Choosing an elementary school is about more than academics. It is about finding a community where your child feels safe, understood, and excited to learn. At Columbia Academy Elementary School, we believe these foundations help children grow into confident, curious, and caring individuals.
My name is Brittany Conlon, and I am honoured to serve as Principal of Columbia Academy Elementary School. Our BC Ministry of Education–accredited independent elementary school serves Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, offering a welcoming environment for children and families.
I bring 15 years of experience supporting children and youth in public and private K–12 education in British Columbia and Japan. My background includes leading a junior high school double diploma program at a BC offshore school in Japan and teaching in Japanese elementary schools. I hold a Master of Education in Administration and Leadership from the University of British Columbia, along with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary/Middle School studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific and Asian Studies from the University of Victoria.
These experiences have shaped my belief that children thrive when teachers know them well, families feel involved, and learning connects with the world around them.
Small classes and personal attention are at the heart of our school. With a maximum of 15 students per class, our teachers get to know each child’s strengths, interests, and areas for growth. We build strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics, supported by daily homework and daily reading. These routines help students reinforce classroom learning, develop responsibility, and build lasting study habits.
Our students also benefit from a rich and varied elementary education:
Daily homework and reading, strengthening academic skills, independence, and a love of books.
French and Mandarin from Kindergarten, introducing children to new languages and cultures.
Music and art, encouraging creativity, expression, and discovery.
Weekly field trips, connecting classroom learning with Vancouver’s cultural, educational, and community resources.
Daily meditation and social-emotional learning, helping children practise focus, kindness, and emotional awareness.
After-school clubs, giving students opportunities to explore interests and build friendships.
Our downtown Vancouver location makes the city an extension of our classroom. Through community experiences and local exploration, students discover how they can contribute and develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
We also understand the needs of working families. Morning drop-off from 8:00 a.m. and afternoon pickup until 5:30 p.m. provide flexibility around the school day.
Above all, I want every child at Columbia Academy Elementary School to feel a sense of belonging and know that they are cared for. We value close communication with parents and believe that a strong partnership between home and school helps each child flourish.
I warmly invite you to book a school tour, meet our teachers, and experience our community. We look forward to learning about your child and sharing how Columbia Academy Elementary School can support their next steps.
Warm regards,
Brittany Conlon MEd, BEd
Elementary School Principal
Columbia Academy is a leading private school in Vancouver offering Kindergarten to Grade 12 programming, proudly accredited by the BC Ministry of Education. Our mission is to prepare students for acceptance into the world’s top universities while fostering the development of well-rounded individuals equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders.
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