Junior School - Grade 1 - 7
A brave space for curious young minds
Bright, colourful, and buzzing with energy, Junior School at York House makes Grades 1 through 7 an engaging and inclusive adventure.
With enlightening field trips in nature and classroom visits from fascinating experts, school days are exciting and exploratory. A vibrant range of after-school clubs and Tigers athletics teams encourage new passions and lasting friendships.
Students discover the joy in learning as they develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, with dedicated resource teachers available to support diverse needs.
Program Highlights
| STEAM |
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| Take risks, push boundaries, and work together. STEAM is an educational approach connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art (and Design), and Mathematics for a deeper understanding. Rather than think of them as separate disciplines, the greatest innovations for real-world issues come from using elements of each. An inquiry-based learning approach guides Yorkies through research and hands-on projects connected to the environment and the community. Students gain practical skills in woodworking, robotics, 3D printing, fine art, and more—using the iterative design process to test, refine, and persist through challenges as they go. They learn to empathize with others, ideate creative solutions, and prototype their ideas with the Design Thinking process as part of the BC Applied Design Skills and Technology curriculum. Yorkies discover the beauty in imperfection by boldly sharing their ideas—and getting messy to bring them to life. |
| The Arts |
| Creativity knows no bounds here. From the theatre stage to film production to digital media, a wide range of Arts programs are available to engage artistic spirits of all kinds. |
| French |
| Students are introduced to the French language early on at York House, engaging in the culture by trying different foods, singing songs, and acting out plays. Yorkies start with speaking the language before moving on to reading and writing. This experiential process inspired by the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) encourages Yorkies to practice and apply their understanding in real scenarios, leading to a deep level of fluency similar to a French Immersion program. |
| Experiential Education |
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Core memories are made through active participation in our experiences beyond the classroom. Visits to museums and galleries or artistic hubs like Granville Island broaden their perspectives and develop cultural literacy. Students form relationships and build empathy through volunteering and Community Learning opportunities throughout the year. |
The Reggio Emilia Approach
At York House, we see students as capable individuals with boundless potential. Teachers take a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to encourage Junior Yorkies to think big and take action in their learning journey.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy recognizes that from a young age, children are already observing and forming their own perspectives on the world around them—and we value their unique knowledge as we work together to shape a better future. Students explore content and big ideas from the BC Ministry of Education's approved curriculum in a collaborative environment where they respectfully exchange views and ask questions.
| MORE ON OUR MISSION & VISION | MORE ABOUT REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH |
Find Your Place and Belong
School SpiritWhether you’re in Arbutus, Cypress, Maple, or Pine House, the YHS spirit comes alive with fun and friendly competition. Junior School Yorkies cheer on their Housemates across grades and earn points in tournaments, volunteer initiatives, and lively events—all striving towards the coveted House Shield and Trophy awarded at the end of each school year. |
Social Emotional LearningAt York House, Social Emotional Learning is at the heart of student well-being. Through intentional practices, Yorkies develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills. From mindfulness activities in the classroom to conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving, students learn and practice to navigate challenges with confidence and care. These lifelong skills support academic growth, foster healthy relationships, and empower Yorkies to thrive as compassionate leaders in their communities. |
Community LearningCommunity compassion and involvement are woven into every day as Yorkies contribute meaningfully to those around them—engaging in reciprocal learning both on-campus and throughout Vancouver. |
Student LeadershipYorkies know that being a leader isn’t about what others can do for you—it’s about what you can do for others. From the House Champions who keep our school spirit high to the Student Ambassadors guiding families on campus tours, York House Senior School students have many opportunities to lead by example. |
