# Private Schools in the Coquitlam Area > Private and Catholic schools in the Coquitlam area — CISVA, TLA, BCCA, Montessori options for families across the Tri-Cities. **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/private-schools-coquitlam-area/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Schools FAQ ## Private schools in the Coquitlam area If you're weighing independent schools alongside SD43, here's the Coquitlam-area picture — which schools exist nearby, how to think about private vs public, and what it means for where to buy. **The specific private schools I've profiled** (each links to a full guide): - [Traditional Learning Academy](/traditional-learning-academy-school-guide/) — independent Catholic K–12 in Coquitlam (Rochester Ave) - [Queen of All Saints](/queen-of-all-saints-elementary-school-guide/) — CISVA Catholic K–7 in Coquitlam (Como Lake Ave) - [Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA)](/our-lady-of-the-assumption-school-guide/) — Catholic elementary in Port Coquitlam - [Our Lady of Fatima Bilingual](/our-lady-of-fatima-bilingual-school-guide/) — Catholic English/French bilingual, Port Coquitlam - [Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary](/archbishop-carney-secondary-school-guide/) — regional Catholic high school, Port Coquitlam - [BC Christian Academy](/bc-christian-academy-school-guide/) — interdenominational Pre-K–12 Christian, Port Coquitlam - [Children of Integrity Montessori](/children-of-integrity-montessori-school-guide/) — Montessori academy, Port Moody [See the answer](#answer) [Map my equity first](/home-evaluation/) 1% Ranked Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® 2% Nationwide Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide 44 Local Lived in the Tri-Cities 47+ years ★ Team The MACNABS Quick Answer What should you know about Private Schools Coquitlam Area? If you're weighing independent schools alongside SD43, here's the Coquitlam-area picture — which schools exist nearby, how to think about private vs public,… **Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®** and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours. Also read [Best schools in Coquitlam](/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) [French immersion](/french-immersion-schools-coquitlam/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Coquitlam real estate guide](/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) ## The private school picture Most private schools serving Coquitlam families are located either in the Tri-Cities or a short drive into Burnaby, Vancouver, or Surrey. Schools vary widely by philosophy (secular, faith-based, Reggio, Montessori, classical) and price tier. Many Coquitlam families combine excellent public SD43 schools with private extracurriculars, and only go fully private when there's a specific fit reason — not a default. **Tri-Cities:** Some local independent options. **Burnaby / Vancouver:** Broader range within 30-minute drive. **Hybrid:** Strong public + private extras is common. ![Private schools in the Coquitlam area](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) ## When private might make sense ### Specific pedagogy need Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio if it fits your child. ### Faith-based education Several religious independent schools exist in the area. ### Academic intensity Some independents pace differently than public. ### Small-class preference Average class sizes can be smaller in independents. ### Arts or sports specialization Some schools concentrate on specific programs. ## When public SD43 wins the comparison ### Strong catchments already deliver Many SD43 catchments are excellent — private doesn't add. ### Fit your family's values Community diversity can matter. ### Cost of attendance Annual tuition vs public — different life shapes. ### Commute reality Private school commutes can be 45+ min each way. ### Long-term enrolment K-12 private is a 13-year commitment. ## For the SD43 comparison Read [best schools in Coquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) and the neighbourhood-specific guides to see what public options are on the table. ![Private schools in the Coquitlam area](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## How private schools affect where to buy If you're committed to a specific independent school, commute matters more than catchment. Buy within a reasonable drive of the school — and a reasonable drive of other families going to the same school (carpools are real). If you're undecided, buy inside a strong SD43 catchment. You keep the option either way. [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) ![Best Coquitlam schools](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ### Best Coquitlam schools The SD43 overview. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) ![Is Coquitlam good for families?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) ### Is Coquitlam good for families? Family FAQ. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/is-coquitlam-good-for-families/) ![French Immersion schools](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ### French Immersion schools Immersion-specific. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/french-immersion-schools-coquitlam/) ## Related questions ### How expensive is private school in the area? Highly variable — confirm with each school. Budget annually, not monthly. ### Can private schools help with admissions later? Some families believe so. Outcomes vary. SD43 graduates do very well university-side. ### Do private schools cover busing? Some do, some don't. Confirm when evaluating. ### Can I switch from private to public later? Yes, usually straightforward. Public-to-private is more admissions-dependent. ![Private schools in the Coquitlam area](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## Still have questions? I answer these kinds of questions every day. A 15-minute call usually resolves it. [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) Keep exploring ## More family reading Plan the full family move. [is-coquitlam-good-for-families/Family FAQ.](/best-neighbourhoods-tri-cities-families/) [best-schools-in-coquitlam/SD43 overview.](/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) [schools-in-burke-mountain-coquitlam/Burke-specific.](/burke-mountain-schools-guide/) [westwood-plateau-schools-guide/Westwood-specific.](/westwood-plateau-schools-guide/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) About Craig ![Craig Johnston, Coquitlam REALTOR](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston Licensed REALTOR® · Coquitlam & the Tri-Cities I have spent the last 47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, helping move-up buyers and sellers get from where they are to where they want to be — without the panic of owning two homes at once or selling under value. I work the Tri-Cities every day: Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, Heritage Mountain, and the rest of Coquitlam’s move-up neighbourhoods. If you want a straight read on your timing, pricing, or move-up strategy, the fastest next step is a short call. **Specialty**Move-up sellers & upsizers **Coverage**Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam **Experience**47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, serving families [Book a Strategy Call with Craig →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ” From Craig “I operate the way I'd want a REALTOR® to work with my own family — written advice, honest trade-offs, and no hedging on the hard questions.” ![Craig Johnston, REALTOR®](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston REALTOR® · Coquitlam Why Craig for this decision ## The four pillars I run every file on Licensed REALTOR® in Coquitlam. Tri-Cities-fluent, written-advice-first. Here's how I work any client file that lands on this page. [Start with a free Equity Map](/home-evaluation/) [Call 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) Local resident Lives and works in the Tri-Cities; kids in SD43. Written positions Pricing, negotiation, and disclosure in writing — never verbal-only. Full representation Equally strong on buy-side and sell-side; no part-time bias. Same-day response You won't be waiting a week for a callback. Next steps ## Three ways to take the next step — pick the one that fits. [If you're just exploring Book a Strategy Call No pitch. Just scope your options and walk away with a written next-step plan.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you're actively shopping Set up a custom search Matched to your criteria with written comparable-sold data on every showing.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you need an answer now Call 604-202-6092 Same-day response during business hours. Tri-Cities local line.](tel:+16042026092) Questions? I'm real local help. [Talk to Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Authority Sources & Local Resources ## Verify everything — the sources behind this page Every claim on this site is checkable against a government, regulator, school district, or independent authority. Cross-reference anything — if a number here ever drifts from the source, the source wins. Municipal & Transit - [City of Coquitlam — municipal services, bylaws, permits ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/) - [City of Port Moody — municipal services ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/) - [City of Port Coquitlam — municipal services ↗](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/) - [TransLink — SkyTrain, West Coast Express, bus schedules ↗](https://www.translink.ca/) Health - [Fraser Health — regional health authority ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/) - [Eagle Ridge Hospital — Port Moody ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Tri-Cities/eagle-ridge-hospital) Schools - [SD43 — Coquitlam School District ↗](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/) - [Fraser Institute — BC school report cards ↗](https://www.fraserinstitute.org/school-performance) Parks & Outdoors - [BC Parks — provincial park system ↗](https://bcparks.ca/) - [Coquitlam Crunch — City of Coquitlam trail ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1129/Coquitlam-Crunch) - [Pinecone Burke Provincial Park ↗](https://bcparks.ca/pinecone-burke-park/) - [Belcarra Regional Park — Metro Vancouver ↗](https://metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/belcarra-regional-park) Real Estate Authorities - [Greater Vancouver REALTORS® — monthly market reports ↗](https://www.gvrealtors.ca/market-watch/monthly-market-report.html) - [BC Assessment — property values & search ↗](https://www.bcassessment.ca/) - [BC Financial Services Authority — real estate regulator ↗](https://www.bcfsa.ca/) Local Lifestyle - [Coquitlam Centre — regional shopping ↗](https://coquitlamcentre.com/) - [Brewers Row — Port Moody brewery district ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/discover/brewers-row.aspx) External links open in a new tab. I'm not affiliated with these organizations — they are cited as independent authorities. Any time a number on this page differs from the authority, the authority wins. ★Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® ![Medallion Club Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®](/assets/medallion-club-badge-60.png)Medallion Club Team Member President’s Club Team Member 47+ Years in the Tri-Cities ## What Coquitlam clients actually say after working with Craig Real reviews pulled from Google. No paid placements. No curated-only-positives. Every client below closed with Craig — most sold over asking, several within a week. ★★★★★ “Craig sold my property in just 6 days. After receiving one offer, he quickly reconnected with all the other REALTORS® who had viewed the property, and before I knew it, we had multiple offers — all over asking price. Craig didn’t stop there; he negotiated even better terms for me.” Heather Fox Sold with Craig · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We worked with Craig on three real estate transactions. In all cases he was extremely professional and efficient. In the case of the two sales, both houses were sold for over asking and within the one week of going on market. Craig analyzed the market accurately and advised on a selling price that was fair and saleable.” Ann English 3 transactions · 2 sold over asking in a week ★★★★★ “Craig recently sold my townhouse in West Vancouver in less than 6 days for over asking price. Craig is one of the most prolific and highly motivated REALTORS® I have seen in the Realty business, and I have extensive experience buying and selling properties of all sorts.” Riverplate Equities West Vancouver townhouse · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We consider ourselves lucky to be able to work with Craig over the last 5 years, over multiple transactions. He is a professional who is guided by integrity, honesty, and punctuality. Craig is a seasoned and well-informed realtor who will be a great asset on any real estate journey.” Jaeyoung Joo Google Local Guide · 5 years, multiple transactions ★★★★★ “As first-time home buyers, we had a myriad of concerns. Craig immediately put us at ease by taking the time to address each of our questions thoroughly and patiently. At no point did I feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Instead, Craig empowered us with all the facts and options.” Jeff Kwok First-time buyers ★★★★★ “One of the most dedicated and professional REALTORS® I’ve encountered. No matter the value of the property, Craig puts great care into preparing high-quality marketing content. With his in-depth knowledge of the Coquitlam area, I highly recommend Craig to anyone looking to buy or sell.” Allan Liang Coquitlam specialist ★★★★★ “His creativity, top-notch communication skills, and a solid plan were instrumental in selling high and buying low. His foresight in negotiation skills, predicting outcomes before they happened, truly set him apart. A remarkable professional who exceeded expectations.” Matdori Google Local Guide · Sold high, bought low ★★★★★ “Craig absolutely delivered on his promise of selling my condo, exceeding my expectations. A++ communications and he kept me informed and educated every single step of the way. Rock solid performance and a very quick above asking sale, I am beyond grateful.” Rich & Andrew Condo sold over asking ★★★★★ “We were referred to Craig by a friend and knew from day one we were in great hands. The marketing was outstanding — we received seven offers, and Craig held firm on our priorities. When we re-listed in January, it sold in three days at the price we wanted, and he went on to find us an off-market buy in Vernon.” Jim Turnbull 7 offers · Sold at target price · Off-market buy in Vernon [Read the Google reviews →](https://www.google.com/search?q=craig+johnston+macnabs+coquitlam+reviews) More on Schools & Catchments ## Keep Digging Craig writes the Tri-Cities coverage most REALTORS® won't. Every page below is built on the same ground-truth data and the same negotiation playbook Craig uses for every client. [**Schools & Catchments hub** →](/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) [Best schools in Coquitlam (hub)](/best-schools-in-coquitlam/) [Best schools for move-up families](/best-schools-for-families-moving-up-coquitlam-port-moody/) [Bramblewood Elementary catchment](/bramblewood-elementary-catchment-homes/) [Dr Charles Best catchment](/dr-charles-best-catchment-homes/) [French immersion schools](/french-immersion-schools-coquitlam/) [Gleneagle Secondary catchment](/gleneagle-secondary-catchment-homes/) [Hillcrest Middle catchment](/hillcrest-middle-catchment-homes/) [Leigh Elementary catchment](/leigh-elementary-catchment-homes/) In this topic cluster · neighbourhoods & schools Keep reading in the neighbourhoods & schools cluster - [Coquitlam vs. Burnaby](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-vs-burnaby/) - [Moving to Coquitlam from Vancouver](https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/) - [Hikes & trails](https://soldbycraig.ca/hikes-and-trails-coquitlam-tri-cities/) Or see the full library at [the neighbourhoods & schools section of the resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-resource-hub/#neighbourhoods). [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Home Eval](/home-evaluation/) More Tri-Cities guides ### Explore the neighbourhoods connected to this page - [→ Maillardville (Coquitlam) guide](/maillardville-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Eagle Ridge (Coquitlam) guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-deep-dive/) - [→ Ranch Park (Coquitlam) guide](/ranch-park-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Anmore estate homes & acreage](/anmore-estate-homes-acreage-guide/) - [→ Best luxury REALTOR® in Coquitlam](/best-luxury-realtor-coquitlam/) - [→ Burke Mountain estate homes](/burke-mountain-estate-homes/) Tri-Cities monthly ## Get the honest Tri-Cities market read, monthly. June 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,649,000, -4.8% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. Keep exploring ## Related Coquitlam resources [BC Christian Academy school guide](/bc-christian-academy-school-guide/) [Children of Integrity Montessori](/children-of-integrity-montessori-school-guide/) Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or compare all Tri-Cities specialists →](/best-local-realtor-tri-cities/)