Central Okanagan School District
SD No. 23 | Together We Learn
Qualifying age
To qualify for school enrollment, a child must reach the age of five years of age prior to December 31st of the year of attendance as per Section 3 of the School Act.pdf. There are no exceptions for earlier admission.
Qualifying Age FAQ.pdf
Required documentation
A valid Canadian birth certificate or other government issued proof of age and citizenship, a copy of one parent/guardian BC driver’s license and one parent/guardian BC CARE card for proof of parental residency must be provided to the school after completion of the Student Enrollment Application and prior to the first week of school. Other legal documentation such as landed immigrant/permanent resident card or documents issued by Immigration Canada must be processed through our International Education office prior to registering at a school. Proof of address in the school's catchment area is also required (i.e. copy of rental agreement, purchase agreement or utility bill).
Deferred Enrollment
The
School Act allows a parent to defer the enrollment of a Kindergarten child for not more than one year. Parents are encouraged to discuss deferment with the school principal before a decision is made.
Where to Register:
Parents typically register their children at their neighbourhood school. To determine your catchment area school please check on the district’s map that is posted on
our website. Alternatively, parents may elect to register at their
school of choice.
Student School Placement Priorities
- catchment area students who, in the previous year, attended the school;
- catchment area students who, in the previous year, were ‘placed’ by the district in a different school;
- siblings of catchment area students;
- new catchment area students;
- siblings of non-catchment area students currently enrolled in the school;
- non-catchment area students who request to attend the school which is other than their catchment area school;
- non-district area students;
- international students.
As per SD#23 Board Policy 405R – Student Placement (Regulations), these priorities remain in effect until the close of summer registration. After that date (usually first week of school), schools may accept ‘out-of-catchment’ students, space permitting.
Landed Immigrant/Permanent Resident/Work Visa/Refugee Status:
All students who have landed immigrant/permanent resident status, refugee status or parents with work visas will need to obtain a letter of enrollment from the Welcome Centre prior to registering at a school. Please contact our International Education Office at Hollywood Road Education Services, 1040 Hollywood Road, (250) 470-3258.
International Students:
All International Students are processed through School District No. 23’s International Education Office at Hollywood Road Education Services, 1040 Hollywood Road, (250) 470-3258.
Student of Non-Resident Parents:
Students who are Canadian citizens, but whose parents are non-BC residents, must pay tuition in order to access an education program in B.C., including our School District. There is a requirement that a formal Custodianship Agreement be established for students who are not living with their legal parent guardian. Please contact our International Education Department for further information at (250) 470-3258.
Home Schooling:
In accordance with the B.C. School Act all children receiving their education at home MUST be registered by September 30th. Central Programs & Services offer full access to distance courses for students enrolled in Distributed Learning (Kindergarten to Grade 12). For information please phone (250) 868-1135 or for Grades 7 to 12 at eschoolbc.com
French Immersion:
School District No. 23 offers an early immersion program. Students must enter in Kindergarten or Grade 1.