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About YHS

York House School, where transformative learning unfolds in full colour.
It all began in a rented house on the corner of Granville and 28th in 1932, where seven fearless women joined forces to envision a better, bolder future for girls education. Together, they broke boundaries and thought bigger—that every young woman could be empowered to shape the future they wanted to see.

Nearly a century later, their story, spark, and spirit are embedded in our DNA. And now our sights are set on writing the next chapter with Spark, our new strategic plan.
In a world where students are compelled to conform, we’re showing every Yorkie that their unique spark is their strength. As an inclusive girls school, our students take centre stage to explore, experiment, and experience. Introverts, performers, risk-takers, scholars, artists, and athletes—they all find their place here.
 
With an innovative approach to learning and programs, there are infinite paths to fulfillment at York House—and no wrong turns. Our advanced curriculum, based on the Reggio-Emilia approach and the B.C. Curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, is enhanced by a variety of teaching methods from our dedicated faculty. York House is a launching pad for students to pursue academic excellence and beyond. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, girls find their spark through inquiry-based learning, student-led initiatives, volunteering, creating art, exploring new technologies, competing on the sports field, and embarking on trips in cities and the wilderness.
 
As we expand on the view of excellence in education, we continue to ground our learning journeys in the tradition of “Not for Ourselves Alone.” Our school motto continues to inspire and motivate students to look beyond their own selves in learning. We are committed to preparing our students to be active and responsible citizens who are connected and engaged with the world in positive ways. 
 
The future might not be known, but Yorkies are bold thinkers who lean on unwavering support from teachers and friends, draw inspiration from past Yorkies, and embrace what’s next with excitement and confidence. 

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  • Our Inclusivity Statement

    York House School is on a path to create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future. We share the belief that individuals have inherent rights and deserve to be respected for who they are; that every member of our community belongs here and feels included; that we must treat others with dignity and expect the same in return.
     
    We move toward improvement when we actively deepen our understanding of the things that make each of us unique. It is those differences which strengthen our community and bring the variety of viewpoints and perspectives that spark innovation. 

    The work of this journey begins by examining our personal, curricular and professional development, as well as our institutional practices. We must be courageous, honest and prepared to make the changes necessary to achieve our vision. 

    There will be challenges, tensions, and difficult conversations, but together we will create an environment where everyone belongs. 

    Our students are expanding their minds and deepening their understanding of the world. It is to them that we owe this responsibility.

Spark: Our Strategic Plan

Innovation is inspiring great minds to turn ideas into reality. Our new strategic plan, developed by the talented minds at York House School, is the result of this very process. The new vision and strategy in our strategic plan is our blueprint to shape a powerful and timely education experience for our students.

Learn more about Spark, our new strategic plan.

YHS at a Glance

  • Accredited independent school for girls in Vancouver
  • Founded: 1932
  • Student Body: 700
  • Grades: Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12
  • 2 Campuses: Little School & Main Campus
  • B.C. Curriculum with Advanced Placement
  • Reggio Emilia Inspired
  • Motto: Not for Ourselves Alone
  • Alum Network: 4,000
With respect, we acknowledge that the land on which we learn, play, and work is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməѲkwəyəm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlílwəta/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.