Banff Elementary School

A school shaped by its students, community, and the Rockies themselves. 

What began as a modernization became something much larger—a chance to reimagine what learning and belonging could look like in Banff.

The new Banff Elementary School, replacing its 1950s predecessor, was designed as more than a building: it is a place where children grow, neighbours gather, and community spirit thrives. Built in two careful phases so that learning could continue uninterrupted, the project reflects a shared commitment to student well-being and educational excellence.

Light-filled and adaptable, the school encourages curiosity and collaboration at every turn. Two classroom wings extend from a bright central spine, with sliding garage doors and flexible labs that open possibilities for team teaching, hands-on projects, and creative exploration. Quiet breakout rooms balance the energy, giving students space to focus or recharge.

At its heart, a vibrant learning commons redefines the library as a hub for discovery and connection—open to every corner of the school. Spaces near the entry double as gathering areas, seamlessly linking school life with community events in the gymnasium. Natural wood, local Rundle stone, and sweeping mountain views root the building in its setting, while abundant daylight fosters a calm, grounded atmosphere.

Sustainability is woven throughout, with LEED Gold certification, a rooftop solar array, and locally sourced materials that honour both the environment and the community’s stewardship of place.

The result is more than a school. It is a cornerstone for Banff—where children from kindergarten to grade eight can thrive, and where the community finds a home for learning, gathering, and growth, cradled by the Rockies.