The Fraser Institute is a respected, peer-reviewed research body with a mission of improving the quality of life for Canadians. One of their focuses is on education, and every year they provide reports that indicate the highest rated schools in various provinces across Canada. The 2015 report card has been released, and it rates a total of 289 public and private schools in British Columbia.

The Fraser Institute rates schools based on academic performance, grade-to-grade transition rates and graduation rates. Included in the 289 schools rated in British Columbia are many Nanaimo schools.

While schools in this city do not rate as high as they do in other parts of the province, many parents are impressed with all they offer their children, and there are several public and private institutions that are worth noting.

Hammond Bay

Hammond Bay is a public school in Nanaimo serving grades kindergarten through seventh. The school received an excellent rating from the Fraser Institute this year and enjoyed an impressive score of 8.1 out of 10 for academic performance. This is an improvement out of the average 7.4 rating the school received in the most recent five years.  It also ranked 105 out of 978 elementary schools included in the complete report card for 2014.  

Many parents are turning to educating their children from home, and one way of accomplishing this is through the public Learn @ Home K-7 program offered in Nanaimo. This program is newer to the district, and it is off to a strong start with a rating of 7.9 out of 10 in 2014. This ranks it as excellent according to the Fraser Institute’s standards. The program is holding its own when compared to other schools and ranks 121 out of 978 on the 2014 report card.

Nanaimo school district

Nanaimo Christian School

Parents who prefer a private, Christian education often name Nanaimo Christian School as a top choice. The school is inter-denominational and accepts families from all religions. Many boast of the natural surroundings and holistic education offered here and appreciate the 6 acre campus that children can explore. Rated as good by the Fraser Institute, this school ranks 191 out of the 978 schools on the 2014 report card. The academic performance rating was noted as 7.3 in 2014, up considerably from a 5.8 rating in 2013.

Dover Bay

Dover Bay rates highest among public secondary schools in Nanaimo. Offering education for grades 8 through 12, Dover Bay helps children to grow academically, socially and as humans in a global society. The school was rated as good by the Fraser Institute and ranks eight-fifth out of 289 secondary schools included in the report card. In 2014, this Nanaimo school rated 7.0 for academic performance which was down slightly from the 7.3 rating in 2013.

It is worth noting that some individuals believe that the Fraser Institute’s methods for ranking schools are controversial, so parents cannot determine whether a school is the “best” or “worst” based solely on their report. To understand the pros and cons of any school in Nanaimo, parents are encouraged to visit the campus, ask questions of the faculty and consider their child’s individual learning needs and style. Parents might also note significant improvements in the classroom if they remain active in the school by volunteering, serving on the PTO or through communication with the administration.

Nanaimo is a wonderful place to live, learn and grow, and the schools available in this part of the country play an important part in the quality of life offered here. To learn more about these and other public and private institutions, contact the administration at each school or a representative from the district.