Evergreen Independent School

About

Evergreen Independent School is located at 3515 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill, BC V8H 4A8. Evergreen describes itself as a small, community-focused K–7 independent school that encourages students to explore their beliefs, values, and interests while building strong relationships and respect for the world. The school emphasizes curiosity, confidence, lifelong learning, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, with a strong connection to nature and outdoor learning. Evergreen also highlights inclusive practices and a high staff-to-student ratio to support students’ access to learning in a safe space.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (Cowichan Valley)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-7

Phone: 250 743-2433

Email: evergreen@evergreenbc.net

Principal: Lucien Power

Programs and Services

Academic program (BC Curriculum) Evergreen is a Group 1 funded independent school that follows (and says it meets and surpasses) the BC Curriculum. The school emphasizes evidence-based literacy and numeracy, thematic learning across subjects, and learning connected to nature. Food literacy / Gardening Evergreen has an on-site food garden and a year-round garden program that celebrates the seasons, with families invited to participate. The school also offers a Food Literacy Program where students grow, prepare, and share food, including soup days and exploring cuisines connected to class themes. Music Students explore music through singing, movement, role playing, storytelling, and focused units using marimbas, xylophones, percussion, and rhythm instruments. Physical activity / Outdoor PE Students have outdoor PE every day. Entrepreneurship (Maker Fair) The Maker Fair supports older elementary students in designing, developing, and marketing products to sell within the school community, with a portion of profits going to charity. Student support / special education Evergreen states it uses inclusive practices and focuses on Trauma Informed Practice as much as possible. It provides special education supports including Learning Assistance, additional Education Assistants (EAs) in classrooms, and a regulation space available to all students. Early Childhood Education (Junior Kindergarten) Evergreen offers Junior Kindergarten for children ages 3 and 4, described as play-based and focused on social-emotional development with significant time outdoors. After-school care After-school care is provided on the school grounds by Castle Care (with families directed to Castle Care’s Facebook page for details).

School Culture and Expectations

Evergreen emphasizes a community where students explore their beliefs, values, and interests while fostering strong relationships and respect for the world. The school highlights social-emotional wellbeing and emotional literacy, aiming to nurture empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence. Evergreen’s DEIB statement commits to safety, acceptance, and respect for all students and stakeholders, and defines diversity broadly (including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, belief systems, abilities, and more). The school also describes itself as parent- and family-led, with families expected to contribute volunteer time in support of school operations and community-building.

Enrollment

Applications for enrolment are accepted throughout the year when space is available, and students may transfer during the school year. After an application is received, the student joins a waitlist and the school arranges a tour and interview; acceptance is confirmed after the interview or the student remains on the waitlist. The school notes that students with designations requiring additional support are typically enrolled in September or February only and families are asked to discuss this with the Principal. Families are directed to fill out the school’s application for enrollment form, and can also visit public events or subscribe to the “Stay in Touch” newsletter; admissions questions can be sent to finance@evergreenbc.net.