Before families purchase a new home and move to a new neighbourhood, it’s important to assess the quality of nearby schools. Will the school in your desired neighbourhood match the needs of your children? How well does the school rank in comparison to the neighbouring towns?
Here, we take you through the top public schools on Vancouver Island as ranked by the Fraser Institute. While we acknowledge that the Fraser Institute’s criteria for top schools are limited, it is nonetheless a good place to start when deciding which neighbourhood offers the best options for your family.
Carihi Secondary School
Location: 350 Dogwood St.
Neighbourhood: Campbell River
2021-22 Rank: 17/252
Carihi Secondary School strives to offer its student and faculty a caring, respectful environment in which everyone feels emotionally and physically safe, reflects a sense of community that celebrates its diversity, and all learners are engaged in their learning. Located in the beauty of Campbell River, this nature-clad location has inspired unique programs for students, including their Fly Fishing Program and Forestry Program which will continue to nurture each student’s connection to place and the great outdoors.
Claremont Secondary School
Location: 4980 Wesley Rd.
Neighbourhood: Cordova Bay
2021-22 Rank: 50/252
Claremont Secondary School is located in beautiful Victoria, BC. Opening its doors in 1962, the institution has served the local community for over 60 years. Located in the seaside neighborhood of Cordova Bay, Claremont is the largest high school in its district and is a welcome place to their diverse student body. The school’s curricular offerings are designed to meet students’ interests and learning needs, allowing students to craft their timetable from a variety of core academic, Arts Education, Applied Design, Skills and Technology, trades and Advanced Placement classes.
Oak Bay High School
Location: 2151 Cranmore Rd.
Neighbourhood: Oak Bay
2021-22 Rank: 82/252
Oak Bay High School is renowned for its outstanding academic, artistic and athletic accomplishments—a tradition of excellence and innovation that has been built over many years by the talents and efforts of its students, teachers, and administrators. Guided by four fundamental pillars– academics, athletics, the arts, and philanthropy– Oak Bay has garnered its reputation for fostering community leaders. As of 2023, the school enrolls about 1400 students, including 150 International Program Students, selected for their excellence.
Nanaimo District Secondary School
Location: 2151 Cranmore Rd.
Neighbourhood: Nanaimo
2021-22 Rank: 50/252
Nanaimo District Secondary provides learning opportunities designed to empower students to achieve excellence and pursue their passions in an inclusive, supportive and respectful environment. Honouring their values of dignity, purpose, and options for all, over 1,000 students from across the city are welcomed through their doors each day. Students will enjoy access to a multitude of clubs and athletics teams to enrich their school experience, ranging from an AV Club to a BC Bowl winning football program.
Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School
Location: 1551 Lerwick Rd.
Neighbourhood: Courtenay
2021-22 Rank: 95/252
Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School is an inclusive school with International Students hailing from around the world. Taking pride in their blossoming French Immersion Program, Fine Arts programs, and a notable Athletics program with over 30 competitive teams, the school provides an innovative learning community catering to a diverse pool of passions and pursuits. Founded on respect and support, Mark R. Isfeld lays its focus on providing a balanced, varied program for all students.
Looking to buy a home in the catchment area for one of these great schools? Our rennie advisors specialize in neighbourhoods across the Lower Mainland and can find the home best suited to you.
