Enrolment numbers from Kootenay Lake’s School District 8 (SD8) show a small drop in overall student numbers for the 2025-26 school year, though a growing number of students are learning online.
According to an SD8 document, 4,623 full-time students were enrolled in the district’s schools as of Sept. 30, 2025 – about 13 more than expected but 52 fewer than in September 2024.
Of that total, 94 per cent attend school in person, while the remaining six per cent are enrolled in SD8’s online courses.
Online and unique learners
Online enrolment exceeded projections for this year by about 29 students and was about 37 higher than in 2024.
The number of students with unique learning needs – including those requiring special education support, English/French immersion language learners, or Indigenous students – is down by 89 compared with last year and 30 fewer than projected.
Students needing moderate support (Level 2) increased by 11, but those with higher needs (Level 3) dropped by about 15.
Enrolment for English/French immersion language learners was slightly above expectations but still seven fewer than last year.
Meanwhile, Indigenous student enrolment dropped by 71 compared with 2024.
Budget implications
The province provides funding to school districts based on enrolment, meaning these shifts affect SD8’s budget.
Based on the Sept. 30, 2025, enrolment numbers, the district is expected to receive $70,628 more than budgeted for basic student funding.
Revenue from unique student enrolment is projected to rise by $36,491. Other funding sources, including homeschooling and course challenges, are expected to decrease by $1,596.
Funding for students with special needs will bring in another $83,000.
However, revenue for English or French language learners, Indigenous learners and non-graduated adult learners is forecast to be $46,749 below budget.
Due to funding protections that help school districts manage enrolment drops, SD8’s total operating grant remains unchanged despite the shifts.
Overall, the district continues to see year-over-year enrolment declines following a couple of years of growth – but the rise in online learning and targeted funding increases for certain student groups have helped balanced this years books.
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