Excelsior Primary School

Canning Vale is a wonderfully stable, family-focused suburb with a real sense of community. With a population of around 34,500, it’s largely made up of couples with children in professional jobs, and a very high rate of owner-occupied homes—79.3%—which gives the area a settled, neighbourly feel. You’ll also find an impressive 71 parks covering over 17% of the suburb, so green space is never far away for weekend kickabouts or quiet walks. The median household income sits well above the national average, reflecting the area’s comfortable, aspirational character. It’s the kind of place where kids ride bikes to friends’ houses and families know their neighbours, making it an easy place to put down roots when you’re new to Australia.

Excelsior Primary School is a proudly multicultural school, welcoming families from a rich variety of cultural backgrounds—something that will make your children feel at home quickly. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum with specialist programs in Physical Education and Sport, Italian language, the School of Instrumental Music, and dedicated Gifted and Talented Programs. Beyond academics, the whole school is guided by “The Excelsior Way,” a simple but powerful ethos built on respect, relationships, and responsibilities. This creates a warm, consistent environment where kids know what’s expected and feel supported to do their best. It’s the kind of school where teachers know your child’s name and parents feel part of the community from day one.

For working parents, Excelsior Primary School does offer a Before and After Care service, which is a huge help when you’re juggling work and school runs. The school office can confirm current before- and after-school care arrangements, including the provider and exact operating hours. Beyond that, the suburb itself is very family-oriented, with plenty of parks and a safe, settled feel that makes after-school playdates easy to arrange. While specific care details aren’t publicly listed, the school’s commitment to supporting families is clear, and a quick call will give you all the practical information you need to plan your workday with confidence.

When you don’t feel like cooking, Canning Vale has some lovely local options for easy weeknight meals. Pastacup Canningvale on Campbell Road is a great Italian spot offering takeaway and delivery—perfect for a quick pasta fix. For Asian flavours, Ong Square Oriental at 98 Waratah Blvd is a local favourite for good-value dining in or taking away. And if you’re in the mood for something different, Kebab Express at 151A Canna Dr serves up tasty kebabs and gozleme with friendly service. For everyday groceries, you’ll find familiar national chains like IGA and ALDI in the area, so stocking the pantry is straightforward. It’s a suburb where you can easily mix home cooking with the occasional treat.

Transperth trains and buses serve the area, and the journey planner will show your nearest stop and the time into the city. While exact travel times to Perth CBD aren’t readily available, the network is well-connected and reliable for daily commutes. For families with older kids needing extra academic support, there are solid local options. Success Tutoring recently opened a new centre in Canning Vale offering one-on-one and group sessions, while Educatta Perth operates at 1/2 Batman Rd with small-group ATAR tutoring capped at 10 students per class for Years 11 and 12. It’s reassuring to know these resources are close by if your teenager needs a boost.

Your first move should be to contact Excelsior Primary School directly to arrange a tour and confirm before- and after-school care details. While you’re there, ask about the Italian program and music opportunities—they’re real highlights. Take a drive around Canning Vale to explore the parks and get a feel for the neighbourhood; with so many green spaces, you’ll quickly find your family’s favourite spot. If you have older children, consider reaching out to Success Tutoring or Educatta to discuss their needs. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask the school community questions—parents here are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. You’re moving to a suburb that genuinely supports families, and Excelsior will help your kids thrive.