elementary school opinions...

[back2theislandErin]

Hi! We are new to Nanaimo and are renting, just waiting to buy. I really need to hear opinions on the many elementary schools here, in order to narrow down what part of town to live in (besides the affordability factor!)
So, who can tell me the good AND bad points about schools in the south end? What elem would any of you NEVER send your kids? Any info is appreciated!
Erin

[sarah1234]

Oh, this post is going to be a hotbed of debate!
There are four schools on the chopping block right now, so you may want to avoid these four (although they're not south end): Dufferin Crescent, Rutherford, Mt. Benson, and... Ack, I've forgotten the fourth! Anybody remember?
Although they're on the chopping block, that doesn't mean they're out for sure. Duff was slated to close in the last round of closures, along with South Wellington, but neither ended up closing. I'm pretty sure Dufferin will end up closing, however, as the numbers declined significantly again this year and the school needs upgrades.
I'm going to go ahead and give a little caution about North Oyster... it's considered a little "rough".
Although many of the schools in the south end are considered "inner city", many are quite good. I've heard good things about Bayview (a couple of my teacher friends have chosen to go and work there--good principal and caring staff) and Georgia Ave.

[back2theislandErin]

Thanks for your reply; I'm going to head off and see if I can find a map of Nanaimo with the schools...I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the different areas! (I really like RiverRats summary of the different areas of town...very helpful!)
So, thanks, and I'll check back for more opinions!
Erin

[sarah1234]

There is a super good map of Nanaimo called citymap found at

http://www.nanaimo.ca/residents/inde...&collection=19

Once you open the map up, on the menu on the left hand side, select places of interest, then select schools. It will show all of the Nanaimo schools.
Another thing I love about this map is that you can map distances (just right click while your cursor is on the map). I used to use this function to map out running routes back in marathon days.

S

[abhinav]

all the best may ur kid go to the most sensitive of them all schools!

[djm]

Do not worry about the schools closing. Pick a neighbourhood/School which you like and suits your family.

Rationale: It is worth stressing that schools like Rutherford and Mount Benson are very, very (very) unlikely to be closed as the surrounding schools will end up very-large and over-crowded. New housing is still going up in these areas and once the baby-boomer grandchildren start to hit the schools en-masse, the district would end up having to re-buy new school sites in the same areas, but at greater expense. Taxpayers don't want a huge school construction bill in the future, and parents and kids in these areas don't want huge schools. Particularly if both of these were avoidable with some forward looking foresight. As an example of the extra taxpayer costs: the cost of expanding Coal Tyee to accept Mt. Benson kids is 2x the cost of completing the seismic upgrades to Mt. Benson. I don't know enough about Dufferin or Woodbank to comment.

There are four schools on the chopping block right now, so you may want to avoid these four (although they're not south end): Dufferin Crescent, Rutherford, Mt. Benson, and... Ack, I've forgotten the fourth! Anybody remember?
Although they're on the chopping block, that doesn't mean they're out for sure. Duff was slated to close in the last round of closures, along with South Wellington, but neither ended up closing....

[alas]

My kids have both gone to Woodbank, and I thought their building was up to par for earthquake protection, they had to update the "overhangs" (carport like) entrances by the doors one year... It is a very welcoming school, you always feel comfortable and cozy... Well designed I think.

Woodbank is Kindergarten to Grade 3. Then kids move into school North Cedar Intermediate school which used to be a highschool and a jr high. Great new playground though. Looks can be very decieving, NCI looks larger but Woodbank will actually hold more children!

Both schools are great, well supported by parents and really feels like a full community.

There is also the Cedar Community Centre (a part of the Cedar Community of Schools) which offers everything from Clay to Karate. As well as afterschool (at the school too) and spring break classes for kids. Like Story/Drama, Cooking, and Sports of course. There is a dance studio near the highschool and even Cubs and Brownies at the Church near the Grocer.

Once into highschool, which is Cedar Secondary School, your in another fabulously designed building... like Woodbank... Cozy and welcoming!!!

North Oyster School is also in the same community, I have never been there but I've never heard any one complain either!

[phenomenal]

When I moved to Nanaimo, I moved to the Old City Quarter because I love the area. However, I was in the catchment of Fairview Elementary Community school. I had some concerns because it was an inner city school where there would be a larger population of children from families with social problems.
I discovered this: The principal is very committed to the school and to keeping the school a safe supportive learning environment. The teachers have all been at the school for years and years. The school has lots of excellent programs and activities in place.
I decided that I have raised my child well enough and that I must trust her to make good decisions no matter who she encounters. That sheltering is not always the best method.
It turns out that she is very happy with this school. In the past she has went to some of the best schools where we have lived before. She loves Fairview because there is always so many way to be involved and active.
Also, because it is an inner city school and a community school then there is lots of support and accountability if there are any issues.
I have found that just because a school is in a good area and has less social problems does not mean it is a great school. I find commonly there is higher competition for having good clothes, toys, position. As well, these schools often are clicky and less diversified.
It is so great that I do not have to worry about her time at school.

[redrose85]

Forest Park is also a great elementary school.

[Apathy]

Quarterway is pretty good too.