Education

South Kootenay Education

The greatest thing about education in the South Kootenay is that you're not just a number. Relationships with educators are friendly because the community is smaller and instructors see students outside of the classroom setting. There is often a warmer more encouraging learning environment than what you'd find in larger centres. One result is that the South Kootenay area traditionally has produced students with an above average standing in British Columbia.

Quality of Education

The results from recent Grade 12 Provincial Examinations show that School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) students continue to demonstrate high levels of academic success. Combined results from the three secondary schools show that last year’s students outperformed the average scores in other school districts in 8 out of 10 subjects. This has been a consistent pattern over the past years as the school district academic results and graduation rates have been one of the best in the province.

K-12 Schools

In 1996, the Trail School District No. 11 amalgamated with the Castlegar School District No. 9 to form School District No. 20. The District provides primary and secondary education for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition to the public schools, there are private and alternative schools. For grades 8-12, JL Crowe Secondary School is Trail's new $32.7 million eco-friendly facility that first welcomed students in September 2009. The new facility has capacity for 825 students and the design includes rainwater collection for irrigation, natural and energy efficient lighting, and a digitally controlled HVAC system.

Post Secondary Education

Selkirk College was the first community college in BC and has one campus in Trail and other campuses throughout the West Kootenay area. The college provides access to higher education including university transfer courses as well as technology, career and vocational programs. Selkirk College, in a joint venture with the School District No. 20, also provides opportunities for continuous education of quality leaning for people of all ages in response to the ever changing needs and challenges of the community

Educational Links

School District 20 Kindergarden through Grade 12

Selkirk College Campuses in Trail, Castlegar & Nelson

DESK Distance Learning School of the Kootenays

International, Business and Alternative Learning Links

School District 20 International Program for grades 8-12.

Selkirk International offers a wide variety of educational opportunities for international students.

Community Futures offers in-house and video conference business training.

Greater Trail Community Skills Centre offers employment skills training and resources.

Red Ski Academy offers a unique program for students ages 13 to 18 to pursue a passion for alpine ski racing, free skiing, dance or snowboarding without sacrificing their education.