About Coquitlam Continuing Education

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and customized learning space while empowering the transition to wellness as our students journey towards graduation and beyond.

Program Overview

CLC – Customized Learning Centre Program and Purpose

CLC is an alternate education program serving students in grades 9–12 with significant mental health challenges who require a more personalized approach to learning. We offer a structured yet flexible school day from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, with smaller class sizes that allow for more time with teachers and individualized support.

Intensive support is provided for social-emotional needs. Ongoing collaboration between students, families/caregivers, community agencies is a key feature of this program.

Students engage in a combination of self-paced learning and direct instruction, tailored to meet their unique needs and goals. While schedules are flexible, we encourage full-day attendance to help students build routine and consistency.

Our focus extends beyond academics—we prioritize attendance, emotional resilience, and real-world skills that prepare students for life beyond high school. Our ultimate goal is to support students in graduating from CLC and moving toward a successful and fulfilling future.

Eligibility and Referral Procedures to CLC

Referrals to CLC: Customized Learning Centre referrals are initiated by a student’s home school administrator contacting the CLC Principal. Students coming out of district must contact Mr. Darren MacMillan, District Principal by phone at 604-937-3105 (ext 105) or by email. Priority is given to students currently registered in School District #43, Coquitlam and all referrals are considered through school-based team processes and CLC intake procedures.

The Customized Learning Centre (CLC) is located at Vanier Centre at 1600 King Albert St, Coquitlam, BC.

How do students get in to CLC?

Students can only be referred by their home school in SD43.

Criteria for referrals include:

  • Will be in Grades 9 through 12
  • Have been unsuccessful in the mainstream school setting largely due to mental concerns despite interventions
  • Present with more inward-focused challenges rather than disruptive behaviours, as disruptive behaviours can negatively impact group dynamics and reduce feelings of safety
  • Be “group ready” – ready and/or willing to participate in group check-ins and discussions
  • Have adequate motivation, cognitive ability, and insight to learn new ways of coping
  • Be willing to attend every day to the best of their abilities
  • Ideally, be already connected to a mental health professional who can help to facilitate their transitions to and from the program

Our PADS dogs

The CLC program is very fortunate to have two PADS dog: Tony and Quiche. Students enjoy hanging out with them, giving them a pat, and just soaking up their calming effects.

Tony on the phone 2.jpg

Here are some FAQ’s about CLC:

How can I find out how my child is doing in their coursework?
Reach out anytime to CLC teachers for updates. Teachers can correspond with you by email or set up a phone or in-person meeting.
Case managers will email monthly progress reports and teachers will provide marks and comments on the formal Learning Updates three times per year.
Ask your child for an update.

How does CLC staff track and follow up on attendance?
Students sign in and out every day. Staff enter daily class attendance on MyEd and families/guardians have access to attendance on the MyEd site. Staff have weekly attendance meetings to discuss concerns, and will follow up with students and parents/guardians about concerns that arise.
If students are going to be away, please contact your case manager or the front office by phone (604-945-7311) or email.