We landed approx. six weeks ago with our two kids - one of which is nearing school age. Does anyone have any opinons on the public vs private school system in BC?

Instinctively, I find the private system abhorent but like most people, I can suffer hypocracy where my own children are involved.

I've also noticed that outside of Vancouver, there is a plethora of religious schools. I would expect the Catholic school system to be of a high standard but wonder about the quality of the other Protestant denominations.

I should add that I find religion even more abhorent than the private school system!

Commendable sentiments and a answer to your own question, innit? Unless the public system is a disaster, which it aint, it's what you're going to use.

The fact is, that 82 percent of a child's academic achievement is dependent on the parents own level of academic achievement.
There's a reason that there is such a high percentage of doctors kids who become doctors themselves. Now, this is generally speaking, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but basically it’s got bugger all to do with the schools.

our kids are at Irwin Park and Ridgeview in west van and both are excellent .... but i believe all the elementary and high schools are very good in the area ..... cheers.

I think my suspicions are being confirmed - the state system is excellent.

I've also been told the private system is very good but not large enough for a bunch of horsey inbreeds to pass jobs around amongst one another - unlike Blighty.

Many thanks. I'll be able to get my kids educated and (pretend) to maintain some integrity.

Hi we came here to BC 7 weeks ago ,my girls are in grade two and three,they have settled into a local school in Richmond and so far I think its excellent ,they do so many sports and activities ,everyone is friendly and supportive ,such a relief .

I'm a product of Richmond public schooling from preschool-highschool and I think I turned out just fine
I'm a university graduate!