The Garden Valley School Division in Winkler, Manitoba, is now accepting applications for a new Grade 9 program that swaps traditional textbooks for real-world projects starting in Fall 2026. This new option is designed for students who want to learn through hands-on experience and their own personal interests.
Known as the Big Picture Learning model, the program focuses on community-based internships rather than spending the whole day at a desk. Students will work closely with mentors and local partners to shape their school work, while still meeting all the requirements needed to graduate in the province.
The division plans to accept about 60 students for the first year, who will be organized into small “advisory” groups of 15. These small groups are meant to provide a more personalized environment where students can focus on career exploration and individual growth instead of a standard high school routine.
Applications for the new program opened on February 26, 2026, for students currently finishing their middle school years. Families interested in this alternative learning style can now apply through the school division to secure a spot for the upcoming fall term.
