Kootenay Discovery School

Kootenay Discovery School (KDS) offers engaging online and blended learning programs for students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. As part of School District No. 5, our elementary program is designed to support families seeking flexibility, personalized learning, and a strong partnership with educators.

At KDS, we recognize that every child learns differently. Our programs are ideal for families looking for alternative pathways that allow students to learn at their own pace while meeting BC curriculum standards. 

Each school year begins with the development of a personalized learning plan, co-created by the KDS teacher and the student’s parent or guardian. This plan outlines learning goals and helps guide instruction throughout the year.

Parents play an active daily role in facilitating engaging learning experiences and supporting skill development, and for Grades 4–9, helping guide students through online coursework.

Throughout the year, KDS teachers provide regular communication, resources, and timely feedback to ensure families feel supported and confident in their child’s progress toward provincial learning outcomes.

What to Expect

• Flexible, teacher-supported learning tailored to your child’s needs.
• Students connect regularly with their teacher through online meetings, email, phone calls, or in-person visits (when local and possible).
• Learning plans are aligned with the BC Curriculum and supported with formal report cards three times per year.
• For Grades 4-9, all course materials are provided through our online learning platform, Brightspace. For K–3, supports and resources are provided through district Learning Funds in collaboration with the homeroom teacher.
• Families are supported in developing routines at home that support progress in literacy, numeracy, and other curricular areas.
  
  

  Grades K–3

  • Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, math).
  • Instructional supports and resources can be accessed via Brightspace, and portfolio documentation of student learning can be shared there but there are no formal online courses for K-3 learners.
  • Teachers help families gather the resources they need, with access to Learning Funds to support the purchase of curriculum, supplies, and educational activities aligned with the student’s learning plan.
  • Blended program option covers all curricular areas except literacy (ELA), numeracy (Math) and Arts Education

  Grades 4–6

  • Core subjects including Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, PHE, and French are delivered through Brightspace courses, where students complete assignments, receive feedback, and stay connected with their teacher.
  • ADST, Careers, and Arts Education instructional supports and resources are shared with families during learning plans and via Brightspace and documentation of student learning in these areas is shared via Brightspace portfolio.
  • Blended program option prioritizes PHE, French, ADST, Careers, and Arts Education.

  Grades 7–9

  • Programming expands to support increased independence. Online courses include ADST, Careers, and Arts Education elective courses and deeper exploration of core curriculum areas.
  • All instruction and assessment are delivered through Brightspace.
  • Blended program option prioritizes PHE, ADST and Arts Education.

  
  

  Tools We Use

  Our district-supported online learning platform includes: Course materials and learning guides  Assignments, quizzes, and projects Teacher feedback and grades Discussion forums and other learning tools Online resources and portfolios (K-6)

  All KDS students receive access to: A district email account Microsoft productivity tools: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams Regular virtual meetings and/or check-ins via Microsoft Teams

  
  

  Program Options

  1) Online Learning Only

  Students and their families are supported by their KDS teacher through digital platforms, scheduled check-ins, and assessments. Students complete their learning entirely from home and do not attend in-person sessions.

  2) Blended Learning

  Blended students are supported in the same way as online learners and also attend in-person sessions with a focus on outdoor, community-based, and hands-on learning. Activities are intentionally designed by the KDS teacher to build social-emotional skills, promote critical and creative thinking, and connect to curriculum areas in meaningful ways.

  These in-person learning experiences are carefully planned to fully meet learning standards in key core curricular areas (i.e. Arts Education, Physical and Health Education, French, Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST)).

  In-person blended learning options currently include:

  Kindergarten–Grade 3 (Fernie only)

  Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 am - 2:30 pm for the 2025-26 school year. *This program is at capacity for the 2025-26 school year. Current KDS Online students may join the waitlist for a spot in the blended program. 

  Grades 4–6 (both campuses)

  Fernie: Wednesdays, 9 am - 3 pm for the 2025-26 school year. *This program is at capacity for the 2025-26 school year. Current KDS Online students may join the waitlist for a spot in the blended program. 

  Cranbrook: Wednesdays (pm only; Jan - June depending on student interest)

  Grades 7–9 (both campuses)

  Fernie: Wednesdays (am, pm, or full day; Jan - June depending on student interest)

  Cranbrook: Wednesdays (pm only; Jan - June depending on student interest)

Why This Works

Standards-based learning: Fully aligns with BC Ministry’s online learning framework, ensuring certified instruction and quality outcomes.

Strong partnerships with families: Parents and guardians are active partners in their child’s learning, particularly in the elementary and middle years. With guidance from certified teachers, families co-create learning environments that nurture curiosity, confidence, and independence.

A thoughtful bridge to in-person schooling: Online learning can provide a valuable transitional pathway for students who need time before returning to a traditional classroom setting, whether due to health, travel, anxiety, or other life circumstances. Our programs offer structure and support while respecting each learner’s pace and readiness.

How to Register

K-9 registration is open from January - August for the following school year. Interested students will need to complete the following new student registration form and email all linked documents to kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca. Once all documentation has been received, a KDS teacher will follow up to develop a personalized learning plan.

Interested in registering for the 2026-27 school year? Click here to add your contact information to our list and we will reach out to you with next steps in January 2026!