Photo: File photo

The Kindergarten to Grade 6 outdoor learning program slated to open in September at South Canoe Elementary School is full.

Getting out of the classroom to get an education is proving popular in the North Okanagan Shuswap School District.

The Kindergarten to Grade 6 outdoor learning program slated to open in September at South Canoe Elementary School is full.

In fact, there is even a waiting list for students hoping to get in, so they can go out.

Director of Instruction Carl Cooper said the district is awaiting word from the Agriculture Land Commission (ALC) for approval to re-open the school as it is located on agricultural land.

He explained that once a school is dormant for more than two years the district must reapply to the ALC to open it.

"We are anticipating this could be a two- to three-month process, but are hopeful,” said Cooper.

He said the school district has received approval and a strong recommendation to the ALC from Salmon Arm City Council as well as from several community groups.

"We have communicated this to parents who have registered their children and we will continue to update them as we receive information," said Cooper.

Some $455,000 will be going towards renovations of the school.

Official trustee Mike McKay noted that this is a lot of money, but said it is actually good news.

"This is actually less than what it would cost us to accommodate this increase of students at their home schools so we have found some significant savings there,” said McKay.