Junior Kindergarten

Junior kindergarten is the start of a bright future at WPGA. Our teachers build joyful classroom connections, incorporating community and character into thematic units purposely designed for the 4-year-old mind.

Program Philosophy

Rooted in WPGA's mission of Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy, our inquiry-based JK program aims to inspire in children a lifelong love of learning. Through guided inquiry and experiential activities, many of which take place outdoors, children develop a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, motor skills and creative expression. Music, art, science and social studies are woven into the daily schedule, with a PE block daily and Spanish, French or Mandarin alternated weekly. Students are active and spend time each day in nature.   
 
Literacy and Numeracy
  • A literacy-rich environment fosters reading engagement and vocabulary development; multiple interactions with text each day explore relationships between letters, sound, structure and grammar.  
  • The use of natural elements, with connections between shape, form, quantity and quality, facilitate an understanding of abstract math concepts.
  • Technology is used as a tool, where appropriate, to enhance learning. 
Character Development
  • Teachers, trained in attachment theory, develop connections with each student to support children’s social-emotional wellbeing and decision-making capabilities.
  • Children are guided to naturally converse with peers, which sets the stage for friendship and collaboration. 
  • The school’s values of inclusiveness and mindfulness are integrated to encourage kindness to self and others. 
Community/Global Connections
  • Language lessons (French, Spanish, Mandarin) include interactive activities that relate to different cultures around the globe.  
  • Children are part of the school community, with older student "buddies," regular visits to the school library, and participation in school events, concerts and assemblies.
  • Service and sustainability are emphasized, with opportunities to contribute to our school, local and global communities, and the environment.

Program Features

  • Full day program (8:30am-3pm, with flexible drop-off until 9am and pick-up to 3pm). 
  • Three teachers for one class of 25 students (8:1 student teacher ratio).
  • Early Childhood Education Centre features two spacious classrooms, art and science stations, a comfortable quiet room, kitchen, large outdoor garden, water station, and nature discovery area.
  • Specialists teach Mandarin, Spanish and PE.   
  • Parent involvement is encouraged, with parent-teacher conferences, student-sharing sessions, parent education workshops and grade socials throughout the year.

West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750  

Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.