Shearwater Elementary

About

Shearwater Elementary School is located at 808 Mackay Street, PO Box 7, Bella Coola, BC V0T 1C0. The school describes itself as a small one-room elementary school on Denny Island, accessible only by plane or boat, serving Kindergarten through Grade 7. Enrollment typically varies year to year between about 10–20 students. The school highlights learning that often extends outdoors through field trips in the coastal rainforest, as well as hands-on experiences in the school garden and greenhouse, and notes that district internet-connected supports help provide an extensive support system for students.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Central Coast)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: N/A

Phone: 250 799-5556

Email: kgianakos@sd49.ca

Principal: Kevin Gianakos

Programs and Services

Student support / learning supports Shearwater Elementary notes that, despite geographic isolation, internet access and access to supports available through Central Coast School District (#49) help the school offer an extensive support system for students. Outdoor and place-based learning The school emphasizes learning opportunities in the coastal rainforest, with field trips that often take learning out of the classroom. Garden and greenhouse learning Students extend learning into the school garden and greenhouse, where they learn to maintain a garden and grow their own food.

School Culture and Expectations

Shearwater Elementary emphasizes being a small school that is “big in the heart of our community,” and highlights learning connected to its unique coastal rainforest setting.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

Shearwater Elementary is described as being located on Denny Island and only accessible by plane or boat. The district also notes that travel to Shearwater Elementary is possible via plane and boat year-round.