Barrowtown Elementary

About

Barrowtown Elementary is located at 5137 Tolmie Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2V4. The school describes itself as a small, rural K–5 school in a thriving agricultural community in east Abbotsford, serving families since 1952. It emphasizes its “School of Character” focus and highlights hands-on, inquiry-based learning connected to agriculture and environmental stewardship.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Abbotsford)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-5

Phone: 604 854-5996

Email: michelle.basran@abbyschools.ca

Principal: Michelle Basran

Programs and Services

Agriculture / sustainability / environmental stewardship learning (Greenhouse program) Barrowtown Elementary describes a school-wide learning focus using agriculture, sustainability, and environmental stewardship as “lenses for inquiry and rich hands-on learning.” The school highlights a professional-style greenhouse, indoor hydroponic growing stations, and outdoor growing spaces used to support inquiry, innovation, and learning connected to the BC Curriculum. Literacy initiatives The school participates in “One School, One Book,” a school-wide reading program where each student receives a copy of a selected book to read at home with family, paired with school-wide activities. Barrowtown also pilots the “Dig For Your Rights!” literacy program, which combines picture books, problem-based learning, and inquiry connected to land use, agriculture, local food systems, and the United Nations Rights of a Child. Childcare / preschool The school offers before- and after-school care and preschool on site through Little Caterpillars Family Childcare. Student support / learning support A district Parent Series session highlighted “Learning Support Services” available in Abbotsford schools and provided guidance on accessing learning supports (district-run information session).

School Culture and Expectations

The school identifies itself as a “School of Character” and says it aims to help prepare students to be leaders in their community and citizens in the world. The school also includes a land acknowledgement, recognizing that the Abbotsford School District is on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Máthxwi First Nation.