Back to school information for the 2025-2026 school year
School starts for most students in Grades 1 to 7 on Tuesday, September 2 at 11:00 a.m. with dismissal set at 12:00 p.m.
Elementary schools with alternate first day start times:
Mountain View Elementary 10:45am start – 11:45am dismissal
High school first day start times:
Cedar Secondary – 11:30am start for Grades 9 – 12 with dismissal at 12:30pm; 1pm start for Grade 8 with dismissal at 3:20pm
Dover Bay Secondary – 12:00pm start for Grade 8 with dismissal at 2:00pm; 9:30am start for Grades 9-12 with dismissal at 10:30am
John Barsby Community Secondary – 12:30pm start for Grade 8 with dismissal at 2:30pm; 10:30am start for Grades 9-12 with dismissal at 11:30am
Ladysmith Secondary – 11am start for Grades 8-12; Grades 9 – 12 dismissal at 12:00pm; dismissal for Grade 8 at 2pm (lunch will be provided for Grade 8 students)
Learning Alternatives – 12:00pm start with dismissal at 2pm
NDSS – 11am start for Grades 9 – 12 with dismissal at 11:45am; 12:30pm start for Grade 8 with dismissal at 2:30pm
Wellington Secondary – 10:15am start for Grades 9 – 12 with dismissal at 11am; 12:00pm start for Grade 8 with dismissal at 2pm
Kindergarten gradual entry start times:
Kindergarten students start school gradually in small groups and for shorter days. Full-day Kindergarten begins Wednesday, September 11.
The gradual entry schedule for your child will be sent home from your school over the summer. If you have not received it by the end of August, please contact your child’s school.
Additional information for students and caregivers
Just moved to Nanaimo or haven’t yet registered for school?
Students not previously registered are asked to register online as soon as possible at sd68.bc.ca or by calling 250-741-5264. The Central Registration office will confirm your child’s placement.
Bus Route information
Our first day bus route looks a little different. This bus route is available here.
Detailed regular bus routes are available here, or at your school. You can also check out our Transportation page for more information.
Late French Immersion– Spaces still available!
Space is still available in Late French Immersion (Grade 6) at École Quarterway.
Don’t miss out on the last entry point to enroll your child in a French Immersion Program.
Call 250-741-5264 or email ereg@sd68.bc.ca for more information.
Career Technical Centre
Please call for more information about the program 250.754.2447.
Island ConnectED (K-12)
Located at 4355 Jinglepot Road, Nanaimo. Closed until August 24.
Register online at ic.schools.sd68.bc.ca
English as a Second Language
Parents of new English as a Second Language students should register online at sd68.bc.ca
Students with diverse abilities
Parents of new students with diverse abilities should register online. Support services will be arranged in consultation with the Department of Learning Services.
International students
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools accepts fee-paying international students. Call 250.751.0197 for more information.
Children with First Nations, Inuit or Métis ancestry
If your child has First Nations, Inuit or Métis ancestry, please ensure that you indicate this when registering for school. The Ministry of Education provides additional funding for school districts to support district-wide Indigenous Education. For more information call 250.741.5318.
Students with diverse abilities
Parents of new students with diverse abilities should register online. Support services will be arranged in consultation with the Department of Learning Services.
Preschool-aged children
Parents of preschool-aged children are encouraged to attend StrongStart Early Learning Centres. To find out locations and times visit www.sd68.bc.ca, under Schools / StrongStart.
Need more information?
Call your catchment school or the School District Administration Centre at 250.754.5521. District information is also available at sd68.bc.ca.
Just moved to Nanaimo or haven’t yet registered for school?
Students not previously registered are asked to register online as soon as possible at sd68.bc.ca or by calling 250-741-5264. The Central Registration office will confirm your child’s placement.
