Vancouver elementary schools and those in neighbouring public school boards follow the established grade system and general curriculum for all of British Columbia.
The grades start at Kindergarten, followed by grade one all the way up to grade 7.
See the curriculum set for specific grades.
Primary School Grade Ages
| Grade |
Ages |
| Kindergarten |
5 – 6 |
| Grade 1 |
6 – 7 |
| Grade 2 |
7 – 8 |
| Grade 3 |
8 – 9 |
| Grade 4 |
9 – 10 |
| Grade 5 |
10 – 11 |
| Grade 6 |
11 – 12 |
| Grade 7 |
12 - 13 |
Vancouver elementary schools offer many different types of programs and services. When choosing a school for your child, you may want to consider the various programs and services offered by individual schools in your area. Below is listed the main programs and services to consider.
Vancouver Elementary Schools: Language Programs
Early French Immersion
The Vancouver School Board early French Immersion program accepts 5 and 6-year-olds at the beginning of their formal schooling.
This program is intended for non-French speaking students who wish to develop a high level of proficiency in both official languages.
Students enrolled in French immersion study the same BC curriculum as students in the English-language program. The main difference between the English-language program and French Immersion is that French is the language of instruction and communication.
Late French Immersion Grade 6 to 7
The Vancouver School Board late French Immersion program accepts 10 and 11 year olds who have successfully completed Grade 5. This program is intended for non-French speaking students who wish to develop a high level of proficiency in both official languages. Students enrolled in French immersion study the same BC curriculum as students in the English-language program. The main difference between the English-language program and French Immersion is that French is the language of instruction and communication.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Education
Vancouver area public school boards have programs and services in place to help students who don’t have enough English skills to meet their grade requirements. The types of programs and services available can vary between individual schools and school boards. Contact your local school board to find out what school would be best for your child’s
ESL needs.
Special Language Education
There are a number of Vancouver area public elementary schools that give students the opportunity to learn languages other than Canada’s two official languages.
Dr. Annie B Jamieson Elementary has a Mandarin Bilingual program for instance. Several schools in the Surrey School board have a
Punjabi learning program for instance. Contact your local school board to find out what special language education options are available in your area.
Vancouver Elementary Schools: Special Learning Programs
Special Education
All public school boards have special programs and services in place to assist students with special needs for personal challenges. There are services for learning disabilities, speech and language therapy, social and behavioural difficulties, hearing and vision difficulties, hospital or homebound students, and more. For example, the Vancouver school board offers the
Special Remedial Behavioural Support program at Franklyn, Nelson, Norquay, Renfrew, Strathcona and Waverly Elementary schools.The types of programs and services available can vary between individual schools and school boards. Contact your local school board to find out what school would be best for your child’s needs.
Montessori
Montessori Alternative Programs are available at a few Vancouver elementary schools as well as some in the surrounding areas. Montessori programs emphasize learning through all 5 senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes are encouraged to learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities. Contact your local school board to find out which schools offer these programs.
Arts Programs
Some Vancouver area elementary schools offer programs that allow students to explore visual and performing arts more intensively. Some examples include:
Nootka Fine Arts in Vancouver and
Confederation Park Elementary in Burnaby. Contact your local school board to find out which schools offer these programs.