Kootenay Discovery School

Kootenay Discovery School (KDS) is a public online school serving Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, as well as adult learners, across School District 5. We offer flexible, personalized, and fully funded learning options that support each learner’s unique path.

Whether students are attending full-time or cross-enrolled in one or more courses, we are here to help them succeed.

K–9 Program

Our K–9 program is designed to provide strong, personalized learning support for families while meeting BC curriculum standards.

• K–3 students learn through a blended approach, using home-based resources and hands-on activities, with access to curated digital tools and teacher support.

• Grades 4–9 access their learning through Brightspace, our secure online learning platform, supported by a BC-certified teacher.

We are committed to providing inclusive, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities that reflect the BC curriculum’s focus on Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

KDS K-9 learning operates from September to June. Students and families receive three formal report cards per year, along with regular communication and feedback from their teacher.

Our goal is to support all families with meaningful resources, build strong relationships, and foster success in a flexible learning environment.

Registration is now open for the 2025–26 school year.
Please click here to complete the registration form and submit all required documents.

Note: Blended programs for K–9 are nearing capacity in Fernie. Online programs will continue to have space available year-round, but mid-year transfers should be discussed in advance and proceed with the approval of the student’s home school.

Grades 10–12 Online Learning

Students in Grades 10–12 can enroll in a full course load or take individual courses through KDS. Our high school program:

• Follows the BC curriculum and leads to graduation

• Includes formal teacher assessment and three report cards per year

• Prepares students for post-secondary and career pathways

• Offers flexibility in pacing and course selection

• Provides access to Brightspace and digital learning tools

Courses are taught by BC-certified teachers, and full-time students complete provincial assessments (e.g., Literacy and Numeracy) as required.

Registration is open and ongoing for the 2025–26 school year as high school courses run year-round.
Please click here to complete the registration form and submit all required documents.

Cross-Enrolment Opportunities (Grades 10–12)

KDS welcomes cross-enrolled students into Grades 10–12 courses from across SD5. Students in Grades 8-12 may choose to take a high school course with KDS to:

• Access a course not offered at their current school

• Create more flexibility in their schedule

• Learn in an online format

• Explore specialized subjects or upgrade courses

• Accelerate their graduation plan

Note: Students may not be enrolled in the same course at two schools at the same time.

Registration is open and ongoing for the 2025–26 school year as high school courses run year-round.
Please click here to complete the registration form and submit all required documents.

Adult Learning

Kootenay Discovery School supports adult learners (ages 18 and up) who are working toward graduation or upgrading for employment or post-secondary purposes.

Non-Graduated Adults

May enroll in courses to complete either:

• The BC Dogwood Diploma (regular high school graduation), or

• The Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood)

To complete the Adult Dogwood, learners must:

• Complete at least three new courses after enrolling as an adult

• Carry forward up to two eligible courses taken previously

Graduated Adults

Graduated adult learners may take select tuition-free courses, as determined by the BC Ministry of Education. 

Registration is open and ongoing for the 2025–26 school year as high school courses run year-round.
Please click here to complete the registration form and submit all required documents.

How to Register

We use a single registration process for all K–12 and adult learners.

To register with Kootenay Discovery School:

1. Open and complete the KDS Registration Form

2. Email any required supporting documents to: kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca

3. We will contact you to confirm enrollment and begin the learning plan process where appropriate.

For assistance, contact us at 250-423-4912.

Contact Us

Email: kds.mailing@sd5.bc.ca
Phone: 250-423-4912

Main Office – Fernie
Kootenay Learning Campus
802 2nd Avenue
Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

Cranbrook Campus
(Behind Mount Baker Secondary School)
25 – 17th Avenue North
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3W9

Hours of Operation:

• September to June: Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• July & August: Please see summer schedule
  Closed on weekends and statutory holidays