Education
School Enrollment in Kelowna
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In this guide:
You enroll a child in a Kelowna public school by registering with SD23, online at sd23.bc.ca or in person at your catchment school, and new registrations open in early February. This page walks through each step, the documents you'll need, a timeline and what families moving from out of province should know. Start early, especially if you want French Immersion or another special program.
How to Enroll, Step by Step
Enrolling with SD23 takes five steps: find your catchment school, gather your documents, register online or in person, apply for French Immersion if you want it, and confirm and attend orientation.
Step 1: Determine Your Catchment School
Put your home address into the SD23 school locator tool (sd23.bc.ca) to find your neighbourhood school. Every home address is assigned set elementary, middle and secondary schools. No housing yet? Call the SD23 district office, and they'll explain which neighbourhoods feed into which schools.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Have these ready: proof of BC residency (a lease, utility bill or home purchase papers) and your child's birth certificate or passport. You'll also need immunization records, since BC requires proof of shots or a signed exemption form. Bring past school records or report cards, custody papers if needed, and any current IEP or special education paperwork.
Step 3: Register Online or In-Person
SD23's online registration system is on sd23.bc.ca, and new registrations for the next school year open in early February. You can also register in person at your catchment school; call ahead to book a meeting with the school administrator. If you're moving during the school year, the school handles your mid-year registration directly.
Step 4: French Immersion Applications
Register the moment registration opens in early February for September entry. SD23 lists its programs on its French Immersion page. Early French Immersion (Kindergarten or Grade 1 entry) is offered at schools including École Casorso, and spots fill quickly. For kids starting French later, Late French Immersion entry (Grade 6) is offered at École Glenrosa Middle. Contact each school for current openings.
Step 5: Confirmation & Orientation
Confirmation arrives by mail or email, and most schools hold orientation events in June for new students. Kindergarten usually eases in during the first week of school, with half-days before full days start.
Out-of-Province Tip: Start enrolling as soon as you have a confirmed BC address, even if you won't move in for months. Schools can register your child on a temporary basis with a signed lease or purchase agreement as proof of residency. This matters most for French Immersion, where registering early makes the difference.
Cross-Boundary Transfers
A cross-boundary transfer is a request to SD23 for a school outside your catchment area. Submit it as early as you can. In-catchment students always get priority, so transfers are approved based on space left after catchment registrations are done, and out-of-catchment families may not hear back until early September.
Keep in mind that cross-boundary students can't ride the school bus and approval has to be renewed each year. If a school is full, a transfer can be denied even if it was approved before.
Timeline for Relocating Families
Families moving here should start researching catchments 6+ months before the move. Register 3–4 months out once your address is confirmed, and confirm enrollment 1 month before.
6+ Months Before Move
Research neighbourhoods by school catchment. If French Immersion matters to you, find the FI schools and their application deadlines. Contact SD23 with any early questions.
3–4 Months Before Move
Once your address is confirmed, start the online registration and gather your documents. Get in touch with the school to introduce yourself, and ask about specific programs, before/after school care and current class sizes.
1 Month Before Move
Confirm enrollment and have school records sent from your old school. Ask about supply lists, uniforms (most SD23 schools don't have them) and orientation dates.
First Week
If you can, visit the school with your child before the first day. Meet the teacher, tour the building, and find the bus stop or walking route. Ask about PAC meetings, ways to volunteer and how parents connect with each other.
Before & After School Care
Before- and after-school care is offered at many elementary schools through groups like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and private providers. Programs usually run 7:00–8:30 AM and 3:00–5:30 PM and cost $300–$600/month, and some offer flexible drop-in options. The popular programs have waitlists, especially in September, so register early and check with your school about what's available.