Vancouver continues to be the number one destination for families looking for a dynamic, community-oriented lifestyle combined with access to some of Canada’s best schools. With an internationally peerless education system and a diversity of neighborhoods, Vancouver will continue to offer a variety of schooling options to suit the needs of the diverse range of families relocating to the city.
The right school choice is not only about academics, but it is also about finding a neighborhood that will suit your family’s needs, be it safe streets and parks or a sense of community. Our guide looks at the best schools in Vancouver and the family-friendly neighborhoods surrounding them to help you take this important step in your relocation.
Why Vancouver is a Great Place for Families
Contents
Offering ‘A class’ education, safe neighborhoods, and a great community atmosphere, Vancouver is considered one of the best Canadian cities to raise a family. In its case, families that are relocating to this city would have a vast open option for schooling that best fits. The Vancouver School District, one of the largest and most diverse in the country, is committed to ensuring quality and excellence in education. It is also focused on continuing to provide varied families with access to excellent public schools and specialized programs such as French immersion and International Baccalaureate.
In addition to public schools, Vancouver boasts an impressive range of private institutions, alternative learning models, and Montessori schools. Located in family neighborhoods with extensive green space, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, so many of the schools make thoughtful city planning in Vancouver conducive to a family finding their educational requirements consistent with a high quality of life.
In fact, families can literally get all distributions in Vancouver, from libraries and community centers to extracurricular and after-school programs. Put simply, Vancouver is a city that looks out for every need of a family, from academic excellence to extracurricular opportunities to community support.
The Story of the Patel Family and Mia’s School
The Patel family was a family of four who needed to start anew in Vancouver for further opportunities, particularly for the two children. The daughter, Mia, was already into academics and arts when she was 10 years old. They finally called Anytime Moving not only to assist in the moving but also to get hints on deciding which neighborhood best suited the need for quality education.
By taking out a good consultation, we identified family-oriented neighborhoods that are safe and well in proximity to good schools: Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant. We were able to provide Patels with school resources so that they could get Mia a seat at one of Vancouver’s top-ranked elementary schools.
Anytime Moving took care of every little detail on the moving day to make the transition quite seamless and stress-free. Today, the Patel family is well-settled in Mount Pleasant, one of the top neighborhoods for families moving to Vancouver ; Mia is prosperous at her new school and fascinated by the vibrant community around her.
Top Schools in Vancouver for Families Moving to the City
For most of the families relocating to Vancouver, finding the appropriate school is one of the most crucial tasks. Its diverse range of schools boasts academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities. Below are some of the top schools in Vancouver, categorized to help families make an informed choice.
Best Elementary Schools in Vancouver
You can find the best elementary schools in Vancouver. These include Crosstown Elementary School and Queen Mary Elementary School. These schools also offer a range of programs in arts integration, sports, and language immersion to cater to various demands arising because of changing family needs. Keep reading about the best elementary schools for families moving to Vancouver.
- Dr Annie B Jamieson Elementary: Located at 6350 Tisdall Street, this school is known for its diverse community. It offers the largest orchestral Strings Program in Vancouver and the only intermediate Mandarin Bilingual Program in the district.
- Edith Cavell Elementary: Situated at 500 20th Ave W, Edith Cavell Elementary ranks highly for its academic performance and is recognized for its commitment to nurturing student growth through a supportive learning atmosphere and strong community ties.
- St George’s School: This prestigious school focuses on developing young men into responsible and competitive individuals. Located at 4175 W 29th Ave, it emphasizes core academic skills alongside values such as humility and integrity.
- West Point Grey Academy: At 4125 West 8th Avenue, West Point Grey Academy offers a holistic education approach that nurtures students academically, socially, and emotionally with dedicated teachers.
- York House School: Founded in 1932 and located in Shaughnessy, York House School provides an empowering educational experience for girls, focusing on academics, athletics, and community service.
- Crofton House School: This is an independent girls’ school that includes traditional values in its modern teaching methodologies. Located at 3200 West 41st Avenue, emphasis is placed on academic excellence and personal development.
- Corpus Christi School: A rigorous academic program and caring atmosphere make Corpus Christi School a popular option with tiered instruction in major subjects. It is located at 1500 Nanton Ave.
| School Name | Location | Highlights |
| Dr. Annie B. Jamieson Elementary | 6350 Tisdall Street | Largest orchestral Strings Program in Vancouver and an intermediate Mandarin Bilingual Program. |
| Edith Cavell Elementary | 500 20th Ave W | Academic excellence and a strong sense of community. |
| St. George’s School | 4175 W 29th Ave | Focusing on academics, arts, and values like humility and integrity. |
| West Point Grey Academy | 4125 West 8th Avenue | Holistic education with a focus on academic, social, and emotional development. |
| York House School | Shaughnessy | An all-girls school emphasizing academics, athletics, and community service. |
| Crofton House School | 3200 West 41st Avenue | Independent girls’ school with modern teaching and a focus on academic and personal growth. |
| Corpus Christi School | 1500 Nanton Ave | Rigorous academic program with tiered instruction and a caring atmosphere. |
Top High Schools in Vancouver
For families with older kids, high schools across the city offer everything from acclaimed IB programs to advanced placement courses. The highly ranked schools for academic standards and such extracurriculars as robotics, athletics, and arts programs include Eric Hamber Secondary and Point Grey Secondary. They are located in areas like Dunbar-Southlands and Oakridge. Here’s a look at the top high schools in Vancouver for relocating families:
- Lord Byng Secondary School: This school is situated at 3939 W 16th Ave and includes a very good academic record along with vibrant arts programs.
- Sentinel Secondary School: Located in West Vancouver, Sentinel Secondary has a well-rounded program balance between academics and athletics.
- Point Grey Secondary School: This school is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and a wide range of extracurricular activities; located at 5350 E Blvd.
- Rockridge Secondary School: Located in West Vancouver, the claim to fame for Rockridge is its extended International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula.
- Magee Secondary School: This is a very renowned school for excellent academic programs, as well as extracurricular opportunities. It is located at 6360 Maple St and offers many Advanced Placement courses and a very active arts community.
- West Vancouver Secondary School: This school excels in providing a comprehensive education with a focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is located at 1750 Mathers Ave.
- Crofton House School: An independent all-girls school located at 3200 W 41st Ave, Crofton House focuses on academic excellence and personal development through leadership programs and community service initiatives.
- York House School: Founded in 1932 and located in Shaughnessy, York House is an independent girls’ school known for its rigorous academic curriculum.
| School Name | Location | Highlights |
| Lord Byng Secondary School | 3939 W 16th Ave | High academic standards and vibrant arts programs. |
| Sentinel Secondary School | West Vancouver | Balanced focus on academics and athletics. |
| Point Grey Secondary School | 5350 E Blvd | Academic excellence and diverse extracurricular activities. |
| Rockridge Secondary School | West Vancouver | IB and AP programs, and a global education approach. |
| Magee Secondary School | 6360 Maple St | Strong academic programs and a thriving arts community. |
| West Vancouver Secondary School | 1750 Mathers Ave | International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. |
| Crofton House School | 3200 W 41st Ave | An independent girls’ school with a focus on leadership and personal development. |
| York House School | Shaughnessy | Comprehensive extracurricular opportunities. |
Private and Specialty Schools in Vancouver
There are plenty of highly ranked private and specialized schools in Vancouver for families with unique educational needs. Among them, York House School and St. George’s School are highly famous because of their small class sizes, specialized curriculum development, and child development focus.
Apart from this, French immersion and Montessori schools are there in Vancouver for families who would like to enroll their children in bilingual education. These schools are normally located at the center of a community like Shaughnessy and have minimal exposure to noise. Here are recommended schools for new residents in Vancouver:
- Bodwell High School: Located in North Vancouver, Bodwell High School accepts both local and international students. They focus on developing qualities such as original thinking, independence, and teamwork based on their core values.
- Crofton House School: Situated at 3200 W 41st Ave, Crofton House is an independent all-girls school. Academic excellence and personal growth are what make it unique.
- Little Flower Academy: This all-girls Catholic school located at 4195 Alexandra St serves grades 8 through 12. Little Flower Academy focuses on developing students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional potential.
- West Point Grey Academy: Located at 4125 W 8th Ave, West Point Grey Academy is a co-educational institution that nurtures students from preschool through grade 12.
- Alexander Academy: Found in downtown Vancouver, Alexander Academy aims to educate students in an international setting. The academy promotes comprehensive development—academic, moral, creative, social, and athletic.
- Mulgrave School: Situated in West Vancouver, Mulgrave School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from preschool to grade 12. The school is dedicated to academic excellence and global citizenship.
- St. George’s School: This prestigious all-boys university preparatory school at 4175 W 29th Ave offers grades 1 through 12 with boarding options for older students.
- Vancouver College: An independent all-boys school located at 5400 Cartier St, Vancouver College serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. The school is known for its strong academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values.
| School Name | Location | Highlights |
| Bodwell High School | North Vancouver | local and international students, with a focus on original thinking and teamwork. |
| Little Flower Academy | 4195 Alexandra St | An all-girls Catholic school focusing on spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth. |
| Alexander Academy | Downtown Vancouver | Internationally oriented school promoting academic and moral development. |
| Mulgrave School | West Vancouver | IB curriculum from preschool to grade 12, focusing on global citizenship. |
| St. George’s School | 4175 W 29th Ave | Prestigious all-boys school offering boarding options and a robust academic program. |
| Vancouver College | 5400 Cartier St | Independent all-boys Catholic school with a comprehensive curriculum for K–12. |
Choosing the Right School for Your Family
With many excellent options, there are a number of ways families can make an informed decision about which school will best match their needs and priorities. Here are three things to do when searching for the ideal school in Vancouver.
1. Research School Ratings and Reviews
First, research ratings of schools and community reviews are conducted to provide an overall sense of each school’s reputation. Websites like Compare School Rankings offer insight into academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and parent feedback for each school. Moving companies in Vancouver can also help you with the details and information of each neighborhood.
2. Visit the Schools in Person
Whenever possible, visit the schools you are considering. A tour will give you a better sense of the facilities, teaching methods, and overall environment. Many schools run open houses or orientation events where you can meet teachers and ask questions about their programs and values.
3. Consider Proximity to Your New Neighborhood.
Location is also a major factor in choosing a school. The next step will be to choose schools conveniently located near family-friendly neighborhoods: Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, or Dunbar-Southlands. A shorter distance from home may reduce the burden of daily travel and facilitate after-school activities for your child.
Last Words
Choosing the proper school and neighborhood is an important step in relocating to Vancouver. Top-rated schools and family-friendly communities make the city an ideal place to raise your children and build a new life. From relocating your house to organizing corporate relocation, let Anytime Moving, your trusted office moving company in Vancouver, make this transition as smooth as possible. While you settle into your new home and neighborhood, let us handle the logistics.
FAQs
Top schools for families moving to Vancouver?
Vancouver offers a variety of schools for families moving to the city. Some of the best schools include Crosstown Elementary, Queen Mary Elementary, and West Point Grey Academy, offering excellent academics and extracurricular activities.
Best elementary schools for families moving to Vancouver?
Families looking for the best elementary schools in Vancouver can consider Dr. Annie B Jamieson Elementary and Edith Cavell Elementary. These schools excel in academics and offer specialized programs to suit diverse needs.
Top high schools in Vancouver for relocating families?
For high school students, Lord Byng Secondary, Sentinel Secondary, and Point Grey Secondary offer exceptional academic standards, along with a variety of extracurricular opportunities such as sports and arts.
Recommended schools for new residents in Vancouver?
Families new to Vancouver can explore schools such as Bodwell High School, Little Flower Academy, and Vancouver College, which offer both excellent academic programs and a strong sense of community.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools in Vancouver?
Neighborhoods like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Dunbar-Southlands are highly recommended for families, as they offer access to top-rated schools, parks, and a welcoming environment for children.
Guide to choosing schools for families moving to Vancouver?
When selecting a school, consider the ratings and reviews, the proximity to your new home, and the school’s curriculum and extracurricular offerings. Visit schools in person and talk to teachers to find the best fit for your children.
