Early Vision (1994)
The vision for a Seventh-day Adventist school in the Peel District began in 1994 through the passion and dedication of three Adventist parents — Leah Henry, Curt De Gourville, and Manuela Terencio. Recognizing the need for Adventist Christian education within their community, they conducted surveys and met with Ontario Conference officials to explore the feasibility of establishing a new school in Brampton.
That dream became a reality in September 1994, when classes began in the Brampton Seventh-day Adventist Church basement with 36 students in two multi-grade classes. Mrs. Manuela Terencio served as teaching principal, alongside Miss Denean Sabot (Nee Culmore).
By November 21, 1994, the school relocated to its first official home — the historic Old Brampton Schoolhouse at 147 Queen Street West, following successful renovations.
Growth and Relocation (1996-2003)
Within just two years, enrolment increased by 70%, prompting a move in September 1996 to the Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist Church. The school expanded to 87 students and seven teachers, reflecting the growing demand for Adventist education in the region. By 2002, a permanent location was secured at 57 McMurchy Avenue South, Brampton, and following extensive renovations, the school moved into the new facility in September 2003. The modernized site featured six classrooms, a library/computer lab, a multipurpose gymnasium, and two playgrounds. Enrolment surged again—up 40% the first year and another 12% the following year—totaling 136 students.
Challenges and Tragedy (2005-2008)
In 2005, Junior High students were temporarily bused to Crawford Adventist Academy – Main Campus in Toronto to create more space for the growing primary division. Tragedy struck on July 4, 2008, when the school building was destroyed by fire.
Though the structure was lost, a series of remarkable miracles followed:
- All student records were recovered intact.
- “The Lion and the Lamb” painting by Nathan Greene survived undamaged.
- Data from the melted main computer hard drive was successfully retrieved.
- The Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Caledon graciously offered its facilities, allowing classes to continue without interruption.
Rebuilding and Renewal (2008-2015)
In September 2008, the school reopened at the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church on 2626 Mayfield Road, Caledon, with 71 students. Though intended as a temporary arrangement, the school flourished there while searching for a permanent home.
At a constituency meeting on May 5, 2015, it was officially voted that Peel Adventist School would be renamed Crawford Adventist Academy – Peel Campus, effective July 1, 2015. This rebranding unified the school under the Crawford Adventist Academy system as part of the Toronto Adventist District School Board (TADSB), strengthening collaboration and shared resources among its campuses.
Continuing the Mission (2015-Present)
In 2019, a property in Halton featuring a former school building was purchased and a renovation project for a future permanent home was put in place. Challenges with obtaining permits for this project have been ongoing.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, shifting education to virtual platforms and affecting enrolment. When the lease with Immanuel Christian Reformed Church concluded, the school relocated to the Ruth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brampton, continuing its mission of nurturing faith-based academic excellence.
In 2022, founding principal Mrs. Manuela Terencio returned, after 8 years in semi-retirement, to lead the school once again. In 2023, the school returned to the Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist Church at 2250 Credit Valley Road, Mississauga, offering larger, brighter classrooms for all grades, a full-size gymnasium, and a dedicated STEM classroom. A school bus service now connects Brampton-area families, ensuring that students can continue their Adventist education at CAA – Peel in Mississauga.
Despite relocations and challenges, the school continues to grow — a testament to God’s providence, the commitment of dedicated educators, and the unwavering support of its community.