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Trafalgar Elementary

4170 Trafalgar St, Vancouver, BC, V6L 2M5 · Vancouver

Rating

7.5

5-year avg

7.2

Rank

168/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

Trafalgar Elementary is a well-regarded public school in Vancouver's Arbutus-Ridge neighborhood, known for its French Immersion programs and stable academic standing. With an improving Fraser Institute rating of 7.5/10, it offers a consistent educational foundation. The school's diverse student body and active parent community create an inclusive environment. However, families should be prepared for the competitive entry and long waitlists associated with the French Immersion tracks.

Editorial review summary

Public parent reviews and discussions highlight Trafalgar Elementary's strong sense of community and the high demand for its French Immersion programs. Parents appreciate the robust, collaborative parent community and the school's inclusive environment. However, a recurring point of frustration in public forums and news is the long waitlists and limited spaces for the French Immersion program, which has caused stress for families trying to keep siblings in the same school. Additionally, a 2018 news report noted an isolated incident involving inappropriate class material, though the district took immediate action. Overall, parents value the school's academic stability, heritage building (seismically upgraded in 2009), and dedicated staff.

Common positives

  • Offers both Early (K-7) and Late (Grades 6-7) French Immersion programs.
  • Strong and collaborative parent community that actively enriches the educational experience.
  • Consistent and improving academic performance (Fraser Institute rating of 7.5/10).
  • Inclusive environment with strong support for English Language Learners (ELL).
  • Historic, seismically upgraded (2009) building located in the quiet Arbutus-Ridge neighborhood.

Common concerns

  • High demand and long waitlists for the French Immersion programs.
  • The English stream has a high proportion of students learning English as a second language (around 60%), which may affect classroom dynamics for native speakers.
  • Limited spots can make it difficult to enroll siblings in the same program.

Who this school may fit

Recommended for families seeking a bilingual education through Early or Late French Immersion, provided they apply early and are prepared for waitlists. It is also a suitable fit for families who value a diverse, community-oriented school with strong ELL support in the English stream.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Trafalgar Elementary demonstrates stable and improving academic performance. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 7.5/10, ranking 168th out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. Its performance has shown a steady upward trend in recent years, with a history of 7.0, 7.2, 7.1, 7.2, and most recently 7.5, resulting in a 5-year average of 7.2. School reports indicate that the majority of students consistently meet the 'Proficient' category across core subjects. The school supports a diverse learning environment, with nearly two-thirds of the student body enrolled in French Immersion programs, while the English stream provides robust support for English Language Learners (ELL).

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

Early French Immersion (K-7)Late French Immersion (Grades 6-7)English Program (K-7)English Language Learning (ELL)

Common questions

Where is Trafalgar Elementary located?+

Trafalgar Elementary is located at 4170 Trafalgar St, Vancouver, BC, V6L 2M5 in Vancouver.

Does Trafalgar Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan currently tracks 2 programs that explicitly serve this school and 0 nearby after-school options.

Are there tutors near Trafalgar Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 10 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Trafalgar Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 7 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

2

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

10

nearby options

Nearby classes

7

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

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

What this page covers

Trafalgar Elementary school information

Trafalgar Elementary is a elementary school in Vancouver. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 2 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.