The Cortes Island Academy (CIA) is high school education outside the box. Founded by the Cortes Island Community Foundation, Campbell River School District 72, and the people of Cortes Island, the CIA offers a 20 weeks (one semester) program using the place and people of Cortes Island as both campus and curriculum.
The 2023-2024 CIA semester runs September 2023 through January 2024 with an overarching theme of Forest Ecology. The CIA has teamed up with Dr. Suzanne Simard and her UBC Mother Tree Project to join with the local facilitators and knowledge-holders and SD 72 teacher to provide a deep dive into the secret world of these ancient trees, how they communicate, their role in fighting climate change, the relationship between forests and soil, and much more.
The CIA is offered through School District 72. Just like a bricks-and-mortar high school, students at the CIA earn credits in Science, English, Social Studies/First Peoples, Physical Education, Leadership, and Careers: 3/4 of a year worth of credits (24) in one semester. Unlike in most high schools, students learn aside local organizations, world famous scientists, Pulitzer-prize nominated journalists, local people who have known this land for generations, and Indigenous elders, overseen by a local educator and a School District teacher. Instead of worksheets and tests, students participate in Hakai Institute-led citizen science initiatives, create journalistic podcasts published and distributed through Cortes Community Radio, and create documentaries featuring Cortes elders and local knowledge holders. A day may start in a classroom and end in a kayak on the ocean, or behind a microphone at the community radio station, or deep with a Mother Tree in the forest.
The CIA prioritizes admissions for SD72 high school students from the most rural and remote parts of the District and Indigenous students especially Klahoose First Nations and provides a generous bursary/scholarship program to ensure access. We also accept students from throughout B.C. and from anywhere in Canada or the world through our partnership with the SD72 International Program. Homestays are available.
More information: cortesislandacademy.ca/
Film provided by Cortes Island Academy students and mentors from the 2022-2023 season. Additional footage courtesy of Morgan Tams.
Narration & video editing by: Immanuel McKenty.
Soundtrack: The journey Ahead - Chasing Freedom licensed from Uppbeat.io [License code: KRPH1ESNUFE3GG3Q]