For families moving to Greater Victoria, school quality and catchment areas are often the deciding factor in where to buy. The Capital Regional District is served by three distinct public school districts, each with its own character, programs, and strengths. This guide breaks down SD61, SD62, and SD63, covers French Immersion options, highlights notable private schools, and explains how school catchments influence property values.

Three Districts, Three Personalities

Greater Victoria's three public school districts each serve different municipalities and offer different strengths. Understanding these differences helps families choose the right neighbourhood, which is why school catchments and real estate decisions are so closely connected. For a deeper look at how these districts map to specific communities, visit our school districts directory.

SD61: Greater Victoria School District

SD61 is the largest and most established district in the region, operating 27 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 secondary schools.^[1] The district covers Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, and View Royal, encompassing the urban core and some of the most sought-after residential areas in Greater Victoria.

French Immersion in SD61

SD61 operates one of the largest French Immersion programs on Vancouver Island, with over 3,892 students enrolled in French Immersion, representing approximately 19% of total district enrollment.^[2] Early French Immersion begins in Kindergarten and Late French Immersion starts in Grade 6, giving families flexibility in when to enter the program.

At the secondary level, Reynolds Secondary is the primary French Immersion high school, serving over 300 French Immersion students alongside its English program. This concentration of FI students creates a strong bilingual community within the school.

Notable SD61 Programs and Schools

Victoria High School: one of the oldest high schools in Western Canada, offering a wide range of academic and vocational programs.
Oak Bay High School: consistently strong academics with an excellent arts program and athletic tradition.
Spectrum Community School: known for its inclusive approach and strong support programs.
Catchment areas in Oak Bay, Fairfield, and Gonzales are among the most competitive in the district — families searching for Cadboro Bay real estate will also find themselves within this highly sought-after SD61 catchment.

SD62: Sooke School District

SD62 is the fastest-growing school district in Greater Victoria,^[3] serving the Westshore communities of Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, and the Highlands. Rapid residential development, particularly in Langford and the Royal Bay neighbourhood in Colwood, has driven significant enrollment growth and new school construction.

French Immersion in SD62

SD62 offers French Immersion at several schools, including École Poirier Elementary, École John Stubbs Memorial, and École Millstream Elementary.^[4] The program has expanded in response to growing demand from families moving to the Westshore.

Notable SD62 Schools

Belmont Secondary: the district's flagship secondary school, offering a comprehensive range of academic, arts, and athletics programs.
Royal Bay Secondary: a newer school serving the growing Colwood and Royal Bay communities, with modern facilities and a strong community connection.
Wishart Elementary: popular with families in Langford for its inclusive culture and active parent community.

SD63: Saanich School District

SD63 covers the Saanich Peninsula, including Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich, and the Broadmead area of Saanich.^[5] The district is known for its smaller, community-oriented schools and innovative programs. Families buying in Sidney or North Saanich real estate benefit from SD63's tight-knit community feel and consistently strong parent engagement.

Notable SD63 Programs and Schools

Claremont Secondary: the district's main secondary school, home to the Institute for Global Solutions, an internationally recognized program that integrates sustainability, global citizenship, and leadership into the curriculum.
Parkland Secondary: serves the Sidney and North Saanich area with strong academics and community involvement.
Stelly's Secondary: located in Central Saanich, known for its vocational and trades programs.
French Immersion is available at select schools within the district, with demand growing steadily.

French Immersion: The Complete Picture

French Immersion enrollment across Greater Victoria has reached record levels,^[6] reflecting strong demand from families who value bilingual education. Both Early French Immersion (starting in Kindergarten) and Late French Immersion (starting in Grade 6) are available across all three districts, though the specific schools offering each entry point vary by district.

Key considerations for families choosing French Immersion:

Catchment vs. cross-boundary enrollment: French Immersion programs may not be available at your catchment school. Families often need to apply for cross-boundary enrollment or arrange transportation to a designated FI school.
Wait lists: Popular FI schools, particularly in SD61, can have significant wait lists for Kindergarten entry. Early registration is essential.
Continuity through secondary: Make sure the FI pathway extends through to a secondary school that works for your family geographically.
Late entry option: Grade 6 Late French Immersion is an excellent option for families who move to the area after the early entry point or who want to give their child a strong English foundation first.

Private and Independent Schools

Greater Victoria is home to several well-regarded private and independent schools that offer alternative educational approaches.

Glenlyon Norfolk School

A co-educational independent school with campuses in Oak Bay (junior) and the Pemberton Road area (senior). Glenlyon Norfolk follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and has a strong reputation for academic rigour, small class sizes, and a well-rounded approach to education.

St. Michaels University School (SMUS)

A co-educational university preparatory school offering day and boarding options from Kindergarten through Grade 12. SMUS is known for its strong academics, championship athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus is located in the Victoria area with excellent facilities.

Brentwood College School

Located in Mill Bay on the Malahat, Brentwood is a co-educational boarding and day school for Grades 9 through 12. The waterfront campus offers unique opportunities including rowing, marine science, and outdoor education alongside a strong academic program.

Other Notable Options

Pacific Christian School: faith-based education with campuses in Victoria.
St. Margaret's School: a girls' school in Victoria with a strong arts and leadership program.
Montessori and alternative schools: several Montessori, Waldorf, and nature-based schools operate across Greater Victoria.

How School Catchments Affect Property Values

The relationship between school quality and property values is well established in real estate markets everywhere, and Greater Victoria is no exception. Homes within the catchment areas of popular schools, particularly those with strong French Immersion programs or high academic reputations, consistently attract more buyer interest and often command higher prices than comparable homes outside those catchments.

This effect is most pronounced in:

Oak Bay: homes in the Oak Bay High School catchment benefit from the school's strong academic reputation and the neighbourhood's overall desirability.
Gordon Head: proximity to Mount Douglas Secondary and popular elementary schools like Torquay and Hillcrest drives demand from families.
Broadmead: the SD63 catchment here, combined with the neighbourhood's park-like setting, makes it one of the most sought-after family areas.
Sidney: families drawn to Parkland Secondary and the small-town coastal lifestyle create consistent demand.

For families evaluating neighbourhoods based on school access, our school districts directory and neighbourhood guides work hand in hand. You can also search properties by area to see current listings near your preferred schools.