A look at our history
Crofton House School was founded in 1898 by Dr Jessie Gordon. As one of the first women to attend Cambridge University, Dr Gordon placed great value on education for women and had a bold vision of creating an all-girls' school where young women would build a solid foundation to meet life's challenges.
In addition to the emphasis on academics, Jessie established the tradition of a well-rounded education for girls, making sports, physical education, drama and music part of the curriculum. This whole-girl approach continues to be a cornerstone of Crofton House education.
Learn more about Jessie Gordon: A Life of Education
Archives at CHS
If you are interested in donating to the archives, have a research request, or would like to visit in person, please contact:
Archivist
Manda Haligowski
604 263 3255 ext. 4206
archives@croftonhouse.ca
1898
Classes begin in the billiard room of Jessie Gordon’s family home at 1219 West Georgia Street. There are four students: the Tunstall sisters – Janet, Marjorie and Dorothy – and Gertrude Nicol.
1901
A new school is built at the corner of Jervis Street and Nelson Street, and opens with 30 day students and five boarding students. Jessie names the school Crofton House, inspired by Crofton Cottages, where she lived while attending Cambridge.
1901
An ivy leaf collected by a student on a walk is the inspiration for the school symbol. Servabo Fidem – I will keep the faith – becomes the school motto. Jessie runs the school, along with her two sisters, Mary and Edith.
1907
The lot adjacent to the School is purchased and the “lower”, or Junior School, is built.
1913
The intertwined CHS becomes the School logo.
1915
The “Old Girls Association”, the precursor to today’s Alumnae Association, is established.
1920s
Crofton House has grown to include a Senior School, a Junior School, tennis courts and a gymnasium.
1926
The first Crofton House School Head Girl, Maude Travers ’27, is elected.
1937
With Mary and Jessie Gordon’s retirement and the residential centre of the city shifting away from the West End, the future of the school is uncertain. A group of dedicated parents, alumnae and friends rally to ensure Crofton House can continue. The School is incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia and the Board of Governors is created.
1937
Sarah Macdonald is appointed Headmistress. Ms. Macdonald starts many traditions that continue today, including the Carol Service and the House system.
1941
Despite the challenges of the Depression, followed by World War II, the Board makes the bold decision to move the school from the West End to Kerrisdale, and the Edgemont estate at 41st Avenue and Blenheim Street is purchased. The beautiful 10-acre campus continues to be a distinctive feature of Crofton House.
1942
Ellen Bryan is appointed Headmistress. The original house is renovated to become the Residence and administrative centre and a new classroom building, Gordon Hall, is constructed.
1948
Crofton House marks 50 years with a Golden Jubilee Celebration and the opening of Farrell Hall, a new gymnasium.
1948
Jessie Gordon receives an honorary doctorate from UBC for services to education.
1957
The Gordon Memorial Library opens on March 1, 1957 – the School's 59th birthday.
1958
Crofton House has full enrolment, over 360 girls, when Muriel Bedford-Jones is appointed Headmistress.
1959
New school uniforms are introduced that feature the Gordon tartan. Crofton House students continue to wear Gordon tartan tunics and skirts as part of their uniforms
1960
Crofton House continues to grow, with the opening of a new Junior School, Bryan Hall.
1967
Bedford-Jones Hall, a residence for boarders, opens.
1970
Rosalind Addison is appointed Headmistress of Crofton House School.
1973
A pageant and celebration marks the School’s 75th anniversary.
1977
The need for more classroom space is met with the extension of Gordon Hall.
1982
The Fine Arts Centre, including the Rix Gymnasium and Addison Auditorium, is opened.
1990
Barbara Emmerson is appointed Head of School. Boarding at CHS comes to an end.
1993
The new Junior School, Bedford-Jones Hall and Chan Hall gymnasium are opened.
1995
Barbara Walker is appointed Head of School.
1995
The Geoffrey Lau Science Centre is opened.
1998
CHS celebrates 100 years!
2000
Patricia Dawson is appointed Head of School.
2004
The Board of Governors approves a bold Campus Master Plan to transform the campus.
2009
The Senior School building opens.
2011
The Early Childhood Education Centre opens.
2012
The renovation of the Old Residence is complete.
2015
The Senior School Athletics Centre and Manrell Hall open.
2015
The Board of Governors approves the 10-year strategic plan: Beyond Buildings: Extraordinary Possibilities
2017
Rejuvenation of the Beedie Fine Arts Centre is complete.
2017
In December, a celebration is held to thank the CHS community for their dedication and generosity, which allowed the completion of the Campus Master Plan.
2019
Ena Harrop is appointed Head of School.
Today
CHS inspires over 900 girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 to discover and pursue their personal excellence.
“I have been at Crofton House for eight years and it feels like a second home. All of the teachers are so caring and the campus is so beautiful – I love coming here.”
Georgia ’25 | CHS Student