For families interested in exploring a different educational journey for their children, the Delta School District’s Home Quest program offers dedicated teacher supervision and the support of an individualized home learning plan for Kindergarten to Grade 9 learners in a unique blended learning environment.
“There are many reasons why the Home Quest program may work better for children and their families than the traditional school system,” said Jenny Slinn, Coordinator, Home Quest. “We support families who have always wanted to home school their kids but want to stay connected to the system, as well as families with unconventional schedules such as athletes, musicians, and actors who don’t have time for traditional school. Also, we are a great option for students who may not be thriving in the traditional system. Often, these children head back into the traditional system once they feel ready. It’s important to know that Home Quest is not just an online school. We offer events and activities that enable students and their parents to meet up on a regular basis.”
The Home Quest program provides:
An individualized home learning plan for each student
A resource library and online learning hub
Optional classes at Annieville Elementary School
Optional outdoor education classes out of the district’s Boundary Bay location
Optional field trips, workshops and virtual classes
“Home Quest provides families with more choice, voice and involvement in their child’s learning,” said Slinn. “We give families time and space to co-develop an individualized learning plan for their child with their Home Quest teacher. We work hard to build great relationships and check in regularly to provide support and feedback. Families and teachers meet at the end of every term to review students’ learning plans and see what other resources are needed. Teachers then also write regular Delta School District report cards.”
The program, which is aligned with the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care’s guidelines, was established in 2005. Through the 2022 school year, Home Quest became a Provincial Online School. Prior to the pandemic, on average the program supported around 75 learners annually. At the height of the pandemic, there were more than 850 students enrolled in the program. Currently, enrolment in the program sits at around 95 learners.
Parents can enrol their children in the program up until the start of the new school year in September. For more information on the program, please visit: https://homequest.deltasd.bc.ca/.
