Spotlight64!| Learning Without Limits at 64GO!

Last week, the Board of Education visited 64GO to learn more about the work taking place and the impact the online program is having for students and families. 

Trustees were welcomed by district principal Sparanese, who shared how the 64GO has grown into a flexible, student centred learning option that continues to meet a wide range of learner needs across the Gulf Islands.

Currently supporting approximately 150 students, 64GO serves homeschoolers, students seeking additional credits, and learners who benefit from more flexible or alternative pathways. The 64GO team work closely with students and families to design learning that reflects each student’s unique interests, strengths, and circumstances. 

Throughout the visit, trustees observed how the work underway at 64GO closely reflects the district’s Strategic Direction priorities in practice:

Know

Knowing learners deeply is foundational to the 64GO program. Learning is personalized and intentionally designed around student interests and goals, ensuring relevance and engagement. This approach is reflected in strong enrolment in English First Peoples 11 and 12, where Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully embedded. These learning experiences support students in developing academic competencies alongside a deeper understanding of culture, identity, and place.

Be

Connection and belonging are a priority, both online and in person. The program offers a weekly in person learning day, with more than half of elementary students attending regularly. These days provide opportunities for Indigenous learning, literacy support, and social emotional development, while also strengthening relationships among students and staff. Within the online environment, the team is intentional about building connections so learners feel supported, included, and part of the broader school community.

Understand

Strong communication and responsiveness underpin the program’s success. Weekly check ins with students and families are a core practice, with participation rates near or at 100 per cent in K to 7. Learner led onboarding centres student and family voice from the beginning, helping establish shared understanding and trust. Ongoing monitoring of engagement allows staff to respond quickly when students need additional support. At the secondary level, this proactive approach has contributed to increased persistence and an approximate 96 per cent course completion rate.

Do

64GO demonstrates that flexibility and academic rigour can coexist. Clear and consistent expectations are maintained across a wide range of learner pathways, supporting success while honouring individual circumstances. The program is experiencing its highest enrolment since it began, reflecting a growing demand for adaptable learning options. 64GO also supports the SEEC program, helping students maintain a strong sense of connection to the district. One example shared with trustees highlighted a student learning remotely while on a once in a lifetime sailing journey, with programming adapted to accommodate periods of limited internet access. The story illustrates how learning can happen anywhere with thoughtful planning and trust.

At the end of the day, trustees reflected that 64GO is meeting a clear need for students and families and expressed interest in what ways this innovative model may continue to evolve over time. The visit highlighted how 64GO brings the district’s strategic plan to life through intentional relationships, responsive supports, and meaningful learning experiences for every learner.