SelfDesign: Proudly serving learners across BC as an Independent Provincial Online Learning School

In 2023, SelfDesign® Learning Community officially became an Independent Provincial Online Learning School (POLS-I) in British Columbia. This designation means SelfDesign offers online learning programs to students from kindergarten to Grade 12 across the province—not just within a local school district.

But what exactly is a POLS, and how do POLS-I’s differ from public ones?

What is a POLS?

Provincial Online Learning Schools (POLS) have agreements with the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) to provide K-12 online learning services to students across BC. These schools, whether public or independent, provide learners with the flexibility to study from anywhere in the province. Learners are supported by certified educators, and at the end of their K-12 journey, can earn the B.C. Certificate of Graduation (or “Dogwood Diploma”) or a School Completion Certificate for learners with disabilities and diverse abilities.

Public vs. Independent POLS: What’s the difference?

Both public and independent POLS implement a curriculum model required by the MECC. That said, there are a few differences:

Public POLS:

  • Under the authority of  B.C. Boards of Education
  • Available to all B.C. students, regardless of residence or school district
  • Learners across the province can learn online either full-time, or some POLS offer a blended program
  • K–7 learners usually attend full-time online or in a blended program
  • Grades 8–12 learners often combine in-person and online learning through cross-enrolment

Independent POLS (POLS-I):

  • Under the authority of an Independent School Authority, which is often a not-for-profit society, such as SelfDesign® Learning Foundation
  • Funded (fully or partially) by the Ministry of Education and Child Care
  • Some POLS-I charge tuition
  • Some POLS-I offer faith-based programming
  • May follow unique educational approaches such as SelfDesign’s guiding philosophy of self-directed, relationship-centred, and personalized learning
How online learning benefits learners and families

For many families, the flexibility of online learning is the biggest advantage. Whether you’re a family who travels often, has a child who needs to compete in a sport out of town, or lives in a rural area, online learning can make education more accessible and adaptable.

Families enrolled in online learning enjoy:

  • Personalized  learning plans and flexible daily schedules
  • Access to online learning tools and resources
  • Consistent support from certified educators
  • Pathways to high school graduation and school completion

For more information, please see the Ministry of Education and Child Care information on Online Learning and specifically the support resources available to learners and families.

SelfDesign’s philosophy within the POLS framework

SelfDesign Learning Community is proud to be one of B.C.’s 16 Independent POLS. We infuse our unique philosophy into our entire learning approach. Our relationship-centred, self-directed learning model supports the individual learner’s interests, curiosities and passions.

“Our philosophy and approach are the foundation of everything we do and all the offerings we develop and provide, ” shares Catherine Dinim, principal of SelfDesign Learning Community.  “They’re what makes us SelfDesign, and that’s something we’ll always hold onto.”

Learn more about SelfDesign Learning Community here.