School District 72 is highlighting the Cortes Island Academy, a semester-based program designed to help rural and remote students stay connected to learning while remaining in their community.

The five-month program runs from September to February and serves students in Grades 10 through 12.

Principal Michael Datura says about half of the participants are either new to the district or returning to formal education after time in homeschooling or alternative learning settings.

The academy blends academics with hands-on, place-based learning rooted in the natural environment of Cortes Island.

Courses connect subjects such as science and English through shared themes, while students also earn credits in areas like outdoor education, leadership and the arts.

Each year follows a rotating theme, such as earth, air or water, which guides coursework and student projects.

In addition to traditional assignments, students complete major creative work, including documentary films, podcasts and art installations, often developed in partnership with local Elders, artists and community members.

The academy was created to address limited secondary school options on Cortes Island, where many families previously left the community when students reached high school.

The program aims to improve retention and provide a local pathway for students, including Indigenous learners, to complete their education.

District staff say enrolment at Cortes Island School has grown since the program began, with students coming from across the region.

Early results show graduates moving on to post-secondary education.

The program is funded through a mix of district support, grants and community contributions, with about 700-thousand dollars raised over the past four years.

That funding has allowed the district to offer the program without charging tuition so far.

Challenges remain, including limited space, the need for more stable funding and finding homestay options for students from outside the island.

The district says it is exploring options, including a possible residential model and expanded programming in the future.

For more information and highlights from the April 14, 2026 public meeting of the Board of Education, visit School District 72.