Salt Spring Island is more than a beautiful place to live—it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. With strong community values, access to nature, and a creative spirit woven into everyday life, the island offers a slower pace that allows kids to grow up grounded, curious, and connected.
From public and independent schools to nature-based programs and after-school activities, here’s what life looks like for families on Salt Spring.
Schools on Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring is part of School District 64 (Gulf Islands) and is home to several schools—each with its own character and strengths.
Salt Spring Elementary (SSE) – Ganges
Located in the heart of Ganges, SSE serves students from K-7. The school is known for its strong sense of community, music and arts programming, and outdoor learning initiatives. It’s centrally located and often serves families living in and around Ganges village.
What stands out: community gardens, inclusive school culture, strong arts focus
Fulford Community Elementary School – South End
Serving the south end of the island, Fulford Elementary also runs from K- 7. Set in a quiet rural location, it offers small class sizes, a close-knit school community, and a strong connection to nature and land-based learning.
What stands out: outdoor learning, community involvement, peaceful rural setting
Fernwood Elementary – North End
A rural public school on the north end, Fernwood Elementary serves K–7 and is known for its calm environment, multi-age learning, and nature-based education. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a slower pace and more space for kids to grow.
What stands out: small school setting, supportive staff, and strong ties to nature
Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS) – Ganges
GISS serves grades 8–12 and offers a broad curriculum, including French immersion, trades, and university prep. It’s especially well known for its award-winning arts, music, and drama programs. Many graduates go on to pursue the arts, environmental studies, or community-focused careers.
What stands out: fine arts, international exchange, and career pathways in trades and tech
Nature-Based & Forest School Programs
In addition to traditional and independent schools, Salt Spring is home to nature-based learning programs that take place entirely outdoors—perfect for homeschoolers or families seeking a more land-connected approach.
Salt Spring Nature School (Preschool–Grade 5)
A forest school offering part-time, outdoor curriculum focused on storytelling, exploration, and ecological literacy. Children spend the full day outdoors, connecting deeply with the land and seasons.
What stands out: weather-resilient learning, child-led discovery, environmental awareness
Foxglove Forest School (Ages 3–6)
This forest-kindergarten–style program emphasizes unstructured play, sensory exploration, and social-emotional growth in woodland settings.
What stands out: sensory-rich learning, nature-based social development, early childhood forest immersion
A Child’s Garden (Waldorf-Inspired Playschool) (Ages 3–6)
A screen‑free, arts‑integrated early-learning program rooted in seasonal rhythms, storytelling, and creative expression—delivered in outdoor spaces with natural materials.
What stands out: creative play, handwork, seasonal festivals, outdoor-based rhythm
WOLF Wilderness School (WOLF Kids) (Ages 8–14)
Part of Wisdom of the Earth, WOLF Kids is a deep nature-connection immersion program based on mentoring, tracking, and ecological literacy. Programs run Monday–Wednesday and include survival skills, ecosystem awareness, traditional lore, and communal outdoor living.
What stands out: survival skills, mentorship, nature tracking, social-emotional resilience
Little Red Schoolhouse (Forest Preschool) (Ages 3–6)
Located on ancestral Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOṮEN territory, this forest preschool operates from a heritage one-room schoolhouse, emphasizing small-group ratios, seasonal learning, and land stewardship.
What stands out: historical forest setting, ecological curriculum, attachment-based forest culture
Island Life for Kids
Growing up on Salt Spring means building forts in the forest, biking to the beach, and joining your neighbours at the farmers’ market. There are no malls or big-box stores, but there are plenty of ways for kids to grow, create, and belong.
- After-school programs include sailing, dance, martial arts, visual arts, music, and theatre
- ArtSpring and The Salt Spring Arts Council offer programs year-round
- Community sports include soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and softball
- Parks and beaches make nature part of everyday life
Growing Up with Creativity and Connection
What sets Salt Spring apart is the way kids grow up surrounded by nature, art, and community. Whether through drama performances, youth art exhibits, forest play, or science in the garden, kids are encouraged to explore, create, and contribute.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you’re considering relocating your family to Salt Spring, I’d be happy to share insights about different neighbourhoods, school catchments, and the day-to-day rhythm of island life with kids. It’s not just about finding a house—it’s about creating a life you love.