Elementary school students have the opportunity to engage in unique opportunities and hands-on learning experiences with Saskatoon Public Schools.

Three programs for Grade 8 students — Ecoquest, ScienceTrek and Let's Lead—Nīkānētān — along with the iGen program for Grade 6, FLEX program for Grade 7-12 and the Montessori program for Grade 1-8 are holding information nights and accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year.

The programs are open to any Saskatoon Public Schools' student beginning in September 2019, however students must apply to be a part of the programs. Families interested in the Montessori program do not have to be currently enrolled in a Saskatoon Public school, however an application is still required.

Information Night Schedule

• FLEX — Monday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at City Park School
  
• ScienceTrek — Wednesday, March 6, 7 p.m., at Montgomery School
  
• Montessori — Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m., at City Park School
  
• iGen — Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m., at Sherbrooke Community Centre
  
• Ecoquest — Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m., at City Park School
  
• Let's Lead—Nīkānētān — Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. at Westmount School
  

The Ecoquest program for Grade 8 is based at City Park School, but its mobile classroom approach to education allows students to experience everyday adventures while learning in urban and wilderness settings. Learning experiences are based on seasons, student ability and the focus of study. A student and parent information night will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. Applications must be received at City Park School by Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m.

The FLEX — Flexible Schedule, Blended Learning — Program at City Park School is designed for students in Grade 7 to Grade 12 who wish to combine their education with pursuits that are often found outside school offerings. Students receive face-to-face as well as online instruction as part of a flexible learning environment. An open house will be held Monday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

ScienceTrek combines hands-on science opportunities with outdoor pursuits to create an exciting learning environment. Located at Montgomery School, ScienceTrek is a field-based science program created to inspire Grade 8 students to grow academically, socially, personally and culturally. A parent student information night will be held Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Montgomery School. Applications are due at the school by 3:45 p.m. on April 17.

iGen, short for Intergenerational Classroom, brings Grade 6 students together to spend a full school year in a unique classroom experience at Sherbrooke Community Centre. Students learn and work with their teachers alongside Sherbrooke residents and staff. Current Saskatoon Public Schools' Grade 5 students and parents are invited to learn more about iGen during the open house Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m., at Sherbrooke Community Centre. Applications must be received at École College Park School by Thursday, May 2.

The Montessori Elementary Program is offered for Grade 1-8 students. The program, located at City Park School, uses Montessori philosophy and methodology of following the child to create learning that is individualized and presented to match the stages of development.  Attendance at the information meeting on Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m., is highly recommended. The application deadline is Friday, March 29.

Based at Westmount Community School, Let's Lead—Nīkānētān is a full-year program for Grade 8 students who want to learn through hands-on, out-of-school experiences. The program is particularly geared toward students who have leadership potential but may not have been able to develop it due to financial barriers. An information evening will be held at Westmount School on Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. Applications must be received at the school by 4 p.m. on May 1.

More information on Saskatoon Public Schools unique programs for elementary students is available on the program websites. Information on these programs and other unique learning opportunities in Saskatoon Public Schools is also available in our Unique Programs Handbook.