What it's really like to have your student at Sun Peaks School:
Sun Peaks School is a small, close-knit K-9 school with a big heart, nestled right in the heart of the mountain village. Our students enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle that most kids only dream of, hiking to school in the fall and spring; skiing or snowboarding to school and during PE in the winter. That said, life at a small rural mountain school comes with its own realities. As we don't have a traditional gymnasium or extra breakout rooms, we rely heavily on parent volunteers to make many programs possible. This includes supervising lunch hours and supporting our ski-based gym classes during the winter season. Without dedicated parent help on the slopes, these unique outdoor learning opportunities simply wouldn't happen. We embrace this "it takes a village" approach. Families here are hands-on, supportive, and deeply invested in giving every child the best possible experience. If you're someone who loves being involved in your children's education and enjoys the active mountain lifestyle, you'll fit right in. Our school may be modest in facilities, but it's rich in community spirit, adventure, and genuine care for every student. While we wouldn't trade it for anything, and many families say the same once they experience it, the Sun Peaks School isn’t a good fit for everyone. Frequently Asked Questions about Life at Sun Peaks School
Q: What is daily life like for students at Sun Peaks School? A: Students live an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle year-round. In the non-ski season, some students must hike to school along the mountain trails and gym classes are held outside rain or shine. During winter, younger grades ski to school and physical education often includes skiing or snowboarding on the slopes. It's a unique mountain childhood that builds confidence, resilience, and a strong connection to nature. Q: What is the school like in terms of facilities? A: Sun Peaks School is a small rural school serving Kindergarten to Grade 9. We do not have a traditional gymnasium or dedicated extra rooms (such as a library, computer lab or spaces for students who need a quiet place to calm down). We make the most of our beautiful mountain setting instead. The school is also split over three campus locations with grades K-4/5 at the mountainside campus, grades 5-7 at the P5 campus and grades 8-9 at the P2 campus. Q: How important are parent volunteers? We rely on parent volunteers to help keep lunch-hour supervision running smoothly and to support our ski sessions during the winter season. These volunteer hours make it possible for our students to get valuable time on the mountain as part of their physical education. If you're considering enrolling your children, being willing to pitch in as a volunteer is a big part of the Sun Peaks School experience. This is above and beyond the regular volunteering for PAC events. Q: Is the school a good fit for every family? A: It depends on what you're looking for. Families who thrive here tend to love the outdoor, active mountain lifestyle, including hiking to school and skiing during gym and are comfortable being involved in school life. If you value strong community connections, and unique learning opportunities, you'll likely love it. If you're seeking a larger school with traditional indoor facilities and minimal parent involvement, it may not be the best match. Q: What do parents say about the reality of having kids here? A: Many parents describe it as rewarding but hands-on. The trade-off for living in a beautiful mountain resort and giving your kids incredible outdoor experiences is that the community steps up to fill in where traditional school infrastructure is limited. The result is a school with genuine heart, strong relationships, and kids who develop confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the mountains.
