Surrey gifted programs, IB and Inter-A

What it is

The Challenge Program brings highly able and gifted students in Grades 3–7 together in small groups for half-day modules. Each module runs eight to nine weeks.

The Multi-Age Cluster Class (MACC) is a full-time class for highly gifted students in Grades 5, 6 and 7.

Only students registered in Surrey schools can be referred to gifted programs. Each school submits and prioritizes its own referrals.

The IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 8–10) is at Johnston Heights Secondary. The IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) is at Johnston Heights and Semiahmoo.

Inter-A at Queen Elizabeth Secondary is an enriched program with a leadership and community-service focus. Students enter in Grades 8–9 or 10–12.

A good fit if: Surrey students who need more challenge than their regular class, from Grade 3 through high school.

How to register

1. For the Challenge Program or MACC, talk to your child's teacher or principal. The school makes the referral.
2. For IB or Inter-A, watch the district Program Information Meetings page. 2027 dates are listed as TBA.
3. Inter-A in 2026: parent information night January 28, then families emailed to book a visit day from January 30. Students shadow a current student, fill in an application and have a short question-and-answer session. Acceptances went out in spring.

How to prepare

• Keep notes and work samples that show how your child learns, before talking to the school about gifted referral.
• Visit or attend an information meeting before choosing a secondary program.