PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Official Opening of Malala Yousafzai Public School Celebrates Equity, Education, and Community Growth

Peel District School Board is proud to announce the official opening of Malala Yousafzai Public School and Childcare Centre on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, a momentous occasion marking the completion of a vital and visionary educational facility for a growing Brampton community. 

Named after Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and global advocate for girls' education, the school stands as a symbol of equity, empowerment, and academic excellence. It is designed not just to house learning, but to inspire it with a mission rooted in advocacy, inclusion, and student voice. 

"It's with great pride that we celebrate the opening of Malala Yousafzai Public School, a space inspired by Malala's courageous leadership and belief in the power of education to spark global change. Our deepest gratitude to the Ontario Ministry of Education for their vital support in bringing this vision to life," said Will Davies, Peel District School Board Trustee for Brampton Wards 2 and 6. 

This new 88,973 sq. ft. facility, which includes a childcare centre, was made possible through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education and reflects the shared vision and dedication of families, staff, and community leaders. In response to the area's rapid growth, students were temporarily accommodated at a location on Mayfield Road in Caledon while the new school was under construction. The opening of Malala Yousafzai Public School brings a modern, accessible learning environment right to the heart of their own neighbourhood.  

"The official opening of Malala Yousafzai Public School is a deeply meaningful milestone for the community," explained Director of Education, Rashmi Swarup. "Families have shared how much more connected they feel to their children's education. They see their children thriving in an inclusive environment designed to inspire innovation and empower them to make a difference in the world." 

The main entrance connects directly into a central gathering student forum' that opens onto a double-sided stage connecting to the Gymnasium on one side, and the Learning Commons on the other. 

The Need and the Response 

As the local community continued to grow, students in the area were previously attending schools outside their immediate neighbourhood, which presented challenges for daily commutes and family routines. The new school location at Queen Mary Road and Remembrance Road now offers students the opportunity to walk to school safely and conveniently bringing learning closer to home and making a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of families. 

Designed With Purpose 

Led by Hossack Architecture in collaboration with the City of Brampton and PDSB Planning teams the school was built to support collaborative, 21st-century learning, sustainability, and community use. The project was designed as an energy efficient building with a focus on using locally sourced, durable materials in construction. The architecture reflects the bold colours often worn by Malala Yousafzai, bringing a vibrant energy to the learning spaces. Its open layout fosters collaboration between students and staff, strengthens community connections, and maximizes the entire building for educational purposes, even the spaces between classrooms. 

Key features include: 

• 8 kindergarten rooms and 29 specialty classrooms (Science, Art, Music, Technology, and Special Education) 
• Double gymnasium, central student forum, resource rooms and learning commons 
• Outdoor walking paths and outdoor learning zones 
• Inspirational quotes throughout the building, including: "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." 

A Community Dream Realized 

With an enrollment capacity of close to 900 students and childcare space for 73 children, Malala Yousafzai P.S. is a cornerstone of educational growth in the area. The community has eagerly awaited this day since the groundbreaking in August 2022, and this opening is a celebration of persistence, purpose, and pride. 

"Malala Yousafzai's story and message are deeply meaningful to our school's mission," said Principal Avery. "Our students are growing in a space that reminds them daily that their voice, their learning, and their courage matter. The school opening is a celebration of our community.  As a collective, they have waited a long time to have their neighbourhood school open and we are so excited to welcome all the students and their families." 

The official opening event happened on May 14 and included remarks from PDSB leadership, students, and local dignitaries, alongside student performances and concluded with a community fair.