The first new elementary school to be built in Whitehorse in more than 20 years, Whistle Bend Elementary School, will welcome students in August 2024 for the 2024–25 school year. Planning work for the opening of the school is ongoing and families living in the Whistle Bend Elementary School attendance area can now confirm their enrolment interest with an online form.
The Whistle Bend Elementary School attendance area includes the neighbourhood of Whistle Bend and the area north of the softball fields in Takhini. Families living in this area have three options for enrolment. These options are based on where their children are enrolled for the upcoming 2023–24 school year and what grade their children will enter when the new school opens for the 2024–25 school year.
For students entering grades 1 through 7 in August 2024, the enrolment options are:
- New enrolment at Whistle Bend Elementary School.
- Continuing enrolment in a French Immersion program, Catholic Education program or a school operated by a school board (Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon or First Nation School Board).
- For students entering Grades 6 and 7 in August 2024, continuing enrolment at their 2023-24 school until they enter secondary school.
Students with more than one home address are expected to attend a school located in the attendance area for their primary home address. For students starting Kindergarten at Whistle Bend Elementary School in August 2024, the registration process is the same as for all Kindergarten programs.
I am very pleased and excited that the first new elementary school to be built in Whitehorse in more than 20 years will open its doors to students next summer. As we prepare for this education milestone, understanding where families plan to have their children attend school is important today so we can plan and prepare to best support student learning. This is much more than a new building, this is a meaningful investment in our children’s futures for the years to come.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
A key piece in helping the Department of Education support student learning is having families confirm their enrolment interest before September 30, 2023.
The enrolment interest form can be submitted by email, mail or dropped off in person at 1000 Lewes Blvd in Whitehorse.
Whistle Bend Elementary School is a new Kindergarten to Grade 7 school designed for up to 425 students in Whitehorse.
Construction began in late 2021 by Ketza Construction Corporation, a Yukon company with more than 50 years of construction experience.
Designed by Kobayashi + Zedda Architects (KZA), a Whitehorse-based architecture and planning firm, the school incorporates modern educational practices and technology to prepare students for their futures.
On September 11, 2022, five candidates were elected to form the Whistle Bend Elementary School Council. As school planning continues, school council members will engage with their community to reflect local priorities, values and expectations.
The long-term name for the school has not yet been determined. Once the school opens, the school council plans to work with the student body, families and staff to choose a name that reflects the values of the school community.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Krisandra Reid
Communications, Department of Education
867-336-0653
krisandra.reid@yukon.ca