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Rating
9.3
5-year avg
9.2
Rank
44/1032
2026 report · 2024-2025 school year
Quick take
School review information
St. Mary's School is a highly-rated Catholic independent elementary school that excels in academics, arts, and community support. It is an excellent choice for families seeking a faith-based education with robust wrap-around care, provided they are comfortable with the required parent participation and the upcoming seismic rebuild process.
Editorial review summary
Publicly available parent reviews for St. Mary's School are limited. However, based on school policies and community discussions, it can be inferred that parents highly value the tight-knit, faith-based community and the holistic educational approach. The guaranteed SAINTS Before & After School Club is frequently highlighted as a major benefit for working families. Parents also note the mandatory Parent Participation Program, which fosters strong family involvement but requires a time commitment that prospective families should be prepared for.
Common positives
- Excellent and consistent academic performance (Fraser Institute rating of 9.3/10).
- Comprehensive music curriculum, including an Orff approach for primary students and a dedicated band program for grades 5-7.
- Guaranteed before and after-school care (SAINTS Club) provides academic intervention and enrichment, which is highly convenient for working parents.
- Strong sense of community fostered by active parent involvement and a Student Mentor program.
- Inclusive International Students Program that promotes cultural diversity.
Common concerns
- The school building was assessed as high risk in a major seismic event, and a rebuild is currently being planned, which may cause future logistical disruptions.
- Mandatory religious education and participation in Catholic liturgies may not align with the preferences of non-religious families.
- The required Parent Participation Program demands a time commitment that can be challenging for busy families.
Who this school may fit
We strongly recommend St. Mary's School for families looking for a top-tier academic environment integrated with Catholic values. The availability of the SAINTS Before & After School Club makes it particularly appealing for working parents. Prospective families should, however, inquire directly with the school administration about the timeline and potential impacts of the planned seismic rebuild, and ensure they have the capacity to fulfill the volunteer hours required by the Parent Participation Program.
Ratings and data
Academic information
St. Mary's School demonstrates outstanding academic performance, consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in the province. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an impressive overall rating of 9.3/10 and ranks 44th out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. Its historical ratings (9.3, 9.4, 8.8, 9.2, and 9.3) and a 5-year average of 9.2 reflect a strong and stable academic environment. The school follows the BC Curriculum and supplements its Math and English instruction with the IXL online learning platform to further support student achievement.
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
BC CurriculumCatholic Christian EducationFrench (AIM Program)Music & Band Program (Grades 5-7)SAINTS Before & After School ClubStudent Mentor ProgramInternational Students Program
Common questions
Where is St Mary's School located?+
St Mary's School is located at 5239 Joyce St, Vancouver, BC, V5R 4G8 in Vancouver.
Does St Mary's School have after-school pickup options?+
InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 4 nearby after-school options.
Are there tutors near St Mary's School?+
InsideVan currently lists 4 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.
Are there kids classes near St Mary's School?+
InsideVan currently lists 8 nearby kids class or activity options.
After-school programs and classes near St Mary's School
0 after-school programs explicitly serve this school, 4 are nearby within 3km, plus 4 tutors and 8 class options.
Find pickup programs
Nearby within 3km, no pickup provided from this school
Tutors near St Mary's School
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Nearby tutors
Classes near St Mary's School
Shown within about 3km of the school, excluding dedicated after-school and tutoring programs.
Nearby classes and activities
After school
4
pickup or nearby
Nearby tutors
4
nearby options
Nearby classes
8
nearby options
After-school pickup
See pickup and nearby options first
0 explicitly serve this school, plus 4 nearby within 3km.
What this page covers
St Mary's School school information
St Mary's School is a elementary school in Vancouver. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 4 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.