After-school
Killarney Community Centre Out of School Care
Before- and after-school care at Killarney Community Centre with supervision to and from Waverley Elementary.
Childcare
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Rating
6.9
5-year avg
6.7
Rank
273/1032
2026 report · 2024-2025 school year
Quick take
School review information
John Norquay Elementary is a vibrant, large, and highly diverse school with a strong sense of community and history. Its solid academic ratings, combined with unique offerings like the Mandarin Bilingual Program and a dedicated music department, make it an attractive option for families. The active PAC ensures a welcoming environment, though parents should be prepared for the lottery system if aiming for the bilingual track.
Editorial review summary
Parent feedback highlights a strong, active Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that organizes numerous community-building events, such as waffle breakfasts, movie nights, and a Spring Fair. The Early Mandarin Bilingual Program is highly praised, though some parents have historically expressed concerns about teacher shortages and resource allocation for the specialized track. The school's music program and inclusive playground (built with community and PAC support) are frequently commended. Alumni maintain a strong connection to the school, reflecting a deep sense of community and history.
Common positives
- Offers the highly sought-after Early Mandarin Bilingual Program.
- Strong, active Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that organizes frequent community events.
- Diverse extracurriculars, including a robust music program, sports, and environmental clubs.
- Fully seismically upgraded building with an inclusive, accessible playground.
- Provides essential student support through the Social Emotional Learning Centre and Food4Schools.
Common concerns
- The Mandarin Bilingual Program is lottery-based, meaning admission is not guaranteed.
- Past reports indicate occasional teacher shortages for specialized language roles.
- As one of the larger elementary schools (approx. 640 students), the environment might feel overwhelming for some children.
Who this school may fit
Highly recommended for families seeking a diverse, community-oriented school with strong language and arts programs. It is especially appealing for those interested in the Early Mandarin Bilingual Program, provided they are comfortable navigating the district's lottery system.
Ratings and data
Academic information
John Norquay Elementary holds a Fraser Institute rating of 6.9/10, ranking 273 out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. The school has maintained a consistent 5-year average rating of 6.7, with its historical performance ranging from 5.7 to 7.8. Academically, the school places a strong emphasis on foundational skills through its Collaborative Early Literacy Intervention (CELI) program. Additionally, its highly popular Early Mandarin Bilingual Program supports cognitive and academic development, though it is subject to a district lottery due to high demand.
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
Early Mandarin Bilingual ProgramElementary Learning Support ProgramSocial Emotional Learning CentreCollaborative Early Literacy Intervention (CELI)Food4Schools Meal ProgramWindermere Community Schools Team (Out-of-school programs)Music Program (Choir and Indigenous Drumming)Extracurricular Clubs (Basketball, Floor Hockey, Math Club, Power in YOUth)
Common questions
Where is John Norquay Elementary located?+
John Norquay Elementary is located at 4710 Slocan St, Vancouver, BC, V5R 2A1 in Vancouver.
Does John Norquay Elementary 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 John Norquay Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near John Norquay Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 7 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near John Norquay Elementary
0 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 2 are nearby within 3km, plus 5 tutors and 7 class options.
Find pickup programs
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near John Norquay Elementary
Find math, reading, language, and academic enrichment tutors around this school.
Nearby tutors
Classes near John Norquay Elementary
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
7
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
John Norquay Elementary school information
John Norquay Elementary is a elementary school in Vancouver. 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
AI research sources
Researched: 2026-09-28
- John Norquay - Vancouver School Board
- John Norquay Elementary School PAC Website
- Portrait of a Music Classroom: Ruby Ba Drums Up Community to Transform a Music Program - MusiCounts
- Teacher shortage puts popular Mandarin program in danger - CBC 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.
Search website
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.