by Carol Aun, Abbotsford News
Eight of the province’s top 100 elementary schools are in Abbotsford, according to the latest school report from the Fraser Institute.
The report ranked and rated 978 public and private elementary schools in the province based on the Foundation Skills Assessment tests given to students in Grades 4 and 7. The tests assess students’ reading, writing, and numeracy skills.
The leading public schools in Abbotsford are King Traditional elementary, Matsqui, and Auguston Traditional. The schools are ranked 53, 67, and 73, respectively. King Traditional had an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10. Scores at that school have improved over the past several years from 8.0 in 2012 to 8.6 in 2013. Matsqui scored 8.7 in 2014, while Auguston Traditional was set at 8.6 in 2014.
Independent schools in Abbotsford also scored high. MEI was tied for 53rd place in the province with a score of 8.9 out of 10. St. James school was listed in 67th position with a score of 8.7. MEI has consistently been one of the top-rated schools in B.C..
The Fraser Institute uses results from the controversial Foundation Skills Assessments tests as one of several measure to ranks schools.
The institute maintains its report gives parents information about a school’s academic performance, but critics say other factors need to be considered in the rankings, such as support in the classroom and engagement in other activities.
The complete report card is available at compareschoolrankings.org.