It's being called a potential "school closure," but Surrey school officials stress it's anything but.
For years, Discovery Elementary in North Surrey has housed one of the Surrey School District's "choice" programs, offering a different learning philosophy from regular community schools. Discovery subscribes to the Adlerian philosophy: mutual respect, encouragement, positive discipline, individual responsibility and cooperation/working for the good of the community, with children learning in multi-age groups.
But enrolment has been steadily declining and this year, there are only about 65 students – a number board of education vice-chair Shawn Wilson calls "significantly low" for an entire school.
"We're not abandoning the program," Wilson emphasized, noting the district is considering moving the Discovery program to either Prince Charles or Royal Heights elementary school, which both have extra space.
An initial meeting with staff and parents at Discovery was held last week and further community consultation is planned.
As for the school building located near 131 Street and 109 Avenue, Wilson said it will not be closed. If plans go ahead to move the Discovery program, he said, the school might be the perfect spot for a learning centre – something the district has been trying to find space for in the north end of the city for some time.