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Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary

1409 E 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5P 1V6 · Vancouver

Rating

5.4

5-year avg

5

Rank

647/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary offers a beautiful, modern learning environment with excellent on-site childcare facilities. However, families should be aware of the ongoing community tensions regarding the loss of school land to development, which limits outdoor play space and future expansion capabilities. It is a suitable choice for families who value a new facility and an inclusive community, provided they are comfortable with average academic rankings and limited green space.

Editorial review summary

Parent feedback highlights the benefits of the newly built (2020) state-of-the-art, LEED Gold-certified school building, which features abundant natural light and a 69-space rooftop childcare center. However, recent parent discussions are heavily dominated by frustration over the Vancouver School Board's decision to lease the southern portion of the school's land (formerly basketball courts) to a private developer for a 99-year term to build a 6-storey rental building. Parents and the PAC express deep concerns about the loss of outdoor play space, the lack of a proper grass field, and the school's inability to accommodate future enrollment growth or portables. Traffic congestion and student safety during drop-off on Lanark Street are also frequently mentioned issues.

Common positives

  • Brand new, state-of-the-art school building completed in 2020 (LEED Gold certified).
  • On-site rooftop childcare center (Fraserview Child Development Centre) with 69 spaces.
  • Highly diverse and inclusive school community.
  • Hot lunch programs available for students.

Common concerns

  • Loss of school land and outdoor recreation space due to a 99-year lease for a residential development.
  • Lack of a proper grass playing field (currently relying on a gravel field).
  • Concerns about future overcrowding and lack of space for portables.
  • Traffic congestion and safety concerns during drop-off and pick-up times.
  • Academic performance is historically average to slightly below average.

Who this school may fit

Recommended for families seeking a modern, inclusive school with on-site childcare, but who are not overly reliant on expansive school grounds or top-tier academic rankings.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary currently holds a Fraser Institute rating of 5.4/10, ranking 647th out of 1032 elementary schools in British Columbia. The school's historical performance shows a 5-year average of 5/10, with scores fluctuating from a high of 6.4 down to 4.0 before recovering to the current 5.4. This indicates average to slightly below-average academic performance on provincial standardized tests. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic education, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging among its highly diverse student body, rather than focusing solely on academic metrics.

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

Fraserview Child Development Centre (Rooftop Childcare)Hot Lunch ProgramInclusive Education & Diverse Abilities SupportEnglish Language Learner (ELL) Support

Common questions

Where is Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary located?+

Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary is located at 1409 E 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5P 1V6 in Vancouver.

Does Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 1 nearby after-school options.

Are there tutors near Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 1 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 7 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

1

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

1

nearby options

Nearby classes

7

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

0 explicitly serve this school, plus 1 nearby within 3km.

What this page covers

Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary school information

Sir Sandford Fleming Elementary is a elementary school in Vancouver. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 1 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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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.