From a bold founding vision to a thriving IB continuum school, Stratford Hall’s story reflects a commitment to purposeful growth, innovation, and community. Over more than two decades, the school has expanded its campus, deepened its programme, and continued to build on the belief that students flourish when they are known, challenged, and inspired.
An IB vision from the start
In 1998, two visionary women, Elaine Lee and Cindy Leung, together with their husbands, Harry Lee and Dr. Jeremy Leung, began planning a new kind of school for East Vancouver, Burnaby, and neighbouring communities—one that would provide an exceptional university preparatory education rooted in inquiry, inclusion, and community.
Their vision became a reality in 2000 with the founding of Stratford Hall. Opening its doors with just 55 students in the Italian Cultural Centre, the school was established with the intention of offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Since then, Stratford Hall has grown steadily into a thriving community of more than 540 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
When we first started Stratford Hall, we were the first school west of Toronto to have the IB Primary Years Programme. My vision for Stratford Hall is that we continue to strive for excellence and be a leader and an innovator in everything that we do.
Elaine Lee
Co-Founder
Our Journey
2000-2005: A Pioneering Independent School
Stratford Hall was founded in 2000 by visionaries Elaine Lee and Cindy Leung, together with their husbands Harry Lee and Dr. Jeremy Leung, who saw the need for an independent school for families in East Vancouver and Burnaby. Rooted in the values of confidence, excellence, and integrity, they found their ideal founding Head in Dr Jim McConnell, who shared their vision for a school focused on the tenets of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Located in the Italian Cultural Centre (ICC), Stratford Hall grew quickly, earning IB PYP authorization in 2003, the first school in Western Canada to do so.
The vision for the school was focused on the tenets of the IB Program from the very beginning.
2005-2014: Putting Down Roots
By 2005, Stratford Hall had grown from Kindergarten to Grade 10 and quickly outgrown its space at the ICC. After a challenging search, a permanent home was found at 14th and Commercial Drive. With community support, the school acquired two buildings on the block to serve its rapidly growing student body. By 2009, the school had full IB accreditation from PYP to DP. When the MYP building opened in 2014, every student could finally learn and grow together on one lively campus along Commercial Drive.
We wanted something that was very different for our students, and that’s what we did.
2015-2021: Spreading Our Wings
From 2015 to 2021, Stratford Hall saw new leadership, a global pandemic, and skyrocketing admission applications. Founding Head Dr. Jim McConnell retired, ushering in a transitional leadership era with Jason McBride, Dr. Sue Groesbeck and then Dean Croy as Heads. The school grew its Outdoor Education and Global Programs, strengthened community ties, and saw athletic success in Ultimate, Volleyball, and Track & Field–all while guiding 517 students and families through a generation-defining pandemic.
With each year came growth and new developments as a result of the efforts of many.
2022 and Beyond: Innovation & Growth
In 2022, Richard Kassissieh became the school’s fifth Head of School, launching a new era of innovation and growth. Grounded in the values of Integrity, Curiosity, and Belonging, the school continues its mission to empower diverse learners who will shape a changing world. A unified campus is on the horizon, with construction of a new middle building beginning in 2027. Guided by its Strategic Plan–Proud & Inclusive Community, Joy in the Pursuit of Excellence, and United in Future Vision and Shared Responsibility–Stratford Hall’s future is bright and bold.
Stratford Hall is a nimble, imaginative, and disciplined school, continually evolving to meet the needs of a changing world.
