New 'nature-based' elementary school opening in Nanaimo
A new elementary school is slated to open in Nanaimo next fall, with a focus on outdoor and "nature-based" learning.
The independent school, Nanaimo Innovation Academy (NIA), will open for the 2022 – 2023 school year with room for 32 children ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
The school says its unique programming makes sure that "at least half the day or more" is spent outdoors at local greenspaces, beaches, or other ecosystems.
The students are accompanied by both a teacher and "forest educator," according to NIA, and the school has its own bus to take kids on their daily outings.
"This truly is a unique opportunity for children in Nanaimo," said Keely Freeman, founder and executive director of NIA in a statement Tuesday.
"Our school is designed for children to get muddy and play outside in nature every day, where teachers love to learn alongside their students, and where the education is inspired by a child’s interests and passions."
Children at NIA will be divided into two classes of 16 students each, with one class being for kids in Kindergarten and Grade 1, and the other being for kids in Grades 1 to 3.
The school plans to add classes for more grades in the years to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Be prepared for delays at any point': Canada not flying alone in worldwide travel chaos
As Canadian airports deal with their own set of problems amid the busy summer travel season, by no means are they alone.

BREAKING | Several people shot at Copenhagen shopping mall, Danish police say
Danish police said Sunday that several people were shot at a Copenhagen shopping mall. Copenhagen police said that one person has been arrested in connection with the shooting at the Field's shopping mall, which is close to the city's airport.
Alpine glacier chunk detaches, killing at least 6 hikers
A large chunk of Alpine glacier broke loose Sunday afternoon and roared down a mountainside in Italy, sending ice, snow and rock slamming into hikers on a popular trail on the peak and killing at least six and injuring eight, authorities said.
Blue Jays mourn death of first base coach Mark Budzinski's daughter
First base coach Mark Budzinski is taking a leave of absence from the Toronto Blue Jays following the death of his daughter.
Scene of Saanich, B.C., shooting cleared, businesses reopened, police say
The remaining businesses on Shelbourne Street in Saanich, B.C., that had been closed after last week's shooting at a Bank of Montreal branch have now reopened, police say.
Russian ship carrying Ukrainian grain detained by Turkish customs, ambassador says
Turkish customs authorities have detained a Russian cargo ship carrying grain which Ukraine says is stolen, Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey said on Sunday.
'Incompetence is incalculable': Airport frustrations sour Canadians' summer travel plans
CTVNews.ca asked Canadians to share their travel horror stories as cancelled flights, delays and lost luggage throw a wrench in Canadians' summer travel plans, due in part to staffing shortages at Canadian airports. Some report sleeping at airports and others say it took days to get to or from a destination.
Calgary's new 'Museum of Failure' aims to spark creativity
It's been said no one's success is complete without failure, but a new international exhibit in Calgary is proving that even some of the most talented innovators had some of the worst ideas for consumers.
'Ungrading': How one Ontario teacher is changing her approach to report cards
An Ontario high school teacher plans to continue with an alternative method of grading her students after an experiment last semester in which students proposed a grade and had to justify it with examples of their work.