Anmore · schools · 2026
Anmore has one in-village elementary school (Anmore Elementary). Secondary students attend SD43 schools in adjacent Port Moody. The school commute is a real part of Anmore family life, but the options are stronger than many out-of-area buyers expect. Here's the honest school deep dive.
Quick Answer
What schools do Anmore kids attend?
Anmore is part of School District 43 (SD43 Coquitlam, which serves Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Anmore, Belcarra). Anmore Elementary is in-village — the only school physically located in Anmore. Most Anmore students attend SD43 secondary schools in adjacent Port Moody — commonly Eagle Mountain Middle School (Grades 6–8), then Heritage Woods Secondary School (Grades 9–12). Catchments vary by exact address and shift between SD43 reviews. Always confirm specific catchment through SD43's online lookup. Private school options include Pacific Academy (Surrey), St. John's School (Vancouver), and other Greater Vancouver private schools — commute is significant. The school commute (15–25 minutes each way for high school) is a real part of Anmore family life.
Anmore schools · the actual realities
Out-of-area buyers often worry about school options when considering Anmore acreage. The reality is more nuanced than the village's small size suggests — in-village elementary, well-regarded SD43 secondary catchments in adjacent Port Moody, and private school options within reasonable commute distance.
This page is the honest deep dive on what Anmore families actually have available, the school-commute realities, and the choices that shape Anmore family life.
Anmore school options · by tier
Anmore Elementary is the only school physically located in Anmore Village. SD43 school serving most Anmore elementary-aged students (Grades K-5). Small school environment, strong community connection, walking-distance access from many village addresses. Verify current programs, capacity, and any specific enrollment considerations with the school directly.
Honest note
The biggest school-related Anmore advantage. For elementary years, having an in-village school is a real lifestyle benefit. Walking or short-drive school commute. Strong community connection between school and families.
Eagle Mountain Middle School is located in Port Moody, serving SD43 middle-school students from a multi-municipality catchment including Anmore. Bus + parent-drive commute from Anmore typically 15–20 minutes each way. Well-regarded SD43 middle school with standard middle-years programming.
Honest note
The middle-school commute is the first 'real' commute Anmore families face. Bus + carpool networks are typically established. Some families coordinate with neighbours for shared transportation.
Most Anmore secondary students fall into the Heritage Woods Secondary catchment (verify the specific address with SD43). Heritage Woods is one of BC's stronger public high schools academically with strong AP, music, and athletics programs. Commute from Anmore typically 20–25 minutes each way. See Heritage Woods catchment deep dive for the full guide.
Honest note
The Heritage Woods catchment is a real benefit for Anmore secondary families. The commute is the trade-off but the school destination is well-regarded. Some Anmore addresses fall into Port Moody Secondary catchment instead — verify before assuming.
Anmore families wanting private school education have options including Pacific Academy (Surrey), St. John's School (Vancouver), Stratford Hall (Vancouver), and other Greater Vancouver private schools. Private school commute from Anmore typically 35–55 minutes each way depending on school. Most private schools require application + interview + waitlist. Tuition $15K–$30K+ annually depending on school.
Honest note
Private school is a real option for Anmore families but requires significant commute commitment. Best fit for families committed to a specific private school's character + program. The commute is the daily reality — underwrite the time commitment honestly.
SD43 cross-boundary program allows enrollment outside catchment when capacity exists. Catchment students always have priority. Some Anmore families choose Pinetree Secondary (Coquitlam) or Port Moody Secondary cross-boundary when the specific program (e.g., Pinetree's IB program) is the draw. French immersion options exist in SD43; verify available programs at specific schools.
Honest note
Cross-boundary isn't guaranteed and requires annual application. Best fit when there's a specific program match. For most Anmore families, the assigned Heritage Woods catchment is the default and a strong option.
Decision framework
1. Is the secondary commute acceptable? Anmore secondary students typically commute 20–25 minutes each way to Heritage Woods Secondary in Port Moody. For 9 of 13 school years, the commute is real. Some families adapt easily; others find the daily commitment more demanding than expected. Be honest about whether the commute fits your family's energy.
2. Is the in-village elementary enough at the elementary tier? Anmore Elementary serves the village well at the elementary tier but is a small school with limited program options compared to larger SD43 elementaries. If specific program offerings (French immersion, gifted programs, specific arts) matter, verify what's available at Anmore Elementary vs other SD43 elementaries before assuming.
3. Is private school worth the additional commute? Private school from Anmore adds significant daily commute (35–55 minutes each way) plus tuition. Best fit for families specifically committed to a private school's character or program. For most families, well-regarded SD43 catchment options + the existing 15–25 minute commute deliver good outcomes without the additional commitment.
Frequently asked
Anmore Elementary School (Grades K-5) is the only school physically located in Anmore Village. All middle and secondary students commute to schools in adjacent Port Moody.
20–25 minutes each way to Heritage Woods Secondary or Eagle Mountain Middle in Port Moody. Bus + parent-drive arrangements typical. Some families coordinate carpools with neighbours.
Most Anmore addresses fall into the Heritage Woods Secondary catchment, but not all. Some addresses fall into Port Moody Secondary catchment instead. Always verify the specific address through SD43's catchment lookup before assuming.
Anmore Elementary is a small SD43 school serving most Anmore village K-5 students. Small school environment, strong community connection, walking-distance access from many village addresses. Verify current programs and capacity directly with the school.
Yes — Greater Vancouver private school options include Pacific Academy (Surrey), St. John's School (Vancouver), Stratford Hall (Vancouver), and others. Commute from Anmore is 35–55 minutes each way. Tuition $15K–$30K+ annually. Most private schools require application + interview + sometimes waitlist.
Anmore: 15–25 minutes to most Port Moody SD43 schools. Belcarra: similar 15–25 minutes. Both villages have no on-village secondary schools and rely on Port Moody SD43 catchments. The commute is broadly comparable between the two villages.
Possibly — SD43 cross-boundary program allows out-of-catchment enrollment when capacity exists. Catchment students always have priority. Cross-boundary applications are reviewed annually and not guaranteed. If Heritage Woods is the specific goal, anchoring on an in-catchment Anmore address is more reliable.
SD43 offers French immersion at specific schools. Anmore Elementary may or may not offer the program; verify current French immersion availability with the school. SD43 secondary French immersion options exist; verify available programs and commute distances.
Significantly — the 15–25 minute each-way commute is part of every school day. Families adapt through carpool networks, school bus where available, and scheduling. Some find the commute manageable; others find it more demanding than expected. The right buyer treats the commute as the trade-off for the rural lifestyle.
No — Anmore is part of School District 43 (SD43 Coquitlam) along with Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Belcarra. Catchment lines and program offerings are set by SD43. Anmore Village municipal government doesn't have its own school district.
Anmore school commute realities and catchment specifics matter materially to family-buyer decisions. Craig Johnston runs every catchment verification through SD43 directly and helps families understand the real school commute pattern before committing to acreage purchase.
