East Kensington Elementary School

East Kensington Elementary School is valued as a local landmark and as a representation of the response of Grandview Heights' earliest settlers to the need for community educational facilities. The first East Kensington School was established in 1898-99 in an abandoned outbuilding built by Royal City Mills Logging Company. This was an 'assisted school', which meant that expenses, including the teacher's salary, were shared by the Province, parents and others. As the population increased, larger education facilities were needed and in 1908 a larger one-room schoolhouse was built. This was replaced by the current school in 1924, again reflecting the ongoing growth and development of the community. East Kensington Elementary School is a community landmark and a key institutional presence.

East Kensington Elementary School is also valued as an example of the type of school commonly designed by the provincial Department of Public Works. Starting in the 1880s, the Department assisted growing school districts through the development of standardized building plans. The original two-room structure of East Kensington Elementary school is characterized by its Foursquare plan and front-gabled projection on the south entrance with paired entries. This practical design was easy and inexpensive to execute, and provided separate entrances for boys and girls on the south side. In accordance with mandated school policy, the windows are banked along the east and west sides to allow abundant natural light, leaving sufficient wall space for large blackboards. Despite some alterations to its original appearance, such as the addition of a high basement, the school retains its historic character.