Kootenay Discovery School

Alternate delivery models
Online learning is a classroom alternative that allows students to take a program or course online with flexible pacing and to work with their teacher(s) toward goals outlined in their learning plan. Kootenay Discovery School (KDS) provides flexible and self-paced learning programs to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 + Adult. All programs are supported by BC-certified teachers and follow the BC Ministry of Education Curriculum. Students can enroll at KDS full-time, or they can cross-enroll in individual courses from their home school.

Different from an in-person learning environment
KDS does not follow traditional school timetables and our classrooms can be anywhere and everywhere. We support individualized learning plans and self-pacing. Online learning allows you to prioritize your needs and to work at a pace and on a schedule that works for you.

This flexibility requires a high level of independent learning skills, including strong time management, self-motivation, and the ability to stay engaged without daily in-person structure. For some students, particularly those who are behind in credits or who benefit from regular routines and external accountability, this level of independence can make consistent progress more challenging.

Ownership of learning
KDS encourages students to take increasing ownership of their learning. Students may have flexibility in the pace at which they move through material, when they are ready to be assessed, and, in some cases, how they demonstrate their learning. We believe that this responsibility empowers students with the confidence to develop competencies that will serve them effectively after graduation and into adulthood.

With this level of choice comes the expectation that students actively manage their learning. This includes regularly checking their progress, staying on track with coursework, asking questions when support is needed, and maintaining consistent communication with their teachers, primarily through email. Students are expected to advocate for themselves and remain connected, as teachers are not able to provide daily in-person monitoring.

Distance learning programs
KDS offers over 60 online courses that all meet the BC Ministry of Education-mandated curriculum guidelines and learning outcomes. We offer full-time distance learning programs for School District 5 students in grades K–12. Our K–9 learners may also enroll in our blended program which combines some class time with home learning time. We also offer courses for graduated adults wishing to upgrade their courses for entrance into post-secondary institutions.

Online learning can be a great fit when students and families are ready for consistent, supported learning at home.

For students in Kindergarten to Grade 9: Students need a dedicated parent/guardian facilitator (or another responsible adult) who can guide learning, support routines, help with pacing, and ensure learning evidence is submitted regularly. In online learning, this home support role is essential—K–9 students generally cannot make steady progress independently.

For students in Grades 10–12 and Adult: Students need strong time management, self-motivation, and the ability to communicate consistently with teachers (primarily by email). Many students succeed when they build a weekly schedule and use teacher support and drop-in help when needed.

If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with a small, manageable plan (for example, one course or a partial program) and building skills and routines before increasing course load.

Parents and guardians play an active daily role in K–9 online learning. This includes helping establish routines, supporting learning activities, communicating with the KDS teacher, and helping gather and submit evidence of student learning.

For younger learners, a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult learning facilitator must be available during the school week to support learning at home. KDS teachers provide guidance, instruction, assessment, and feedback, but they do not provide daily in-person supervision.

Student-generated evidence of learning is work or a demonstration that shows what the student understands and can do in relation to BC curriculum learning standards. Examples may include written work, projects, photos or videos of learning activities, recorded explanations, teacher-student conversations, assessments, reflections, or other demonstrations of learning.

Evidence should make the student’s thinking visible and provide enough information for the teacher to assess learning and provide meaningful feedback.

Parent observations and descriptions are helpful context and can support a teacher’s understanding of a student’s learning. However, they do not replace student-generated evidence of learning. Teachers need to see, hear, or review evidence from the student in order to assess progress and report on learning.

Traditional homeschooling: This option does not require students to meet BC Curriculum learning standards, have instruction supervised by a BC-certified teacher, receive teacher-evaluated progress reports, or participate in provincial assessments. Religious texts and resources may be used. Students are registered, not enrolled, with the school.

Public school online/blended learning: This option requires students to meet BC Curriculum learning standards and to receive teacher-supported instruction and assessment. Learning is supervised by a BC-certified teacher, and student progress is formally evaluated, with teacher-prepared learning updates issued three times per year. Students must participate in provincial assessments, as required. Religious instructional materials are not used. Students are enrolled with the school, and instruction and assessment are provided in accordance with the public funding and accountability requirements set by the Ministry of Education.

Comparison of Registered Homeschooler with Online or Blended Learning Student – Visit Ministry Website

All learning at KDS must align with the BC Ministry of Education curriculum, which is a legal requirement for public school programs. Within those requirements, there is flexibility in how and when students demonstrate their learning. Teachers and Learning Services staff work with families to adapt pacing, provide choice in assignments, and support personalized learning.

KDS teachers support a wide range of learning needs. Students are placed in their age-appropriate grade, but may work at varied levels across subjects. Teachers and Learning Services staff will collaborate with families to personalize support and adapt expectations. Please contact our Learning Services team or your child’s teacher with additional questions about what this might look like for your child.

Whenever possible, KDS tries to keep siblings connected to the same teacher or teaching team, especially in the elementary years. This is not always possible and depends on grade level, program type, student needs, teacher assignments, and overall enrolment.

All of our programs are free to residents of British Columbia. We are a fully funded and accredited BC school operating in the East Kootenays within School District 5 (Southeast Kootenay). We also support adults looking to complete their adult graduation diploma, and graduated students looking to upgrade eligible courses.

 Read more: BC Ministry of Education 

Cross-enrollment at KDS is available for Grade 10–12 courses and is open to students in Grades 8 through Adult. With cross-enrollment, a student can remain enrolled at their current school while also enrolling with KDS for one or more Grade 10–12 online courses.

First-time cross-enrolling students can complete the Grade 10–12 course registration form here: Grade 10–12 Course Registration Form.

In practice, this means that core structure, scheduling, and overall school oversight are provided through the student’s school of record, while KDS courses are used strategically to supplement learning, expand course options, or support timely credit completion. Experience shows that the most successful cross-enrollment models for students working toward graduation are those in which a brick-and-mortar school remains the primary learning environment, with online learning serving as a complementary support.

What are the benefits of cross enrollment?

Here's an example: A student has been looking forward to taking a metalwork elective, however when they meet to plan their semester with their school counselor, they learn that it's only offered at their secondary school at the same time as Social Studies 10, a course they are required to take. Cross enrollment allows the student to enroll with KDS to complete Social Studies 10 as an online learning course, freeing up the time on their schedule to then take the metalwork elective at their current school. The student is credited for both completed courses.

Cross enrollment provides helpful tools to school counselors throughout BC to find creative solutions that motivate students. Families can choose a learning environment that supports their child’s needs and provides a positive peer experience. It's our experience at KDS that providing this flexibility motivates learners to take a keener interest in their education.

Students who utilize a cross enrollment option may also have the option of meeting their goals faster by having the option of continuing their studies throughout the year, or by taking academic courses consecutively. For example, some students find that understanding the concepts in Math 11 course is easier when it's taken in the semester immediately following completion of Math 10, rather than waiting until the next school year.

Grade 4–9 students may be able to access KDS programming while remaining enrolled at their current school, but this must be arranged in collaboration with the student’s school of record.

Families interested in Grade 4–9 cross-enrollment for Grade 4–9 programming should speak first with the principal at the student’s current school. The school of record remains responsible for the student’s overall program planning, supervision, reporting, and support planning. KDS can support individual online course access when the arrangement is approved and coordinated through the home school.

Exception: Grade 8 and 9 students who wish to take a Grade 10–12 course may register directly with KDS using the Grade 10–12 course registration link. This type of cross-enrollment does not usually require schedule coordination through the student’s school principal because the course is completed online in addition to the student’s regular school schedule.

Yes. Grade 8 and 9 students may cross-enroll in Grade 10–12 online courses through KDS when they are ready for that level of coursework. These students should use the Grade 10–12 course registration link.

Because these courses are completed online and do not usually require changes to the student’s in-person timetable, this pathway does not need to be arranged through the student’s school principal in the same way as Grade 4–9 course-by-course cross-enrollment.

No. Students cannot be enrolled in the same course at two different schools simultaneously. If you need to change schools for a course, you must withdraw from one before enrolling in the other.

Students can complete our KDS Grade 10-12 registration form or our KDS Grade K-9 registration form online. Once submitted, new full-time students will be contacted by a teacher (Grades K–9) or a counsellor (Grades 10–12 or Adult) to confirm course selection and finalize a learning plan.

Graduated students upgrading a single course may proceed to course selection without a planning meeting. Cross-enrolled students may also register for courses directly, but are encouraged to consult with their home school prior to registration to ensure their online courses align with their grad plan.

Mid-year transfers are possible, but families are encouraged to contact KDS before registering so we can discuss program fit, timing, course selection, and transition planning.

Experience has shown that full-time mid-year transfers into online learning can be challenging for many students, especially when they are moving from a structured in-person schedule to a more independent online model. For this reason, we strongly encourage students who are new to online learning to begin with one or two courses, build routines and communication habits, and then add additional courses if the online model is working well.

Yes. All students who are new to online learning at KDS complete an Essentials of Online Learning 10 course. This course teaches key skills for success in online learning (organization, pacing, communication, and how to use Brightspace). We have found that students who are able to successfully complete this course are generally more successful in working through courses online. Completing this course also provides two credits toward graduation. 

We recommend a maximum of two courses at a time. We have found that students are generally not successful with pacing and completion if they enroll in more than two at once.

Students hoping to take a full course load should plan to complete two courses per quarterly term (10 weeks), adjusting based on work schedules, family commitments, and course difficulty.

Yes of course! We have a whole page for that. Click here to access our Graduation FAQs.

Full-time KDS students: Students need a completed learning plan and must submit regular (weekly) evidence of learning connected to learning standards.

Course-by-course expectation: Students should submit work and be assessed on at least 10% of the course material to demonstrate active participation and establish momentum early in the course. 

Students are expected to make progress regularly, communicate with teachers, and ask for help when needed.

When students are not regularly participating, communicating, or submitting evidence of learning, teachers will contact the student and family to clarify expectations and offer support. Where appropriate, the School-Based Team may help develop a plan for re-engagement.

Ongoing gaps in participation or evidence of learning affect the school’s ability to assess and support student progress. This may result in an Insufficient Evidence designation, a recommendation to consider a different learning pathway, or withdrawal from a course or program in accordance with KDS active enrollment expectations.

Families are encouraged to review the Active Enrollment and Evidence of Learning Policy for more information.

An Insufficient Evidence designation means the teacher does not yet have enough student-generated evidence to assess learning in relation to BC curriculum standards. When this happens, the teacher will connect with the student and family to discuss the area of learning, what evidence is missing, and what supports or next steps may help the student move forward.

An IE means more evidence is needed before the teacher can make a professional judgment about the student’s learning. If insufficient evidence is not resolved, it may result in a failing grade in accordance with Ministry policy.

In Kindergarten to Grade 9, most students receive a proficiency scale indicator or, when there is not yet enough evidence to assess learning, an Insufficient Evidence designation. A failing grade may only be considered when a student has not engaged with enough learning for the teacher to evaluate progress, and the student or family is not willing to participate in a plan to provide sufficient evidence of learning during or after the school year or semester.

1) Email your teacher: Students are encouraged to email their teacher whenever they need help. Teachers can clarify instructions, give feedback, and help students plan next steps.

2) Attend drop-in support hours (in person): Students can access drop-in academic support during designated support hours at both campuses.

3) Evening support hours are also available: We offer evening support hours for students who are working or studying full time.

If you are unsure who your teacher is, or you are missing key login information, email kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 9 are assessed and reported using the Provincial Proficiency Scale: Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Extending. These indicators describe where a student is in relation to BC curriculum learning standards at the time of reporting.

Emerging and Developing do not mean that a student is failing. They show that the student is still developing understanding, consistency, or independence in relation to the learning standards. Proficient is the goal for students and means the student is demonstrating the expected learning for their grade level. Extending is not automatically assigned because a student completes all work; it reflects deeper, more complex understanding.

Time will vary depending on the student’s age, grade level, learning plan, and program. In general, families should plan for regular learning routines across the school week, with consistent progress in literacy, numeracy, and other curriculum areas.

For Grades 4–9, students should expect to engage regularly with Brightspace coursework and teacher feedback. Older students generally need increasing independence, while still benefiting from home support, pacing, and accountability.

No. K–3 students do not complete formal online courses in Brightspace. Brightspace may be used to share instructional supports, resources, communication, and portfolio documentation of student learning.

K–3 learning is guided by the student’s learning plan, with support from the KDS teacher and active daily facilitation by the family at home.

No. While students can work at their own pace, KDS does not guarantee completion timelines under two months. Time is needed for teacher feedback, assessment, and exam booking. Most courses include at least one invigilated exam which requires a one-week scheduling window.

K–6 students should submit learning samples regularly across subject areas, generally at least every two weeks, and more often when requested by the teacher or outlined in the learning plan. Grades 7–12 students should build a consistent weekly schedule and submit work regularly to demonstrate progress.

If a student is inactive or not responding to communication, teachers will contact the student and family to support re-engagement. Continued inactivity may result in withdrawal in accordance with KDS active enrollment expectations.

If you withdraw before activation: Nothing is recorded.

If you withdraw after activation: The withdrawal is recorded internally by the school, but it does not appear on your official Ministry transcript.

Re-enrolment: If you withdraw from a course, you must wait 9 months before re-enrolling in that same course, and you will need to start again from the beginning.

Students must complete their activation assignment within 30 days of enrolling. If no activity is recorded, they may be withdrawn from the course for inactivity. To resume and re-register, please contact kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca.

If a student has already activated their course but has since been inactive for 60 days or more — and has not responded to emails or phone calls from teachers or school staff — they will be withdrawn and must wait 9 months before re-registering for that course.

If a student has completed their course, it will no longer appear on their dashboard. To take another course, students can use the Add a Course form.

Blended learning combines online or home-based learning with scheduled in-person learning opportunities. Blended students remain online learners and are supported by their KDS teacher through learning plans, communication, evidence of learning, assessment, and reporting.

In-person sessions focus on outdoor, community-based, hands-on, and curriculum-connected learning experiences.

Blended learning is an optional program pathway where space is available. Families who choose blended learning are expected to participate consistently in both the in-person and at-home components of the program.

No. Blended learning is not a drop-in program or occasional childcare option. It is an extension of the KDS online learning program and requires ongoing academic engagement, communication with the teacher, and evidence of learning from home and in-person learning experiences.

Home learning remains an essential part of blended programming. Families are responsible for supporting regular learning routines at home, especially in literacy and numeracy, and for helping submit evidence of learning connected to the student’s learning plan.

Blended spaces are limited and depend on program capacity, staffing, grade configuration, balanced groupings, and the family’s ability to participate consistently in the full KDS learning model. When demand exceeds available space, KDS may not be able to accommodate every request.

Continued placement in blended programming depends on regular participation, communication, and engagement with the full KDS learning model. If a student is not participating consistently or evidence of learning is not being submitted, the school may meet with the family to review program fit and next steps.

Some courses include supervised (invigilated) exams or assessments. Your teacher will confirm what is required for your specific course. All exams must be invigilated by a BC certified teacher. Support block teachers at your designated brick and mortar school may supervise KDS exams with prior arrangement. 

In person: Students can write exams during designated support hours at either KDS campus, or at their brick and mortar school if supervision has been arranged in advance. 

Online: Students may also have the option to write exams online.

Please communicate with your teacher early so exam arrangements can be scheduled.

Visit https://sd5.onlinelearningbc.com/ to access your Brightspace course. You’ll need your KDS Brightspace username (firstname.lastname) and password to log in.

Please access this link and enter your username (firstname.lastname) to have a "reset your password" link sent to you. If you do not receive this email, please reach out to kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca and ask them to confirm your username and contact email.

Students may need their SD5 email and Microsoft/Outlook account to access school communication and tools. If you do not know your SD5 email, username, or password details, email kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca for help confirming your account information.

Yes. Families in B.C. may qualify for free or low-cost devices and connectivity through the BC Technology for Learning Society’s Tech for Home program. They verify eligibility and provide steps to apply.

 Learn more: Tech for Home Program 

Built-in accessibility tools: KDS online courses include embedded text-to-speech and speech-to-text options.

Teacher adaptations: KDS teachers are experienced in embedding adaptations and supports based on a student’s learning needs and, where applicable, an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Learning Services support (full-time KDS students): Our Learning Services teacher connects regularly via Microsoft Teams with full-time KDS learners.

Cross-enrolled students: Students who cross-enroll continue to access Inclusive Education supports through their school of record, while KDS supports the student within the online course.

Yes. KDS has Education Assistant support based in the Elk Valley to supplement our LST support available in Cranbrook; however, because KDS is primarily an online school, our support model looks different from a full-time in-person school.

Direct EA support is site-based and is provided through structured in-person learning opportunities, including blended programming and some small-group drop-in supports. KDS is not able to provide home-based EA support or send EAs off site. While remote EA support has been offered in the past, we have found that it has not always been consistently effective for students.

EA support is not assigned uniquely to one child. Students are supported based on their needs, the activity, and the overall classroom or group context. 

Learning Funds are school-managed funds that may be used to support eligible learning resources, materials, and educational activities connected to a full-time student’s learning plan. They are intended to support curriculum-aligned learning and must be approved by the school.

No. Learning Funds are not paid directly to families, and families are not reimbursed for personal purchases. Eligible purchases must be pre-approved and made directly by the school.

Learning Funds may be used for approved resources, supplies, curriculum-aligned materials, subscriptions, or learning opportunities that are connected to the student’s learning plan. The KDS teacher will help determine whether a requested item or activity is eligible.

All K–9 students have access to Brightspace for learning materials. Teachers may also provide custom resource lists aligned to student learning plans.

Learning Funds are available for full-time K–12 students to access eligible resources that directly support their learning. These may include:

• Workbooks and curriculum-aligned print resources

• Online learning tools or subscriptions

All purchases must be pre-approved and made directly by the school. Families are not reimbursed for personal purchases.

To access these funds, please contact your child’s teacher. They will help determine eligible items based on your child’s learning plan and coordinate the request through the school office.

No. Online courses do not appear differently on Ministry transcripts. Completed courses and final grades appear the same as courses completed through other public schools.

KDS posts all final grades to MyEdBC.

• If KDS is your school of record, your final grade will be reported to the Ministry of Education within one week of course completion and will appear on your official transcript shortly afterward.

• If you are cross-enrolled, KDS will still post your grade to MyEdBC, but your home school is responsible for reporting it to the Ministry. This usually happens when your school runs TRAX submissions — typically multiple times per semester, and especially at the end of each term.

If you have questions about when your grade will appear on your transcript, please contact your school counsellor or administrator.

Visit the Ministry of Education website: Order Transcript

If you need an official letter confirming your grade, email your KDS teacher. A PDF letter can be sent to you or directly to a post-secondary institution.

After your final grades are received, the Ministry typically takes 4–6 weeks to issue graduation documents. Diplomas for full-time KDS grads are mailed to KDS, signed by the principal, and forwarded to the student. June graduates typically receive their documents in early October.