After-school
Cambie Community Centre Out of School Care
City-operated OSC serving Tomsett, Mitchell, and McNeely with transportation.
Childcare
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Rating
5.1
5-year avg
N/A
Rank
109/252
Quick take
School review information
H.J. Cambie is a hidden gem for students who know exactly what they want: specifically, those targeting healthcare or leadership. While its aggregate academic stats are average, the specialized Medical Science and Pathways programs offer elite-level opportunities that rival top-tier schools. It is ideal for students who thrive in a smaller, supportive environment rather than a high-pressure academic cooker.
Editorial review summary
Parent and student reviews paint a picture of a close-knit, 'family-like' school community that is often friendlier than larger, more competitive Richmond schools. The 'Pathways' program is highly praised for keeping high-achieving students engaged. However, some online discussions mention a historical reputation for being 'rougher' than West Richmond schools, with occasional concerns about bullying and social cliques. The 'Medical Science' program is frequently cited as a major draw for students interested in healthcare careers.
Common positives
- Signature 'Medical Science' program offers rare First Responder certification and healthcare prep.
- 'Pathways' program provides a dedicated enrichment track for high-achieving students.
- Smaller student population fosters a strong sense of community and teacher accessibility.
- Comprehensive 'Engineering, Drafting, and Design' (EDD) stream for STEM-focused students.
- Diverse and inclusive student body with strong support for English Language Learners.
Common concerns
- Overall academic ranking (5.1/10) is lower than many other Richmond secondary schools.
- Located in East Richmond, which can feel isolated from the city's central hubs.
- Fewer Advanced Placement (AP) course options compared to larger schools like McMath or Burnett.
- Historical reputation for being a 'rougher' school persists in some local perceptions.
- Fluctuating rating history suggests inconsistency in standardized test performance.
Who this school may fit
Best suited for students interested in healthcare (Medical Science program) or those seeking a leadership-focused enrichment track (Pathways). It is a great alternative for families living in East Richmond who want a supportive community school without the intense competition of West Richmond, provided the student is self-motivated to take advantage of the specialized streams.
Ratings and data
Academic information
H.J. Cambie Secondary holds a Fraser Institute rating of 5.1/10, ranking 109th out of 252 secondary schools in British Columbia. The school's performance has shown significant fluctuation over the last five years, rising to a high of 6.6 before dipping to the current 5.1. While the overall ranking suggests an average academic environment compared to provincial peers, the specialized 'Pathways' program offers a significantly more rigorous, enriched curriculum for motivated students in Grades 8-10, focusing on leadership and academic excellence.
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
Pathways Program (Enriched Leadership, Grades 8-10)Medical Science Program (First Responder & CPR Certification)Engineering, Drafting, and Design (EDD)Business Education (Accounting, Entrepreneurship)Mandarin Language (Grades 9-12)Visual Arts & PhotographyDrama & Theatre ProductionMusic (Band, Choir)Robotics ClubAthletics (Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Soccer)Recreational Leadership
Common questions
Where is H.J. Cambie Secondary located?+
H.J. Cambie Secondary is located at 4151 Jacombs Rd, Richmond, BC V6V 1N7 in Richmond.
Does H.J. Cambie Secondary have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 2 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near H.J. Cambie Secondary?+
InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near H.J. Cambie Secondary?+
InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near H.J. Cambie Secondary
0 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 2 are nearby within 3km, plus 5 tutors and 5 class options.
Find pickup programs
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near H.J. Cambie Secondary
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Nearby tutors
Classes near H.J. Cambie Secondary
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
Nearby classes and activities
After school
2
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
5
nearby options
Nearby classes
5
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
0 explicitly serve this school, plus 2 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
H.J. Cambie Secondary school information
H.J. Cambie Secondary is a secondary school in Richmond. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 2 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.
Sources & data context
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Check programs, admission requirements, and day-to-day arrangements with the school.
Fraser Institute · 2020 report
The rating dataset used here covers 2018-2019. 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.