School Profile

Our school namesake Dr. James Frederick Brander (1879–1963) was a prominent Edmonton physician, obstetrician, and horticulturist.

Who was Dr. Brander?

Medical Career: Born in Nova Scotia, Dr. Brander earned his medical degree from Queen's University, specializing in pediatrics and gynecology/obstetrics. After practicing in Ponoka, he moved to Edmonton, where he delivered over 3,000 babies and became a life member of the Canadian Medical Association.

Horticultural Legacy: Alongside his father, George Brander, he established the Silver Heights Peony Gardens in 1920–1921 on an acreage in Edmonton's Bonnie Doon / Silver Heights district. The gardens produced tens of thousands of blooms annually, becoming a major Alberta tourist attraction and the original source for nearly all peonies grown in the province today. Dr. Brander hybridized several unique peony varieties (including Mary Brander, Claude Losie, and Barbara Brander), was a founding member of the Devonian Gardens, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Western Canadian Horticultural Society.

How He is Honored Today

Local Namesakes: His legacy is preserved through École Brander Gardens Elementary School, the surrounding Brander Gardens residential neighborhood.

Commemorative Peony Gardens: To honor his passion for gardening, the school built a flower garden at its front entrance. In celebration of the school's 50th Anniversary (1976–2026), the school community is expanding this tribute by creating a commemorative front-entrance peony garden with donated plants and split heritage roots. 

École Brander Gardens School provides instruction for elementary students in the Regular (English), French Immersion and Interactions Programs. 

We have strong Literacy and Numeracy programs with time built in for intervention and enrichment during book club time.  We also focus on research backed literacy and numeracy practices.  We have an amazing Music Specialist, who has lots of musical experience, plus an excellent library.  We focus on Character Development in addition to our strong academic program.  All these factors combine to create the basis of well balanced instructional program.

French as a Second Language is offered in Grades 4 to 6 within the Regular Program.  Daily Home Reading is an expectation at all grade levels. 

A strong focus is placed on academic achievement, and on social, emotional and physical growth and development.  Students have opportunities to develop leadership skills and provide service to the school and community. 

Staff work closely with parents who provide support in classrooms, the library and all aspects of the school.