One Campus, One Community.

Why the new King David High School and the JCC belong together.

Over the past few months, we’ve shared updates about the exciting new Jewish campus that will soon take shape on the current JCC site. With construction just a few months away, we know that community members have many questions—about the project’s name, the size of the new JCC, and much more. Today, we’re focusing on one of the key pieces of this project: the new King David High School (KDHS), and why it’s being built alongside the new Jewish Community Centre (JCC).

Why build a full campus instead of just a new JCC?

Rendering of new campus by Acton Ostry Architects

This project is about more than replacing aging buildings—it’s about building community. By bringing KDHS and the JCC together on a single campus, we’re creating a central hub for Jewish life in Vancouver. This shared space will serve everyone - from preschoolers and teens to older adults and our Oakridge neighbours. It’s an opportunity to build something inclusive, connected, and deeply rooted in Jewish values and identity - something that can grow with us, as a community.

Does having the school and JCC side by side really make a difference for students?
Absolutely - both practically and meaningfully. At King David High School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. The school fosters critical thinking, creativity, and real-world engagement. Judaic Studies at KDHS help students explore contemporary Jewish life and build a lasting connection to their heritage.

“King David is more than just a school; it is a family and a community where students, staff, and families truly belong. Our exceptional teachers understand each individual student, providing a rigorous learning experience within a warm and safe environment to help them reach their full potential.”

- Dr. Seth Goldsweig, Head of School

Having the JCC next door will enhance that experience. Students will benefit from direct access to the cultural spaces at the JCC like the library and the theatre, as well as to programs at the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC), which will provide meaningful opportunities for a variety of activities and engagement. In turn, the JCC will benefit from the vibrancy, energy, and presence of KDHS students - filling the space with chatter, laughter, and authentic intergenerational relationships.

Is the new KDHS going to be bigger than the current school?
Yes - it will be approximately 25% larger, with room for up to 400 students. This expanded space means more room for elective courses, enhanced Judaic programming, and flexible, modern learning environments that promote collaboration and creativity.

What about new athletic facilities for students?
Students will benefit from access to high-quality athletic facilities at the new JCC, including a gymnasium designated specifically for KDHS use, as well as an 8-lane swimming pool, a larger fitness centre, and outdoor practice fields and multi-use courts that they will share with other JCC users.

Rending of new Gymnasium by Acton Ostry Architects.

When will construction of the new KDHS begin?
Construction of the new JCC will happen first. Once completed, construction of the new King David High School will begin. During this phased process, the current KDHS and JCC buildings will remain fully operational. Both organizations will only move once their new spaces are ready, ensuring minimal disruption to programs, services, and learning.

Parking during construction will be available across the street at the future Grosvenor development site, shared by both KDHS and JCC.

Who is designing the new KDHS?
The new KDHS and JCC are being designed by Acton Ostry Architects, a firm with deep experience in educational and community spaces. Their previous work includes the current KDHS, Vancouver Talmud Torah (VTT), and York House School, as well as Hillel House at UBC, Beth Israel Synagogue and Har El synagogue.

To learn more about the project, meet the team behind it, or explore the incredible community of donors helping bring this vision to life, visit JWestNow.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. And if you’ve missed our previous announcements, you can find them on the News and Updates page of our website.  

Together, we are not just building new facilities - we are building the future of Jewish life in Vancouver.

We gratefully acknowledge the support this project has received from the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.