ʔaq̓amnik̓ is an indigenous prek-grade 7 school under community jurisdiction that takes pride in offering the BC curriculum with an added cultural program that you won’t find anywhere else!
ʔaq̓amnik̓ hosts BC Certified Teachers and Support Staff, and because of small class sizes, we can provide personalized education that is tailored to each student's needs! Our extracurricular activities include: a running club, a swimming program, archery program, 4-season camping, traditional Ktunaxa games, outdoor education/skill building and participation in School District 5’s volleyball, basketball and track meet events. Every week our students participate in an “Outdoor Education Day”, where students spend the day outside to learn about our environment, outdoor survival skills and the Ktunaxa culture/history in an outdoor context. We also have a cultural program where all students learn the Ktunaxa Language and participate in traditional Cultural Activities, such as beading, drumming and dancing.
Besides being a great place to come to school, we also offer some practical benefits for students and caregivers. There are no tuition fees, so caregivers don’t have to worry about extra costs associated with schooling. We provide: a breakfast and snack program that are open to all students, most school supplies, a standard 5-day school week and an After-School Club that runs until 4:45pm (please note: there is a cost associated with this club). We also offer bus transportation to and from school within the Cranbrook area.
In 2012 we opened our brand-new education center and celebrated 25 yrs. of providing quality education! Our center is a two-story building, with wheelchair access, that includes several classrooms, an office space, a sensory room, a library/computer lab, a meeting room and a Food-Safe Kitchen. We can accommodate up to 100 students from Pre-Kindergarten (K4) to Grade 7. We have an excellent outdoor play space, which includes an outdoor classroom and a new playground. We also now have a brand-NEW Gymnasium!
ʔaq̓amnik̓ is open to students of any culture and ancestry, and our facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of our students and families, so that we can provide an enhanced educational experience in a modern and functional learning environment.
For more information, or to visit the school call or email us at: 250-489-5183 or egeddes@aqam.net.
Education Objectives (Strategic Plan)
Support learners to increase participation in and completion of all levels of educational programs.
Teach using Ktunaxa methods.
Develop and support Ktunaxa people as teachers and other educational professionals.
Expand grades and programs offered in the community.
Assert, reclaim and use jurisdiction in education.
Develop excellence through learning, at all stages of life.
School Philosophy
All ʔaq̓amnik̓ʾs have a right to access equal and balanced opportunity to learn about:
· Academics (with a focus on literacy and numeracy skills),
· First Nations cultures and languages,
· Self Esteem building and problem solving,
· Life skills (such as nutrition, healthy living and good choices).
In achieving these goals it is understood that:
· CHILDREN share in the responsibility for their learning and behavior, and as individuals should encounter both challenges and successes.
· LEARNING occurs at different rates and in different ways, which the SCHOOL will honor by utilizing a variety of teaching strategies and learning activities.
· ASSESSMENT and EVALUATION is an ongoing process incorporating a variety of methods, taking into consideration the whole child.
· The SCHOOL will provide a caring, safe and supportive environment that will accommodate individual differences, develop an attitude and respect for others and encourage feelings of self-worth, pride and respect.
· Ongoing COMMUNICATION between HOME and the SCHOOL concerning the child’s growth, achievement and behaviors is both desirable and necessary.
· A positive PARTNERSHIP between the HOME and the SCHOOL should be fostered for the benefit of the child.