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The story of the new Parkcrest Elementary School begins with a tragic fire that destroyed the former school on September 5, 2019. At that time, the District, staff, and community came together to support students and families and ensure the Parkcrest Elementary community stayed together. On September 16, 2019, Parkcrest students were relocated to George Hilliard, where they remained until the end of the 2023-2024 school year. 

George Hilliard had previously been the home of the Alternative Education Program for secondary students, (Twin Rivers Education Centre) and (program of Choice for Aboriginal high school students). (Alternative Education Program for middle school students) was located at the former John Tod facility leased by the City of Kamloops for the Boys and Girls Club. These three programs (TREC, Four Directions, Bridges) are currently at Happyvale.

On January 25, 2021, a new, expanded, and energy efficient Parkcrest Elementary School design was announced. With an investment of $34.84 million from the Government of BC and $300,000 from the Kamloops-Thompson School District, the new Parkcrest was designed with a larger capacity of 510 seats to help prepare for expected enrollment growth in the community. The City of Kamloops also committed up to $2.5 million for the additional space required for a larger gymnasium and change room facilities for sporting events.

Construction on the new school began in 2022 and the newly rebuilt Parkcrest Elementary School welcomed student back at the start of 2024-2025 school year in September 2024. Students, staff, and the community marked this momentous occasion with a celebratory event on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Read more about the Parkcrest Elementary School Opening here.