100-688 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1P1(MAP)
Busing available (View details)
School Busing:
HongDe Elementary School offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are regular rider.
The regions HongDe Elementary School offers busing from are:
Burnaby
Vancouver
Richmond
Additional notes: School bus pick-up and drop-off services.
Our Perspective
How we see HongDe Elementary School
HongDe is the very definition of a bilingual school—students live and learn in two languages. They also arrive proficient in either. This isn’t a school where Anglophones learn Mandarin, or Mandarin speakers learn English; rather, it’s both. Language learning is important, and bilingual fluency has its own benefits. But there are other benefits to learning languages that are less obvious, maybe, though eminently valuable. They include gaining a sense of the world, interacting meaningfully with other cultures, and gaining a unique sense of mastery. HongDe was formed very much with all of those things in mind. Given that it’s an elementary school, the introduction to a second language comes at the right time, that when kids are best able to take it on board. Facilities are crisp, clean, and the school is a hub to a vibrant, engaged parent and student community.
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How HongDe Elementary School sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"In a caring and supportive learning environment characterized by small class sizes and a rich multicultural setting, students embark on a transformative journey to acquire both English and Chinese languages. Our program is thoughtfully balanced, with 40% of instruction delivered in Mandarin and 60% in English."
Certified Not-For-Profit School
Experienced Educators
Immersive Mandarin/English Curriculum
Holistic Language Development
Specialist-Led Instruction
Creative Expression
Small Class Sizes
Supportive Community
Virtues: Moral and Ethical Education
Global Preparedness
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"In a caring and supportive learning environment characterized by small class sizes and a rich multicultural setting, students embark on a transformative journey to acquire both English and Chinese languages. Our program is thoughtfully balanced, with 40% of instruction delivered in Mandarin and 60% in English."
What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At HongDe Elementary, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment. Our Mandarin/English bilingual immersion program and dedicated teachers and staff ensure that every student thrives both academically and personally. We welcome you to join our community and explore the opportunities available at HongDe."
What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"At HongDe Elementary, the Year-End Performance is a cherished tradition, celebrating the culmination of our students’ hard work and learning throughout the school year. This event showcases the unique combination of our Bilingual Mandarin/English Program, highlighting our students’ talents in music, dance, and drama.
Here is a closer look at the program of our 2023-24 Year-End Performance:
1. Peter Pan (English Play): Our students brought the timeless tale of Peter Pan to life with their impressive acting skills. This English play was a wonderful demonstration of their creativity and teamwork.
2. Traditional Mandarin Songs & Dance: Our students showcased their bilingual abilities and cultural appreciation.
3. Year-End Musical Performances Certificate Ceremony: Recognizing their hard work and achievements, each student received a certificate from their classroom teacher. These certificates celebrated their best work and successes throughout the school year."
What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"We offer a unique and holistic educational experience. Our commitment to bilingual education, with an immersive Mandarin/English curriculum, combined with a Fine Arts focus and a strong emphasis on moral and ethical values, ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education.
At HongDe, we provide a nurturing and supportive environment that prepares students to thrive academically, culturally, and socially in an increasingly globalized world."
Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"HongDe promotes bilingual learning and families must support an inclusive, Mandarin/English learning environment."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Our educators embrace the revised BC curriculum with its focus on engagement, the core competencies, essential learning and literacy and numeracy foundations. We strive to educate students for the future; one in which the ability to collaborate and think critically and creatively will be invaluable."
How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"At HongDe Elementary School, our mission is to provide an exceptional education that embraces both traditional Chinese and Western cultural values, while instilling virtues and character strengths essential for success in society."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Mandarin is the most relevant and useful second language, spoken by more than 900 million people world-wide. Our students will receive Mandarin instruction in Chinese Language Arts, Arts Education, Physical Education and Health education. This will give them the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communicating in both Mandarin and English."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"HongDe Elementary School’s performing arts component in the Mandarin Program is a holistic creative journey that nurtures students in traditional Chinese music and dance."
What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"We are adding the 6th grade for 2024-25 school year, a program review is needed for this procedure.
Other than that, we are working towards introducing an After-School Care program in our school."
How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"We are planning to extend the grades in our school so students can experience Mandarin and English from K-7"
Watch our parent interview with bin lai to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend HongDe Elementary School.
School leadership
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Brittany Conlon, Principal MEd
As Principal, it is my pleasure to introduce you to HongDe Elementary School, a BC certified Mandarin/English bilingual school where students and teachers learn and collaborate together.
At HongDe Elementary School, teachers and staff strive to ensure that all students are learning in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environment. HongDe teachers focus on facilitating the development of critical thinking and inquiry in students by following the BC Curriculum (Core Competencies, Curricular Competencies, Content, First Peoples Principles of Learning), while also modeling and teaching virtues.
HongDe Elementary School is a small and unique learning community that values the diversity and talents of all students and staff. By learning at HongDe Elementary School, your child will not only acquire language proficiency in both Mandarin and English, but will most importantly feel proud of their achievements as bilingual learners.
