Primary Learning Community (K-3) at Airport Elementary School

Inspiring Young Minds Through Play, Place, and Connection

Welcome to the Primary Learning Community (K-3) at Airport Elementary School—a unique educational choice program designed to nurture the natural curiosity, creativity, and connection of young learners. This innovative program blends school, home, and community-based environments to create a holistic learning experience for children.

Program Overview

The Primary Learning Community is built on three foundational pillars that provide a rich and engaging learning environment:

• Play-Based Learning: Encourages exploration and creativity through hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional well-being.
• Place-Based Learning: Connects children to their local surroundings, offering meaningful outdoor experiences and opportunities to engage with the Comox Valley community.
• Multi-Age Learning Cohorts: Builds enduring relationships among students and teachers, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where children thrive together over multiple years.

Weekly Learning Schedule

This blended program offers a flexible and dynamic schedule designed to provide diverse learning opportunities:

• Monday: Home-based learning that encourages family involvement and independent exploration.
• Tuesday to Thursday: A mix of indoor and outdoor learning activities at Airport Elementary School.
• Friday: Place-based learning adventures across the Comox Valley, encouraging children to connect with their environment and community.

Key Benefits

• Personalized learning tailored to each child’s needs.
• Opportunities to learn through play, exploration, and discovery.
• Development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a nurturing, multi-age environment.
• Stronger connections between students, teachers, families, and the local community.

A Hub for Professional Learning

In addition to its focus on young learners, the Primary Learning Community serves as a professional learning demonstration program. Educators are invited to observe and engage with students and teachers to learn innovative approaches to play-based and place-based education.

Enroll Your Child

The Expression of Interest period for the Primary Learning Community opens February 4-7, 2025. To express your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest form on our website. Program initiation depends on sufficient interest, and families will be notified the following week about next steps.

Information Session

Join us for an Information Zoom Session on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, from 7:00–8:00 PM. Learn more about the program, ask questions, and discover how this innovative approach can benefit your child.
Register for the session here. The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants the day before the event.

For More Information

Have a look at our program PDF located here.

Contact Us

For more information about the Primary Learning Community, please contact:

Lisa Pedersen-Skene
District Principal, Early Learning and Child Care
Email: lisa.pedersen-skene@sd71.bc.ca