Island Parent Education Guide 2024

Education Guide

Independent Schools Directory

Education Options Ready for Homeschooling?

Is Redshirting the Right Choice for Your Child?

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Education Guide

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E DUC ATI O N

Education Options for Your Child K

ids between the ages of six and 16 who live in British Columbia must attend school. Kids don’t necessarily have to attend public schools, or even private schools, which are the two school systems most people think of first. As long as schooling follows the BC provincial curriculum, any type of schooling is accepted. So, what options do you have?

Private School

Private schools are another option that has been around for years that many parents think of when considering schooling. There are several different types of private schools available throughout the province, all with different focuses.

Private schools typically receive little to no government funding, so parents must pay for their children to attend. Just a Public School few of the many private school options Public school is the traditional type are religious schools, Montessori Schools, of schooling that most kids in the provboarding schools and single-gender ince attend. Public schools are available schools. A lot of parents feel these types in most communities across BC and of school fit with their values more than run from kindergarten right through to other types of schooling. Some private Grade 12. It is free for any child to attend schools are elementary only, high school as it is government funded. only or offer all grades.

Cl as se

s Be g i n

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an option that has become a lot more popular in the last decade or so. Homeschooling means that you are teaching your children at home, using your own methods and materials, as long as the BC curriculum is followed.

Many parents join up and teach all their children together, each handling different subjects. However, other parents prefer one-on-one styles with their own children. You will now find homeschool meetup groups, swim lessons and other options in most neighbourhoods as this type of schooling grows in popularity.

Homeschoolers typically must register with their local public school and can gain access to curriculum and possible funding to purchase teaching materials.

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Distance Education

Distance Education is offered through most school districts for little to no cost as it is typically part of the public school system. It is like homeschooling as students are given the curriculum, must go through the materials and learn it themselves. However, they will receive some online education from teachers and typically turn to online resources and educators to assess their work and ask questions. Support is available via online chats or email, and exams are typically completed in a central location or online via a supervisor. Distance education is offered for all levels of schooling, but it tends to be more popular with the middle or higher grades.

Nature & Forest-Based Schools This is another type of schooling that has become a lot more popular in the last few years. Many cities now offer at least one forest or nature school option for their young people to learn. The curriculum is taught all or at least mostly outdoors, using a hands-on nature-based

approach. Nature schools receive little to no government funding, so the parents must pay for this type of schooling, however many are co-op based and have lower fees if the parents are involved in the teaching process. The goal of most nature and forest schools is to give students time to connect with nature, explore their creativity and create meaningful connections with their communities. Nature-based preschools seem to be the most popular in most cities, however, you’ll find some schools that are elementary-based, and even ones that offer all levels of schooling.

Specialty Education

Some children with physical and/or learning limitations may benefit from specialty education programs offered in the community. Depending on the school district, some of these schools may be offered as a public-school option, however, many of these schools will rely on the parents to pay for all or some of their child’s education. Specialty education schools are usually offered for all levels of schooling, but depending on the learner’s needs, school may not be offered full time.

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Education Guide

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Education Guide

Independent Schools Directory Artemis Place Secondary ArtsCalibre Academy

LOCATION

GRADES

PHONE

WEBSITE

Victoria

10–12

250-598-5183

artemisplace.org

Victoria K–12 250-382-3533 artscalibre.ca Imagine a School...where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. We did...and we created it!

Brookes Westshore

Victoria

4–2

250-929-0506

westshore.brookes.org

Christ Church Cathedral School

Victoria

K–8

250-383-5125

cathedralschool.ca

Discovery School

Victoria

4–12

250-595-7765

discoveryschool.ca

Victoria K–12 250-370-6821 mygns.ca Glenlyon Norfolk School An inclusive family-driven community whose members care about each other and the world around them.

Dedicated teachers and staff deliver the International Baccalaureate Program in a co-educational environment from Jr. Kindergarten to Gr 12.

Lakeview Christian School

Victoria

K–9

250-658-5082

lcsvictoria.ca

Lighthouse Christian Academy

Victoria

K–12

250-474-5311

lcawestshore.com

Maria Montessori Academy

Victoria

K–12

250-479-4746

mariamontessoriacademy.net

Victoria K–12 250-383-6619 oakandorca.ca Oak and Orca Bioregional School A compassionate, personalised, and flexible balance of inquiry and structure for home learners (province-wide OL) and in-person learners in Victoria. Inclusive special ed supports available.

Pacific Christian School

Victoria

K–12

250-479-4532

pacificchristian.ca

Victoria 9–12 778-433-3409 learningstorm.org Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry is an independent school that employs a unique inquiry-based method as a means of offering a personalized, interdisciplinary learning experience for those in grades 9 through 12.

Regent Christian Online Academy

Victoria

K–12

250-592-1759

rcoa.ca

Selkirk Montessori School Victoria K–8 250-384-3414 selkirkmontessori.ca Come see how Selkirk Montessori School puts contemporary best practices into action.

Alongside engaging staff, students are solving problems, building capacity and enjoy the work of learning.

St Andrew’s Regional High

Victoria

8–12

250-479-1414

cisdv.bc.ca

St Christopher’s Montessori Victoria K 250-595-3213 stcmontessori.ca Offering an enriched and nurturing Montessori program. Competitively priced independent school education.

Half day for 3 and 4 year olds. Full day kindergarten. Now receiving the new CCFRI. St Joseph’s Catholic

Victoria

K–7

250-479-1232

cisdv.bc.ca

St Margaret’s School Victoria K–12 250-479-7171 stmarg.ca Since 1908, St. Margaret’s School has been the spark to cultivate a spirit of independence, self-reliance and confidence in all of our students. SMS provides personalized learning designed to enable the girls who want to change the world in becoming the leaders who do.

St Michaels University School Victoria K–12 250-592-2411 smus.ca SMUS is an international day and boarding school known for its excellence in academics, arts, athletics and outdoor education, with a focus on character development and preparing students for life.

St Patrick’s School

Victoria

K–7

250-592-6713

cisdv.bc.ca

VI School of Innovation and Inquiry Victoria 6–8 250-883-1667 visii.ca Inquiry learning for Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 in a small centre where interdisciplinary questions engage all dimensions of a child’s life. admin@visii.ca.

Victoria School for Ideal Education

Victoria

K–8

250-383-6654

vsie.ca

West-Mont School

Victoria

K–12

250-474-2626

westmontschool.ca

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LOCATION

GRADES

PHONE

WEBSITE

Shawnigan Lake

Shawnigan Lake

8–12

250-743-5516

shawnigan.ca

St John’s Preparatory Academy

Shawnigan Lake

4–12

250-220-4888

stjohnsacademy.ca

Salt Spring Centre School

Salt Spring Island

K–7

250-537-9130

saltspringcentreschool.ca

Arrowsmith Independent School

Qualicum Beach

K–7

250-752-2722

arrowsmithlearning.ca

Haahuupayak School

Port Alberni

K–7

250-724-5542

haahuupayak.com

John Paul II Catholic School

Port Alberni

K–7

250-723-0637

cisdv.bc.ca

Discover Montessori School

Nanaimo

K–9

250-591-4450

public.dm-school.ca

Nanaimo Christian School

Nanaimo

K–12

250-754-4512

ncsnanaimo.com

The International High School @ VIU

Nanaimo

11–12

250-740-6317

viu.ca

Brentwood College

Mill Bay

8–12

250-743-5521

brentwood.bc.ca

Aspengrove School

Lantzville

K–12

250-390-2201

aspengroveschool.com

Stz’uminus Senior Secondary

Ladysmith

8–12

250-245-6650

stzuminus.com

Beachcombers Academy

Fanny Bay

K–7

778-427-4007

beachcombersschool.ca

Duncan Christian School

Duncan K–12 250-746-3654 duncanchristianschool.ca An interdenominational school educating students from preschool to Grade 12. Our school property includes an elementary campus (preschool–Grade 7) and a secondary campus (Grade 8–12).

The first steps in your child’s education. Building on Faith, Family and Community.

Noorunissa Montessori Academy Queen Margaret’s

Duncan

K–6

250-737-1119

intmontessori.ca

Duncan K–12 250-746-4185 qms.bc.ca QMS is an inclusive community where every student finds personal success. Nestled on 30 acres in the Cowichan Valley, QMS offers an exceptional education that encourages curiosity, bravery, kindness and for students to be true to themselves.

Queen of Angels School

Duncan

K–9

250-746-5919

cisdv.bc.ca

Sunrise Waldorf School Duncan K–8 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org With a strong emphasis on student well-being and genuine care, our mission is to educate and inspire students to reach their full potential through a rich and artistic Waldorf curriculum.

Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy

Comox

K–12

250-339-1200

gaglardiacademy.ca

Evergreen Independent School

Cobble Hill

K–7

250-743-2433

evergreenbc.net

SelfDesign Learning Foundation K–12 1-877-353-3374 selfdesign.org A technology-driven organization that supports learners of all ages and abilities in authoring their own lives and designing their own learning. We are a leader in K–12 programs and e-learning initiatives that foster personalized and life-long learning for thousands of learners each year.

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Education Guide

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Education Guide

Should Your Children All Follow the Same Education Path?

D

eciding whether your children should take the same educational journey or follow different paths involves weighing various factors, each holding its own important advantages and considerations.

Of course, the idea of siblings attending the same educational institution presents a range of benefits and may seem to be the ultimate option. There’s a sense of familiarity and emotional support that comes with sharing the same school experience. Siblings understand the dynamics, share inside jokes and act as confidants for each other.

And there’s no denying that it’s also convenient for parents to have all their children attend the same school(s). Having siblings in the same school streamlines schedules and creates a sense of uniformity in family routines. Shared transportation, similar calendars and common extracurricular activities can make life significantly easier for everyone involved. Plus, your school, along with the other parents and the teachers, will likely start to feel very familiar and comfortable.

However, the need for having your children take individualized education paths may be too important to deny. Every child possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, interests—not

Soar at SMS.

Confident Learners.

Inspiring Leaders.

Creating a Thriving World.

Discover the magic of a girl-centred education in Victoria. stmarg.ca

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St. Christopher’s Montessori School

Now Receiving the New CCFRI

(Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative) Preschool $478.50/month | Kindergarten $376/month

Offering an enriched and nurturing Montessori program

Competitively priced independent school education Half day for 3 & 4 year olds Full day kindergarten

stcmontessori.ca to mention how learning needs differ between students.

Opting for different educational routes allows each child to explore and excel in an environment that suits their specific needs. One child might thrive in a larger, more diverse school setting, while another might find their niche in a specialized program or a smaller class setup. It’s also possible that the special education classes one of your children may need aren’t offered at the school your other children attend.

Another major consideration for providing different education paths is the avoidance of comparison. When siblings take different educational paths, it can help prevent the often unfair comparisons that can occur when children attend the same school. This is especially important if your children are very different and have different learning skills and interests.

Each child can develop their identity without the pressure of living up to their sibling’s achievements or experiences, fostering a healthier sense of self and individual growth.

The decision on which educational paths to send your children on must come down to understanding what suits each child best. Engaging in open discussions with them about their preferences, aspirations and concerns is crucial.

While shared experiences can create strong familial ties, individual paths offer the chance for self-exploration and tailored growth. Both scenarios have their merits, and the decision should revolve around what best serves the unique needs and aspirations of your children.

250-595-3213

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Education Guide

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Education Guide

Is Your Family Ready for Homeschooling?

M

ore families than ever are homeschooling their children. So, you may also be thinking about taking this route. It’s a big decision that involves your entire family—not just the kids—and you should think about a few things before making your final decision.

First of all, think about your family setup. Do you have a space for learning and studying without distractions? And, more importantly, is everyone on board with this idea? It's not just about finding a spot for books; it’s about making sure everyone is willing to roll with the changes.

Then there’s the teaching part. You don’t need to be a certified teacher, but are you ready to plan lessons, research and guide your kids’ learning? Patience is key here, along with a knack for adapting when things don’t go as planned. You may be able to team up with other homeschoolers to trade off education plans or even share teaching duties, but you need to ensure you are all on the same page about learning objectives as well as values.

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Figure out your finances. Homeschooling can mean shuffling finances around. Are you okay with potentially losing an income to focus on staying home to teach your kids? There’s also the matter of buying learning materials and resources to think about.

What about the curriculum? Are you alright with choosing or even creating a curriculum that fits your family’s goals? You need to ensure you follow the BC curriculum in some way, but you have plenty of flexibility in how to teach it.

And the big social question: How will your kids make friends and learn those social skills? You'll need to find groups, clubs or community activities to fill that gap. Luckily a lot of neighbourhood recreation and community centres now offer daytime swim lessons and other activities to support home learners.

Don’t forget about your kids. Are they up for homeschooling? Some kids love the personalized attention, while others might miss the buzz of a traditional school. You really need to take the time to think about your kids and the environments they thrive in, as well as if they will take you seriously as their teacher.

So, before taking the plunge into homeschooling, think about your family dynamics, your teaching skills (or your willingness to learn), finances, curriculum, social opportunities, your kids’ readiness and your flexibility. It’s a big deal, but with some thought and prep, you'll figure out if your family is ready for this adventure!

Be curious. Be kind. Be brave. Be you. admissions@qms.bc.ca IslandParent.ca

qms.bc.ca Education Guide

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Education Guide

Is Redshirting the Right Choice for Your Child?

R

edshirting is the term commonly used when you delay your kindergarten child entry by one year. So, instead of having them enter kindergarten the year they turn five, they enter the year they turn six. In the Province of BC, kindergarten is a full-day program, so it can

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

be too much for some young children to handle. Redshirting has become increasingly popular in North America over the past few years, and you may wonder if it’s the right choice for your child.

time. However, if your child is significantly lacking some important basic skills such as sharing, using words to express basic needs, the ability to follow simple directions or do simple things themselves, it may be worth considering giving them

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We know that deciding if your child is ready for kindergarten can be tough as registration occurs months before the start date, and as we have all seen, kids can learn and mature in short periods of

another year to practice these skills before they start kindergarten.

What Does Your Daycare or Preschool Suggest?

If you’re unsure if you should redshirt your child, it may be worth having a con-

versation with their current daycare provider or preschool teacher. They likely see a lot of children the same age and may be able to share their thoughts about your child being ready to start kindergarten.

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What Does Your Elementary School Suggest?

You may also want to talk to the administrators at the elementary school your child will be attending. They may have guidelines to consider or allow your child to be evaluated by staff to see what they suggest.

How Old Is Your Child?

Since children are allowed to start school the year they turn five, this can mean anyone with a birthday from January through to December can start. As we know, all kids develop at different rates, however, a child born in the beginning of January will have had longer to develop important skills than a child who is born at the end of December. Many parents who redshirt have children born later in the year.

Can You Afford to Delay Your Child?

Many families have two working parents, so paying for another year of daycare or preschool may simply not be an option for you. You may have no choice but to enroll your child in kindergarten the first year they are eligible.

receiving more than an education receiving more than an education

receiving more than an education

Preschool – Grade 12

community family

Christ centred, community focused education.

Uncovering God-given talents in everyone.

Is Your Child a Boy?

Integrating new educational technologies.

Research shows that boys typically benefit from redshirting more than girls.

Boys tend to show slower social development at this age and may have some trouble keeping up during kindergarten.

It is important to note that boys do catch up with the girls within a few short years, no matter when they start.

Giving back through service learning projects.

Serving a diverse student body with extensive support programs, academics, athletic teams, trades and hands on apprenticeships for those near graduation.

DREAMS LOADING....

Don’t Stress Too Much About It!

While there are advantages and disadvantages of redshirting, studies show that even if kids struggle in their first year or two of elementary school due to maturity or skill level, they often catch up and are at the same level as their peers by Grade 2 or 3. Make your decision based on what you feel is right for your family and everything should work out fine.

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sportsart art sports academics music music academics Get Connected!

sports art academics music Get Connected!

Learn more and stay informed Learn more and

These are just a few of the reasons you may want to join the DCS family

Preparing youth for life beyond the school doors . . .

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! 250.746.3654 495 Beech Avenue l Duncan, BC, V9L 3J8 office@duncanchristian.com

www.duncanchristianschool.ca

stay informed

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Education Guide

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Education Guide

Connect with After-School Activities

D

oes your child have a hard time adjusting after school?

If so, they are not alone. Many children find it difficult to make the transition from the bustling environment of school to the often-quieter landscape of home.

Some kids seem to explode in a mess of feelings, frustration, and fights, while others appear to shut down and become mute other than to answer questions with almost-whispered oneword answers.

How can you help your children shake off this confusing and frustrating mixture of emotions after a long day?

Decompress

We all decompress in different ways. Some children will need a quiet activity to “come down” after the excitement of a loud, friend-filled day at school. Others need to move their bodies and get their energy out after sitting for most of the day.

Some will want to be alone, while others may want you to be near them but not berede them with questions about their day. An activity that can tick all these boxes is yoga or stretching. Searching for a yoga video on YouTube and acting out the moves allows kids to “reset” their bodies and minds.

Get moving

If a relaxing yoga session isn’t enough for your Energizer Bunny, try going for a walk with your child. If you didn’t walk home from school, now is the time to get those legs moving and increase your endorphins. This is proven to improve mood, decrease stress, improve self-esteem and may even give your immune system a boost (which we all need this time of year!).

If your kiddo still needs more, try some quick and revitalizing exercises like burpees or jumping jacks to get the blood flowing.

Eat together

I have never met a kid that isn’t famished after school. Making and eating a snack together can be a good way to slow down and relax after a big day. The process of coming up with ideas of what to eat and recipes of how to make it can be a fun way to bond.

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The silences that often occur while eating together can also encourage your child (or tween or teen) to open up about what went on during their day. Just remember to sit back and listen and resist the urge to blurt out the solutions to all their problems with a mouth full of banana bread.

Be silly

Sometimes we all just need to blow off some steam! Why not let your child choose what fun and silly thing they want to do with you every day after school.

A sing-along or dance party; tell jokes or ask each other ‘Would you rather?’ Play make believe with younger kids.

Dress up and put on a play for their older siblings or the other parent when they get home.

For some, the best way to unwind is to get their giggles out.

Connect

Whatever you decide to do, after school is a great time to connect with your kids.

Even if they want to be alone for a while to regroup, you can let them know that you will be downstairs if they need you.

If their room is their haven when they walk in the door, do something nice to surprise them. Pick up their favourite candy during your grocery run and leave it on their nightstand or choose some fresh flowers for their dresser.

If your children do tolerate your presence after they get home, try not to rush that time. We all have extracurriculars to get to and dinner to put on the table (and some days it will inevitably be complete chaos!) but when you can, take the time to truly be present with them after school. They have been away from you all day and a lot can happen in that time. Being there for them can encourage them to open up to you later.

At the end of the day (literally!), try to remember that transitioning from work to home life can be difficult for you too.

Consider having them take part in some of the activities that help you decompress like getting out in nature, reading or taking a bath.

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