Our School

KVR Elementary School is located on Jermyn Avenue near downtown Penticton, BC. It is an elementary school for Grade K - 7.  KVR Elementary also has a late immersion French program beginning in Grade 6. 

 

Good citizenship and student leadership are highly valued at KVR Elementary School. Citizenship is expressed in many forms. In class, it is shown by doing one’s best in all aspects of school. Special opportunities for the development and expression of leadership skills are made available through the school leadership program, but involvement in school clubs, teams, and activities give students more opportunities to be be part of, and help create, strong school community. Students are encouraged to get involved and make a commitment and contribution to their school!

 

 

KVR was the first middle school built in Penticton.  During 1996, construction began and the new building replaced O'Connell Elementary School. The school name was chosen by the board of trustees, because the school was located near the old Kettle Valley Railroad line. The library was named  after the late, Dan O'Connell, to honor his leadership in education.  Mr. O'Connell was the elementary school principal in Penticton from 1928 - 1960.  

 

When KVR first opened its doors in September 1997, Mr. John Laidlaw was the school principal. Both staff and students faced challenges in the initial months of operation, as construction continued and resources were limited.  Both Grade 6 and 7 French Immersion students remained at Wiltse Elementary, while grade 8's remained at Penticton Secondary School until classrooms were finally completed. In the first years of operation, KVR staff began building community within the school and strived for providing students with high quality education.

 

Effective September 2025, as a result of the Long-Range Facilities plan, KVR Middle was reorganized into KVR Elementary. Opening its doors in a new configuration in 2025, the school welcomed families from 13 other schools across the community in grades Kindergarten to grade 7. Today, the building remains as one of the largest elementary schools in the district.