K–7 · Language
Language at Columbia Academy Elementary School
Your child learns in English every day, and can keep their home language too.
At Columbia Academy Elementary School in Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, all classes are taught in English, and about 90% of our current students come from local families who live and work in downtown Vancouver. Every student learns French from Kindergarten, and Mandarin is a free after-school option.
Children who are new to English are welcome to apply. Free ESL support is provided every morning.
At a Glance
- EnglishAll classes are taught in English. About 90% of our current students come from local families who live and work in downtown Vancouver.
- FrenchStudents learn French from Kindergarten as standard. It is part of the regular program for every student.
- MandarinOptional and free, from Kindergarten. After school, 3:15–4:00 p.m., once a week: beginner on Mondays, advanced on Wednesdays.
- English support (ESL)At no extra cost. Every morning, 8:00–8:45 a.m., plus extra help from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. for students who need it.
An English-Speaking Classroom
Children read, write and speak English every day, in classes of no more than 15 students.
- Reading: our library has 3,000–4,000 books, and children take one home to read each day
- Speaking: every year, K–7 students take part in a school-wide public speaking event
Support for Children Still Learning English
Children who are new to English are welcome to apply. We provide English language support for students who need help improving their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, at no extra cost.
| 8:00–8:45 a.m. | Every morning, before classes, during homework support and reading time |
| 3:00–3:30 p.m. | Extra help after class for students who need more. Families can ask for it, so a child can get support up to twice a day |
You pick up your child from the homeroom classroom every day, so you can talk with the teacher about how your child’s English is growing. You can also talk to the principal.
Just arrived in Canada? See New to Canada.
Questions Parents Ask
Yes, every class is taught in English.
No. Children who are new to English are welcome to apply. Free ESL support is provided every morning.
No, Mandarin is an optional, free after-school class from Kindergarten.
Talk About Your Child's Language Learning
Visit our Yaletown campus and ask how English, French, Mandarin and ESL support fit into your child's school day.
- 792 Beatty Street, Vancouver (beside BC Place)
- 778-379-6811
- info@columbiaacademy.ca
- English WhatsApp · Español WhatsApp
- 中文 WeChat
