Learning Opportunities in Kamloops
Kamloops boasts exceptional and diverse education facilities and programs, both for young students just starting out with their schooling, to post-secondary opportunities for people to access world-class programs to further advance their skills and career opportunities.
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Kamloops is located in School District #73, which also includes the communities of Barriere, Clearwater, Vavenby, Blue River, Chase, Logan Lake, Savona, and Westwold. The total number of schools in Kamloops is 22 elementary schools and 7 secondary schools. There are several unique types of learning opportunities for students including: a storefront school, International Baccalaureate Program, French Immersion, a renowned program for autistic children, and a virtual school.
Trades and Technology Program at Norkam Secondary School
The new NorKam Trades and Technology Centre provides new skills training programs in the following areas; mining exploration, development and production, entry-level industrial skills, construction trades training, refrigeration and air conditioning and civil engineering technology. The new Centre has four skilled trades training shops with specialized equipment and two classroom areas. The Centre has increased the trades training capacity of the school by approximately 100 students and is open to all students within the district. The Centre has significantly enhanced the school’s existing skills training facilities and programs, which includes woodworking, metal, electronics, and automotive shops, as well as drafting, graphics, photo, computer and media labs.
Private Schools
There are three private schools; Kamloops Christian School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), and St. Ann’s Academy. In addition, there are many other distance learning programs and facilities that operate in the area.
Post-Secondary Education
Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
TRU is the fourth largest university in the province of B.C. and the campus is one of Canada’s most beautiful university settings. A vibrant community of over 13,000 students, from across Canada and around the world, complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in addition to diplomas, apprenticeships, professional certificates, continuing studies and ESL. Another 10,000 students take advantage of TRU’s flexible learning options to study online or by distance through the Open Learning Division. Students can also take programs at regional centres throughout the interior of BC, a satellite campus in Williams Lake, and an Open Learning Centre in Vancouver.
Sprott-Shaw Community College
Established in 1903, Sprott-Shaw is a premiere Canadian career college. Its new state-of-the-art campus located in the heart of Kamloops provides a friendly and rewarding learning environment with all the services and amenities you would expect from larger college campuses.
13,000 students attend TRU, 11,794 students study online.
Fine Arts Programs
Kamloops is home to over 10 dance and theatre schools that offer professional instruction for all ages and abilities. Programs and courses are available from ballet and tap to Highland and Bollywood. The city is also home to numerous excellent music schools and programs for all abilities offering education to all levels and abilities.