School District No. 35

Whether it’s a class in the great outdoors, a group assignment where younger students learn from older peers, or spending the day at an art gallery in downtown Vancouver, programs of Choice in the Langley School District give students a number of different learning pathways.  

Those options – which include but are not limited to, outdoor education, French Immersion, or a focus on the arts – are meant to provide students with “relevant, meaningful choices” said assistant superintendent Marcello Moino.

“We are proud to offer different learning options for our students. If students are excited and passionate about their education, we know that they are more likely to be engaged and thrive,” Moino continued.

The programs run out of various schools throughout the District. For example, Montessori programming is available at Uplands Elementary, the Langley Environmental Awareness Program (LEAP) is run out of Fort Langley Elementary, and U-Connect, which is a blended learning program, is based out of Simonds Elementary.  

Montessori education is for students and families interested in a learning approach “where students learn through experience,” said Uplands Montessori teacher Melissa Krahn.

“They often use hands-on materials that are multi-sensory. And they’re often in a multi-grade classroom after Kindergarten so they get experience with peer teaching. Part of the day is an independent work time where they’re working on their individual skills, and then the rest of the day, it’s the whole group for large group and small-group lessons,” she explained.

“We see the students really gain skills and independence, and they gain confidence, and they feel a lot of ownership over their learning.”

Any student in the District can register, but to ensure equity, a lottery process is undertaken for Kindergarten entry into a program. Registration for Kindergarten or initial entry for most choice programs happens in early October prior to the next school year. Registration is currently open and closes on October 20 at noon. Intake for the U-Connect program occurs throughout the year. Some programs including LEAP and U-Connect require families to attend an information session to learn about the program, hear about expectations, and get the information needed to ensure the program is right for their family.

Other unique learning opportunities for students in the District outside of choice programs include career education, alternate education, adult education, and sports academies. It is important to check with the program to confirm registration dates.

For information on Choice Program Registration, click here.

For more on the District’s choice programs, go to the District’s Find a Program webpage and under the ‘Subject’ filter, choose ‘Choice.’