Primary Years
Kindergarten - Grade 6
The Kootenay Discovery School primary program offers learning opportunities for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and is part of School District #5. At Kootenay Discovery School (KDS) we know that every learner is unique, and connections are as important as the curriculum. KDS is ideal for families who are seeking flexibility and individualized learning opportunities for their children.
The primary program teacher works with parents at the start of each school year to develop a learning plan which guides their child’s learning for the coming school year. Parents work with their children daily to introduce learning opportunities and/or help guide them through online course work (available for Gr. 4-6 students). The teacher supports parents through this process with regular communication and timely feedback to ensure that families know how their children are progressing towards meeting the
grade-level learning objectives as outlined by the BC Ministry of Education.
Primary Program Options:
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Online Learning Only: Students and their families are supported by the KDS teacher as detailed above. Students don’t attend KDS in person activities.
Blended Learning: Students and their families are supported by the KDS teacher as detailed above and students participate in group activities in a variety of settings with a focus on outdoor and community-based learning. Activities are intentionally planned by the primary program teacher to support growth of social and emotional skills, encourage creative and critical thinking and connect to curriculum in a variety of subject areas.
EXAMPLE of a Typical Week Schedule for Group Activities (Blended Learning):
Tuesday Class 10 am - 2 pm
(Kindergarten to Grade 2)
Classes take place in outdoor spaces around Fernie and/or at our indoor classroom space
Wednesday Class 10 am - 2 pm
(Grade 3 to Grade 6)
Classes take place in outdoor spaces around Fernie and/or at our indoor classroom space
Field Trip/Community Outing Day (Kindergarten to Grade 6 combined)
What this might look like:
- Full day or half day trips* (drop off and pick up times vary depending on activity planned)
- Parents and siblings welcome to attend
*Attendance optional
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