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Compare schoolsJames Thompson Elementary
6211 Forsyth Crescent, Richmond, BC, V7C 2C7 · Richmond
Rating
7.6
5-year avg
7.8
Rank
157/1032
2026 report · 2024-2025 school year
Quick take
School review information
James Thompson Elementary is a reliable, community-oriented neighborhood school that pairs above-average academics with excellent early learning and childcare conveniences. While the physical building is aging, the engaged community and the recent addition of a modern, inclusive playground make it a welcoming environment for students.
Editorial review summary
Publicly available parent reviews are limited, so signals are drawn from community news and school initiatives. The school is characterized by a strong, close-knit community. Parents highly appreciate the convenience of the on-site Discovery Montessori childcare and the StrongStart program. Recent community efforts, such as parents and locals volunteering to install a brand-new, inclusive playground in August 2024, highlight an active and engaged Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and a supportive neighborhood environment.
Common positives
- Consistently strong academic performance (7.8 five-year average).
- Brand new (2024) accessible, adventure-style playground designed with inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly elements.
- Hosts a StrongStart early learning center for young children.
- On-site Discovery Montessori offers preschool, daycare, and before/after-school care.
- Strong community involvement and an active parent volunteer base.
Common concerns
- The school building is older, with a recent district facilities plan rating its condition as 'fair to poor'.
- Does not offer specialized district tracks like French Immersion.
- Limited public online reviews make it difficult to assess the daily classroom experience from afar.
Who this school may fit
Highly recommended for local families who value a tight-knit community, solid academic fundamentals, and the logistical ease of having preschool and out-of-school care on the same campus. Families specifically seeking French Immersion or other specialized district programs will need to look at alternative schools.
Ratings and data
Academic information
James Thompson Elementary demonstrates solid and consistent academic performance. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 7.6/10 and ranks 157th out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. Its historical ratings (Not available -> 7.3 -> 8.4 -> 8.0 -> 7.6) and a 5-year average of 7.8 indicate that it reliably performs well above the provincial average.
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
Standard BC Elementary Curriculum (K-7)StrongStart Early Learning ProgramEnglish Language Learning (ELL) SupportOn-site Discovery Montessori (Preschool, Daycare, and Out-of-School Care)
Common questions
Where is James Thompson Elementary located?+
James Thompson Elementary is located at 6211 Forsyth Crescent, Richmond, BC, V7C 2C7 in Richmond.
Does James Thompson Elementary have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 1 programs that explicitly serve this school and 3 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near James Thompson Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near James Thompson Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 2 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near James Thompson Elementary
1 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 3 are nearby within 3km, plus 5 tutors and 2 class options.
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Explicitly serves this school
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near James Thompson Elementary
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Nearby tutors
Classes near James Thompson Elementary
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
Nearby classes and activities
After school
4
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
5
nearby options
Nearby classes
2
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
1 explicitly serve this school, plus 3 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
James Thompson Elementary school information
James Thompson Elementary is a elementary school in Richmond. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 4 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
- Discovery Montessori School (James Thompson Elementary Location)
- Volunteers urgently needed for new Richmond elementary playground installation
- Long Range Facilities Plan - Richmond School District
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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Check programs, admission requirements, and day-to-day arrangements with the school.
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.