The demand for various kindergarten programs in Sooke and the West Shore is high, as the Sooke School District has filled all spots for both nature kindergarten and French immersion this upcoming fall.
Although there are only 40 spots available, 86 students applied for nature kindergarten. The district has set a capacity for 40 students, split between two classes at Sangster Elementary in Colwood and Saseenos Elementary in Sooke.
“We’re seeing that parents really value diverse options, and these numbers speak to the history of the program,” said Lindsay Vogan, the school district’s communications manager.
“Two years ago, we could barely fill Saseenos [for nature kindergarten]. Now, we’re hearing parents telling their friends and younger siblings of kids who have been in the program to join as well.”
Vogan pointed out that parents would camp out the night before they introduced online registration before at Sangster Elementary to claim a seat for their child.
The school district uses a lottery system to determine who gets in, but only when registration surpasses its limit.
When it comes to French immersion, more than 150 students applied.
The Sooke School District has yet to determine how many classes will be available between Ecole John Stubbs in Colwood, Ecole Poirier in Sooke and Millstream Elementary in Langford.
Regular kindergarten registration is open at https://www.sd62.bc.ca/schools/registration.
Editor’s note: Information provided by the school district incorrectly stated the amount of spaces available and how many students applied for nature and French immersion kindergarten programs.
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