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Navigate Academy
About
Navigate Academy is located at 2505 Smith Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1T6. Navigate (powered by NIDES) is a fully funded, accredited BC public school in Comox Valley School District (#71) and a recognized leader in blended and online learning. The school emphasizes flexible, personalized learning options that can be accessed from home or through blended models, supported by BC-certified teachers and approved BC curriculum materials. Navigate serves K–12 learners across British Columbia and highlights its long history in distance/online learning and award-winning innovative programs.
At a Glance
School type: Public School (Comox Valley)
Education language: English
Religious affiliation: None / Secular
Grades: K-7
Phone: 250 337-5300
Email: gerald.fussell@sd71.bc.ca
Principal: Gerald Fussell
Programs and Services
Blended & online learning programs (K–12) Navigate offers full-time online learning, home-based options, and blended learning programs supported by BC-certified teachers, with coursework and materials approved by the BC Ministry of Education. Elementary options include K–9 full-time online and blended programs, and secondary options include full-time 8–12 programming and individual online course enrollment. Fine Arts eCademy (FAE) (K–7) An award-winning blended learning elementary program that explores the BC curriculum through fine arts (e.g., painting, acting, music, literature) and combines face-to-face learning at the Tsolum Campus with online learning at home. Compass Program (K–12) A blended program option (noted for K–9 and grades 8–12) designed to add shared activities and opportunities to connect with other students and families. Heartwood Learning Community (K–9) A community-based, blended approach where families work with BC-certified teachers and local community supports to develop individualized learning plans, emphasizing a positive and rich learning culture. International language courses Navigate describes offering a large selection of international language programs as part of its broader K–12 course and program offerings. Adult education Navigate offers adult education opportunities, including options connected to graduation requirements. Student support / special education (supporting diverse learners) Navigate highlights support for diverse needs and abilities, including self-paced online learning. For students with diverse needs, BC-certified Learning Support Teachers (LSTs) develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in consultation with families, focusing on strengths, growth areas, and ongoing support.
School Culture and Expectations
Navigate emphasizes personalized learning that empowers students to learn “in his or her own manner,” with flexibility in pace and learning style, paired with one-on-one guidance and support. The school’s stated values include trusting relationships grounded in respect, integrity, and ethical behavior; differentiated instruction and personalized learning; innovation and creativity; strong partnerships between home, community, and school; and celebration of accomplishment. Navigate also describes a commitment to student-centred, teacher-directed learning supported by meaningful parent involvement and community partnerships.
Enrollment
Families are directed to the school’s “Enroll Now” page for K–7 and 8–12 enrollment options. The site also notes that registration is open for K–9 programs (as stated on the homepage) and that grade 10–12 courses are open for registration year-round.
Location
Navigate Academy Reviews
Reviews load after the page becomes interactive.
Academic Learning of Navigate Academy
33.51
Academic Performance
Academic Performance Score
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades overall score: 34 - well below the district public school average of 43, trailing by 10 points.
Literacy: 36
Numeracy: 31
Literacy is a relative strength; numeracy has more room to grow.
57.50
Student Commitment to Learning
Student Commitment
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 58 - above the district public school average of 54, ahead by 4 points.
Students report stronger engagement, effort, and investment in learning than comparable schools, pointing to solid day-to-day learning habits.
40.00
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Showing latest available year: 2022-2023. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 40 - well below the district public school average of 50, trailing by 10 points.
Students report weaker problem solving, analysis, and independent thinking than comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen this area.
80.00
College and Career Readiness
Readiness for Future
Showing latest available year: 2022-2023. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 80 - well above the district public school average of 52, ahead by 28 points.
Students report stronger preparation for future learning, transitions, and career pathways than comparable schools, which points to a solid readiness profile.
Academic Scores by School Year
Clustered Academic Score Trends
School year trend view: All Grades (combined Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where available). In 2024-2025, literacy is 36, numeracy is 31, and overall is 34.
Compared with 2019-2020, the overall score improved by 24 points.
In the latest year, literacy is the strongest of the three measures at 36, while numeracy is lowest at 31.
Across the available years, literacy improved by 23 points since 2019-2020, while numeracy improved by 29 points since 2019-2020.
Academic Performance Score Change Over Years
Academic Performance Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024-2025, academic performance is 34 and student commitment to learning is 58.
The strongest current area is Student Commitment to Learning at 58, while Academic Performance is lowest at 34.
Academic Performance shows the largest shift across the available period, improved by 24 points since 2019-2020.
Additional Information
Data is regularly updated to reflect the latest available academic scores and assessments from official school records.
Character and Wellbeing
16.67
Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 17 - well below the district public school average of 67, trailing by 51 points.
Students report weaker participation in school and community life than comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen voice, involvement, and connection.
62.32
Health
Health
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 62 - below the district public school average of 65, trailing by 3 points.
Students report weaker physical and emotional well-being than comparable schools, making health and well-being an area to watch closely.
48.79
Work Ethic
Work Ethic
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 49 - well below the district public school average of 74, trailing by 25 points.
Students report weaker effort, persistence, and responsibility than comparable schools, suggesting work habits are an area to strengthen.
Character and Wellbeing Score Change Over Years
Character and Wellbeing Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Civic Engagement is 17, Health is 62, and Work Ethic is 49.
The strongest current area is Health at 62, while Civic Engagement is lowest at 17.
Civic Engagement shows the largest shift across the available period, declined by 28 points since 2019/2020.
Resources
77.94
Community Support
Community Support
Showing latest available year: 2022-2023. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 78 - well above the district public school average of 59, ahead by 19 points.
Parents and the wider community appear to provide stronger support for student learning than in comparable schools, making this a relative strength.
86.76
Facilities and Personnel
Facilities and Personnel
Showing latest available year: 2022-2023. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 87 - well above the district public school average of 63, ahead by 24 points.
Staffing, spaces, and school infrastructure are rated more positively than in comparable schools, suggesting a stronger resource base.
25.78
Learning Resources
Learning Resources
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 26 - well below the district public school average of 55, trailing by 30 points.
Instructional resources are rated less positively than in comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen access or quality.
Resources Score Change Over Years
Resources Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Learning Resources is 26.
Learning Resources shows the largest shift across the available period, declined by 3 points since 2019/2020.
School Culture
66.45
Relationships
Relationships
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 66 - well below the district public school average of 75, trailing by 9 points.
Students report weaker relationships among peers, staff, and the school community than in comparable schools, suggesting connection and trust are areas to strengthen.
54.61
Safety
Safety
School year: 2024-2025. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 55 - well below the district public school average of 66, trailing by 12 points.
Students report a weaker sense of physical and emotional safety than in comparable schools, making this an area that deserves close attention.
School Culture Score Change Over Years
School Culture Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2024/2025, Relationships is 66 and Safety is 55.
The strongest current area is Relationships at 66, while Safety is lowest at 55.
Relationships shows the largest shift across the available period, declined by 13 points since 2019/2020.
Teachers and Teaching Environment
50.00
Knowledge and Skills of Teachers
Knowledge and Skills of Teachers
Showing latest available year: 2022-2023. Scores out of 100.
All Grades score: 50 - well below the district public school average of 64, trailing by 14 points.
Teachers are rated less positively for instructional quality, knowledge, and professional practice than in comparable schools, suggesting room to strengthen this area.
Teachers and Teaching Environment Score Change Over Years
Teachers and Teaching Environment Score Change Over Years
All Grades trend view combines Grade 4 and Grade 7 averages where both are available. In 2022/2023, Knowledge and Skills of Teachers is 50.