Kimberley Independent School

About

Kimberley Independent School is located at 73 101 Ave, Kimberley, BC V1A 1A5. The school describes itself as a small, vibrant independent school focused on a loving, caring environment where children feel safe and heard, with families encouraged to be active participants. KIS emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and rich place-based, hands-on learning—often outdoors—while following (and aiming to exceed) the B.C. curriculum. The school highlights outdoor education, the arts, and French as key parts of its approach, alongside character development and community connections.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Rocky Mountain)

Education language: KIS offers daily French instruction for school-age students, and the school also notes that all children are exposed to daily conversational French. The sources do not describe an immersion or bilingual program (where French is used to teach the core curriculum).

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 250 427-1779

Email: principal@kis.ca

Principal: Louisa Neufeld

Education Languages

KIS offers daily French instruction for school-age students, and the school also notes that all children are exposed to daily conversational French. The sources do not describe an immersion or bilingual program (where French is used to teach the core curriculum).

Programs and Services

French language instruction KIS states that students benefit from daily French instruction, and also notes daily conversational French for all children. Outdoor education / place-based learning KIS emphasizes hands-on, experiential, place-based learning in the natural environment, with frequent field trips and outdoor learning opportunities (including weekly “Camp Stone Days” in fall and spring). The Arts The school highlights arts learning such as crafts (felting, pottery), music (including guitar and djembe drums), and a Theatre Arts program with class participation and optional winter and spring performances. Physical Education and activity programs KIS describes extended weekly activity blocks that can include swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, and skating. Clubs and extracurricular activities KIS offers a range of activities and clubs during and after the school day (at no additional cost to families), including outdoor and interest-based options. Childcare, before/after care KIS provides licensed childcare programs (Preschool and Group Childcare), plus before- and after-school care for school-age students. Childcare also offers supervised extended care for registered childcare children (after 3:00pm). Student support / individualized learning supports KIS emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention. The school states that school-age classes have an educational assistant in each classroom, supporting student academic and social needs.

School Culture and Expectations

KIS describes a welcoming, inclusive, and happy learning atmosphere, with a focus on children feeling safe, heard, and supported. The school emphasizes character development and universal values such as honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality, and respect, with a goal of developing ethically responsible and self-disciplined citizens. KIS also highlights strong family involvement and community connections as part of its school culture.

Enrollment

School-age registration is available through the school’s enrolment/registration pages, with online registration links provided for kindergarten, returning students, and the public. The school notes that payment of registration fees is not a guarantee of acceptance, as KIS reserves the right to review and evaluate student information prior to admission. For childcare, registration is managed via a waitlist (families email the office to be added), and placements are offered using a tiered priority system rather than first-come, first-served.