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Southlands Elementary

5351 Camosun St, Vancouver, BC, V6N 2C4 · Vancouver

Rating

4.1

5-year avg

5

Rank

882/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

Southlands Elementary offers a unique educational experience that contrasts with its low standardized test scores. As an IB PYP World School, it provides a globally recognized, inquiry-based curriculum enriched by its proximity to nature and strong ties to Indigenous culture. While the declining Fraser Institute ratings and aging infrastructure may concern some parents, families seeking a holistic, community-focused, and progressive education in a quiet, prestigious neighborhood will find Southlands to be a compelling option.

Editorial review summary

Publicly available parent reviews for Southlands Elementary are limited, but community discussions and neighborhood forums provide helpful context. Parents highly value the school's idyllic, nature-rich location in the Dunbar-Southlands neighborhood, situated near Pacific Spirit Park. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is frequently praised for fostering critical thinking and global mindedness. Families also appreciate the school's strong integration of Indigenous culture and knowledge, which creates a unique and inclusive learning environment. However, some community discussions highlight concerns regarding declining student enrollment in the area and the high seismic risk rating of the aging school building. Overall, parents describe a tight-knit, welcoming community with an active Parent Advisory Council (PAC).

Common positives

  • Certified International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School.
  • Beautiful, nature-oriented location near Pacific Spirit Park and UBC.
  • Strong integration of Indigenous knowledge and First Peoples Principles of Learning.
  • Early French language instruction starting in Kindergarten.
  • Small, tight-knit school community offering a personalized environment.

Common concerns

  • Low Fraser Institute rating (4.1/10) with a declining trend in recent years.
  • Aging infrastructure with a high seismic risk rating (H11) noted in recent district reports.
  • Declining student enrollment in the neighborhood, which can impact long-term funding and resources.
  • Limited public transit accessibility compared to more centrally located schools.

Who this school may fit

Recommended for families who prioritize holistic, inquiry-based learning (IB curriculum) and cultural inclusivity over traditional academic metrics. It is an excellent fit for those living in the Dunbar-Southlands area who value a small, nature-adjacent school community. Parents highly focused on standardized test scores or modern, seismically upgraded facilities may want to explore other options.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Southlands Elementary currently holds a Fraser Institute rating of 4.1 out of 10, ranking 882nd out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. The school's academic performance has shown a declining trend in recent years, dropping from 5.8 to 5.2, and most recently to 4.1, with a five-year average of 5.0. Despite these lower standardized test scores, it is important to note that Southlands is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School. The IB curriculum emphasizes holistic, inquiry-based, and transdisciplinary learning rather than rote memorization or traditional test preparation. This pedagogical approach may contribute to a disconnect between the school's internal learning objectives and provincial standardized testing 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

International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)French Language Instruction (Kindergarten to Grade 7)Indigenous Education and Cultural IntegrationInquiry-Based Learning Curriculum

Common questions

Where is Southlands Elementary located?+

Southlands Elementary is located at 5351 Camosun St, Vancouver, BC, V6N 2C4 in Vancouver.

Does Southlands 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 Southlands Elementary?+

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

Are there kids classes near Southlands Elementary?+

Nearby class and activity listings for this school area are being added.

After school

0

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

3

nearby options

Nearby classes

0

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

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

What this page covers

Southlands Elementary school information

Southlands 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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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.