Courtenay Elementary

About

Courtenay Elementary is located at 1540 Mcphee Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 3A5. The school opened in 1953 as Courtenay West School and was later renamed Courtenay Elementary School, continuing to operate in the same location on McPhee Avenue. The school also offers a publicly funded Montessori choice program as an integral part of the school.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Comox Valley)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-5

Phone: 250 338-5396

Email: courtenay@sd71.bc.ca

Principal: Al Johnson

Programs and Services

Early Years Programs StrongStart BC is a free, drop-in early learning program for children from birth to 5 years old, attended with a parent or caregiver, and includes activities like story time, play, and a healthy snack. JumpStart Preschool is a community-based program (in partnership with SD71) that emphasizes play-based learning and supports early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and self-confidence. Food programs The school runs a breakfast club for students who did not have breakfast at home, and also prepares healthy, fresh lunches through its lunch program. These supports are funded through Community LINK and partner grants, with food donations also supporting the program. Physical activity (before school) The school opens the gym each morning for students who want physical activity before classes, to help students be ready to learn. Clubs (after school) Courtenay Elementary runs athletic, fine arts, and garden clubs after school most days. Programs are open to all students, with priority given to students from vulnerable families. Montessori (choice program) Courtenay Elementary offers a publicly funded Montessori Program through SD71, taught by BC-certified, Montessori-trained teachers. Students learn both the provincial and Montessori curricula, with an emphasis on peace education, grace and courtesy, community, and independence through hands-on learning.

School Culture and Expectations

The school’s code of conduct emphasizes students’ rights to be treated with respect, learn in a positive environment, belong without discrimination, and be safe and successful. Students are expected to be kind and respectful, come prepared to learn, respect each person’s uniqueness, and help keep the school safe. The code applies at school, while traveling to and from school, and during school functions; consequences are intended to be fair and, where possible, restorative. The school also outlines expectations for dress and for responsible use of personal digital devices (including BYOD with permission and supervision).

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

Accessible parking is limited: the staff lot has two accessible parking spaces, and families are asked not to use them without an accessible pass. Families are also asked not to park in the bus zone (between the red cones) or in the staff portion of the parking lot before or after school; there is a small parent lot beside the alley before entering the main staff area.