The History of King George Elementary School
King George became the seventh school in Brantford when it was built in 1914 at a cost of $45,000. The original building is a two-story structure with nine classrooms, which could handle an enrollment of about 350 students. It wasn't long before that limit was met with students transferring in from surrounding schools. Enrollment has remained steadily between 300 and 350 for a century.
Thomas Bingle was the first principal, leaving his post in 1917 to serve as a captain in the First World War. He was severely injured, losing one leg and thereafter wearing a brace on the other. The wounds delayed his return to the school until 1922 where he remained principal until 1942. On display in the foyer is a handwritten note from the school's namesake, King George V, wishing Bingle a speedy recovery.
A major addition was added to the building in 1966, which included an auditorium and kitchen. In 1975, after the closing of Alexandra School on Darling Street, a six-room addition was added to King George. In the mid-1950s, heavy enrollment resulted in student transfers and King George became a kindergarten to Grade 5 school. In 1964, a new concept of senior schools was coming into vogue and King George became home to just kindergarten to Grade 2 and Grades 7 and 8 students. It was a memorable day in 1967 when the school was visited by Harland Sanders, the famed colonel of chicken, who treated city and board of education representatives and six classes to a centennial dinner of KFC.
Over the years, King George has been home to a host of special classes, and the school has a long tradition of offering many extra curricular activities, including theatrical performances and lots of sports. Parents are often involved in the events.