ran from January 15 to February 13, 2026. New students book an appointment at their catchment school. Expect to bring:
- the child's birth certificate and BC Services Card (Personal Health Number);
- proof of the parent's or guardian's Canadian citizenship or immigration status; and
- two pieces of proof of residency, such as a driver's licence, utility bill, property tax notice or bank statement.
If you're buying, a signed purchase agreement may not be enough on its own. Ask the district what they'll accept if you haven't moved in yet.
Planning your move around the school year
- Buying in winter? Try to register during the January–February window if your move is set.
- Moving mid-year? Contact the catchment school as soon as you have a firm address.
- Walkability: many East Hill streets are within walking distance of VSS. Look at routes, sidewalks and hills, especially for winter.
- Bus service: check the district's transportation information if you'll rely on a school bus.
The School District 22 board office is also on East Hill, at 1401 15th Street, and its main line is 250-542-3331.
Find a home in the right catchment
Our buying in East Hill page explains the buying process, and our East Hill guide describes parks, streets and everyday life in the neighbourhood. Tim Jones, a fellow agent we feature as our local East Hill expert, lives in East Hill and has 23 years in Vernon real estate. Browse current listings through the live MLS® search for East Hill homes for sale, and always confirm a home's catchment with the School Locator.
FAQ
What high school serves East Hill in Vernon?
Vernon Secondary School, at 2100 15th Street, is on East Hill. Confirm which school serves a specific address using SD22's School Locator.
Can my child attend VSS if we live outside its catchment?
For 2026–2027, SD22 listed the VSS family of schools as closed to out-of-catchment transfers. Check with the district for the current year.
When do I register my child for school in Vernon?
SD22's main registration window for 2026–2027 ran from January 15 to February 13, 2026. Families moving at other times should contact their catchment school directly.
Looking for an East Hill home in the right catchment? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
