Before the arrival of European settlers, the area around Vancouver was home to the Coast Salish Indigenous peoples, including the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. These nations have a long and rich cultural heritage, a deep spiritual connection to the land, and a strong oral storytelling tradition.   

In the late 1800s, the arrival of European settlers brought significant changes to the region, including the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their traditional territories and the introduction of a new education system. Despite these challenges, many Indigenous families in the area continued to pass down their cultural traditions and teachings to future generations.   

Trafalgar Annex was officially opened on April 27th, 1955. It provided educational services for children in grades 1-3. In September 1966, following a major renovation, the annex was re-opened for students in K-7 and was renamed Carnarvon School. Like nearby Carnarvon Street and Carnarvon Park, the school’s name commemorates Henry Herbert, the 4th Earl of Carnarvon. As Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Carnarvon introduced the bill for the 1867 British North America Act, which conferred self-government on Canada and created a federation.   

In 1974, the Vancouver School Board approved Carnarvon for Community School status, with provisions for a coordinator and secretary. In May of 1979, the Community School Advisory Council was registered as a Society. Many successful community initiatives took place at Carnarvon in subsequent years. In September 2004, funding for the Community Programs Office at Carnarvon was eliminated, resulting in the transfer of many traditional activities to the direction of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The Carnarvon Preschool runs on school grounds and provides Preschool as well as Before and After School Care Programs.