Quw’utsun Smuneem (Cowichan children) Elementary School was opened in May 2004.  Currently Quw’utsun Smuneem teaches Kindergarten to Grade Three.  Eventually the school would like to go up to Grade Six like other elementary schools in the District.

While many First Nations in the province have their own schools, Quw’utsun Smuneem is unique in that it is the only First Nations school with enough students to offer separate classes for each age group.

Cowichan teachings and the Hul’qumi’num language are integral part of the curriculum.  Each class gets a half-day per week in Hul’qumi’num instruction, plus the language is incorporated into the rest of the curriculum.  All teachers are required to learn Hul’qumi’num.

As well, particular focus is being placed on literacy, with the goal that 100% of the students will read with complete comprehension by Grade three.

Children with special needs are integrated into the school system, with additional attention provided by teaching assistants. All subjects meet Ministry of Education standards and teachers are members of the BC College of Teachers and Teaching Assistants are trained in Early Childhood Education or Child and Youth Care.