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 as well as a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities. School offer multi-level academic courses in math, science, English, foreign languages, and social studies and a multitude of elective options in business education, computer studies, fine arts, music, dance, leadership, physical education, home economics, technology education, design and careers. 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, and swimming are popular with students. Unique courses such as Medieval Armory, Journalism, Mixed Martial Arts, Musical Theatre, Cybersecurity, Outdoor Education, and French Immersion are offered at some schools. Our program has a team of specialized ELL teachers who support students with their English Language development. All of our schools are modern and have up to date facilities with fully equipped computer labs, science labs, gymnasiums, theatres and other specialized facilities.
Our program staff, school teachers, principals, and host families work together to ensure that students are academically successful, improve their English language skills, and return to their home country with positive lifelong memories of their Canadian study abroad experience.
Program Established: 2006
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term
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: 400
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 130,000 people. A safe sub-urban community with a rich cultural heritage, Kelowna is surrounded by majestic scenery. 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 than 2% ESL students in its schools, offering a complete immersion experience for international students.
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. 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, Environment Club, Homework Club, Computer Club, Debating Club, Chess Club, Scrapbooking Club, Science Club and Global Service Club. Students may also participate in school sports in, basketball, badminton, cross country running, golf, rugby, swimming, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, 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: barbeques for students and host families, seasonal activities, curling, water sports, bowling, snow shoeing, snow tubing, and sightseeing. Fully supervised excursions to Vancouver, Victoria, the Rocky Mountains, and Banff 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
