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Bowen Island Community School
About
Bowen Island Community School is located at Po Box 220, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0. The school is situated in an idyllic setting a short walk from Snug Cove and serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. BICS describes its mission as meeting the educational needs of its Community of Learners so members are inspired to pursue lifelong learning, supported by diverse, stimulating learning experiences in a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and shared responsibility. The school also describes itself as a hub for the island, offering community services and programs alongside its K–7 learning environment.
At a Glance
School type: Public School (West Vancouver)
Education language: Bowen Island Community School and West Vancouver Schools offer English Language Learner (ELL) supports and services; families are directed to the district ELL brochure and district contacts for current information. No bilingual or immersion language-of-instruction program is described for BICS in the provided sources.
Religious affiliation: None / Secular
Grades: K-7
Phone: 604 947-9337
Email: lmagrath@wvschools.ca
Principal: Laura Magrath
Education Languages
Bowen Island Community School and West Vancouver Schools offer English Language Learner (ELL) supports and services; families are directed to the district ELL brochure and district contacts for current information. No bilingual or immersion language-of-instruction program is described for BICS in the provided sources.
Programs and Services
Place-based / environmental learning BICS highlights place-based learning experiences supported by Bowen Island’s natural setting, with school and community working closely around conservation and stewardship. Music / Band The school provides music classes to all students in Grades K–7. Intermediate Band registration is available to students in Grades 6–7 through the district’s elementary band registration. Athletics and extracurricular sports After-school care An After School Day Care program is operated by the Bowen Island Children’s Centre and is located at BICS for children in Kindergarten through Grade 6; it is open to all elementary-age children whether or not they attend BICS. Homework Club Homework Club is an after-school program for BICS students in Grades 3–6, offering adult support for reading/research/homework and a free snack. Student support / special education Student Support Services are provided through a range of school- and district-based professionals. The School-Based Team includes the Principal, Learning Support Teachers, Gifted Resource Teacher, School Counsellor, and district specialists (Speech and Language Pathologist and Educational Psychologist) who consult with teachers, develop strategies, and recommend resources; parents are notified of referrals and consent is required for formal assessments and/or pull-out support. Technology BICS reports having mobile technology devices available for students (supported by the PAC), wireless projectors in classrooms, and encourages students in Grades 4–7 to bring their own digital device.
- Cross Country
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Track & Field
School Culture and Expectations
BICS states it aims to provide a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and shared responsibility. The school’s mission emphasizes meeting the educational needs of its Community of Learners and inspiring lifelong learning.
Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here
West Vancouver Schools asks families to submit an online request form for student transportation services. The district notes that busing is provided in accordance with Ministry guidelines for students beyond walk limits to the nearest public school where there is a grade for the student, with route information available through the district transportation page. Visitor parking is available at all West Vancouver schools, and public parking is typically available in school lots after school hours unless otherwise marked.
Enrollment
West Vancouver Schools uses an online admissions application. Families are instructed to gather required documentation, complete the correct school-year application form, attach documentation for the application to submit properly, and look for an automated email confirmation; incomplete applications may be removed after two weeks. The district notes it accepts applications from families residing within and outside the district, and that BC education funding and district procedures require documentation supporting a BC residence address.
Location
Site: westvancouverschools.ca/bics-elementary/
Phone: 604 947-9337
Address: Po Box 220, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0
Bowen Island Community School Reviews
Reviews load after the page becomes interactive.
Academic Learning of Bowen Island Community School
54.69
Academic Performance
Academic Performance Score
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades overall score: 55 - below the district public school average of 59, trailing by 4 points.
Literacy: 54
Numeracy: 56
Literacy and numeracy are closely matched.
63.62
Student Commitment to Learning
Student Commitment
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 64 - above the district public school average of 59, ahead by 4 points.
Students report stronger engagement, effort, and investment in learning than comparable schools, pointing to solid day-to-day learning habits.
70.90
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 71 - well above the district public school average of 60, ahead by 10 points.
Students report stronger problem solving, analysis, and independent thinking than comparable schools, suggesting this is a relative strength.
70.00
College and Career Readiness
Readiness for Future
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 70 - well above the district public school average of 61, ahead by 9 points.
Students report stronger preparation for future learning, transitions, and career pathways than comparable schools, which points to a solid readiness profile.
Academic Scores by School Year
Clustered Academic Score Trends
School year trend view: All Grades (combined Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where available). In 2024-2025, literacy is 54, numeracy is 56, and overall is 55.
Compared with 2019-2020, the overall score improved by 12 points.
In the latest year, numeracy is the strongest of the three measures at 56, while literacy is lowest at 54.
Across the available years, literacy improved by 8 points since 2019-2020, while numeracy improved by 15 points since 2019-2020.
Academic Performance Score Change Over Years
Academic Performance Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024-2025, academic performance is 55, student commitment to learning is 64, critical thinking is 71, and college and career readiness is 70.
The strongest current area is Critical Thinking at 71, while Academic Performance is lowest at 55.
Student Commitment to Learning shows the largest shift across the available period, improved by 16 points since 2020-2021.
Additional Information
Data is regularly updated to reflect the latest available academic scores and assessments from official school records.
Character and Wellbeing
19.74
Artistic and Creative Traits
Artistic and Creative Traits
Showing latest available year: 2020-2021. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 20 - well below the district public school average of 55, trailing by 35 points.
Students report weaker creativity, imagination, and artistic thinking than comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen this area.
75.93
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 76 - in line with the district public school average of 77, within 1 point.
Students report participation in school and community life at levels broadly similar to comparable schools.
71.35
Health
Health
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 71 - in line with the district public school average of 71, within 0 points.
Students report physical and emotional well-being at levels broadly similar to comparable schools.
79.29
Work Ethic
Work Ethic
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 79 - in line with the district public school average of 78, within 1 point.
Students report effort, persistence, and responsibility at levels broadly similar to comparable schools.
Character and Wellbeing Score Change Over Years
Character and Wellbeing Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Civic Engagement is 76, Health is 71, and Work Ethic is 79.
The strongest current area is Work Ethic at 79, while Health is lowest at 71.
Work Ethic shows the largest shift across the available period, improved by 20 points since 2020/2021.
Resources
77.78
Community Support
Community Support
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 78 - well above the district public school average of 48, ahead by 30 points.
Parents and the wider community appear to provide stronger support for student learning than in comparable schools, making this a relative strength.
83.33
Facilities and Personnel
Facilities and Personnel
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 83 - well above the district public school average of 47, ahead by 36 points.
Staffing, spaces, and school infrastructure are rated more positively than in comparable schools, suggesting a stronger resource base.
50.96
Learning Resources
Learning Resources
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 51 - well above the district public school average of 35, ahead by 16 points.
Instructional resources are rated more positively than in comparable schools, suggesting students and families see stronger learning supports in place.
Resources Score Change Over Years
Resources Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Community Support is 78, Facilities and Personnel is 83, and Learning Resources is 51.
The strongest current area is Facilities and Personnel at 83, while Learning Resources is lowest at 51.
Community Support shows the largest shift across the available period, improved by 52 points since 2020/2021.
School Culture
40.79
Academic Orientation
Academic Orientation
Showing latest available year: 2020-2021. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 41 - well below the district public school average of 67, trailing by 26 points.
Students report a weaker academic orientation than in comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen the school's learning focus and academic expectations.
83.78
Relationships
Relationships
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 84 - in line with the district public school average of 84, within 1 point.
Students report relationships among peers, staff, and the school community at levels broadly similar to comparable schools.
64.47
Safety
Safety
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 64 - well below the district public school average of 70, trailing by 6 points.
Students report a weaker sense of physical and emotional safety than in comparable schools, making this an area that deserves close attention.
School Culture Score Change Over Years
School Culture Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Relationships is 84 and Safety is 64.
The strongest current area is Relationships at 84, while Safety is lowest at 64.
Safety shows the largest shift across the available period, improved by 27 points since 2020/2021.
Teachers and Teaching Environment
58.89
Knowledge and Skills of Teachers
Knowledge and Skills of Teachers
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 59 - well below the district public school average of 68, trailing by 9 points.
Teachers are rated less positively for instructional quality, knowledge, and professional practice than in comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen this area.
Teachers and Teaching Environment Score Change Over Years
Teachers and Teaching Environment Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Knowledge and Skills of Teachers is 59.
Knowledge and Skills of Teachers shows the largest shift across the available period, declined by 3 points since 2020/2021.