Yes and no. While not yet an accredited school, KOLA aligns with the B.C. curriculum and expands on it with our own "living curriculum"—hands-on projects, nature immersion, and values-based learning that supports whole-child development.

Note: All students must be registered with a recognized DL program or as homeschoolers to ensure legal compliance.

Our model emphasizes experiential learning, emotional intelligence, leadership, and outdoor exploration. Students build real-world skills, resilience, and a growth mindset.

We embrace neurodiversity by creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of each student. Our experienced mentors are trained in neurodiversity support, and we offer individualized learning and behavior support plans.

We personalize instruction through differentiated strategies, small group sizes, and additional support, ensuring a responsive and inclusive environment.

We encourage open communication. Parents should speak with their child's teacher first and reach out to the director if more support is needed. Students are also supported in learning to resolve issues early and respectfully.

Yes. Students are assessed through observation, projects, and portfolios. We issue reports twice per year based on each learner's Strategic Student Plan.

Our learners build confidence, adaptability, and self-direction, supporting a smooth transition into high school or alternative paths.

Our leadership program does not offer formal credits but focuses on building core competencies like public speaking, outdoor skills, and community leadership. Students remain enrolled in a DL or homeschool program to track official credits.

Yes, academic support and tutoring are available on request, led by certified educators or aligned mentors.

It may rise slightly with inflation and development costs. Families are notified in advance.

Yes. Some additional costs may apply for specialized gear, field trips, bus service, or optional extracurriculars. A full list is provided at the start of each season.

No. Families are expected to pack nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks that support energy and focus.

Yes, we offer needs-based financial support.

No. Field trips are an additional cost.

Yes.

Submit our online application and supporting documents. We'll follow up to schedule an interview and assessment.

We welcome parent involvement through volunteering, events, and open communication with staff.

We monitor conditions closely. In storms or poor air quality, we seek shelter and notify families. In winter, we adjust activities for safety and offer indoor breaks as needed. Proper clothing is essential.

No. All water activities are fully supervised and require certified flotation devices.

Activities include hiking, bushcraft, fire-building, outdoor cooking, nature crafts, traditional skills like candle making, storytelling, fort-building, natural art, tool work, journaling, team games, group process, soil sampling, gardening, building eco-structures, creating herbal products, paddling, survival skills, and real-world projects like launching micro-businesses and community events.

A typical day at KOLA involves a blend of outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and social-emotional learning. Our programs are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the students, with opportunities for both structured learning and free play.

Monday to Friday, 9:00am–3:30pm. Extended care is available.

A full packing list will be provided, including appropriate footwear, clothing, lunch, and personal items.

Small group sizes ensure safety, support, and meaningful relationships. 1:8 ratio.

We provide 1:1 transition support into small group settings (maximum 1:8 ratio), individualized learning plans, and ongoing collaboration with families and professionals. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

If adjustment is needed, we work gently with the child to support them. Most learners quickly grow to love the program.