Our Story: A Legacy of Faith and Learning
Vancouver Christian School (VCS) began as a bold vision held by Dutch immigrants from First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver. In the 1930s, they were compelled by a deep belief that the City of Vancouver needed a school where Christ-centered faith and academic learning would be fully integrated. Through dedicated prayer, advocacy, and sacrificial giving, their vision became a reality in 1949 with the founding of Calvin Christian School, now known as Vancouver Christian School.
While much has changed since those early days, three things have remained constant:
- God’s faithfulness to our school community.
- A mission that aims the hearts, hands, and minds of students toward Christ,
- And the unwavering commitment of families and supporters to the flourishing of Christian education.
Donate to the Archives
If you’d like to donate historical material to our archives, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact our Development Department at development@vancs.org.
Timeline of
Milestones
1949
Calvin Christian School opens with 11 students in a small house on Carlton Street, funded by $700 from dedicated parents.
1950’s
Rapid growth leads to a new facility for 100 students.
1957
Playground land is sold to the City of Vancouver, with proceeds given to help launch Richmond Christian School.
1965
Renamed Vancouver Christian School to welcome families from all Christian backgrounds.
1973
B.C. government announces 30% funding for independent schools, supported by VCS advocacy.
1978-1979
Emmanuel Christian Secondary joins VCS Association; a leased Mons Drive property becomes VCS’s home.
1982
VCS launches its first Kindergarten and graduates its first Grade 12 class.
1984
VCS purchases Mons Drive property, securing a permanent home.
1989
Grades 8–10 are paused; Killarney campus is sold; all operations move to Mons Drive.
1991
Campus expansion begins; junior high program relaunched.
1995
Mons Drive expansion completed with new playgrounds and classrooms.
2005
VCS partners with John Knox to form Carver Christian High School, expanding to full K–12.
2014
Major Mons Drive expansion begins to bring all K–12 students under one roof.
2016-2018
During construction, three local churches graciously host the VCS classes — Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free, Pacific Grace, and Vancouver Chinese Alliance.
2018
New K–12 building opens; Carver Christian joins VCS, growing enrollment from 400 to 650+ and allowing for K-12 Christian education at the Mons Drive campus.
2020
COVID-19 forces remote learning; students return safely in September 2020.
2022
Renovations provide more classrooms and learning spaces; rooftop addition planning begins.
2024
In July, Rooftop Addition construction begins to better meet space needs for VCS.
2024-2025
VCS celebrates its 75th anniversary.
2025
Rooftop Addition completed, adding 5300 square feet including a Learning Commons, three classrooms, washrooms, and flexible spaces.
Stepping Forward in Faith
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22–23
God has been the cornerstone of every decision and plan at VCS. Throughout our history, we have seen that His goodness and provisions are greater than any challenge we might encounter. By His grace, our community has flourished, grown, and served His Kingdom here in Vancouver – and with His blessing, we will continue this joyful work for years to come.