About VTT

We are proud of the very disparate geographic and cultural origins of our families, but our pluralism is also evident in our socioeconomic diversity and wide spectrum of Jewish affiliation. As a community school, we embrace all Jewish families—be they observant, traditional, secular or interfaith. The sense of community is enhanced by initiatives such as our Centre Stage and buddy programs that build cross-grade connections and friendships. In addition, our Parent Action Chavurah (PAC parent association) support our school and parent body. Because so many of our families come from outside Vancouver, friends become family at VTT and this is where students – and parents – create friendships that last a lifetime.

Our early childhood program provides the building blocks for future academic growth and allows for the seamless transition to the primary grades.

We believe in the power of play. Through play children learn how to think, explore, discover and create. Play is also a basis for developing social and emotional skills allowing children to learn how to make friends, negotiate with others, and resolve conflicts. Through play, children learn independence, cooperation and collaboration and creative free play develops the physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills required to succeed as adults. Our educators prepare the classroom to facilitate the development of these critical skills.

At VTT our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering. Our dynamic, innovative, real world and rigorous curriculum from early childhood through to grade seven enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence they will need to meet the challenges ahead. Critical thinking and communication skills are honed as students collaborate in multidisciplinary projects. Using an inquiry-based model, children learn how to creatively problem solve and, essentially, learn how to learn.

We immerse students in the warmth and beauty of Jewish tradition and practice while creating joyful experiences. Jewish life is celebrated and lived daily through the values of tikkun olam (repair of the world), chesed (kindness) and tzedakah (charity). Shabbat activities and programs are a highlight of the weekly schedule. Our well-developed Judaic studies program engages students in Hebrew language instruction and facilitates the study of Jewish rituals, holidays, the weekly Torah portion and, in upper grades, Jewish texts. We also create a vibrant link to the State of Israel, particularly through our ShinShin program that allows young Israeli emissaries to spend the year interacting with and informally educating students.

We believe that technology enhances, but does not replace, good classroom instruction. Students in primary are provided with iPads and we have a 1-to-1 laptop program for students in grades 4 through 7 to achieve curricular goals. The focus of our educational technology program is providing teachers and students with access to additional resources, insight, knowledge and expertise. In addition, competence with these tools and literacy in how best to use and apply them will prepare students for the next chapters in their educational journeys.

VTT’s ISTEAM program focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics using innovations from Israel as a platform to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, and ensuring they have a rich understanding of contemporary Israel. VTT’s ISTEAM program offers a special focus on developing independent learners, critical thinkers, collaborators, innovators and contributors. In this interdisciplinary program, students learn through inquiry and hands-on, project-based learning all connected to Israel. The goal is to foster a "Start-Up Nation" mindset in our students.

At VTT, we promote the innate creativity of our students through daily art exploration and creation activities. We understand that engaging in the creative process strengthens neural pathways, promotes critical thinking, improves fine motor skills, and allows children to discover their individuality. Our art, music and drama faculty specialists contribute to the development of the whole child and our intermediate students love participating in our professional spring musical productions.

We offer a broad range of athletic opportunities with intramurals, house teams and competitive Tornadoes teams in volleyball, basketball, soccer, climbing, swimming, ultimate frisbee, track & field, and cross country. Our co-curricular programs include band, choir, green thumb club, debate club, magazine club, D&D club, Lego robotics, and mixed media art. We also offer a host of after school programs to lengthen the school day to 5PM. Visit the After School Programs tab of our website for more details.