A Crisis in Rural Education: The Story of Cortes Island Academy
Across rural Canada, students face an uphill battle in accessing quality education. High-school dropout rates in rural areas are nearly double those in cities, and academic achievement lags in every assessed category—math, reading, and science. The consequences of this rural-urban gap are profound: economic insecurity, declining communities, and a loss of cultural continuity. Nowhere was this crisis felt more deeply than on Cortes Island, where, for decades, the lack of a local high school meant that students had to choose between leaving their homes and communities or facing a significant educational disadvantage.
Cortes Island families, already earning well below the provincial average, faced further financial strain if their children had to relocate for secondary education. Boarding costs at the nearest high school—two ferries and three hours away—were prohibitive, and students who left faced increased risks of loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges. The status quo was failing rural youth, but on Cortes, a small community refused to accept this reality.
In 2022, community members, educators, and School District 72 came together to launch Cortes Island Academy (CIA), a bold experiment in rural education. Rather than simply mimicking the traditional high school model, CIA reimagined education as an immersive, place-based experience, deeply rooted in the natural and cultural richness of Cortes Island. The goal was to provide an academically rigorous, socially enriching, and ecologically engaged learning environment that would not only meet provincial education standards but surpass them by integrating local knowledge and real-world learning.
The first year was a pilot program built around the theme of Oceans. Students studied marine ecosystems through direct fieldwork, working alongside leading scientists and community elders to explore the waters surrounding the island. The experiment was a success, demonstrating that a small, rural community could create a world-class educational experience that attracted students from as far away as Germany and Indonesia.
Growth and success: from forest ecology to climate change
Year Two saw the program expand both in size and ambition. With a new theme of Forests, students delved into the ecology of old-growth ecosystems, fungal networks, and the interconnectedness of life. Interest in the program skyrocketed, and for the first time, CIA had to turn students away. The academy was proving that rural education could not only compete with urban institutions but could offer something uniquely valuable—an education grounded in place, community, and hands-on learning.
In its third year, CIA continued to evolve, with a thematic focus on Climate. The program introduced new elements, such as the Case Intensive, a week-long arts empowerment and youth climate summit that brought together youth, activists, Indigenous Elders, scientists, and thought leaders to learn, share, and grow together. This year, students have embarked on transformative experiences, including an expedition kayaking trip, hiking the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail, learning Ayajuthem from Klahoose elders, harvesting wild clay in their art class, publishing an 80-page anthology to share their work, and much more!
The year culminated in a successful final showcase event inspired by a reading from Rob Hopkins’ From What Is to What If?—an evening set in 2040, where guests were invited to reimagine the future in a positive way, building community and collectively asking the question: “What if?” The event drew significant attention, including coverage in local news, and was attended by the superintendent of School District 72, who was deeply inspired by the work being done at CIA. Students and guests alike left with a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
A model for the future of rural education
Cortes Island Academy has become more than a school—it is a model for transformative education in rural and remote communities. Through growing partnerships with the Hakai Institute, the Mother Tree Network, School District 72, and numerous local organizations, CIA is paving the way for a future in which rural students will no longer have to choose between education and home.
By harnessing the strengths of the community—its deep environmental knowledge and its spirit of innovation—CIA is proving that rural education can thrive. It is not only preparing students for the future but shaping them into the ecologically and socially conscious leaders that our world so desperately needs. In doing so, Cortes Island Academy is not just addressing the crisis in rural education—it is redefining what education can be.
Apply now for the 2025 cohort!
Are you a high school student (Grades 10-12) looking for an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience? Cortes Island Academy (CIA) is excited to announce that applications are now open for our Fall 2025/2026 semester!
Over one semester (September to January), students will earn 24 high school credits in Science, PE, Art, Social Studies, English, and Career Education, all contributing toward their diploma.
Why CIA?
Innovative education is essential, especially in rural areas. Cortes Island Academy provides an immersive, hands-on alternative to traditional high school, fostering critical thinking, leadership, and connection to place. Whether studying marine life in the field, producing investigative podcasts, or collaborating on community-driven projects, students graduate with knowledge, experience, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about Cortes Island Academy and the Fall 2025/2026 semester, please visit https://cortesislandacademy.ca/2025-2026-program/
