Richmond Schools | A Guide for Families Living in or Moving to Richmond, BC
For families considering a move to Richmond, schools are often an important part of choosing where to live. Richmond is served by School District No. 38, with elementary and secondary schools located throughout the city's neighbourhoods, along with French Immersion, Montessori and specialized program options.
This guide will help you understand Richmond school catchments, explore local schools and programs, and find the official resources you need when planning a move.
Richmond School District at a Glance
39
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
10
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
K- 12
PUBLIC EDUCATION
SD38
RICHMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT
Richmond's public schools are operated by the Richmond School District (School District No. 38). Students normally attend the school assigned to the catchment area where their parent or legal guardian resides, although placement can also depend on available space.
Understanding School Catchments
Which Richmond School Will My Child Attend?
Richmond is divided into school catchment areas. Your home address determines the elementary and secondary school your child would normally attend.
Because catchment boundaries and school capacity can change, families should always confirm their current catchment directly with the Richmond School District before making a home-buying decision.
Looking at a home in Richmond?
Use the Richmond School District's School Locator to confirm the current catchment for a specific address.
Elementary Schools
Richmond's 39 elementary schools serve neighbourhoods throughout the city, from Steveston and Terra Nova in the west to Hamilton in the east. Most students attend their neighbourhood catchment school, while some families may also explore district programs such as French Immersion or Montessori.
Secondary Schools
Richmond has 10 public secondary schools serving students across the city. In addition to regular academic programming, secondary students may have access to programs including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, French Immersion, career programs and other specialized learning opportunities. Program availability varies by school.
More Ways to Learn
Richmond offers several district program options beyond regular neighbourhood school programming.
French Immersion
Richmond offers both Early and Late French Immersion at the elementary level, with students able to continue French Immersion through Grade 12. Early French Immersion currently begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1, while Late French Immersion begins in Grade 6.
Montessori
Montessori is one of the district program options available at the elementary level. Placement and application requirements are administered by the Richmond School District.
Secondary Programs
Richmond secondary students can explore options including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, career programs, French Immersion, the Incentive Outdoor Program and Richmond Virtual School.
French Immersion
Richmond School District offers both Early and Late French Immersion. Early French Immersion begins in Kindergarten or Grade 1, while Late French Immersion begins in Grade 6. Students can continue in French Immersion through Grade 12.
French Immersion has its own catchment boundaries and placement process, so the school serving your home for regular English programming may not be the same school that serves your address for French Immersion. Placement is also subject to available space.
Registering for School After a Move
Moving to Richmond With School-Aged Children?
New Richmond residents can register their children with the Richmond School District through its Central Registration process. Registration requirements and timelines vary depending on the student's grade, residency status and program.
Families should check current registration requirements directly with the district, particularly when planning a move during the school year or applying for a district program.
Find Your Catchment
Use your Richmond home address to identify your designated school.
Review Registration Requirements
Check the district's current registration dates and required documents.
Register With SD38
Complete the appropriate registration process through the Richmond School District.
Choosing a Richmond Neighbourhood
Finding a Richmond Neighbourhood That Fits Your Family
Schools may be one part of your decision, but they're rarely the only one. Commute times, housing type, parks, recreation, shopping, transit and the overall feel of a neighbourhood can all influence where you choose to live.
Richmond's neighbourhoods offer very different lifestyles—from the waterfront community of Steveston to established residential areas such as Westwind and Terra Nova, and the more urban convenience of Brighouse and the City Centre.
Our neighbourhood guides can help you explore the areas you're considering and get a better sense of what everyday life looks like in each part of Richmond.
Buying a Home & School Catchments
Buying a Home With a Particular School in Mind?
If being within a particular school catchment is important to your home search, let us know. We can help you explore homes in the areas you're considering while you confirm current catchment information and school availability directly with the Richmond School District.
Because catchment boundaries and enrolment conditions can change, school information should always be independently verified with SD38 before purchasing a property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Richmond, BC in?
Richmond's public schools are operated by Richmond School District No. 38. The district currently includes 39 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools.
How do I find out which Richmond school my child will attend?
The Richmond School District provides a School Locator that allows families to determine their designated catchment school. Students normally attend the school associated with their home address, subject to district policies and available space.
Can my child attend a school outside our catchment?
Richmond School District students can apply for an out-of-catchment transfer. Applications are considered according to district criteria and available space, so approval is not guaranteed.
Does Richmond offer French Immersion?
Yes. Richmond offers Early French Immersion beginning in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and Late French Immersion beginning in Grade 6, with French Immersion continuing through Grade 12.
Does Richmond have Montessori schools?
The Richmond School District offers Montessori as an elementary district program option. Families should check the district's current program locations, eligibility and application process.
Can school catchments change?
Yes. Catchment boundaries are established by the Richmond Board of Education and can be revised, which is why families should verify the current catchment directly with the district when considering a particular property. Richmond School District
Thinking About Moving to Richmond?
Finding the right home is about more than bedrooms and square footage. It's about finding the neighbourhood that works for the way you and your family want to live.
Whether you're relocating to Richmond or moving within the city, our team can help you explore neighbourhoods, housing options and homes that fit what you're looking for.
