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Tyee Elementary

3525 Dumfries St, Vancouver, BC, V5N 3S5 · Vancouver

Rating

7.2

5-year avg

7.2

Rank

212/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

Tyee Elementary is an excellent choice for Vancouver families seeking a public Montessori education with a strong community feel and a unique emphasis on environmental sustainability. Its solid academic performance and dedicated parent base make it a standout alternative program, though prospective families should be prepared for a competitive entry process and active fundraising expectations.

Editorial review summary

Public parent reviews and discussions indicate that Tyee Elementary is a highly sought-after school with a deeply engaged community. Parents highly value the Montessori philosophy, the focus on student independence, and the school's robust environmental sustainability initiatives, such as its food and butterfly gardens. Because it is a District Choice Program, families actively choose to send their children here, resulting in a dedicated parent base. However, parents also note that the school relies heavily on fundraising. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) frequently asks for donations (historically around $250 per child in the Montessori program) to cover the costs of specialized Montessori materials, library books, and extra programs like art and music.

Common positives

  • Offers a district-wide Montessori Alternative Program available to all Vancouver residents.
  • Strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, gardening, and hands-on food cycle education.
  • Multi-age classrooms foster peer learning, leadership, and independence.
  • Highly engaged parent community that actively supports school programs.
  • Solid and consistent academic performance with a 7.2/10 Fraser Institute rating.

Common concerns

  • High demand for the Montessori program means admission can be highly competitive and subject to a lottery.
  • Significant reliance on parent fundraising and requested donations to purchase essential Montessori materials and fund arts/music programs.
  • The self-directed, multi-age learning environment may not be the best fit for every child's learning style.

Who this school may fit

Highly recommended for families who value the Montessori philosophy, self-directed learning, and environmental education, and who are willing to actively participate in and financially support the school community.

Ratings and data

Academic information

Tyee Elementary demonstrates solid and consistent academic performance. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 7.2/10 and ranks 212 out of 1032 elementary schools in British Columbia. Its rating history shows some fluctuation over recent years (Not available -> 6.5 -> 8.5 -> 6.4 -> 7.2), but it maintains a strong previous 5-year average of 7.2. Academically, the school follows the BC Ministry of Education curriculum delivered through a Montessori framework, which encourages continuous progress and allows students to tackle academic challenges at their own pace.

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

Montessori Alternative Program (K-7)Multi-age GroupingsEnvironmental Sustainability and Food CyclesSocial and Emotional LearningProject-Based Learning

Common questions

Where is Tyee Elementary located?+

Tyee Elementary is located at 3525 Dumfries St, Vancouver, BC, V5N 3S5 in Vancouver.

Does Tyee Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

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

Are there tutors near Tyee Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 4 nearby tutor or academic enrichment options that may work for families around this school.

Are there kids classes near Tyee Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 8 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

2

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 2 nearby within 3km.

What this page covers

Tyee Elementary school information

Tyee 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.

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.