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Elementary Programs
The Richmond School District has 37 elementary schools throughout the city of Richmond with approximately 11,000 students. We accept international students from kindergarten to grade 7 (ages 5 to 13) into our elementary schools when accompanied by a parent on a full-time basis and when space is available.
Students will be welcomed into the school community and given the language support they need to thrive in an academic English environment.
- Small class size
- Teachers experienced in supporting students who don’t have English as a first language
- Diverse approaches to learning that are suited to each child
- Sport options
- Student centred learning
- Access to the RIE Student Support Manager
- A welcoming community with local language supports for accompanying parents
Apply online with the following documents in a PDF format.
Required Documents/Information
- A photo of the student taken in the last 12 months
- Copy of the student’s passport picture page or personal ID
- Certified or notarized School Records/Report Cards translated into English from the current and last year of study
- Picture page AND the signature page of parent's passport or personal ID
- Signed Declaration of Eligibility
- Signed Declaration of Accompanying Elementary Student
- A recommendation letter from current teacher or principal
- Immunization record (preferably translated into English and notarized)
- A local custodian who is a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident over the age of 25 who lives in or near the Metro Vancouver area
- $200 CAD application fee (non-refundable)
Additional Documents (Optional)
- Letter of Study Intent
- Awards and/or certificates in extra extracurricular activities
Students must live with a parent full time while in our elementary program. Parents must arrange to live in a home in or near the city of Richmond.
Parents are also required to find and assign a custodian who can assist in the event of an emergency. Custodians must be over 25, a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident who lives in or near the Metro Vancouver area.
“Haochuan had a great time studying at Diefenbaker. When he came to study in Canada a year ago, he can barely speak any English. We were worried about that he cannot adopt into the new school and society easily. However, his teachers, principals and classmates are very kind and thoughtful. They are not only care about his academic career, but also make sure he is in a happy and positive learning environment.”
Esmee Fang, Parent
“Haochuan had a great time studying at Diefenbaker. When he came to study in Canada a year ago, he can barely speak any English. We were worried about that he cannot adopt into the new school and society easily. However, his teachers, principals and classmates are very kind and thoughtful. They are not only care about his academic career, but also make sure he is in a happy and positive learning environment.”
Esmee Fang, Parent