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University Highlands Elementary

9388 Tower Rd, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4X6 · Burnaby

Rating

6.9

5-year avg

7.3

Rank

273/1032

2026 report · 2024-2025 school year

Quick take

School review information

University Highlands Elementary is an excellent choice for families who value progressive education, environmental sustainability, and a tight-knit community. Its unique location on Burnaby Mountain and strong ties to the SFU community provide a distinct, campus-like atmosphere. While its academic ratings are solid, the school truly shines in its character education, inclusivity, and outdoor learning initiatives.

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Editorial review summary

Publicly available parent reviews and community discussions highlight a highly positive and inclusive school culture. Parents frequently praise the dedication of the teaching staff, noting that educators go above and beyond to build community and communicate effectively through regular updates and classroom blogs. The active Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a testament to strong family involvement. Families appreciate the school's progressive values, including its focus on diversity (hosting Burnaby's first elementary rainbow crosswalk) and environmental sustainability. However, some parents note that parking and drop-off can be challenging due to the school's eco-friendly design, which intentionally limits parking to encourage walking, cycling, and transit use.

Common positives

  • Housed in a LEED Gold certified building with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental education.
  • First school in BC to be designated a 'Fair Trade School'.
  • Highly inclusive environment with active diversity clubs (GSA) and award-winning teaching staff.
  • Located in the vibrant UniverCity community near Simon Fraser University (SFU).
  • Offers the 'Roots 2 Grow' Outdoor Learning Program.
  • Strong before and after-school care options through SFU Childcare Society and city programs.

Common concerns

  • Parking and student drop-off are intentionally limited to promote eco-friendly transportation, which can be inconvenient for commuting parents.
  • Fraser Institute ratings have shown some fluctuation in recent years (ranging from 6.7 to 8.0).
  • Rapid population growth in the UniverCity area means the school can be quite full, despite recent expansions.

Who this school may fit

Highly recommended for families living in the UniverCity area or those who prioritize eco-conscious, inclusive education. Parents who rely heavily on driving for school drop-offs should be prepared for limited parking and are encouraged to embrace the school's active transportation ethos.

Ratings and data

Academic information

University Highlands Elementary is a well-regarded public school in Burnaby, known for its innovative approach to education. According to the Fraser Institute, the school holds an overall rating of 6.9/10, ranking 273 out of 1032 schools in British Columbia. Its historical performance shows some fluctuation, with recent ratings moving from 7.2 to 8, down to 6.7, up to 7.6, and currently resting at 6.9. The school maintains a solid 5-year average rating of 7.3. Academically, the school integrates the standard BC curriculum with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and social equity, providing a well-rounded and progressive educational experience.

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

Roots 2 Grow Outdoor Learning ProgramEnvironmental Education and Sustainability InquiryFair Trade School ProgramGender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Diversity ClubBefore and After School Care (Active Zone, Kid's Club)

Common questions

Where is University Highlands Elementary located?+

University Highlands Elementary is located at 9388 Tower Rd, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4X6 in Burnaby.

Does University Highlands Elementary have after-school pickup options?+

InsideVan currently tracks 0 programs that explicitly serve this school and 1 nearby after-school options.

Are there tutors near University Highlands Elementary?+

Nearby tutor listings for this school area are being added.

Are there kids classes near University Highlands Elementary?+

InsideVan currently lists 5 nearby kids class or activity options.

After school

1

pickup or nearby

Nearby tutors

0

nearby options

Nearby classes

5

nearby options

After-school pickup

See pickup and nearby options first

0 explicitly serve this school, plus 1 nearby within 3km.

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What this page covers

University Highlands Elementary school information

University Highlands Elementary is a elementary school in Burnaby. This page brings together school ratings and rankings, school programs, 1 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.