An elementary math lesson involving leaves at Ponder Park or a photography field trip to downtown Vancouver are just some examples of the learning opportunities you might experience if you were in LEAP (Langley Environmental Awareness Program) or if you attended Langley Fine Arts School. These programs are just two of many that make up the Langley School District's Programs of Choice.
As stated in its vision, the District believes "relevant, meaningful choices for students ignite a lifelong passion for learning." Assistant Superintendent Marcello Moino, who oversees the District's choice programs, said having these different learning options available can help contribute to student success.
"The District is proud to offer many options for students. We know that if students are passionate about what they are learning, then they are more likely to be engaged and thrive in their environments," he said.
In addition to the outdoor education of LEAP, or the many arts-based opportunities at LFAS - older students major in one of music, visual arts, drama, dance, writing or photography - the District's other choice programs include early and late-entry French Immersion, Montessori, Fundamental, and U-Connect, the latter of which is a hybrid learning environment that blends in-school and at-home learning.
The programs run out of various schools across the District. For example, Montessori programming is available at Uplands Elementary, while Fundamental programs are at Coghlan Fundamental Elementary, Langley Fundamental Elementary, and Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School.
There are many benefits to being in a choice program. Most importantly, it allows students to learn in an environment that best fits them. As well, it provides students opportunities to focus on areas of study - be it another language or the outdoors - that most interests them, thus hopefully sparking a lifelong love of learning.
"These programs are in demand," said Moino. "To ensure equity, the District encourages all families to consider registration, which is an annual lottery process."
Any student in the Langley School District can register, and if accepted, can attend a choice program. Registration for choice programs opened earlier this month and closes on Oct. 21 at noon. For more information, click here.
