From the desk of Dan Dalgaard

Welcome to the Distance Education School of the Kootenays (DESK) website. As the largest distributed learning school in the Kootenay and Boundary region of BC, we are proud of our reputation for student service and support at all levels. Our reputation flows from our mission to ensure that all DESK students have a positive learning experience. Our entire staff is well-known for their efforts to provide personalized service focused on the needs of each student.

Specialist teachers are available to students and their families for academic support, and they make excellent use of technology to expedite this service. We have 33 fully online courses and many more are enhanced by additional online resources. Our 20 years of experience in supporting individualized education for students and families who choose to work at their own pace have put us at the forefront of distributed learning programs in the interior of BC. With the ability to register students at any time, we are excited to be offering our services to an ever increasing number of students who value choice and quality in education. I’m also happy to say that all courses are free for any school-aged student or adult in BC.

It is a privilege to be part of the DESK staff, and I’m proud of my role. I was a classroom teacher of Science, Math, and Computer Studies for 24 years and have now been part of the DESK staff for six years as vice-principal and principal. Experience at DESK has shown me that the individualized attention of our teachers and the use of technology to support our students meets the needs of our students and their families.

Our 22 dedicated and experienced staff members continuously reflect upon our efforts to provide quality programming, and we’re always looking for new ways to improve our program. Our growing online program challenges students in exciting ways and provides them with flexible and innovative learning options. Unique online courses, enhanced opportunities for student engagement, and novel assessment opportunities have made us the vanguard of online education in BC.

I am happy to be part of your experience with DESK. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments related to your options or your child’s educational options here at DESK.

Dan Dalgaard
Principal, DESK