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Kootenay Lake School District

A True Canadian Experience!

The Kootenay Lake School District offers learning experiences that students will use throughout their lives. Academic classes are often based in real life projects and career challenges. We enjoy outdoor activities year-round due to the Kootenay’s having one of the mildest climates in Canada. These activities range from skiing to paddle boarding.

Our international students benefit from the world class inclusive public high school education in BC, Canada. Being fully immersed in an English-speaking environment opens opportunities to quickly make friends and embrace Canadian culture.

Our host families are carefully selected to ensure our international students have the most rewarding experience. Our staff meets with students twice monthly and reports back to partners.

The Kootenay Lake School District has intensive academics, sports academies, outdoor opportunities and the arts, all within small, safe and personalized communities.

The Kootenay Lake School District 8, Outstanding Academics, Unlimited Opportunities.

Program Established: 1999

Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term, Winter Camp,

Specialized Programs: French Immersion, Advance Placement Courses, Dance Academy, Volleyball Academy, Basketball Academy, Film and Media Academy, Yeti (outdoor education) Academy, ATLAS (Adventure Tourism, Leadership And Safety – full year for Gr. 12s), Mountain Bike Academy, Outdoor Adventures

Language(s) of Study: English, French

Total number of schools: 8

Total Students: 5400

Total International Students: 75

International Students Accepted for Grades: 6-12

Nearest Airport: 3 flights scheduled each day from Vancouver to Castlegar and one each day from Calgary to Castlegar. Castlegar is a 30 minute car ride to Nelson.

Nelson and Creston are small cities with BIG opportunities for international students. These two small cities are nestled in a mountainous region that surrounds a large lake. Each city is made up mostly of professional people who have come to this area from all over in order to raise their own children in a safe area with excellent schools and great art and music opportunities.

This nostalgic area where nature blends with the subtle hint of economic development, soothes the soul as it bring to life the spirit that has slipped away from so many large, metropolitan cities. Thanks to the moderate climate here, you can ski with out freezing in the winter and play on the beach without scorching in the summer. Come soothe your soul and energize your spirit in Nelson, BC Canada!

All of our students are required to live with a homestay family during their entire time enrolled in our educational program. Homestay is more than just food and a room. It is a chance to take part in all aspects of family life and Canadian culture. Our students repeatedly tell us that they feel they really do have a “home away from home” and a connection with their warm, caring, Canadian family. All of our homestay families are carefully screened to ensure the best possible experience for our students.

A staff of 4 homestay employees for the school district do the screening, interviewing, a home inspection, and ensure that a criminal record check is complete for a family is placed in our database to await a match with a student. Families provide furnished private rooms, meals, and the opportunity for students to practice their English language skills with native speakers of the English language.

Being in one of Canada’s mildest climates, allows for students to enjoy all our outdoor activities year-round. International students can participate in skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and more; there are so many outdoor activity possibilities when living and learning in the Kootenays. The Kootenay Lake School District has intensive academics, sports academies, outdoor opportunities and the arts, all within smaller, safer and more personalized communities.

Entrance Dates: September & February

Application Deadlines: No deadline               

Application Fee: $350

Full Year Tuition Fee: $14,000

1 Semester Tuition Fee: $7,500

Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $750

Homestay Monthly Fee: $900

Maintenance Monthly Fee: $100

Annual Health Insurance Fee: $1500

Annual Custodianship Fee: included in the tuition fee

All funds are in Canadian dollars

General Inquiries Email: Kootenay.international@sd8.bc.ca

Website: international.sd8.bc.ca

Mailing Address: 811 Stanley Street

City: Nelson

Province: BC

Postal Code: V1L 1N8

Phone: 250-505-7015

Fax: 250-505-7007

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