Central Okanagan Public Schools (District No. 23) is the 5th largest in the province and includes the communities of Kelowna, Peachland, West Kelowna and Lake Country. With a growing school population of 22,500 Canadian students, our 31 elementary schools, 7 middle schools and 5 high schools offer a comprehensive curriculum which includes academic and elective courses. Math, Sciences, English, Foreign Languages including French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Punjabi and American Sign Language, Social Studies, History and Law and are standard academic courses. Elective courses such as Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Computer Science, Computer Animation, Media Design, Robotics, Drafting, Drama, Art, Photography, Music, Home Economics and Technical Education are offered at our schools.
The district also offers the largest number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses outside of the Vancouver area. Our academies in the areas of baseball, golf, firefighting, hockey, soccer, lifeguarding, swimming are popular with students. Unique courses such as the Hockey Skills Academy, Dance, Journalism, Mixed Martial Arts, Cheerleading, Cybersecurity, Outdoor Education, and French Immersion are offered at some schools. Our schools are modern and have up to date facilities with fully equipped computer labs, science labs, gymnasiums, theatres and other specialized facilities.
Program Established: 2006
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Summer Camp, Winter Camp
Specialized Programs: Advanced Placement Educational
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 43
High schools for international students: 12
Total Students: 22,500
Total International Students: 230
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12 accepted into the international student program. Grade 6 to 12 accepted into the homestay program.
Nearest Airport: Kelowna International Airport
The Central Okanagan’s principal city, Kelowna, is located just east of Vancouver. A short 40 minutes by air, it is the largest city in the interior with a population of approximately 110,000 people. A safe sub-urban community with a rich cultural heritage, Kelowna is surrounded by majestic scenary. Lakes, parks, mountains, forests, golf courses and ski hills offer year round recreational opportunities. From boating on Okanagan Lake and skiing the champagne powder of Big White, from golfing on one of the over 30 golf courses to hiking on Knox Mountain, there is something for everyone.
With all its recreational opportunities, its excellent shopping, restaurants and a vibrant arts community, Kelowna is one of the best places to live in Canada. The Central Okanagan has a total population of over 175,000 people but fewer then 2% ESL students in its schools, offering a complete immersion experience for International Students seeking a true Canadian experience.
The district’s supervised Homestay program will ensure that students are matched and placed in a family with compatible values. Students may select single parent families, families with same aged children, younger children, or just adults. Homestay staff make every effort to accommodate interests and hobbies. Families are carefully selected and interviewed. A home inspection is completed before a family is approved and a criminal record search must be completed and reference letters submitted. Host families new to the program must attend an orientation training session prior to the student’s arrival. The support and guidance offered by our host families will ensure that students adjust quickly to their new community. Host families are encouraged to include the student in all family activities and approved travel outside the community with the family is enriching for the student’s experience.
Working as a team, our program staff, school teachers, principals and host families all work together so that students have a successful study period, learn English quickly and in context and return to their home country having had a true Canadian experience. Program staff maintain regular communication with the student, families and our consultants.
International Students are encouraged to participate fully in their school. Schools may offer Drama Club, Music Club, Homework Club, Comupter Club, Debating Club, Games and Chess Club, Scrapbooking Club, Science Club and Global Service Club. Students may also participate in school sports in Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Golf, Cross Country Running, Badminton, Swimming, Wrestling and Track and Field. Students may compete to join sports teams.
In addition, International Students are encouraged to participate in the program’s monthly activities which may include: a welcome barbeque for students and host families, a halloween activity, curling, water sports, bowling, snow shoeing or tubing, a Christmas celebration. Fully supervised excursions to Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains, Banff and Jasper are also available.
Entrance Dates: September entrance for full year students. September and February for semester students. Continuous intake for short term students as space permits
Application Deadlines: Open
Application Fee: $200
Full Year Tuition Fee: $13,500
1 Semester Tuition Fee: $7,500
Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $400
Homestay Monthly Fee: $900
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $900
All funds are in Canadian dollars
General Inquiries Email: internationaleducation@sd23.bc.ca
Website: internationaleducation.ca
Mailing Address: 1040B Hollywood Road
City: Kelowna
Province: BC
Postal Code: V1X 4N2
Phone: 250-470-3258
