Top 7 BEST Elementary Schools in Surrey BC

Top 7 Elementary Schools in Surrey, BC 🏫📚

If you're planning to move to Surrey, BC and have young kids—or you're planning to start a family—choosing the right elementary school is probably at the top of your list. As a local realtor who's lived in Surrey for over 30 years, and with my wife being an elementary school teacher in the Surrey School District, I’m here to share some valuable insights. In this post, we’ll cover 7 of the top-rated elementary schools in Surrey and what makes each one unique.

What Sets Surrey’s Top Elementary Schools Apart?

So, what actually sets the best Surrey elementary schools apart—especially those that continue to excel, even when facing shifting neighbourhood demographics or tight budgets?

In my experience speaking with teachers (my wife included!), parents, and principals throughout Surrey, a few standout features come up again and again:

• Strong Leadership: Top schools almost always have a principal and admin team who set a clear vision and support both students and staff every day.
• Consistent Structure: There’s a dependable routine—kids know what to expect and feel safe and supported from the minute they walk in the door.
• Active Family Involvement: Whether it’s PAC fundraising, volunteering on field trips, or helping out in the classroom, high parental participation creates a tight-knit community and better outcomes for kids.
• Proactive Support: Teachers and support staff catch challenges early. Whether your child needs extra reading help or enrichment activities, top schools step in fast.
• Inclusive Culture: Welcoming students from every background, these schools weave cultural understanding and social responsibility into daily life—increasingly vital in Surrey’s diverse neighbourhoods.

The best part? These features aren’t exclusive to just private schools or those with tons of resources—many Surrey public schools show that strong results are absolutely achievable by focusing on these fundamentals.

How the Foundation Skills Assessment Shapes School Rankings

When it comes to comparing Surrey’s top elementary schools, one tool stands above the rest: the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA). Each year, BC students in Grades 4 and 7 complete the FSA, which gauges their abilities in reading, writing, and numeracy. The results? They form a big part of how organizations like the Fraser Institute rank and review local schools.

The FSA scores help parents and educators:

• See how well students are mastering foundational subjects
• Identify areas where schools are excelling—or where extra support might be needed
• Make apples-to-apples comparisons between schools across Surrey (and the rest of BC)

So, while these numbers aren’t the whole story, they do give us an evidence-based peek at which schools are consistently helping kids thrive. And that’s why you’ll notice FSA results featured in almost every reputable Surrey school comparison—mine included!

Who Attends Surrey’s Top Elementary Schools?

Parents often ask me: “What kinds of families will my kids meet at these schools?” The answer varies with each neighbourhood, but here’s a snapshot to help you picture life beyond the playground.

Across Surrey’s best-rated elementary schools, you’ll find a rich mix of backgrounds and professions that reflect both Surrey’s diversity and its evolving economy. Here’s a general rundown of who you're likely to meet at school drop-off:

Family Backgrounds:

• Many parents are first- or second-generation Canadians who place a high value on education and community connection.
• Immigrant families, including those from Filipino, South Asian, and East Asian communities, often view schooling as a springboard for new opportunities.
• You'll also find long-established Canadian families—some with roots in the community for generations—who cherish both tradition and educational excellence.
• In neighborhoods like South Surrey and Fraser Heights, parents tend to be highly engaged in school activities and community life.

Career Paths and Education:

• Professional households are common, including engineers, healthcare workers, software developers, educators, and consultants.
• You’ll meet business owners (from small shops to larger enterprises), as well as families whose livelihoods come from trades like construction, transportation, and logistics.
• Public sector workers, such as teachers, nurses, and city employees, are also well represented, especially in established family neighbourhoods.
• Some independent and faith-based schools attract families seeking a blend of religious instruction and strong academics. Here, parents may include entrepreneurs, physicians, and expatriates.
• In some areas—especially near newer developments—you’ll encounter families drawn by more affordable housing, including young professionals starting out and families working hard to establish themselves in Canada.

Community Life:

• Parent involvement is a common thread, whether it’s through the Parent Advisory Council, volunteering at events, or championing extracurricular activities.
• You’ll notice a strong respect for education, cultural traditions, and moral values running through school communities—whether they’re in diverse, working-class neighborhoods or more affluent enclaves.

When considering a school for your family, thinking about the community you’ll be joining is just as important as test scores and curriculum. After all, schools thrive because of the people who fill them with energy and care.

🌞 Sunnyside Elementary (South Surrey)

Located in the heart of the Sunnyside neighbourhood in South Surrey, Sunnyside Elementary is highly sought after for its strong academic performance and inclusive culture.

Why Parents Love It:

• Emphasis on literacy and numeracy

• Diverse student body with strong social-emotional learning (SEL) programs

• Extracurriculars like sports, clubs, and community-based events

• Active parent involvement and community partnerships

Sunnyside truly reflects the area’s mix of new and established families. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and a staff committed to supporting both academic and emotional growth—especially important with so many kids navigating new languages and cultures.

🏞️ Frost Road Elementary (Fleetwood)

Frost Road Elementary in Fleetwood is known for its high-quality instruction and student support systems.

Highlights:

• Focus on differentiated instruction and academic excellence

• Strong SEL programs that promote empathy and resilience

• Numerous extracurriculars including sports and creative clubs

• Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) plays a key role in school life

What sets Frost Road apart is the depth of its community engagement and the diversity of its student body. Many families here speak languages other than English at home, and the school has developed targeted supports for English Language Learners to ensure no one falls behind. Early intervention strategies and regular assessments help identify and support students who may need extra help, reinforcing a culture of care and achievement. The PAC is not just active in fundraising, but in academic planning and organizing workshops for parents, creating a bridge between home and school that directly benefits student success.

🌳 Walnut Road Elementary (Fleetwood)

Also in Fleetwood, Walnut Road stands out with its personalized learning approach and a strong sense of community.

What Stands Out:

• Comprehensive curriculum prioritizing literacy and numeracy

• Inclusive environment with multicultural programs

• Student leadership and community outreach opportunities

• Parents are heavily involved in classrooms and events

Walnut Road’s focus on foundational skills—particularly in literacy and numeracy—is reflected in consistently strong academic outcomes. The school thrives on the active participation of families, many of whom are professionals or small business owners dedicated to their children’s education. Parental involvement goes beyond volunteering; it includes academic oversight at home, homework support, and participation in enrichment activities like music, tutoring, and weekend math clubs. This partnership between home and school helps foster both academic strength and character development.

🌊 South Meridian Elementary (South Surrey)

Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hands-on learning, South Meridian provides a holistic education experience.

Strengths:

• Innovative teaching through project-based learning

• Peer mediation, mindfulness, and restorative justice practices

• Outdoor education programs like watershed and nature studies

• Strong community partnerships and dedicated staff

South Meridian stands out for its commitment to nurturing both the mind and the heart. The school’s leadership works closely with families to reinforce positive behaviour and emotional wellness, often through community outreach and family workshops. With a diverse student population, South Meridian places a premium on inclusion and understanding, ensuring every child feels welcome and supported. Parents are deeply involved, often coordinating academic activities at home and volunteering in school-led initiatives.

🏡 Pacific Heights Elementary (Grandview Heights)

Serving the growing Grandview Heights area, Pacific Heights is innovative and student-centered.

Features:

• Strong use of technology in the classroom

• Programs promoting mindfulness, empathy, and global awareness

• Clubs and leadership initiatives such as environmental programs

• Excellent parent volunteer engagement

At Pacific Heights, you’ll find a vibrant mix of dual-income professional families who value enriched learning paths and small class sizes. The school carefully balances academic rigor with emotional support, using technology as a tool to personalize learning. Parental engagement is high, not only in school programs but also in supporting homework routines and extracurricular learning at home. This alignment between school and family values helps drive consistent student achievement.

🍁 Hazelgrove Elementary (Clayton Heights)

Hazelgrove offers a balanced approach between academics and SEL, making it a standout in Clayton Heights.

Known For:

• Differentiated instruction and collaborative learning

• Core values like safety, respect, and mindfulness (STORM matrix)

• Student leadership and peer mediation programs

• High parent involvement through PAC and volunteering

Hazelgrove’s success is rooted in its clear behavioural expectations and a strong partnership between staff and families. Many parents are college-educated and emphasize both academic and character development at home. The school’s PAC is extremely active, helping to organize events, support classroom learning, and provide feedback on school initiatives. This strong sense of community and shared purpose is a key ingredient in Hazelgrove’s positive learning environment.

🌈 Semiahmoo Trail Elementary (South Surrey)

Located in South Surrey, Semiahmoo Trail Elementary emphasizes both academic excellence and cultural inclusivity.

Highlights:

• Project-based learning and critical thinking focus

• Community outreach and leadership opportunities

• Strong parent engagement and inclusive school culture

• Emphasis on character development

Semiahmoo Trail benefits from stable leadership and a curriculum that prioritizes foundational skills alongside social-emotional learning. Families from diverse backgrounds come together here, reinforcing a school culture that values respect, empathy, and mutual support. Parents are often engaged not just in fundraising but in mentoring, reading at home, and reinforcing positive behaviour expectations. Targeted supports for English Language Learners and early literacy intervention ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Across these top Surrey elementary schools, a few patterns emerge: strong leadership, clear behavioural expectations, and a culture of collaboration between home and school. While resources matter, it’s the shared commitment of families, staff, and community that truly shapes student outcomes—making these schools more than just places of learning, but vibrant, supportive communities.

Socio-Economic Backgrounds and Academic Success in Surrey

While school rankings often draw attention, what’s happening behind the scores reveals even more: the impact of family backgrounds on academic achievement in Surrey’s schools.

The Role of Community Values

In many Surrey neighborhoods, families come from lower- to middle-income households, with parents often working in transportation, trades, or running small businesses. But income level alone doesn’t determine student success. Across these communities, a common thread emerges—families share a deep respect for education, value strong moral discipline, and maintain close-knit connections both at home and school.

Structured Routines and High Expectations

Many schools thriving in these communities create structured environments that reinforce educational goals. This might look like well-established homework routines, consistent behavioral expectations, and extended families pitching in to help students stay on task. Even when financial resources are limited, the combination of family involvement, cultural identity, and a sense of collective purpose forms the backbone of student achievement.

Faith-Based and Culturally Aligned Schools

Interestingly, schools with strong cultural or faith-based identities often generate impressive results, regardless of household wealth. Whether anchored by religious traditions or built on shared values, these schools benefit from the consistent reinforcement of expectations between home and classroom. The close partnership between families and educators can, in many cases, outpace the advantages of more affluent school communities.

Public Schools and Adaptability

Not all Surrey families have the same resources, and that reality is especially apparent in public schools. Teachers here face unique challenges as they adapt to shifting demographics and limited funding. Their success depends on early intervention, creative problem-solving, and building authentic relationships within the local community.

Key Takeaway

Ultimately, academic excellence in Surrey isn’t just about income levels or new facilities. It’s about alignment—when families and schools work hand-in-hand, blending shared values, clear routines, and active engagement, students thrive. Whether in a vibrant public school or a mission-driven independent school, it’s this spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that gives Surrey’s students their edge.

Supporting Students from Lower-Income and Transient Families

Public and independent schools in Surrey face the unique challenge of serving students from lower-income backgrounds and families on the move. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, these schools foster supportive learning environments tailored to changing community needs.

Inclusive Strategies and Community Connection:

• Many schools focus on building strong relationships between teachers, families, and community organizations. This might mean regular parent workshops, open communication channels, or collaboration with local cultural centers and places of worship.
• Schools often provide access to after-school programs, homework clubs, and mentorship initiatives designed to help students keep pace academically, regardless of household income or stability.

Promoting Stability and Academic Growth:

• For students who relocate frequently or face uncertain living situations, schools work to create consistent routines in the classroom. A stable daily schedule, clear expectations, and caring educators help anchor students, offering predictability amid change.
• Language support, targeted literacy programs, and small-group interventions are common, ensuring learners who speak English as an additional language or require extra help are not left behind.

Strong Values and Home-School Partnerships:

• Whether independent or public, many schools place a big emphasis on shared values, character education, and leadership—qualities that strengthen student resilience. These principles often encourage a sense of belonging, even for those coming from challenging backgrounds.
• Educational expectations are reinforced through active parent participation, with teachers and families working together to set routines and study habits at home and in school.

In short, by weaving together inclusive practices, community partnerships, and consistent academic support, Surrey's schools help every child—including those from lower-income or transient families—develop the skills, confidence, and stability they need to succeed.

Comparing Independent and Public Schools in Surrey

Surrey’s rich cultural diversity is reflected in its schools, where students come from a wide array of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. With so many multi-generational households and families speaking languages other than English at home, schools face unique challenges—and opportunities.

So, how do independent (private) schools stack up against their public counterparts when it comes to academic performance?

Performance Snapshot:

• Independent Schools:
  Generally, independent schools in Surrey—many of which are rooted in strong religious or community values—tend to post higher scores in literacy and numeracy. Reports like the Fraser Institute’s 2024 Report Card on British Columbia’s Elementary Schools showcase these results, with independent schools frequently outpacing the majority of their public peers.

• Public Schools:
  Public schools in Surrey are a diverse bunch, ranging from those in more affluent neighborhoods with active parental participation to schools serving newly arrived families from across the globe. The highest-performing public schools typically share a few things in common: a stable socio-economic environment, strong ties with parents, and a robust focus on foundational skills.

Why the Gap?

Several factors contribute to the achievement difference:

• Parental Involvement: Both high-performing independent and public schools benefit from parents who are actively engaged.
• Resources & Stability: Independent schools often have greater autonomy and resources, while high-performing public schools are commonly found in neighborhoods with fewer economic barriers.
• Community Focus: Whether it’s faith-based values or community-driven programs, the strongest schools—regardless of type—foster a sense of belonging and accountability.

In short, while independent schools often lead the academic charts, there are notable public schools in Surrey that rise to the challenge through community strength and parental support.

Common Values in High-Performing Faith-Based Schools

If you’ve wondered what sets Surrey’s top religious and faith-based schools apart, it’s not about flashy facilities or steep tuition—it’s about the glue that holds their communities together.

Shared Strengths:

• Strong Community Ties: Most of these schools thrive on a close-knit atmosphere. Families rally together, and there’s a shared sense of purpose built around shared faith and cultural traditions. This makes it easy for parents, teachers, and students to pull in the same direction.
• Clear Expectations: Whether it’s adhering to school codes or respecting religious values, students know what’s expected of them inside and outside of class. This consistency helps set a steady rhythm for learning.
• Active Family Involvement: It’s common to see parents helping with homework, volunteering on campus, and taking a hands-on role in their child’s education. Education isn’t just left to the teachers—it’s a family affair, from home reading routines to community events.
• Character and Moral Development: Academic achievement is important, but so is growing into a kind, responsible person. These schools place a strong emphasis on values like respect, self-discipline, and empathy, often weaving them into daily lessons and activities.
• Accessibility: Many faith-based schools work to keep their programs affordable, ensuring they’re open to families from a range of economic backgrounds. Tuition may be a factor, but it doesn’t limit a family’s involvement or a student’s success.
• Structured Learning Environment: From the organization of the school day to homework routines, there’s a clear structure that helps students build good habits and take their work seriously.

If you picture a classroom where everyone knows each other—and cares about both grades and good deeds—you’re not far off. High-performing faith-based schools in Surrey show how strong values, teamwork, and support can move the needle for students and families alike.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right School for Your Family

Each of these schools brings something special to the table—whether it’s academic excellence, community spirit, or a strong focus on emotional wellness. While this list features seven top-rated elementary schools in Surrey, there are many more great options across the city. It all depends on your family’s values and the specific programs that matter most to you.

It’s also important to note a recurring theme among Surrey’s highest-performing schools: alignment between home, school, and culture can often be as influential as access to resources. For example, several of Surrey’s top independent schools—like Khalsa Newton, Old Yale Road campus, G.A.D. (Guru Angad Dev Elementary), and Sikh Academy—showcase how strong community ties, shared values, and family involvement can drive exceptional academic results, even in the absence of affluence. Many of these schools serve working- and middle-class families, often from backgrounds in transportation, trades, and small business. What unites them is a deep respect for education, structured routines, and a commitment to both academic and character development.

Whether you’re drawn to faith-based schools with a focus on discipline and tradition, or public schools known for creative programming and multicultural inclusion, Surrey offers a wide spectrum of choices. The key is finding a school where your family’s priorities—whether that’s a structured environment, cultural alignment, or hands-on learning—can truly flourish.

🔎 What Does Home-School Alignment Mean for Student Success in Surrey?

One clear takeaway from Surrey’s leading elementary schools is the importance of home-school alignment in student achievement. When families and schools share similar values, expectations, and approaches to learning, students thrive. This isn’t just about test scores; it’s also about creating a consistent environment where kids feel supported both at home and in the classroom.

Whether you’re drawn to a community-focused public school in Fleetwood or a faith-based institution in South Surrey, the core ingredients for student success tend to look similar:

• Clear routines and structure that provide a sense of safety and predictability
• Leadership that inspires both teachers and families to work together
• Classrooms where respect, discipline, and support are part of daily life
• Parents who are actively involved—volunteering, supporting learning at home, or joining the Parent Advisory Committee

In short, schools where families and educators pull in the same direction see the greatest impact on student learning and well-being. This shared commitment helps children build confidence, develop resilience, and reach their full potential.

If you’re considering moving to Surrey and want to explore which neighbourhoods would suit you best, I’d be happy to help!

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