Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)

How is Nootka Fine Arts different from other public schools?
Nootka Fine Arts devotes at least 30-per-cent of instructional time to the fine arts. These disciplines include music, drama, dance and art. In addition, the program has a K-4 choir.

Who teaches the fine arts classes?
Every teacher has his or her own graded class to teach; this year, that includes Kindergarten through Grade 4. In addition, every teacher is a specialist in at least one of the four fine arts disciplines. Teachers trade classes at set times during the week, so that they wind up teaching their specialty to several grades of students. This allows both students and staff to get to know each other across grade levels and establish long-term relationships.

Are academics sacrificed to accommodate the fine arts focus?
No. All of the teachers cover the full curriculum requirements as outlined by the Ministry of Education for each grade. As well, Nootka Fine Arts staff and parents firmly believe that the arts are academic. Teachers regularly use the fine arts in many subject areas to provide additional opportunities for student learning and personal growth.

Does my child have to be a gifted dancer or artist to be accepted into the Nootka Fine Arts Program?
No. Children who have a genuine interest in the fine arts are welcome at Nootka Fine Arts. They must be interested in studying dance, drama, music and visual arts but they do not have to be a budding Karen Kain or Jack Shadbolt to enjoy and benefit from attending Nootka Fine Arts.

What parts of the city do the children come from?
Nootka Fine Arts students come from all over Vancouver.

Is there school bus service to the school?
No. But as students come to Nootka from all over the city, some parents have cooperated to share the names, addresses and phone numbers of parents interested in carpooling.

What is the program’s growth plan?
Nootka Fine Arts was established in the 2002-2003 school year as a K-3 program with one class for each grade. The intention is to expand by one grade every year. This year, we added a Grade 4 class, next year we’ll add a Grade 5 class and over the subsequent two years we’ll add Grades 6 and 7. There will always be just one fine arts class per grade. District and school administrators, and parents, have already begun the process of planning for the secondary phase of the program. We do not yet know where it will be located. The ideal would be to have a K-12 program where the children remain together for the duration of their elementary and secondary school years.

Will the fine arts program grow to take over Nootka?
No. Nootka is a triple-track school meaning there are three programs at the school. There is the regular program, the fine arts program and the Extended Learning Assistance Centre. All three programs are valued by the whole school community.

What is the typical class size?
Class sizes at Nootka Fine Arts are as follows: Kindergarten – 19 students, Grades 1-3 – 21 students, Grade 4 – 28 students and Grades 5-7 will be 30 students. Wait lists exist for almost every grade but the wait lists tend to be much longer for the lower primary grades.

How can I enrol my child in the program?
If your child is entering Kindergarten, admission is by lottery, after spaces have been assigned to interested siblings of current students and to a percentage of pupils in the catchment area. If your child’s name is not chosen, his or her name will be put --in order of the draw-- on a waiting list and you will be contacted as your name reaches the top of the list. The lottery is typically held at the beginning of March. To register for classes beyond Kindergarten, contact the school directly to inquire about space availability.