Editor's Note: Manda Gilepsie is a radio host with CKTZ.

Registration for the second Cortes Island Academy is open after the high school program celebrated a successful pilot year in 2022. 

Prospective Klahoose and local-to-Cortes students will be prioritized and will make up about half the program says Manda Gilepsie, lead administrator of the Cortes Island Academy.

"Right now in Canada, rural and remote students are undereducated and underperform in every measurable outcome. They drop out of high school at almost double the rates of their urban counterparts. I believe this is because they've not had options," says Gilepsie.

The academy has a new application process this year due to the high interest: Instead of just simply registering, students must now go through an application process, including creating a video to explain your interest in the program, and references filled out by someone close to you. With only 20 spots available, Gilepsie said they may have to turn people away depending on the number of applications they receive.

There's also a new tuition cost for the five month program. Tuition will be $3,500 (including homestay costs if required) for 2023/2024, but the CIA can provide support for low income families, says Gilepsie.

"We are looking for students who are living in often rural, remote and isolated communities and are hungry for something new to be able to show that they are capable."

Applications must be completed before March 30 at midnight PST. For more information about the registration process, contact apply@cortesislandacademy.ca or visit the website.

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