Educational Choice in the Kootenays: the International School of the Kootenays

Do you remember an occasion when a teacher or mentor said something that lit a spark in you? Or when you were delighted to be asked what you thought? Students at the International School of the Kootenays (ISK) know these experiences by being active participants in their own learning. That’s when knowledge becomes both truly meaningful and transformative.

Fully accredited

ISK came into existence in 2005 to offer a student-centered, liberal arts high school curriculum that contributes to world peace while fostering critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. This vision is being realized. In February of 2008, ISK was awarded full accreditation as a Class One Independent Distributed Learning High School from the B.C. Ministry of Education. Distributed means that the courses are delivered largely via computer, emails, on-line chat communities and phone calls. All ISK students are matched with teachers who are certified by the BC College of Teachers or the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools. Teachers are responsible for student support, feedback and assessment and are more than willing to meet with students face to face.

Educational choice

The possibilities for learning are nearly endless! For example, students can go to school at home and set their own schedules, take ISK courses while attending another high school, or become full time students and earn their Dogwood Diploma. ISK has pioneered a very popular learning mode that combines independent, distributed learning with weekly workshops that meet in the community with teachers. These classes are also open to the general public offering opportunity for intergenerational learning. A very exciting option is that students who identify something they’d like to learn more about can approach ISK to help design elective courses for either independent or group study.

Peace Studies

Doesn’t our troubled, complex world need more compassionate and engaged citizens? ISK’s liberal arts curriculum for grades 10-12 helps deepen the understanding, interest, and acceptance of differences, be they cultural, generational, philosophical or religious. Of special note is the outstanding elective (and Nobel prize nominated!) course called “PeaceJam Ambassadors,” a peace studies curriculum whereby students explore issues related to peace, violence, social justice and change, and study the lives of 12 Nobel Peace Laureates. Brand new for fall of 2008 are the World Religions and Comparative World Philosophy elective courses.

Enroll now!

Please visit the school’s website at www.iskhighschool.org for enrollment information and course schedules. Students may enroll at any time! Parents and prospective students are welcome to visit ISK’s office at 420 Victoria Street, upstairs. For more information, call 250-354-1310 or email info@iskhighschool.org