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Compare schoolsJames Whiteside Elementary
9282 Williams Rd, Richmond, BC, V7A 1H1 · Richmond
Rating
7.6
5-year avg
7.3
Rank
157/1032
2026 report · 2024-2025 school year
Quick take
School review information
James Whiteside Elementary is a well-rounded, dual-track school that offers strong academic foundations alongside excellent language and arts programs. With its recent seismic upgrades, modernized facilities, and prime location next to South Arm Park, it provides a safe and engaging environment. The addition of a Late French Immersion program makes it a unique and highly desirable option for families in Richmond.
Editorial review summary
Publicly available parent reviews for James Whiteside Elementary are limited, so signals are drawn from community activity and school resources. Parents generally appreciate the school's recent extensive renovations, which included a $9.3 million seismic upgrade, new accessible washrooms, and modernized facilities. The active Parent Advisory Council (PAC) organizes regular hot lunches and fundraising events, indicating an engaged parent community. Families also value the school's location backing onto South Arm Park, which provides excellent outdoor learning and recreation opportunities. The strong music and band programs are frequently highlighted as positive features of the school.
Common positives
- Offers both Early and Late French Immersion programs.
- Recently completed extensive renovations and seismic upgrades for a safer, modernized environment.
- Strong music and band programs for student enrichment.
- Excellent location backing onto South Arm Park, utilizing nature as an outdoor classroom.
- Robust student leadership opportunities, especially for Grade 6 and 7 students.
Common concerns
- Limited public parent reviews make it difficult to gauge everyday school culture from an outsider's perspective.
- The school's popularity and dual-track programs (English and French) may result in larger class sizes or waitlists for immersion entry.
Who this school may fit
Highly recommended for families seeking a French Immersion track (either early or late entry) and those who value strong arts and music programs. It is an excellent fit for parents looking for a modernized, safe school facility with active community involvement and great outdoor spaces.
Ratings and data
Academic information
James Whiteside Elementary demonstrates solid and improving academic performance. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, placing it at a commendable provincial rank of 157 out of 1032 schools. Its performance history shows a generally upward trajectory, with ratings moving from 7.0 to 7.5, 7.8, a brief dip to 6.8, and rebounding to 7.6. The school's five-year average rating stands at a consistent 7.3. The presence of both Early and Late French Immersion programs often attracts highly motivated students, which can positively influence the school's overall academic environment.
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 ProgramEarly French ImmersionLate French Immersion (Grade 6 entry)Music and Band ProgramsStudent Leadership Program
Common questions
Where is James Whiteside Elementary located?+
James Whiteside Elementary is located at 9282 Williams Rd, Richmond, BC, V7A 1H1 in Richmond.
Does James Whiteside Elementary have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 2 programs that explicitly serve this school and 1 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near James Whiteside Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 10 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near James Whiteside Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 8 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near James Whiteside Elementary
2 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 1 are nearby within 3km, plus 10 tutors and 8 class options.
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Explicitly serves this school
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near James Whiteside Elementary
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Nearby tutors
Classes near James Whiteside Elementary
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
Nearby classes and activities
After school
3
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
10
nearby options
Nearby classes
8
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
2 explicitly serve this school, plus 1 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
James Whiteside Elementary school information
James Whiteside Elementary is a elementary school in Richmond. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 3 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
- Whiteside Elementary School - Official Website
- Richmond students head back to seismically safer schools - BC Gov News
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.