With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

Sir James Douglas Elementary School is situated in the southeastern area of Vancouver, on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded Indigenous territories of the Coast Salish Peoples – the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Douglas Elementary is a triple track school with English, French Immersion and Late French Immersion programs. The school currently enrolls 543 students. French Immersion students attend Sir James Douglas Annex from Kindergarten through Grade 3 before transferring to the main school, Douglas Elementary, for Grades 4 through 7. Douglas is part of the David Thompson Secondary Family of Schools for English program students and the Sir Winston Churchill Secondary Family of Schools for French Immersion students. A Strong Start Program opened in September 2014 and is a vibrant part of the school community. Douglas is committed to formulating strong ties with our early learning partners.

In 2013, we moved into a new building which is seismically safe and fully accessible. The school is designed with classrooms that are grouped in six learning communities/pods named after local Indigenous animals/birds- Eagles, Wolves, Hummingbirds, Coyotes, Turtles, and Orcas. Each pod contains 4-5 classrooms grouped together with a common learning space for students to share and engage with other students. This design fosters collaboration and cooperation amongst classroom teachers and students.

The Douglas community including, students, parents, and staff, is eager to engage. Douglas provides many extra-curricular programs and school experiences that are designed to enhance collaboration and student learning. We have a thriving Arts program including music classes with our music specialist, band for students in grades 6-7, after school Arts classes through our Community Schools Team, a school-wide musical, and workshops for students through the Artist in Residence Studio (AIRS) program. Staff are committed to land-based learning and creating spaces outdoors for connection to each other and the land through the Wild Schools program. The school has a very active Parent Advisory Council that coordinates many social and fund-raising activities for Douglas and Douglas Annex.

Some of the ways that we celebrate learning that connect to the VSB Education Plan 2026 Goal of improving student achievement, physical and mental well-being, equity, and belonging include: commitment to anti-racism, restorative practices, school-wide themes, events, activities, assemblies, parent teacher conferences, newsletters, social media, PAC meetings, open houses, and celebrations of learning.

Douglas staff strive to build a respectful community of lifelong learners. We work towards both staff and students becoming caring, accomplished, and cooperative citizens. We aim to provide an enriched environment in which children are encouraged to think, question, create and wonder. Together with families and school community we take joy in celebrating their learning journeys!