Please Don't Pay Money For This!

As students of the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA), we have dedicated countless hours to our studies, honing our skills and talents to earn our place in this esteemed institution. It is disheartening to hear that there are plans to transform VSAA into a lottery school. This change would undermine the efforts of all those who worked diligently for their admission.

VSAA has been known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to nurturing artistic talent. The proposed lottery system threatens this reputation by potentially admitting students based on luck rather than merit. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, such systems can lead to decreased motivation among students as they may feel their hard work is not adequately rewarded (NAGC, 2019).

We understand that the aim might be inclusivity or diversity, but there are other ways these goals can be achieved without compromising on academic excellence or diluting the unique culture of VSAA.

We urge the decision-makers involved in this choice, the school board, district officials, and others - to reconsider this move. We ask them not only as concerned students but also as proud members of an institution that has shaped us into who we are today.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving merit-based admissions at VSAA and maintaining its legacy as a center for academic excellence and artistic growth.