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WCASS Hilltop Hideaway at Skwo:wech
Licensed WCASS out-of-school care program at Skwo:wech Elementary.
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Compare schoolsSkwo:wech Elementary
331 Richmond St, New Westminster, BC, V3L 4B7 · New Westminster
Rating
6.7
5-year avg
6.6
Rank
324/1032
2026 report · 2024-2025 school year
Quick take
School review information
Skwo:wech Elementary is a forward-thinking, community-oriented school housed in a beautiful new facility. With its solid academic standing, unique Montessori offering, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development, it is an excellent choice for families in New Westminster. While the lack of air conditioning and parking challenges are notable drawbacks, the school's modern learning environment and dedicated staff make it a highly desirable option.
Editorial review summary
Parent feedback for Skwo:wech Elementary is generally positive, heavily praising the brand-new, seismically safe building opened in 2022, which features modern collaborative spaces and beautiful views of the Fraser River. Parents appreciate the dedicated teachers, the active Parent Advisory Council (PAC), and the strong Montessori program. The school's renaming and commitment to Indigenous reconciliation are also well-received. However, parents have raised significant concerns about the new building lacking air conditioning, making classrooms uncomfortably hot during warmer months. Additionally, traffic congestion and limited parking during drop-off and pick-up times, as well as long waitlists for after-school care, are common frustrations.
Common positives
- Brand-new, seismically safe, and modern school building (opened in 2022).
- Offers a highly regarded public Montessori program.
- Strong commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and social-emotional learning (RULER program).
- On-site early learning and childcare centers (StrongStart and Skwo:wech Children's Centre).
- Active PAC that organizes community events and hot lunches.
Common concerns
- New building lacks air conditioning, leading to overheated classrooms in warm weather.
- Severe traffic congestion and limited parking during drop-off and pick-up times.
- High demand and waitlists for before and after-school care programs.
Who this school may fit
Highly recommended for families seeking a modern, inclusive learning environment or those interested in the public Montessori program. Parents should plan ahead for after-school care and be prepared for busy drop-off logistics and warmer classrooms in the late spring and early fall.
Ratings and data
Academic information
Skwo:wech Elementary demonstrates solid and improving academic performance. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 6.7 out of 10, ranking 324th out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. Its historical performance shows a recent upward trend, moving from 6.1 to 6.7, with a five-year average of 6.6. The school supports a diverse student body, including approximately 25% English Language Learners, and integrates the RULER program to foster strong social and emotional learning alongside standard academics.
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
Regular K-5 ProgramMontessori Program (K-5)StrongStart BC Early Learning CentreSkwo:wech Children's Centre (Childcare)RULER Program (Social and Emotional Learning)Before and After School Care
Common questions
Where is Skwo:wech Elementary located?+
Skwo:wech Elementary is located at 331 Richmond St, New Westminster, BC, V3L 4B7 in New Westminster.
Does Skwo:wech Elementary have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 1 programs that explicitly serve this school and 2 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near Skwo:wech Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 16 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near Skwo:wech Elementary?+
InsideVan currently lists 18 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near Skwo:wech Elementary
1 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 2 are nearby within 3km, plus 16 tutors and 18 class options.
Find pickup programs
Explicitly serves this school
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near Skwo:wech Elementary
Find math, reading, language, and academic enrichment tutors around this school.
Nearby tutors
Classes near Skwo:wech 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
16
nearby options
Nearby classes
18
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
1 explicitly serve this school, plus 2 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
Skwo:wech Elementary school information
Skwo:wech Elementary is a elementary school in New Westminster. 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
- Elementary Schools – New Westminster Schools
- Montessori – New Westminster Schools
- New seismically safe school opens in New Westminster - BC Gov News
- Parents say New West's brand-new schools are too hot for learning - Daily Hive
- Skwo:wech Children's Centre - Purpose Society
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.