Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 28th May 2026
Cortes Island Academy
Cortes Island Academy Seeking Homestay Families & Winter Rentals
September 2026 – January 2027
The Cortes Island Academy is currently looking for:
Homestay families interested in welcoming CIA students into their homes for the fall semester
Houses or suites to rent to the Academy for the semester, where we will coordinate and support homestay arrangements directly
Since founding the Academy, one of the most meaningful parts of this work has been the relationships built between local hosts and students.
Homestay has helped make it possible for young people to return to the island, for local students to graduate from Cortes, and for the Academy to remain truly rooted in this community.
And now, we need your help.
At the moment, we have 8 students — and at least one Homestay Parent — still looking for housing for the fall semester.
About the Students
Our students are primarily in Grades 11 and 12, coming from rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the region (and beyond), many even smaller and more isolated than Cortes. They are thoughtful, engaged, community-minded young people choosing to participate in a highly experiential, place-based semester program.
Students become part of the rhythm of the household and community:
- helping cook meals
- participating in daily life
- contributing around the home
- joining community activities and events
In many cases, lasting friendships form. Sometimes the students leave with honorary grandparents, extra aunties, or a surprisingly refined understanding of island life.
Homestay Details
- Compensation: $750 per student/month
- Students may share a room, though individual rooms are ideal where possible
- Adult household members require a criminal record check (Proof of insurance is no longer required)
Rental Opportunities
We are also seeking:
- houses
- suites
- cabins
- larger shared homes
For the September–January semester.
The Academy now manages these arrangements directly, creating a more flexible and supportive system than ever before. We aim to make the process easy, respectful, and well-supported for property owners by providing:
- active communication and oversight
- carefully selected student placements
- responsible adult coordination
- a clear semester timeline and move-out date
a stable, organized rental arrangement
This can be a great fit for seasonal homes, partially vacant properties, or families interested in supporting youth without directly hosting in their own living space.
If you might be interested — even just curious — we’d love to hear from you. Email applycortesislandacademy.ca or give Manda a call at 604-417-6888
September 2026 – January 2027
The Cortes Island Academy is currently looking for:
Homestay families interested in welcoming CIA students into their homes for the fall semester
Houses or suites to rent to the Academy for the semester, where we will coordinate and support homestay arrangements directly
Since founding the Academy, one of the most meaningful parts of this work has been the relationships built between local hosts and students.
Homestay has helped make it possible for young people to return to the island, for local students to graduate from Cortes, and for the Academy to remain truly rooted in this community.
And now, we need your help.
At the moment, we have 8 students — and at least one Homestay Parent — still looking for housing for the fall semester.
About the Students
Our students are primarily in Grades 11 and 12, coming from rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the region (and beyond), many even smaller and more isolated than Cortes. They are thoughtful, engaged, community-minded young people choosing to participate in a highly experiential, place-based semester program.
Students become part of the rhythm of the household and community:
- helping cook meals
- participating in daily life
- contributing around the home
- joining community activities and events
In many cases, lasting friendships form. Sometimes the students leave with honorary grandparents, extra aunties, or a surprisingly refined understanding of island life.
Homestay Details
- Compensation: $750 per student/month
- Students may share a room, though individual rooms are ideal where possible
- Adult household members require a criminal record check (Proof of insurance is no longer required)
Rental Opportunities
We are also seeking:
- houses
- suites
- cabins
- larger shared homes
For the September–January semester.
The Academy now manages these arrangements directly, creating a more flexible and supportive system than ever before. We aim to make the process easy, respectful, and well-supported for property owners by providing:
- active communication and oversight
- carefully selected student placements
- responsible adult coordination
- a clear semester timeline and move-out date
a stable, organized rental arrangement
This can be a great fit for seasonal homes, partially vacant properties, or families interested in supporting youth without directly hosting in their own living space.
If you might be interested — even just curious — we’d love to hear from you. Email applycortesislandacademy.ca or give Manda a call at 604-417-6888
