Embrace the great outdoors, all year-round
In Kootenay Lake, every lesson is an adventure, every class a journey into the heart of real-world challenges and careers. Your academic pursuits will be as vibrant and dynamic as the world around you. Thanks to the Kootenays' mild climate, the outdoor classroom extends far beyond the school grounds. From the thrill of skiing to the calm of paddle boarding on the lake, every season brings new adventures and opportunities to grow.
Why you will love it here
Location
Small cities, big dreams
Nelson and Creston are gems tucked in the mountains, offering a safe, nurturing environment brimming with professional opportunities, arts, and music. Here, nature and culture merge, providing a backdrop for a life well-lived and learned.
Accommodation
Home is where the heart is
Kootenay Lake’s homestay program is more than just a place to stay; it's your home away from home. You'll live, laugh, and learn with a Canadian family, sharing life's moments and mastering the English language in the warmth of a caring home.
Learning
Student success!
We provide counseling for university applications, course selection, and emotional support. Our program has agreements with local colleges, making it easy to transfer to top Canadian universities. Explore endless possibilities with us, where great education meets exceptional support and exciting adventures await!
Join a global family
Kootenay Lakes international experience helps you make lifelong friends and quickly become part of a Canadian family. With a world-class education system, you'll find yourself fully immersed in an English-speaking environment, opening doors to endless possibilities.
Activities to do during your stay
Superintendent's Report - June 2024
The school year is coming to a close in a few weeks and hundreds of high school graduates across our district will reach out their hands to accept their Certificate of Graduation or B.C. “Dogwood diploma.”
Superintendent's Report - May 2024
It feels like the school year speeds up this time of year!
Superintendent's Report - March 2024
This past month has been a flurry of physical, intellectual, social and emotional learning in our six families of schools as students engaged in activities that stretched their skills, and exercised their understanding, leading us toward our upcoming spring break from March 18 to April 1.
Superintendent's Report - February 2024
We are nearing the 100th day of school and in primary grades, this is an important day of learning! All of our students are about halfway through the year, many have begun second semester, and everyone is in full learning mode in their classrooms, outdoors and in their communities.
Superintendent's Report - Midwinter Edition
Midwinter is upon us - a time when SD8 students and educators look forward to sharing and showing what children have learned and the talents they have developed in the first half of the school year.
Hear from our students
"My daughter has flourished since joining SD8. The dedicated teachers and the engaging curriculum have sparked a genuine love for learning in her. The school's focus on both academic excellence and personal growth is truly commendable."
"Attending SD8 has been the best decision of my life. The supportive environment and amazing teachers have helped me excel in my studies and discover my passion for science. The extracurricular activities also provide a perfect balance to my academic life."
"SD8 has exceeded our expectations in every way. The school's commitment to individualized attention ensures that every student reaches their full potential. My son has developed not only academically but also socially and emotionally. I couldn't be happier with our choice."
"Graduating from SD8 has opened so many doors for me. The rigorous academic programs and the emphasis on critical thinking prepared me exceptionally well for college. The friendships and memories I made here will last a lifetime."
Our schools
Mt. Sentinel
Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join Mt Sentinel Secondary in beautiful Slocan Valley, BC. Here, you will find a small friendly community, quality academics, and exciting programs tailored just for you. Whether you're into science, arts, sports, or specialty activities like mountain biking and dance, we have something for you.
Kootenay River Secondary
Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join Kootenay River Secondary School in beautiful Creston, BC. Here, you will find a friendly community, quality academics, and exciting programs tailored just for you. Whether you're into science, arts, sports, or outdoor education, we have something for you.
LV Rogers Secondary
Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join L.V. Rogers Secondary School in beautiful Nelson, BC. Here, you will find a friendly community, quality academics, and exciting programs tailored just for you. Whether you're into science, arts, sports, or specialty activities like mountain biking and dance, we have something for you.
Salmo Secondary
Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join Salmo Secondary in beautiful Salmo, BC. Here, you will find a small friendly community, quality academics, and exciting programs tailored just for you. Whether you're into science, arts, sports, or specialty activities like mountain biking and dance, we have something for you.
JV Humphries
Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join JV Humphries School in beautiful Kaslo, BC. Here, you will find a small friendly community, quality academics, and exciting programs tailored just for you. Whether you're into science, arts, sports, or specialty activities like mountain biking and dance, we have something for you.
Mt Sentinel Showcase
Enjoy this video playlist of the various programs and activities you can enjoy if you choose to attend school with us.
