Frequently asked questions
Q. HOW CAN I SUCCEED IN YOUR online COURSES?
A. Our courses are each a little different. However, common keys to success for all of them are…
Communicate: get in touch with your teacher as soon as you get access to the course.
Consistency: spreading your learning out across as many days of the week can really have an impact on your learning rate.
Technology: you should have access to a computer with the Chrome browser (smartphone is not enough). You can come to our learning center if you would like to borrow a laptop, or to use our printer and scanner (which you should also have).
Q. Do you have tools I can use to track the progress of my child?
A. Yes! We encourage guardians to use our report card portal to stay up to date with your child’s learning. For example, are they submitting work? How did they do on their recent assignments or quizzes?
Q. I’d like to get in contact with a teacher. Do you have a directory?
A. Yes we do - you can find teacher contact information in our staff directory.
Q. WHAT DO YOUR DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES COST?
A. For BC residents, our courses are generally free for children in elementary school, middle school, or high school.
Pursuing an adult dogwood diploma? Courses are free. (English 12, math 11, three grade 12 electives)
Graduated Adult? Senior Math, Science and English courses are free. Go to our continuing education website for more info.
International student? Contact us to determine your tuition fee.
Q. CAN I PREVIEW COURSEs BEFORE I APPLY?
A. Yes! Read this written manual or our instructional video for previewing courses as a guest.
Q. HOW DOes YOUR kindergarten to grade 7 PROGRAM WORK?
In our primary program (K to grade 3), students use a paper based approach to guide students and parents through daily lessons and learning activities. In our intermediate program (grade 4 to 7), students work online using unit guides, and curriculum-aligned resources and activities.
Students learn at their own pace and on topics of their interest, strengths, and learning needs. Both programs include resources to support learners in reading, math, language arts, world events, and more.
Q. I’M AN ADULT. CAN I SIGN UP FOR DISTANCE LEARNING?
A. Yes. Contact cidesinfo@sd57.bc.ca, and we can help you get started. If you are looking to take math or science courses you may be asked to take a math diagnostic assessment first so we can place you in the appropriate course.
Q. HOW DO I WRITE TESTS AND EXAMS?
A. Check with your teacher regarding which assessments are formal and require a test supervisor. CIDES has a testing centre, so if you would like one of our staff to supervise, schedule an appointment with us. You may prefer to conduct the formal assessment at an alternative location: if this is appropriate for you, read our test supervisor requirements then have the adult meeting those requirements sign that agreement prior to the formal assessment then reach out to the teacher for additional instructions.
Q. What if i need help in person?
A. We encourage you to come to our nearest learning centre regularly throughout your studies. You may want to reach out to your teacher to find out the best times they are available.
Q. I’m concerned about the right to privacy: can you tell me more about this?
A. The SD57 freedom of information and privacy officer evaluates how our tools and processes may impact your protected personal information. Your PEN number, address, academic data, and aboriginal status are stored on Canadian servers. If you prefer doing your application on paper, contact us and we can provide them to you. We may ask you permission to post classroom photos in our local newspaper or website, but will not do so unless you or your guardians consents to this.
Q. I think your server is offline. can I check?
A. You can check our status page - do contact us if you can’t connect for longer than an hour.
