School District #71, Comox Valley, British Columbia, offers quality instruction by Canadian certified teachers in modern and well-equipped schools. We accept students, grades 8 to 12, in four high schools, G.P. Vanier, Highland and Mark Isfeld, and Lake Trail Secondary. Also we welcome elementary students when accompanied by a parent.

Students can apply for a cultural and language immersion program or participate to obtain BC high school graduation. As well as academic subjects, students enjoy outstanding opportunities for study in business and technology education, performing and fine arts, sports and outdoor recreation. Students from the Comox Valley International Program are routinely accepted at colleges and universities in Canada, the US and other countries.

Our high schools offer French Immersion programs and courses in Spanish and Japanese. The Hockey Academy at Highland Secondary attracts students from around the world. All high schools have outstanding extracurricular sports programs and opportunities to participate in clubs and school organized activities. The International Program has a designated activity coordinator who arranges special trips and events. Each school has an international program team, including a designated counsellor to assist with student programs and concerns. Our ESL programs offer credit courses to students who need this service and support to achieve their maximum academic potential.

All students stay with carefully selected Host Families who are monitored and advised under the Directorship of the Host Family Supervisor who is a staff member and certified teacher. Students have twenty-four hour access to assistance in emergencies.

Our friendly, welcoming community enjoys the warm temperate climate of BC’s West Coast. The cities of Comox and Courtenay offer all modern amenities for medical and dental care, shopping, theatres, and a multitude of community sports programs.

Travel to the Comox Valley is not difficult. There are many daily connections to the Comox International Airport from Vancouver and Calgary. There is ferry access from the BC mainland through either Victoria or Nanaimo.

This is a predominately English speaking area with easy access to Vancouver and Victoria. Visiting students and their families enjoy the outstanding recreational activities including world class skiing, snow boarding, golfing, water sports, mountain biking and hiking.

Mount Washington, the local ski resort, is the training site for the Canadian and Swedish National Nordic teams who are training in this world class facility for the 2010 Winter Olympics to be held in Vancouver. Students wishing to ski or snow-board can easily access Mt. Washington because of its close proximity to the city centre, a 20 minute drive by ski bus or car. Students are able to purchase season passes for a very reasonable rate.

We welcome the world and embrace multi-cultural values. Students who participate in international education gain the perspective to be truly a part of the global community and increase their opportunities for future success.