Kamloops Schools

School District 73: An Overview

Kamloops falls within School District 73 (SD73), which serves the Kamloops-Thompson region and encompasses over 18,000 students across 40+ schools. The district covers a large geographic area, including rural communities like Chase, Barriere, and Clearwater, but the majority of schools relevant to Kamloops homebuyers are concentrated within the city itself.

SD73 offers a broad curriculum aligned with BC's updated K-12 framework, which emphasises inquiry-based learning, core competencies, and student agency. The district has invested significantly in technology integration over the past several years, and most schools have modern computer labs and classroom devices. Graduation rates in Kamloops are generally above the provincial average.

For families relocating from other provinces, it's worth noting that BC uses a K-7 elementary and 8-12 secondary structure — there are no middle schools in the traditional sense, though some schools have junior secondary programs. Grade 8 is the first year of high school in Kamloops.

Catchments and Home Buying

The single most important thing to understand about Kamloops schools is that catchment boundaries are strictly enforced. Your child's school is determined by your home address, not by your preference. This makes the school question inseparable from the neighbourhood question — and it's one of the most common things I help buyers navigate when choosing where to purchase.

Families who want their children in a specific school should use the SD73 School Locator tool to verify catchment before making an offer on a home. Even two streets apart can put you in a different catchment. The boundaries are not always intuitive, and they do change periodically.

Some of the most sought-after school catchments in Kamloops include the Aberdeen and Sahali areas, which feed into Pacific Way Elementary and Sahali Secondary respectively. These neighbourhoods consistently attract families specifically because of their school access. Homes in these catchments tend to hold value well and sell quickly.

If a specific school is a priority for your family, let me know early in your home search. I can filter listings by catchment area and help you avoid the frustration of falling in love with a home that's one block outside the boundary you need.

Special Programs & Programs of Choice

SD73 offers several Programs of Choice that allow students to attend schools outside their catchment for specialised programming. These include French Immersion (Early and Late), the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at South Kamloops Secondary, the Fine Arts program, and various career and trades pathways at the secondary level.

French Immersion is available at both the Early French Immersion (starting in Kindergarten) and Late French Immersion (starting in Grade 6) levels. Early FI is offered at designated schools including Brocklehurst Middle School and Westsyde Elementary. Demand is high and waitlists are common — families interested in FI should apply as early as possible, ideally the year before their child starts Kindergarten.

The IB Programme at South Kamloops Secondary is one of the school's flagship offerings. Students who complete the IB Diploma Programme earn internationally recognised credentials that are accepted by universities worldwide. This programme attracts academically motivated students from across the city.

Trades and Career Programs are a strength of Kamloops secondary schools. NorKam Secondary and Westsyde Secondary both offer robust trades pathways through the Trades Discovery program, which allows high school students to earn dual credit toward Red Seal certification. Given Kamloops' strong construction and resource sector economy, these programs have excellent employment outcomes.

Post-Secondary Education

Kamloops is home to Thompson Rivers University (TRU), a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, trades training, and open learning programs. TRU has approximately 25,000 students and is a significant employer and economic driver in the city. Its presence makes Kamloops an attractive destination for families who want their children to have access to university education without leaving home.

TRU's Faculty of Law is particularly notable — it is one of only two law schools in BC and has a strong reputation for practical, community-focused legal education. The university also offers nursing, education, business, engineering, and a wide range of arts and science programs.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and other institutions offer satellite programs in Kamloops, and the TRU Open Learning division allows students across BC and beyond to complete degrees remotely. For families considering long-term roots in Kamloops, the post-secondary infrastructure is genuinely strong.

Popular Schools at a Glance

Private and Independent Schools

Kamloops has a small but established independent school sector. The most prominent is Kamloops Christian School, which offers K-12 education with a faith-based curriculum and a strong academic reputation. It draws students from across the city and is a popular choice for families who want a values-aligned education with smaller class sizes.

St. Ann's Academy, a Catholic school operated by the Kamloops-Okanagan Catholic School District, offers K-7 education with a faith-based curriculum. It is a well-regarded option for Catholic families and those who prefer a smaller school environment. Secondary students from St. Ann's typically transition to public high schools in Kamloops.

For families considering independent schools, it's worth noting that Kamloops does not have the breadth of private school options found in Vancouver or Victoria. However, the independent schools that do exist are well-established and have strong community reputations. Tuition ranges from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 per year depending on the school and grade level.

Practical Tips for Relocating Families

If you're moving to Kamloops with school-age children, the most important step is to verify the catchment for any home you're seriously considering before making an offer. Use the SD73 School Locator tool (linked below) and cross-reference with the specific address. Do not rely on neighbourhood names or general descriptions — catchment boundaries can be granular.

For French Immersion, apply as early as possible. The Early French Immersion program fills quickly, and waitlists are common at popular entry schools. Contact SD73's Programs of Choice office directly to understand the current waitlist situation and application timelines.

If you're moving mid-year, contact the school directly to arrange a tour and registration. Kamloops schools are generally welcoming to new students, and the transition is typically smooth. The SD73 website has a registration portal that allows you to begin the process online before your move is complete.

Finally, if school quality is a primary driver of your neighbourhood choice, consider exploring Aberdeen, Sahali, and Juniper Ridge — all of which have strong school catchments and are popular with families for exactly this reason.