A Day in the Arts: Students Explore Artistic Learning at KSA

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Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications & Board Administration

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Kamloops School of the Arts (KSA) opened its doors to students from across the Kamloops-Thompson School District for A Day in the Arts—an interactive event for future students to explore what learning through the arts looks and feels like at the Kindergarten to Grade 12 School of Choice.

Led by KSA teachers and student ambassadors in Grades 10–12, student visitors toured classrooms, met teachers, and rotated through sample arts sessions including Media Arts, Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, and Music. Throughout the day, prospective students were able to see firsthand how KSA blends rigorous academics with creativity, community, and connection.

Throughout the event, teachers shared how KSA delivers the full BC Curriculum while offering students specialized training in an arts major (Drama, Music, Media, Dance, and Visual Arts). With smaller class sizes, students build strong relationships with teachers who support their learning from elementary through to graduation.

The day highlighted that KSA is not only focused on arts, showcasing the school’s robust science programs, growing athletics opportunities, and the success of graduates who have gone on to pursue post‑secondary studies and careers in arts‑related fields.

Current students spoke with visitors throughout the day, sharing how KSA has shaped their learning, confidence, and sense of belonging. Many current students also shared that KSA’s arts‑integrated approach helps them deepen their understanding across subjects—and how a small school creates big opportunities and deeper connections.

Grade 12 student Kaia Bryant, who started at KSA in Kindergarten (when it was Beattie School of the Arts), shared how the school’s welcoming environment and small classes have set her up for success in arts, athletics, and academics.

“KSA is a very welcoming environment. Majoring in Drama has improved my confidence, and I'm able to apply a lot of the things I learn in Drama to my other classes—like being able to present, memorize, and portray my emotions. If you have even an inkling that arts are for you, KSA is a really good place to be able to develop those skills and then work on math and science as well.”

Mary Jane Frey, a Grade 12 student who has been at KSA since Grade 4, said her experience proves that arts school doesn’t mean arts only.

“A lot of people think that we only do art at KSA, but there's also a strong science program as well—I love science. The support in the school is really awesome. You get to do a lot more arts integration, but you still get full academic learning. I still get to learn all the academics that I want while also getting to take art courses that I really want to take. The teachers are really awesome and very supportive and because it's a small school, you know everybody.”

Aisha Puig’s parents enrolled her at KSA in Grade 4 because they saw how strongly she expressed herself through art. Now in Grade 12, Aisha is encouraging others to join the school community.

“If you have an artistic drive and you are interested in any kind of art, KSA is the school for you. It's a community here and we build bonds with small classes... it feels like a family and you're free to be yourself.”

KSA’s mission is rooted in research-based, arts-driven education with a commitment to connecting learning to students’ passions, fostering an inclusive and welcoming school culture, and ensuring academic rigour alongside artistic growth. Through these values, KSA helps students develop strong foundational skills, confidence, and the creative thinking needed for future pathways—whether in the arts or beyond.

To learn more and apply to KSA, visit ksa.sd73.bc.ca