On May 1, Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) two online schools, Discovery Trails Online School and Summit Trails Online High School, will mark their grand openings with a public event at RVS’ Education Centre in Airdrie.

"We are proud of the offerings from Discovery Trails and Summit Trails schools. These online schools offer students another path to achieve success through a quality learning experience that works for them,” said Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach. “It is rewarding to hear the different stories of how attending the online school has positively impacted students’ lives.”  

The celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a showcase display where monitors will play looped videos that give a glimpse into the different elements of online learning. At 2 p.m., the grand opening ceremony will take place, featuring poetry and music from students, a presentation from the school’s staff and students and remarks from RVS trustees and senior staff. The showcase display will resume following the ceremony.

“The experience of learning online is unfamiliar to many people, and we are excited to give this opportunity to see what our students experience day-to-day,” said Summit Trails Online High School Principal, Dave Smith. “While our students learn in many locations, both schools are truly connected communities, with their own cultures and spirits.”

RVS’ online schools were born out of necessity during the pandemic and were made permanent schools soon after because of community demand and their success. The schools use a combination of real-time video interaction and instruction, online activities/resources, pre-recorded videos and independent work.

“We are thrilled to use this event to celebrate the learning that has already taken place at our schools and to look forward to the coming success of both our current and future students,” said Discovery Trails Online School Principal, Bob Rodgers. “Our students have grown and succeeded with us, and we are excited to watch them continue to flourish.”

Registration is now open for Grades 1- 12 students from across Alberta. For more information or to begin the registration process, visit www.rockyview.ab.ca/onlineschools.