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Ecole Qayqayt Elementary

85 Merivale St, New Westminster, BC, V3L 0G2 · New Westminster

Rating

6.2

5-year avg

6.6

Rank

444/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

École Qayqayt Elementary is a vibrant, community-focused school housed in a beautiful, modern facility. It is an excellent choice for families seeking strong community integration, on-site childcare, and modern amenities. However, prospective parents must weigh the ongoing capacity challenges and the impending departure of the French Immersion program in 2026.

Editorial review summary

Parent feedback highlights a mix of strong community appreciation and concerns over capacity. Families love the modern, LEED Gold-certified building (opened in 2014), which features abundant natural light and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre that provides convenient on-site daycare and community programs. The FuelUp lunch program is also highly praised for providing affordable, nutritious meals. However, severe overcrowding has been a major issue, with parents noting reduced gym time and the use of portables. To address this, a provincial expansion adding 100 student spaces is slated for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the district's decision to relocate the Early French Immersion program to another school starting in September 2026 has been a significant topic of discussion and concern among parents.

Common positives

  • Modern, LEED Gold-certified facility with abundant natural light.
  • On-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre offering daycare and community programs.
  • FuelUp lunch program provides convenient and nutritious meals for students.
  • Upcoming expansion (2025-2026) will add 4 new classrooms and 100 student spaces.

Common concerns

  • Severe overcrowding has historically led to reduced gym time and reliance on portables.
  • The Early French Immersion program is being relocated to Herbert Spencer Elementary in September 2026.
  • Fraser Institute academic rating has shown a slight downward trend over the past five years.
  • Strict policies on mandatory online school supply ordering have frustrated some parents in the past.

Who this school may fit

Recommended for families living in downtown New Westminster who value a modern, eco-friendly learning environment with strong community support systems like on-site daycare and lunch programs. Families specifically seeking French Immersion should look toward Herbert Spencer Elementary, as Qayqayt's program will relocate there in 2026.

Ratings and data

Academic information

École Qayqayt Elementary currently holds a Fraser Institute rating of 6.2/10, placing it at 444 out of 1032 elementary schools in British Columbia. Over the past five years, the school's rating has experienced a gradual decline, moving from 7.0 down to 6.2, with a historical five-year average of 6.6. While the school's academic performance sits in the middle tier provincially, it maintains a strong focus on inclusive education and community-based learning.

Sources include Fraser Institute data and InsideVan School Guide summaries. Ratings do not represent the full quality of a school.

School-run details

Special programs

English Program (K-5)Early French Immersion (Note: Relocating to Herbert Spencer Elementary in September 2026)Aboriginal Education ProgramEarly Learning (Ready, Set, Learn)Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC) Programs (Daycare, Community Workshops)FuelUp Lunch Program

Common questions

Where is Ecole Qayqayt Elementary located?+

Ecole Qayqayt Elementary is located at 85 Merivale St, New Westminster, BC, V3L 0G2 in New Westminster.

Does Ecole Qayqayt Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan currently tracks 6 programs that explicitly serve this school and 3 nearby after-school options.

Are there tutors near Ecole Qayqayt Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 19 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Ecole Qayqayt Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 15 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

9

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

19

nearby options

Nearby classes

15

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

6 explicitly serve this school, plus 3 nearby within 3km.

What this page covers

Ecole Qayqayt Elementary school information

Ecole Qayqayt Elementary is a elementary school in New Westminster. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 9 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.

Sources & data context

AI research sources

Researched: 2026-09-28

The AI summary uses public sources. Public parent commentary is separate from parent reports submitted to InsideVan. Ratings and history are supplied by our database.

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Fraser Institute · 2026 report
The rating dataset used here covers 2024-2025. The five-year average belongs to that historical report, not the five years ending today.

Academic ratings do not capture the whole school experience, including belonging, support, or fit for your child. A nearby care provider does not necessarily offer school pickup; confirm with the provider.