Prior to the 1860s, the site of the present school was a public cemetery where many of the prominent citizens of New Westminster were interred.

During World War II, the corner of 10th Avenue and 8th, where the present school is located, was leased to the Federal Government.

The site served as a soldiers' barracks, used for training and housing the Royal Westminster Regiment.

After the war, the barracks were moved to the University of British Columbia and the rest of the cemetery was demolished.

In September 1949, Vincent Massey Junior High was unofficially opened by Premier Bryan I. Johnson.

In this program, students are expected to speak French in most classes, and, upon finishing it, have almost native fluency.