# Multi-Age Cluster Class

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The **Multi-Age Cluster Class** or **Middle Age Cluster Class** (abbreviated **MACC**) is [Vancouver](/source/Vancouver)'s [gifted education](/source/Gifted_education) program.[1][2] MACC targets [highly gifted](/source/Highly_gifted) students with genius [intelligence quotient (IQ)](/source/Intelligence_quotient) scores (150+),[3][4][5] and is a gateway to the [University Transition Program](/source/University_Transition_Program) for attending the [University of British Columbia](/source/University_of_British_Columbia) at age 14–16.[6] The program limits intake to 40-80 students.[7]

MACC targets students in Grades 5 to 7 (Grades 6 to 8 in Coquitlam and Grades 5 to 7 in Surrey). It has extended to several schools located in the [Greater Vancouver Regional District](/source/Metro_Vancouver_Regional_District), namely [Burnaby](/source/Burnaby),[8] [Surrey](/source/Surrey,_British_Columbia),[9] [Coquitlam](/source/Coquitlam), [Port Coquitlam](/source/Port_Coquitlam), and [Port Moody](/source/Port_Moody).[3] MACC opened its doors in 1994.[10] Surrey began offering the MACC program in 2003. Many graduates have gone on to national and international success.[11]

## Process

The selection process for MACC involves several steps, where a child's suitability in the program is evaluated. A Grade 4-7 student is referred by their home school, teacher, gifted case manager, or parent for consideration for admission. Students are given a cognitive test. After that, students who are seen as potential gifted candidates are invited to spend one or two days in the classroom at the school they would attend.[11][12]

## Vancouver Multi-Age Cluster Class

Currently, there are 3 schools hosting the MACC program in Vancouver. They are all administered by the [Vancouver School Board](/source/Vancouver_School_Board).[1]

- [Tecumseh Elementary School](/source/Vancouver_School_Board)
- [Sir William Osler Elementary School](/source/Sir_William_Osler_Elementary_School)[13]
- Additionally, [Kerrisdale Elementary School](/source/Vancouver_School_Board) hosts the only French Immersion program. It was previously at [General Gordon Elementary School](/source/General_Gordon_Elementary_School), but was relocated due to seismic upgrades.[14]

There were previous incarnations of MACC at [Lord Nelson Elementary School](/source/Lord_Nelson_Elementary_School), [Queen Mary Elementary School](/source/Queen_Mary_Elementary_School), and [David Livingstone Elementary School](/source/David_Livingstone_Elementary_School), but the program has shrunk slightly and relocated to its current base schools over the years due to a combination of [VSB](/source/Vancouver_School_Board) funding cuts, seismic upgrades, and perceived population shifts. A high school MACC program previously existed at [Kitsilano Secondary School](/source/Kitsilano_Secondary_School), though in the concept has evolved into the 'Mini-School', of which most MACC graduates attend.

## Surrey Multi-Age Cluster Class

[Surrey](/source/Surrey,_British_Columbia) has four MACC-equipped schools—[Berkshire Park Elementary School](/source/Berkshire_Park_Elementary_School), [Hyland Elementary School](/source/Hyland_Elementary_School), [Erma Stephenson Elementary School](/source/Erma_Stephenson_Elementary_School), and [Chantrell Creek Elementary School](/source/Chantrell_Creek_Elementary_School). The maximum number of students in each class is 20, with gender mix being relatively balanced.[15]

Aspiring MACC students may apply in Grades 4, 5, or 6 to gain admission to the following grade. Applicants must be referred by their teachers and undergo a screening process.[16]

Each Surrey MACC class features an Independent Math program, where students study mathematics with the aid of a textbook at their own pace - meaning there is typically no formal math instruction.[16] Students learn via textbook until Grade 9, when some choose to pursue higher-level courses through SAIL.[17]

Another unique aspect of the Surrey MACC programs are PIPs, or Personal Interest Projects. These long-term projects allow students to explore a topic of individual passion and share their learning through a presentation - typically a [PowerPoint](/source/Microsoft_PowerPoint), although other forms of creative expression are highly encouraged.[16] In the Chantrell MACC program, pupils present two PIPs each year: one during Term 2 and the other during Term 3. Each presentation usually includes [Kahoot quizzes](/source/Kahoot!) to solidify and reinforce the audience's new knowledge.

Surrey is currently in consideration of adding a high school program.

## Tri-Cities Multi Age Cluster Class

The [Tri-Cities](/source/Tri-Cities_(British_Columbia)) (Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody) has three MACC equipped schools, namely Citadel Middle School, Hillcrest Middle School, and [Kwayhquitlum Middle School](/source/Kwayhquitlum_Middle_School).[3]

## Burnaby Multi-Age Cluster Class

In 2014, two MACC sites were added in Burnaby (School District 41) at [Capitol Hill Elementary School](/source/Capitol_Hill_Elementary_School) and Suncrest Elementary. Both of these schools have a grade 4/5 and 6/7 class.[8] There is also a Mini-School program located at [Alpha Secondary School](/source/Alpha_Secondary_School).

## See also

- [Vancouver School Board](/source/Vancouver_School_Board)
- [Surrey School Board](/source/Surrey_School_Board)
- [Tecumseh Elementary School](/source/Tecumseh_Elementary_School)
- [Kerrisdale Elementary School](/source/Kerrisdale_Elementary_School)
- [Sir William Osler Elementary School](/source/Sir_William_Osler_Elementary_School)

## References

1. ["Multi Age Cluster Class"](https://www.vsb.bc.ca/Student_Support/Learning_Support_Services/gifted/macc/Pages/Default.aspx). Retrieved April 14, 2020.

1. Hyslop, Katie (1 November 2021). ["Is Vancouver’s Program for ‘Gifted’ Children Unfair?"](https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/11/01/Is-Vancouver-Program-Gifted-Children-Unfair/). *The Tyee*. Retrieved 2026-03-22.

1. ["SD43 Middle Age Cluster Classes (MACC)"](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/Programs/gifted/Pages/MACC.aspx#/=). Retrieved April 14, 2020.

1. Saito, Lucila (January 16, 2017). ["MACC (Multi Age Cluster Class)"](https://giftedchildrenbc.org/macc-multi-age-cluster-class/). Retrieved 2026-03-22.

1. ["Pilot Gifted Enrichment Centre sees success its pilot year and increasing referrals for next year"](https://www.vsb.bc.ca/pilot-gifted-enrichment-centre-sees-success-its-pilot-year-and-increasing-referrals-for-next-year.65763). *VSB*. July 19, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2026.

1. Kshatri, Shaurya (25 February 2024). ["Decision to pause gifted students program in B.C. draws criticism"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/gifted-students-program-bc-criticism-1.7123173). *CBC*. Retrieved 22 March 2026.

1. Xu, Xiao (2021-07-17). ["Changes to Vancouver school program for gifted students draw concern"](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-vancouvers-school-program-changes-draw-concern/). *The Globe and Mail*. Retrieved 2026-03-22.

1. ["Multi-Age Cluster Class"](https://burnabyschools.ca/multi-age-cluster-class). Retrieved April 14, 2020.

1. ["Multi-Age Cluster Class (MACC)"](https://www.surreyschools.ca/EducationalPrograms/Pages/MACC.aspx). Retrieved April 14, 2020.

1. ["University Transition Program"](https://www.vsb.bc.ca/programs/university-transition-program). *Vancouver School Board*

1. ["Startup Grind Hosts 22-year-old Forbes Top 30 under 30 winner: Brian Wong - Vancity Buzz"](http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/02/startup-grind-hosts-22-year-old-forbes-top-30-30-winner-brian-wong/). *Vancity Buzz*. 2014-02-28. Retrieved 2017-12-02.

1. Hyslop, Katie (3 February 2022). ["Vancouver Parents and Students Want More Say in Gifted Program Changes"](https://thetyee.ca/News/2022/02/03/Vancouver-Parents-Students-Want-More-Say-Gifted-Program/). *The Tyee*. Retrieved 2026-03-22.

1. ["Sir William Osler Elementary School"](https://www.vsb.bc.ca:443/schools/sir-william-osler/About-Us/Our-Staff/Pages/Default.aspx). *www.vsb.bc.ca*. Retrieved 2022-10-08.

1. ["MACC - Multi-Age Cluster Class"](https://www.vsb.bc.ca/programs/macc-multi-age-cluster-class). *Vancouver School Board*

1. ["MACC (Multi-Age Cluster Class) Program - Parent Package"](https://sbsurreystor.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/medialib/macc-program-parent-package.762d4c13122.pdf). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220320003242if_/https://sbsurreystor.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/medialib/macc-program-parent-package.762d4c13122.pdf) 20 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine.

1. ["MACC (Multi Age Cluster Class)"](https://giftedchildrenbc.org/macc-multi-age-cluster-class/). Retrieved 2025-06-14.

1. ["Online Courses | Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning"](https://sailacademy.ca/programs/sail-online/). *Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning |*. 2016-02-19. Retrieved 2025-06-14.

## External links

- [Multi Age Cluster Classes at the Vancouver School Board](https://www.vsb.bc.ca/Student_Support/Learning_Support_Services/learning-support/macc/Pages/default.aspx)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Multi-Age Cluster Class](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Age_Cluster_Class) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Age_Cluster_Class?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.