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Elementary
St Francis de Sales
6656 Balmoral St, Burnaby, BC, V5E 1J1 · Burnaby
Rating
9.2
5-year avg
8.9
Rank
58/1015
Parent reports
0
email verified
After school
5
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
8
nearby options
Nearby classes
14
nearby options
What this page covers
St Francis de Sales school information
St Francis de Sales is a elementary school in Burnaby. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, parent-submitted reports, school programs, 5 after-school options, nearby tutors, and kids classes so families can compare the school and after-school fit in one place.
Quick take
School summary
St Francis de Sales is a 'hidden gem' of academic excellence in Burnaby, proving that high test scores don't require sprawling campuses. It is a traditional, faith-first institution where the lack of fancy amenities is outweighed by a disciplined, high-achieving culture. It is not a pay-to-play private school but a community ministry that demands commitment from its families.
Common questions
Where is St Francis de Sales located?+
St Francis de Sales is located at 6656 Balmoral St, Burnaby, BC, V5E 1J1 in Burnaby.
Does St Francis de Sales have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 1 programs that explicitly serve this school and 4 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near St Francis de Sales?+
InsideVan currently lists 8 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near St Francis de Sales?+
InsideVan currently lists 14 nearby kids class or activity options.
How are parent reports for St Francis de Sales collected?+
Parent reports are submitted through InsideVan with email verification. Public comments are reviewed before publishing.
Parent-submitted
Parent reports
These scores come from email-verified parent reports. Public comments are reviewed first to reduce spam and promotional content.
0
parent responses
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Ratings and data
Academic information
St Francis de Sales is an academically elite elementary school, achieving a remarkable 9.2/10 rating from the Fraser Institute. This score places it 58th out of 1,015 schools in British Columbia, indicating performance well above the provincial average. The school consistently demonstrates strong results in Foundation Skills Assessments (FSA), particularly in literacy and numeracy, reflecting a rigorous academic environment that prepares students exceptionally well for secondary education.
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
Catholic Religious EducationFrench Language ProgramMusic & ChoirPhysical EducationVolleyballBasketball (Guardians of the Court Tournament)Track & FieldService ProjectsPreschool (3 & 4 Year Olds)Sacramental Preparation
Editorial review summary
Parent feedback highlights a strong, tight-knit community centered around the parish. The school is praised for its safe environment and high academic standards. However, admissions are noted to be competitive, with a strict priority system favoring active parishioners. Some reviews mention that the school's facilities, particularly the playground and outdoor sports fields, are smaller and more modest compared to public schools. The 'waitlist' is a common topic, emphasizing the difficulty of securing a spot without parish involvement.
Common positives
- Exceptional academic rating (9.2/10)
- Strong Catholic values and community spirit
- More affordable tuition compared to secular private schools
- Dedicated teaching staff and disciplined environment
- Safe and structured learning atmosphere
Common concerns
- Limited outdoor play space and sports facilities
- Admission is difficult for non-parishioners
- Requires active parent volunteering and participation
- Fewer specialized resources (e.g., science labs) than large public schools
Who this school may fit
Best suited for practicing Catholic families living in Burnaby who prioritize academic rigor and traditional values over modern facilities. It is an ideal choice for parents willing to be active in the parish community to secure a high-quality, value-driven education for their children. Non-Catholics may find admission extremely difficult.
After-school programs serving St Francis de Sales
1 programs explicitly serve this school, 4 nearby programs within 3km.
Explicitly serves this school
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near St Francis de Sales
Find math, reading, language, and academic enrichment tutors around this school.
Nearby tutors
Classes near St Francis de Sales
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.