An innovative, inclusive and personalized approach to learning
Our unique philosophy is what sets us apart from other technology-enabled and brick-and-mortar schools. We are focused on personalized and lifelong learning. We believe that learning is a process, not a product, and that it’s centred on relationships. Learning takes place in your home, online and in your community.
What’s really exciting about learning at SelfDesign Learning Community is that we see the value of learning happening naturally in everyday moments.
Opportunities for your child
Inclusive learning
Your child will have access to Indigenous learning opportunities so they can understand the world and its relations through a framework of Indigenous wisdom and philosophy.
Supportive learning
Your child is in a safe space. We believe in the safety, acceptance, and inclusion of all learners in regards to ability, learning style, culture, personal and spiritual beliefs, and gender identity.
Independent learning
Your child will be encouraged to develop traits such as autonomy, collaboration, and a sense of social and global responsibility, which can position them to be successful in post-secondary programs and careers.
“It really felt like [SelfDesign] encompassed all of the right tools that I needed to grow as a person and to really find out why I wanted to be who I was, and what I really wanted to do.”
– Amelia, SelfDesign Learner
Learning takes place in your home, online and in the community
We provide you and your child with digital technologies and resources as a complement to real-world learning. This includes access to our subscriptions such as Discovery Education and BrainPop, which we provide free of charge.
Your child will have the option to have real-time online connections with their peers and B.C. certified educators using web conferencing technology. They also work with their educator on the digital platform for communication, the personalized learning portfolio, as well as access resources and extend their learning through the SelfDesign Learning Experiences Library.
Opportunities for peer-to-peer connection
We provide various optional group learning opportunities and in-person events such as:
- Online workshops for grades 8 to 12
- SelfDesign’s Learner Council
- SelfDesign’s Gender Sexual Orientation Alliance
- Online forums for learners and parents
- Seasonal, fun-filled in-person camps for grades 9 to 12
- Winterlude Festival
- Opportunities to explore and connect with learners with common interests
- HomeLearners Network
- Learner-led newspaper
- Minecraft group
- Earth-wise collective
- Yearly commencement ceremony
- Opportunities for families and youth who identify as Indigenous to be in community with one another
- Online workshops for grades 8 to 12
- SelfDesign’s Learner Council
- SelfDesign’s Gender Sexual Orientation Alliance
- Online forums for learners and parents
- Seasonal, fun-filled in-person camps for grades 9 to 12
- Winterlude Festival
- Opportunities to explore and connect with learners with common interests
- HomeLearners Network
- Learner-led newspaper
- Minecraft group
- Earth-wise collective
- Yearly commencement ceremony
- Opportunities for families and youth who identify as Indigenous to be in community with one another
What is personalized learning?
Not all children learn in the same way, at the same pace, in the same learning environment. Personalized learning, in the SelfDesign Learning Community, means your child takes the lead in their own learning.
Our approach to education puts the needs of your child first because they are a unique individual with their own learning style, interests and goals. We focus on your child being at the centre of their learning journey.
Online learning: a technology-enabled educational model
Online learning represents a profound shift in the way education is delivered and received. At SelfDesign Learning Community, online learning offers solutions to many of the challenges faced by traditional brick and mortar schools. We provide learning experiences that are flexible and supportive of the needs of today’s learners.
Online learning at SelfDesign meets provincial standards and is directed and supervised by a B.C. certified educator, with the responsibility for the program resting on SelfDesign Learning Community, which is overseen and funded by the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Learn more from B.C. Government about the difference between online learning and homeschooling