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About SFA

Central
Location

St. Francis of Assisi School is centrally located minutes from downtown Vancouver. St. Francis of Assisi School rests in the family-oriented community of Grandview Woodlands.

Teacher
Specialists

Experienced and caring educators including Physical Education and Fine Arts specialists have contributed to our award winning Academic and Physical Education programs.

Before & After
School Club

Extra-Curricular offerings include the Before and After School Club.
Before School Club: Opens at 7:30 AM
After School Club: Mon – Thurs 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, Fri 2:00 – 5:00 PM

All Faiths
Welcome

At St. Francis of Assisi School, children of all faith backgrounds are welcomed! We are committed to excellence that promotes the development of the whole child to his or her full potential.

Welcome

Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi School, a Catholic faith-based learning community committed to offering the best environment for the educational, physical, and spiritual growth of all our students. SFA aspires to ensure each child feels safe, accepted and respected in a nurturing and loving environment that recognizes and celebrates the diverse attributes of each student. Our experienced and caring staff is dedicated to providing the best school experience for all students including a program strong in academics, varied extracurricular options, and opportunities to be kind, contributing members of our community.

Our Mission

St. Francis of Assisi School shares in the mission statement of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese. The Catholic School shares in the mission of the Church to proclaim and build the Kingdom of God. St. Francis of Assisi School, as a faith community, is committed to excellence in Catholicity and in all areas that promote the development of the whole child to his or her full potential. We strive to develop Christian leaders, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners. We are dedicated to teaching the Catholic faith and providing a Christian setting where students can grow in the richness of the faith.

Curriculum

St. Francis of Assisi School follows the curriculum guidelines set out by the B.C. Ministry of Education and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

We are committed to seeing that the needs of all student are met. Instruction is provided in the following curricular areas: Religion, Language Arts, Socials, French, Fine Arts (Music, Art, Drama), Math, Science, Computers, Physical Education and Health and Career Education. Field trips and outdoor education are offered within these curricular areas. Our Learning Resource Centre, consisting of a Learning Resource Teacher and Special Education Assistants, supports student learning.

Extra-curricular activities are also an important part of our school, providing opportunities for students to participate and develop skills in areas outside the regular school curriculum. These activities serve to build community and support the basic goals of our school.

History

St. Francis of Assisi Elementary was established in 1946, and was originally staffed by the Sisters of Charity from St. John, New Brunswick. The school operated in the basement of the church, located at Semlin and Napier, for two years before moving to the present location at Victoria and Venables. For over 60 years, it continues to serve the families of the Parish, as well as those from Vancouver area neighbouring parishes throughout the community. We have a wonderful history to inspire us and to pass on the core values of the Roman Catholic Church.

Our school is a member of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA), and is a part of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Over 65 years later; it continues to serve the families of the Parish, as well as those from neighbouring parishes and throughout the greater community.

We welcome you to our school!

  • I will always cherish the memories made and appreciate the wonderful education my children received at St. Francis of Assisi. I could not be happier with the strong foundation that they received both academically and emotionally. The dedicated teachers at SFA do an amazing job of recognizing individual talents and teaching their students, through kindness and love, to work hard and be the best that they can be. My children left Saint Francis completely prepared for high school and it has been my pleasure to watch them and their SFA friends grow and become the young leaders that they are today.

    - Parent of two graduates – PEC member

  • The intimate setting of elementary school at St. Francis of Assisi left me with fond and unique memories. I grew up with classmates from a variety of backgrounds, who learned to take care of one another and grew to love this community. I’m grateful my parents chose to enroll my brother and I here all those years ago, and that through active engagement with my committed and thoughtful teachers, they made sure that we were able to thrive as students. Whether it’s the community, culture, or shared commitment, I know there’s a reason why many of those teachers are still at SFA today!

    - SFA Grad 2007

  • SFA school provides a strong foundation for students through a nurturing community environment. Our daughter received a high-quality education through the dedication of teachers and staff committed to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social growth of students. Our family has many great memories from our time at SFA.

    - Parent of SFA Grad 2018

  • SFA provided a wonderful community for not only our two sons, but for our entire family. SFA offered a foundation for learning for our boys, and the teachers and dedicated staff worked together to build and create a wonderful community that engaged our sons, provided leadership opportunities, and expected the best of them both academically and socially. My sons were loved, cared for, stretched, and taught the skills to make them confident, caring, and dedicated young men with the idea to serve their community and make a difference in the world. SFA embodies the virtues that we need in our world: kindness, perseverance, empathy, and dedication. It is a loving community that speaks to the heart of every child and parent. I am honoured that my sons are SFA alumni and this wonderful community will always be in our hearts.

    - Parent of SFA Grad 2014 & 2016 – PEC Chair

  • SFA provided me a positive and safe learning environment growing up. I adored all of my teachers who I knew deeply cared for me and wanted me to succeed. I am now at SFU continuing my education. I can confidently say I would not be the person or student I am today without the positive experiences SFA gave me.

    - SFA Grad 2014