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Home of the Hawks

Hough Elementary School (pronounced “howk”)  is located in the historic Hough neighborhood of downtown Vancouver.

We are very proud of our Backyard Field Trip. For the past several years, the Green Team, which consists of students, staff and community members, has developed a fun, beautiful and engaging area in our backyard, the playground. Hough students use this area for learning, relaxing or physical activities on a daily basis. The Green Team continues to plan for more projects in the future.

For 23 years, the Hough Foundation has provided Hough Elementary students and their families with help meeting basic needs and opportunities for scholastic, physical and social growth. They provide early access to the tools needed for a healthy community, laying the groundwork for improving the lives of children and families. They also sponsor several after-school programs, including Performing Arts, Horticulture, Music Exploration and Enspire Arts. The Hough Foundation is solely supported through local fundraisers and donations from individuals, faith-based organizations and corporate supporters.

Our history

Built in 1941, Hough Elementary replaced the old wooden Columbian and Franklin elementary schools, which dated back to 1893 and 1904, respectively. Although the school underwent a major remodel in 1995, it retained its distinctive original brick architecture.

Hough Elementary was named after Patrick “Paddy” Hough, who left a lasting imprint on Vancouver schools. He first served as a principal of Vancouver’s Columbian public school in 1891, then as the principal of Central School in 1899. Hough later became deputy superintendent of Clark County schools.

“This was no ordinary teacher… He knew the human heart and how to reach it through sincere love and deep affection for each pupil.”
–J.E. Sinclair, A History of the Vancouver Public Schools

Other notable moments:

1993 — The Hough Foundation is established.

Fall 1995 — Hough Elementary reopens after being remodeled and enlarged.

May 1997 — Hough’s fourth graders are selected for VPS’ second I Have a Dream program.

October 1997 — Hough Community Pool (adjacent to the school) is dedicated and opened.

November 2007 — Hough becomes one of four schools to pilot full-day kindergarten, thanks to funding by the Hough Foundation.

March 2008 — Four members of Paddy Hough’s Irish family come to Vancouver to see the school and participate in the annual Paddy Hough Parade.

September 2009 — Hough is one of three elementary schools honored by the state for academic progress over the prior three years.

April 2015 — Hough is one of four VPS schools to earn a Washington Achievement Award. The award is given to the highest performing schools in the state based on three years of academic information.

September 2015 — The former Hough Pool is renovated by ESD 112 into the new Hough Early Learning Center, which provides preschool programs.

September 2023 — Hough Elementary has the first futsal court in our district, thanks to a community effort led by Operation Pitch Invasion.