School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) (SD8) is pleased to welcome all students to our schools.
To align with the BC curriculum and SD8 commitment to student choice, the Board of Education has amended SD8 policies to streamline student transfer and registration processes.
Students are welcome to register in their catchment area schools at any time. For out-of-catchment registration or transfers, see Register at an Out-of-Catchment School below.
Register at Your Catchment School
- We encourage parents of students who will be attending kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year to register their children as early as possible so you can participate in kindergarten orientation events, and attend your school of choice.
- We welcome students who currently attend an independent school or other non-SD8 program and who wish to register at their neighborhood (catchment area) school.
- To register, please fill out the Student Registration Form and return it to the catchment school clerical staff.
Register at an Out-of-Catchment School
- Transfer or registration forms received after the March 31, 2025 deadline for out-of-catchment school registration or transfers will not be considered until after September 5, 2025 (first Friday after school starts).
- Student Transfer forms need to be completed by students transferring to a school that is not in their catchment area. Student Transfer forms are not required for students who have been attending an out-of-catchment school or an independent school, and who wish to attend their in-catchment school for 2025-2026. Registration forms and applicable information are required.
- Completed forms must be sent to your catchment school for the principal’s signature; the catchment principal will send the form to clerical staff at the requested school.
- All transfer requests received by March 31, 2025 at 4:00 pm will be considered for the 2025-2026 school year and families will be notified before the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
- Out-of-catchment students wishing to attend a school that their sibling attends will be prioritized before other out-of-catchment students wishing to attend that school.
Registration and Transfers FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a Student Transfer required?
When a student is transferring from their catchment school to attend a school not in their catchment area.
Who is considered a Legal Guardian?
A parent (with whom the child lives) or a person that is appointed as such by Court Order (a copy of the Court Order must be attached to the Student Registration Form).
Do I need a Student Transfer Form if a sibling has been accepted at the out-of-catchment school?
Yes, a Student Transfer Form is required and Section 2.6 of Policy 410 will apply.
Do I need a Student Transfer Form for Programs of Choice and what programs are considered Programs of Choice?
Yes, a Student Transfer Form is required. French Immersion, ATLAS, Sequoia, REACH, Summit, and Valhalla Wilderness are considered Programs of Choice.
Do I need a Student Transfer Form for DESK and Homelinks?
New students registering to School District 8 for DESK and Homelinks do not need a transfer form. Current SD8 students transferring into DESK and Homelinks will require a Student Transfer Form.
Will busing be provided to students who are attending a school out of catchment?
Students who live out of catchment are not eligible for busing, however busing may be provided if space is available on an existing route after all eligible riders have a seat on the bus.
Existing Bus Route Details
Who advises the parent of the decision?
Staff from the school requested by the student or parent will contact the parent about approval or denial.
Is a Student Transfer Form required for kindergarten students?
If the student is registering out-of-catchment then a Student Transfer Form is required along with the Student Registration Form and required documentation.
