We have reached our capacity in terms of ability to serve students with learning needs in Inclusive Education categories A-H.    We will be re-evaluating in January to determine if we can admit more students with learning needs at that time.

 

Community Classes are learning opportunities open to both TLA students and school-aged children from other schools. These classes are less than a full course; whereas a course meets the standards set out by the provincial curriculum such as what TLA currently offers via our Blended and Online systems (ie Online Humanities 8), Community Classes could be as short as a one-day, one-hour long instructional offering on dissecting a sheep’s eye, or it could be a weekly writing workshop that lasts for three months.

If you have questions about any of the programs being offered please direct them to Annette Flitton (aflitton@schoolathome.ca). Please note that in order for these classes to run there is a minimum number of students required. Each class has a different limit on spaces available so be sure to register early to secure your child’s spot!

STEM Quest: Advanced Bridge Engineering Challenge!

STEM Quest is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held...

STEM Quest: Advanced Bridge Engineering Challenge!

STEM Quest is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held throughout the school year for grades 9 to 12.  The goal is to encourage science and engineering exploration as well as to build up a science community at TLA, and perhaps enter a Science competition in the future.

In this STEM challenge, students will work in teams to design, build, test, and optimize a freestanding bridge. The goal is to create a structure that spans a set distance, holds the maximum weight possible, and demonstrates efficient use of materials.

Students will apply engineering principles such as tension, compression, and truss design while practicing teamwork, problem-solving, and design documentation. After an initial test, they will have the opportunity to redesign and improve their bridge based on observations and performance, learning how engineers refine designs in the real world.

Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025 

Contact Person/Information: Joyce Froese,  jfroese@schoolathome.ca, 1-800-745-1320 ext 365

Teacher

Joyce Froese

Session Dates and Times

THURSDAY, October 23, 2025 from 12:30 to 2:00pm

Age Range

Recommended for Grades 9-12

Location

Hawthorne Campus: 5741 176th street, Surrey BC. (Science room)

Tuition

$10 per student

Sign Up

STEM Explore: Bridge Building Challenge!

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held...

STEM Explore: Bridge Building Challenge!

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held throughout the school year for grades 5 to 9.  The goal is to encourage science and engineering exploration as well as to build up a science community at TLA, and perhaps enter a Science competition in the future.

Think you can design a bridge that’s both light and strong? In this challenge, you’ll work to build a model bridge using simple materials—then put it to the test! Your goal is to create a structure that can hold as much weight as possible without collapsing. Along the way, you’ll need to think like an engineer: how do forces like tension and compression act on your bridge? What design will give it the most strength and stability? At the end, we’ll load up the bridges and see which one carries the heaviest load before breaking.

Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 17, 2025 

Contact Person/Information: Joyce Froese,  jfroese@schoolathome.ca, 1-800-745-1320 ext 365

Teacher

Joyce Froese

Session Dates and Times

THURSDAY, October 23, 2025 from 10am to 11:30am

Age Range

Recommended for Grades 5 - 9

Location

Hawthorne Campus: 5741 176th street, Surrey BC. (Science room)

Tuition

$10 per student

Sign Up

October Tween/Teen Social: Grandview Bench Hall

Taught in person by Pamela Smid. OCTOBER 24th @ Grandview Bench Hall (607 Grandview Bench...

October Tween/Teen Social: Grandview Bench Hall

Taught in person by Pamela Smid.

OCTOBER 24th @ Grandview Bench Hall (607 Grandview Bench Rd, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2X9)

This offering is open to all TLA & non-TLA homeschooling students in grades 4-10! 
Plan to enjoy a night of engaging in social interaction!
We will share appys & snacks together while enjoy some time socializing.
Students are requested to bring a contribution to a shared meal (an appy or dessert) to share!
Students will be responsible for serving & cleaning up the meal, as well as ensuring the venue is returned to its original state by the end of the event.
Students are also encouraged to bring a favourite board/card game to enjoy.
 An opportunity to practice exercising (and amplifying) your vocal cords by singing your favourite tunes with the Karaoke machine will also be provided.
**Parents are welcome to drop off or stay!
Time and dates :
From 6:00-9:00pm
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 22nd
 
PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF UPCOMING OFFERINGS:
-Friday, November 28th (Carlin Hall)
Cost: $10
Maximum: 30 students
Teacher

Pamela Smid

Session Dates and Times

October 24th from 6:00-9:00pm

Age Range

Tween/Teen

Location

Grandview Bench Hall (607 Grandview Bench Rd, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2X9)

Tuition

$10

Sign Up

Shuswap Buddy Program

Facilitated (in person) by Pamela Smid. Let’s strengthen our village by offering our older tween/teens...

Shuswap Buddy Program

Facilitated (in person) by Pamela Smid.

Let’s strengthen our village by offering our older tween/teens an opportunity to attend to and assist our younger learning-from-home friends!

The Buddy Program will offer 12 gatherings at Carlin Hall throughout the upcoming school year.

During our time together, older kiddos can expect to support our younger friends while we explore games, books, crafts, and other activities. 

*Participants are invited to bring any favourite books and/or games to share with their buddy!

*Tentative dates/times for the Buddy Program are as follows: 

Thursdays from 10:00am-12:00pm on: October 30, November 6, November 20, December 4, January 29, February 12, February 26, March 12, March 26, April 9, and April 23.

*While attendance for all 12 gatherings is not mandatory, the heart and intention of this offering relies on the consistent opportunity for our older participants to connect with our younger participants. If registering for this program, please make every effort to attend as many of the offerings as possible. Ideally, each Younger Buddy will be consistently paired with the same Older Buddy each gathering. As a token of appreciation for their time and care, older participants will be provided a Certificate of Leadership Experience at the end of the Buddy Program to showcase their accrued hours of child mentorship. 

Students are asked to bring the following: a water bottle, small snack, & weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (in case we venture outdoors). 

Date, Time, and Location:

Date: Thursday, October 30th
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: Carlin Hall

Carlin Hall: Myers Frontage Rd, Tappen, BC V0E 0X3

Eligible Participants: 

Younger Buddies: Kindergarten – grade 3

Older Buddies: Gr. 4-9

Max. number of Younger Buddies: 16 younger participants

Cost for younger participants (kindergarten – Gr. 3): $12.00 / session

* Please note that TLA students can use their Community Class funding for this program!

*Note: OLDER PARTICIPANTS (Grades 4-9) WILL NOT PAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM. 

ALL OLDER PARTICIPANTS, HOWEVER, WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM FOR DOCUMENTATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES. 

**Parents are welcome to drop off or stay!

**NOTE: The dates above may be subject to change. All participants will be notified of any changes that are required! 

Please NOTE: When you sign up for a community class using this form, you are officially on the attendee list unless otherwise contacted to say it is full.  The facilitator will be in touch with more details 1-2 weeks before the event.

Teacher

Facilitated (in person) by Pamela Smid

Session Dates and Times

Thursdays from 10:00am-12:00pm on: October 30, November 6, November 20, December 4, January 29, February 12, February 26, March 12, March 26, April 9, and April 23.

Age Range

Younger Buddies: Kindergarten - grade 3, Older Buddies: Gr. 4-9

Location

Carlin Hall: Myers Frontage Rd, Tappen, BC V0E 0X3

Tuition

Cost for younger participants (kindergarten - Gr. 3): $12.00 / session

Sign Up

STEM Explore: Wind Racer!

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held...

STEM Explore: Wind Racer!

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held throughout the school year for grades 5 to 9.  The goal is to encourage science and engineering exploration as well as to build up a science community at TLA, and perhaps enter a Science competition in the future.

Can you harness the power of the wind to make your vehicle move? In this challenge, you’ll design and build a small vehicle that is powered only by wind energy. Using simple materials, you’ll need to figure out how to capture and use the air from a fan or your own breath to push your creation forward. Will big sails work best, or small ones? Should your vehicle be tall, wide, or sleek? After building, we’ll test them head-to-head to see whose design travels the farthest—or the fastest—when the wind blows!

Sign-up deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Contact Person/Information: Joyce Froese,  jfroese@schoolathome.ca, 1-800-745-1320 ext 365

Teacher

Joyce Froese

Session Dates and Times

THURSDAY, November 6, 2025 from 10am to 11:30am

Age Range

Recommended for Grades 5 - 9

Location

Hawthorne Campus: 5741 176th street, Surrey BC. (Science room)

Tuition

$10 per student

Sign Up

STEM Explore: Assembly Line

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held...

STEM Explore: Assembly Line

STEM Explore is a series of Science Exploration and Innovation class that will be held throughout the school year for grades 5 to 9.  The goal is to encourage science and engineering exploration as well as to build up a science community at TLA, and perhaps enter a Science competition in the future.

In this hands-on activity, students work in teams to design, build, test, and improve their own mini assembly lines. The goal is to manufacture a colored brick as quickly and efficiently as possible, while making sure each brick meets quality standards.

Students will experience real-world engineering and manufacturing concepts, including workflow design, task assignment, quality control, and process improvement. They’ll test their first design, identify problems, and redesign their assembly line to optimize speed, accuracy, and teamwork.

This project encourages critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, giving students a practical, fun, and engaging way to apply science and engineering principles.

Sign-up deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025 

Contact Person/Information: Joyce Froese,  jfroese@schoolathome.ca, 1-800-745-1320 ext 365

Teacher

Joyce Froese,

Session Dates and Times

THURSDAY, November 13, 2025 from 10am to 11:30am

Age Range

Recommended for Grades 5 - 9

Location

Hawthorne Campus: 5741 176th street, Surrey BC. (Science room)

Tuition

$10 per student

Sign Up

Explorations Session 3: Foodies and Fabric

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm,...

Explorations Session 3: Foodies and Fabric

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm, BC for Session 3, November 19- December 17, Foodies and Fabric. 
 
This form is not enrolling you into Traditional Learning Academy. For that, you would go here.
Please fill out this form for EACH CHILD you wish to enroll.   
This is a service open to all BC residents at a cost of $250 per 5-week session. You will be invoiced $250.00 for this session and full payment is due at least one week before classes start.
 
This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.
Details: Classes run Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00 with drop off from 9:45 and pick up before 3:30 please.
Please note that TLA will not be providing Education Assistants to work in this program and all students must be able to work successfully in a typical multi-age group setting. Where a child lacks the necessary coping skills, TLA will try reasonable interventions, but also reserves the right to withdraw a student from this program. Should this happen, TLA will refund fees as appropriate.
Venue: Okanagan College, with various field trip locations
Contact: Stephanie Metcalf <smetcalf@schoolathome.ca>
Teacher

Stephanie Metcalf

Session Dates and Times

Nov 19- Dec 17 Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00

Age Range

This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.

Location

Okanagan College, with various field trip locations

Tuition

$250.00

Sign Up

Help! Call 911!

Taught online by Lauren Citton Ever wonder what happens when you call 911? In this...

Help! Call 911!

Taught online by Lauren Citton

Ever wonder what happens when you call 911? In this interactive class, participants will meet a real paramedic, learn basic first aid skills, and practice what to do in an emergency. Through hands-on activities and guided discussions, students will gain confidence in knowing how and when to call 911 and what tools in a first aid kit can be used to help.

🩹 What to Expect:

 

  • Q&A session with a Paramedic
  • Hands-on practice with common first aid items
  • Tips for staying calm and safe in emergencies
  • Learning when and how to call 911

 

📅 Details:
Date/Time: November 25th, 2025; 10:30am-12:30pm (ish)
Ages: Grade 3+ (lower grades are invited with Parent Participation!)

💲 Cost: $15.00

Don’t miss out on this exciting and practical class — your child will walk away feeling prepared, confident, and empowered to handle emergencies safely.

#CommunityClass #FirstAidForKids #Call911

⚠️ Please Note: When you sign up for a community class using this form, you are officially on the attendee list unless otherwise contacted to say it is full. The teacher/class coordinator will be in touch with more details 2–3 weeks before the class begins.

Teacher

Lauren Citton

Session Dates and Times

November 25th, 2025; 10:30am-12:30pm (ish)

Age Range

Grade 3+ (lower grades are invited with Parent Participation!)

Location

Online

Tuition

$15.00

Sign Up

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Taught online by Lauren Citton 🎨✨ Join Me for a Holiday-Inspired Arts & Crafts Community...

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Taught online by Lauren Citton

🎨✨ Join Me for a Holiday-Inspired Arts & Crafts Community Class! ✂️🎄

📅 When: Wednesday, December 10th @10:30 am [2 hour class]
📍 Where: Online; Zoom Link to Follow
💰 Cost: $10

Unleash Your Creativity This Holiday Season!
Dive into the festive spirit with a fun, hands-on crafting class perfect for all skill levels. You’ll learn to create:
🎁 Handmade Salt-Dough Ornaments (or Trinkets)
🎨 Personalized Holiday Cards

Materials List At A Glance

🖌️Salt-Dough Ornaments: Salt, Flour, Water, Cookie Cutters, Modge Podge, Paint and Paint Brushes
🖌️ Personalized Holiday Cards: Card Stock, Paint, Sponges, Brushes

A more comprehensive materials list will be sent out 1 week before the class!

What’s to Expect:
☕ Recipe for hot chocolate (to be made before class if so desired)
🎶 Cheerful holiday music and fireplace in the background
📝 Step-by-step instructions

Let’s make this holiday season extra special with creativity and cheer! 🎅✨

Teacher

Lauren Citton

Session Dates and Times

Wednesday, December 10th @10:30 am [2 hour class]

Age Range

Perfect for all skill levels.

Location

Online; Zoom Link to Follow

Tuition

$10

Sign Up

Explorations Session 4: Get Active

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm,...

Explorations Session 4: Get Active

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm, BC for Session 4, January 7- February 4, Get Active. 
 
This form is not enrolling you into Traditional Learning Academy. For that, you would go here.
Please fill out this form for EACH CHILD you wish to enrol.   
This is a service open to all BC residents at a cost of $250 per 5-week session. You will be invoiced $250.00 for this session and full payment is due at least one week before classes start.
 
This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.
Details: Classes run Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00 with drop off from 9:45 and pick up before 3:30 please.
Please note that TLA will not be providing Education Assistants to work in this program and all students must be able to work successfully in a typical multi-age group setting. Where a child lacks the necessary coping skills, TLA will try reasonable interventions, but also reserves the right to withdraw a student from this program. Should this happen, TLA will refund fees as appropriate.
Venue: Okanagan College, with various field trip locations
Contact: Stephanie Metcalf <smetcalf@schoolathome.ca>
Teacher

Stephanie Metcalf

Session Dates and Times

Jan 7 - Feb 4 Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00

Age Range

This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.

Location

Okanagan College, with various field trip locations

Tuition

$250.00

Sign Up

Challenge Accepted. Part 2.

Taught online by Lauren Citton. Design, Experiment, Test, Innovate, Build, Create, Inspire, and Unleash Your...

Challenge Accepted. Part 2.

Taught online by Lauren Citton.

Design, Experiment, Test, Innovate, Build, Create, Inspire, and Unleash Your Genius in this online community class. Students will work on challenges with their own materials, and then meet online at the end of the hour to share their results.  “Challenge Accepted” activities will foster learning in areas such as Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST – ideating, making, sharing), Mathematics (patterns, problems solving), and Language Arts (listening, speaking, communicating) and Arts Education.
*All are welcome.*
Time and dates: 10:30am – 11:30am // For 6 Wednesdays:
January 14th: Welcome, Warm-Up, and Set-Up
January 21st: Fearless Humpty Dumpty!
January 28th: Flight of the Furballs.
February 4th: Driving Can Be Hard.
February 11th: Game On!
February 18th: Roll with It. 
Cost: $30
Teacher

Lauren Citton

Session Dates and Times

10:30am - 11:30am // For 6 Wednesdays: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18

Age Range

*All are welcome.*

Location

Online

Tuition

$30

Sign Up

Explorations Session 5: Creative Construction

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm,...

Explorations Session 5: Creative Construction

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm, BC for Session 5, February 11- March 11, Creative Construction.
 
This form is not enrolling you into Traditional Learning Academy. For that, you would go here.
Please fill out this form for EACH CHILD you wish to enrol.   
This is a service open to all BC residents at a cost of $250 per 5-week session. You will be invoiced $250.00 for this session and full payment is due at least one week before classes start.
 
This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.
Details: Classes run Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00 with drop off from 9:45 and pick up before 3:30 please.
Please note that TLA will not be providing Education Assistants to work in this program and all students must be able to work successfully in a typical multi-age group setting. Where a child lacks the necessary coping skills, TLA will try reasonable interventions, but also reserves the right to withdraw a student from this program. Should this happen, TLA will refund fees as appropriate.
Venue: Okanagan College, with various field trip locations
Teacher

Stephanie Metcalf

Session Dates and Times

Feb. 11- Mar. 11 Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00

Age Range

This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.

Location

Okanagan College, with various field trip locations

Tuition

$250.00

Sign Up

Story Time – Part 2: Generating Ideas

Taught online by Lauren Citton Looking for a fun and engaging way to spark your...

Story Time – Part 2: Generating Ideas

Taught online by Lauren Citton

Looking for a fun and engaging way to spark your child’s creativity?
Come join us for Story Time with a focus on Creative Thinking!

This story time will help children explore the power of imagination, see mistakes as opportunities, and discover the value of their own unique ideas.

📖 What to Expect: 

 

  • Inspiring and age-appropriate stories [K-3-ish]
  • Lessons on idea generation, curiosity, and creative risk-taking
  • Fun activities that encourage confidence, creativity, and expression

 

📅 Details:
Time: 10:30–11:30 am
Dates: Thursdays – February 12, 19, 26 and March 5th 

Schedule [Subject to Change]:

  • February 12th: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires  
  • February 19th: Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg  
  • February 26th: What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada; illustrated by Mae Besom  
  • March 5th: Sometimes You Fly by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

 

 

Sessions may not take the full hour
Stories subject to change

💲 Cost: $20

Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today and watch your child’s creativity grow through the magic of stories.

#StoryTime #CreativeThinking #EmpowerOurKids

✨ This is a three-part story-time-series dedicated to this year’s Core Competency Focus: Creative Thinking (Term 2: I Am Able to Generate Ideas). You can attend one, two, or all three sessions.

⚠️ Please Note: When you sign up for a community class using this form, you are officially on the attendee list unless otherwise contacted to say it is full. The teacher/class coordinator will be in touch with more details 2–3 weeks before the class begins.

Teacher

Lauren Citton

Session Dates and Times

10:30–11:30 am Thursdays – February 12, 19, 26 and March 5th

Age Range

K-3-ish

Location

Online

Tuition

$20

Sign Up

Explorations Session 6: The Show Must Go On

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm,...

Explorations Session 6: The Show Must Go On

Please fill out this form to be placed into TLA’s Exploration Program in Salmon Arm, BC for Session 6, April 1- May 6, The Show Must Go On.
 
This form is not enrolling you into Traditional Learning Academy. For that, you would go here.
Please fill out this form for EACH CHILD you wish to enrol.   
This is a service open to all BC residents at a cost of $250 per 5-week session. You will be invoiced $250.00 for this session and full payment is due at least one week before classes start.
 
This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.
Details: Classes run Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00 with drop off from 9:45 and pick up before 3:30 please.
Please note that TLA will not be providing Education Assistants to work in this program and all students must be able to work successfully in a typical multi-age group setting. Where a child lacks the necessary coping skills, TLA will try reasonable interventions, but also reserves the right to withdraw a student from this program. Should this happen, TLA will refund fees as appropriate.
Venue: Okanagan College, with various field trip locations
Contact: Stephanie Metcalf <smetcalf@schoolathome.ca>
Teacher

Stephanie Metcalf

Session Dates and Times

Apr. 1- May 6 Wednesdays from 10:00 to 3:00

Age Range

This program is for students in Grades 3 to 9.

Location

Okanagan College, with various field trip locations

Tuition

$250.00