Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year at VSAA
It is my honor to begin this school year as the new principal of Vancouver School of Arts & Academics. VSAA is a unique place where artistic expression and academic excellence intersect, and I am excited to join a community that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and the power of student voice.
I come to VSAA with a deep commitment to the arts and to student-centered learning. My background includes over two decades in education and leadership, as well as a lifelong involvement in the performing arts. As a musician and conductor, I have seen firsthand how the arts inspire collaboration, critical thinking, and empathy — skills that enrich every area of learning.
Before joining VSAA, I served as an associate principal at both Skyview and Hudson’s Bay High Schools, where I worked closely with staff, students, and families to build inclusive, innovative programs that celebrated both academic achievement and artistic growth. I believe in leading with authenticity, listening closely to our community, and fostering an environment where every student can thrive both as an artist and as a scholar.
This year, we will continue the VSAA tradition of weaving together artistic and academic learning in meaningful ways. I look forward to collaborating with students, families, and staff to carry forward the school’s mission and shape the next chapter of its story together.
Here’s to a year of bold ideas, creative risk-taking, and shared success. I can’t wait to see the incredible art, performances, and learning that will emerge from our community in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Joseph Accuardi-Gilliam, Ed.D.
Principal, Vancouver School of Arts & Academics