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Sir William Van Horne Elementary

5855 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC, V5W 2L9 · Vancouver

Rating

6.2

5-year avg

6.5

Rank

444/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

Sir William Van Horne Elementary is a welcoming, community-focused school that prioritizes inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and student leadership. While its academic rankings are average for the province, the school compensates with a rich array of extracurriculars and a remarkably active parent community that enhances the student experience.

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Editorial review summary

Publicly available parent reviews for Sir William Van Horne Elementary are limited, so signals are drawn primarily from community involvement and school reports. What can be reasonably inferred is that the school benefits from a highly dedicated and active Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Parents are deeply involved in school life, volunteering to run extracurricular clubs (such as tennis and board games), organizing hot lunches, and spearheading successful environmental initiatives like the school's recycling program. Families also appreciate the school's location in the Oakridge-South Slope neighborhood, noting its proximity to parks and family-friendly amenities. The community values transparency, diversity, and cooperation between staff and parents.

Common positives

  • Highly active and engaged Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that runs clubs and events.
  • Strong emphasis on student leadership, offering roles in student government and peer monitoring.
  • Robust environmental and sustainability initiatives, including a recognized recycling program.
  • Seismically upgraded, fully accessible 3-story building with elevators and ramps.
  • Diverse and inclusive community with strong support for English Language Learners (ELL).
  • Excellent location in the Oakridge area, close to transit, parks, and community centers.

Common concerns

  • Standardized academic ratings (Fraser Institute) are average and have slightly declined from their peak.
  • A high proportion of ELL students (about one-third) may stretch classroom resources.
  • Limited independent online reviews make it difficult to gauge everyday parent satisfaction.

Who this school may fit

This school is highly recommended for families who value a diverse, multicultural environment and want to be actively involved in their child's education through the PAC. It is an excellent fit for parents seeking a well-rounded, community-oriented education with strong leadership and sustainability programs, rather than focusing solely on top-tier academic rankings.

Ratings and data

Academic information

According to the Fraser Institute, Sir William Van Horne Elementary holds an overall rating of 6.2/10, ranking 444 out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. The school's historical performance shows some fluctuation, moving from 6.5 to a peak of 7.1, before settling at 6.2 recently, with a 5-year average of 6.5. While these standardized scores place the school in the mid-range provincially, the school supports a highly diverse student body, with approximately one-third of its 450 students designated as English Language Learners (ELL). This demographic factor can influence standardized testing outcomes. The school emphasizes a holistic education, incorporating project-based learning and inclusive support for diverse learning needs.

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

Project-Based LearningStudent Leadership (Student Government, Office and Library Monitors)Environmental & Sustainability Programs (Return-It Recycling)Active Travel ProgramParent-Led Clubs (Board Games, Tennis)In-School Mentoring (Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver)

Common questions

Where is Sir William Van Horne Elementary located?+

Sir William Van Horne Elementary is located at 5855 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC, V5W 2L9 in Vancouver.

Does Sir William Van Horne Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan is still adding after-school pickup and nearby drop-off options for this school.

Are there tutors near Sir William Van Horne Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 3 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Sir William Van Horne Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 11 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

0

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

3

nearby options

Nearby classes

11

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

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

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What this page covers

Sir William Van Horne Elementary school information

Sir William Van Horne Elementary is a elementary school in Vancouver. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 0 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.