Central Okanagan Public Schools

### Central Okanagan Public Schools — Institution Profile

Central Okanagan Public Schools (School District No. 23) is a public education district located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, serving the communities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country, and the Regional District of Central Okanagan, as well as supporting families in the broader Central Okanagan community. The district operates on the unceded, traditional territory of the Okanagan Syilx peoples.

The district is among the largest school districts in British Columbia, serving approximately 25,500 students across 50 school sites. Its educational network includes elementary, middle and secondary schools, an alternative school, learning centres, and online learning. The district also provides early-learning and childcare supports, including StrongStart centres, preschool partnerships and childcare programs.

Central Okanagan Public Schools employs approximately 4,500 educators and support staff and is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Education. The Board provides strategic oversight and works with schools, families, employees and community partners to support student learning and district-wide priorities.

The districts vision is “Together We Learn.” Its stated purpose is to provide students with a safe, inclusive, equitable and inspirational learning environment in which every learner can develop the attributes and competencies needed to flourish in a global community. Its overarching goal emphasizes foundational skills, curricular competencies, personal strengths and passions, and the development of resilient and engaged global citizens.

Central Okanagan Public Schools places significant emphasis on equity, inclusion, Indigenous education, international education, English-language learning, early learning and student wellbeing. Its International Education Program welcomes approximately 400 students from more than 35 countries annually, while its Indigenous Education Program provides dedicated services to students of Indigenous ancestry. The district also promotes inclusive learning environments in which students are valued, supported and encouraged to contribute.

The district offers a broad range of educational opportunities and specialized programs, including French Immersion, career-life programs, dual-credit programs, online learning, social-emotional learning, athletics, learning technology services and early-learning initiatives. It also provides resources and services for families, transportation, student reporting, accessibility and community engagement.

Overall, Central Okanagan Public Schools is a large, diverse public education institution focused on student achievement, inclusion, equity and holistic development. Through its network of schools, specialized programs, community partnerships and district-wide services, it aims to prepare learners to pursue their individual strengths and passions while becoming resilient, capable and engaged members of a global community.