Aboriginal Education
School District #58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is proud to serve students from our six local Bands of the Nlaka'pamux-Thompson and Syilz-Okanagan Nation, the Metis Nation and from Aboriginal communities outside of our district. A rich cultural component is provided by, approximately 40% of our students who report Aboriginal ancestry. The Coldwater Band, Lower Nicola Band, Nooaitch Band, Shackan Band, Upper Nicola Band, Upper Similkameen Band, the Metis and School District #58 are mutually committed to the goal of personal success and the best education possible for all First Nations Students. Improving in the area of Aboriginal Education is a focus of our present work in the Nicola-Similkameen and we are committed to listening and working collaboratively with the First Nations community to do so.
Student Support Services
School District No. 58's Student Support Services facilitates student development, wellness and learning by promoting an environment that allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes for life long learning and fulfillment. Schools, parents and community work collaboratively to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to fully participate in a broad, individually challenging educational program in a supportive and caring school environment.Alternate Programs
Alternate education programs are offered both in Merritt and in Princeton. In Merritt, the Kengard Learning Centre (KLC) houses a total of three schools - the Community Learning Centre (CLC) (an alternative education opportunity) , Continuing Ed (a program for adult learners) and SCIDES (a distributed education school). In Princeton, the Bridge Program (an alternative education opportunity) is offered.
French Immersion
Nicola-Similkameen School District offers Early French Immersion Program that begins in Kindergarten to grade 7 at Collettville Élémentaire and continues from grade 8 to 12 at Merritt Secondary School. Students in French Immersion are “immersed” in the French language while following the same BC curriculum as the English program. This program enables the non-Francophone students to acquire a working knowledge and proficiency in Canada’s two official languages.