At Summerland Montessori School, community involvement and giving back are important parts of school life. Since 2003, our school has proudly participated in the Terry Fox Run, bringing together students, staff, and parent volunteers in support of health, perseverance, and compassion.

We have also participated in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart program since 2005, raising over $15,000 to date. Jump rope is incorporated into our physical education program, reinforcing healthy habits while supporting a meaningful cause.

Our daily French program is one of the hallmarks of the SMS experience and a key reason many families choose our school. Delivered in an immersion-style format, French learning is active, joyful, and engaging. Students learn through songs, skits, plays, and movement, building confidence and a strong foundation in Canada’s second national language.

For students joining SMS in upper grades, tutoring support is available to help them feel comfortable and confident as they transition into the program. This approach offers a wonderful alternative to early French immersion while preparing students for future success.

Physical activity is an integral part of each school day. Our program supports cooperative play, team sports, and individual skill development, helping students build confidence, coordination, and lifelong healthy habits.

Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of activities including swimming, skating, and running club, all included in the Supplies and Activities fees.

Our school proudly participates in the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery through the Fish in Schools (FinS) program with Okanagan Nation Alliance.

Since 2003, this hands-on program has connected students to the salmon lifecycle. Each year, students care for 50 sockeye salmon eggs, raising them from egg to fry while learning about healthy ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and the importance of salmon to our local waterways.

To learn more about this exciting program visit https://syilx.org/fisheries/hatchery/

Students are part of one of four House Teams — Unicorns, Phoenix, Griffins, or Dragons. House Teams bring students of different ages together to participate in weekly challenges and monthly group activities. This structure encourages leadership, mentorship, cooperation, and school spirit, helping students build strong connections across grade levels.

Creative expression plays a vital role in Montessori education. Students in Grades 3–6 may participate in Glee Club, meeting weekly to practice a variety of songs for performances at the holiday concert, talent show, and year-end celebrations. The group also occasionally visits local care facilities to share music and spread joy.

Drama is woven throughout the curriculum, particularly through the French AIM program, where students perform skits and plays using costumes and props, allowing them to truly live the language. Each year, students also participate in a holiday play, celebrating creativity and confidence.

Art is an important part of the curriculum, providing children with opportunities to explore different techniques, materials, and forms of self-expression while nurturing creativity.

Summerland Montessori School offers a well-rounded educational experience with opportunities beyond the classroom. Students may participate in activities such as running club, cooking classes, gardening, and glee club, designed to spark interests and encourage lifelong passions.

We also offer an optional Hot Lunch Program every Friday. Volunteer parents prepare and serve a variety of meals, encouraging students to try new foods and develop positive relationships with healthy eating.

Our school garden is a living classroom where children connect with nature through hands-on learning. Students take part in planting, tending, and harvesting, developing responsibility, patience, and an understanding of where food comes from. The garden supports lessons in science, environmental stewardship, and care for the world around us, while nurturing a sense of wonder and respect for nature