Lucerne Elem-Secondary

About

Lucerne Elementary Secondary School is located at Po Box 130, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0. The school describes itself as a community-focused K–12 school nestled in the mountain town of New Denver in the Slocan Valley, with a newly designed early learning center. Lucerne emphasizes a place-conscious learning approach and highlights hands-on features like a school garden and greenhouse, plus a robust hot lunch program and an annual community harvest festival.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Arrow Lakes)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-12

Phone: 250 265-3638

Email: mitchell.hemphill@sd10.bc.ca

Principal: Nicholas Graves

Programs and Services

Early learning (Early Learning Centre / StrongStart) Lucerne highlights a newly designed early learning center. The district also offers StrongStart early learning programming in New Denver. Food program (Hot lunch) The school highlights a robust hot lunch program for students. Outdoor/environmental & place-conscious learning Lucerne states that programs are designed with a place-conscious learning approach, supported by features such as a school garden and greenhouse. Student support / special education (Learning Support Services) SD10 schools have access to learning resource support, counseling, and consultant services. District consultant services (contract-based) include Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and School Psychology; students may also be supported through Provincial Outreach Programs (e.g., POPARD, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, early intervention and other low-incidence supports). Indigenous Education supports SD10 provides Indigenous Education programming and services, including an Indigenous Education Support Teacher for Lucerne Elementary Secondary. Career education (Dual Credit) SD10 offers Dual Credit opportunities (for grades 11–12) in partnership with post-secondary institutions (e.g., Selkirk College and others). The district lists a Lucerne contact for Dual Credit inquiries.

School Culture and Expectations

Lucerne’s Code of Conduct emphasizes a kind, compassionate, safe environment that values learning and student needs, and a welcoming community that values communication, cooperation, and diversity. The school highlights an outdoor play culture and strong community involvement to build a positive climate at school and in the broader community. Student success is framed around curiosity, self-regulation, accepting help, learning from failure, and a growth mindset that celebrates “GRIT” (Growth, Resiliency, Integrity, Tenacity).

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

SD10 requires families to register for school bus transportation using the district’s online bus registration form. The district notes an early bus registration period for priority consideration, with remaining spaces allocated first-come, first-served. Bus routes are provided by zone, including a “New Denver Bus Route” for Lucerne (LESS), and families can also review the district’s bus transportation code of conduct and transportation protocols.

Enrollment

Lucerne provides a Registration Package link on its website for families seeking to register.