Our Origin Story
Claren Academy was first imagined in 2015 when the oldest child of our founders started kindergarten. Kathryn (a social worker) and Ryan (a game developer) had big ideas about future-focused skills, social responsibility, adaptability, and their own desire to make the best use of their energy and resources.
Kathryn and Ryan pictured a school that would meet kids where they are in terms of academics, and only push them forward as they demonstrated proficiency in a concept. This became our highly successful leveled literacy and math programs that provide differentiated learning and challenge for every Claren student. With these strong academic foundations, our students competently move into the projects, inquiry, composition, and problem-solving of our higher grades.
They pictured a school in the heart of Vancouver, with all of its beauty, resources, and with families eager to raise kids in an urban environment. Now in our second campus, we are committed to growing mindfully and sustainably, staying in the city we love.
They told friends about their exciting idea, which became their original Claren Academy Society board, who donate their time, funds, and skills for the sake of progressive, accessible education. As the school has grown, so has its governance, even founding a second charity, the Claren Academy Foundation, to grow our bursary fund and ensure fiscal responsibility.
They wanted their children to take pride in their own learning, while having a realistic idea of their strengths, learning style, and potential to improve. This became our one-of-a-kind Reportfolio system, where all of our learners, from kindergarten up, participate in their own reporting and reflect and engage with their teachers and parents.
They wanted their kids to be brave risk takers, which led to the Claren Market, our yearly entrepreneurial fair where every Claren learner takes a product from idea to research to pitch, production, and finally sale. We are told regularly by parents that this immersive education in creating and selling is their favourite aspect of a Claren education and we can’t blame them. It’s also their source for everything from taco seasoning, to camping kits, soap, jewelry, board games, headbands, and hundreds of other ideas born from young imaginations, guided by educators and parent volunteers.
They wanted their two boys to be responsible and kind, aware of their privilege and eager to be of service. Claren’s curriculum integrates kindness, empathy, and perspective in every aspect, from school wide assemblies and kindness challenges, to age-appropriate lessons on history, influence, and how our choices affect each other.
They wanted this education to be accessible and welcoming, addressing the lack of diverse representation in business, leadership, and rewarding work, starting with the youngest learners who will eventually be leaders. This led to our ambitious bursary program, where a small, young school has already provided over $120,000 worth of tuition assistance, all via donations from our parents and community.
They wanted like-minded, committed parents who would push us to be excellent and innovative, and trust us to give their kids the best education for their changing future. The Claren community is active, engaged, and always improving the experience of our young learners, whether it’s planning social gatherings, supervision at recess, coaching, Claren Market help, or sharing professional expertise.
They also knew what they didn’t know, which was how to bring this to life. For that, they needed educators. Our principal and teachers take on the daily challenge of meeting every learner where they are, and using our resources and materials to craft engaging, innovative, memorable lessons that will shape our kids, and always move them towards our Claren learner profile. Our staff are appreciated by our board and parents and recognized as the face of Claren Academy.
Last and most importantly, they needed the students. Our admissions process is detailed and engaging, getting to know interested families and being sure that they understand our mission and vision, and will work with us as we foster independence, competence, and curiosity in every learner. As for the students, they supply the questions, energy, and all kinds of potential, bringing Claren Academy from an idea to a community. We can’t wait to see what they do next.