WHAT WE DO

Arts-integrated, character-driven, cross-curricular education.

Kelowna Arts Academy, previously operating under Studio 9 Independent School of the Arts, has been a leader in offering fully integrated arts education in the Okanagan since 2012.

We offer an enhanced academic program enriched with arts electives to Kindergarten through Grade 12 students that exceed ministry standards, with our graduates earning a full Dogwood diploma—often with additional credits and merit achievements.

Our students receive comprehensive instruction in all core subjects required by the province of British Columbia, including science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, applied design, skills and technology, physical health and education, career education, and language.

Creativity is the thinking that fuels innovation. Studies have shown that creative learning leads to positive outcomes in problem-solving, critical thinking, and learning retention, resulting in better cognitive outcomes than traditional methods. Applied learning experiences strengthen the academic performance of students, increase student retention, and improve employment outcomes post-graduation. Through cross-curricular and project-based learning, our students are developing the necessary skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. 

Beyond academia and the arts, our students benefit from an enriched education that prioritizes character-building qualities such as accountability, communication, and collaboration. Students are mentored rather than directed, and they graduate with a foundational passion for the arts that encourages confidence and a strong sense of self. They develop meaningful connections to themselves and the curriculum while growing their self-confidence. Students feel safe enough to be authentic and yet are challenged to grow and become increasingly self-actualized. 

Kelowna Arts Academy cultivates confident learners and creative thinkers through Arts Immersion. Our students are inspired to reach their full potential in an environment that fosters creativity, inclusion, and connection.

BEYOND THE BASICS: OUR ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES

Academics form the foundation — art brings it to life.

THEATRE

Every Role Has a Story & Every Story Builds You.

In our drama program, students don’t just act—they transform, through character, collaboration, and the immersive world of live theatre.

VISUAL ARTS

Where Vision Takes Shape & Every Perspective Matters.

Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Through painting, sculpting, and collaborative showcases, students transform their stories into works that move and inspire.

MUSIC

Every Voice Plays a Part.

From original compositions to creative remakes, students turn music theory into live, collaborative performance, sharing their sound with the world through public shows and recorded releases.

DANCE

Where Movement Finds Meaning.

Students of all levels learn to express themselves through movement, growing artistically, athletically, and personally in a safe, collaborative environment, where every step brings them closer to discovering who they are.

CREATIVE WRITING

When Words Become Art.

Students transform ideas into impact—writing, refining, and performing original pieces that blend creativity with purpose, and give voice to the stories that matter most.

CULINARY ARTS

From Kitchen to Creation.

Our culinary program offers students the opportunity to serve real clients dishes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious, turning everyday meals into creative, sustainable experiences.

DIGITAL ART

Design It. Animate It. Bring It to Life.

Professional Adobe tools are used to design, animate, photograph, and produce original work, bringing stories to life through cross-curricular projects that blend technology, creativity, and real-world collaboration.

SEWING

Every Stitch Tells a Story.

Students bring their visions to life—sketching original costume concepts, refining designs, and sewing them into fully realized garments for stage and personal projects alike.

TECH THEATRE

The Spotlight Shines Behind the Scenes, too.

Tech Theatre students master the skills that make every show possible, designing lights, sound, sets, and cues with precision, creativity, and quiet dedication that transforms performance into experience.

Learn more about what sets Kelowna Arts Academy apart by checking out our FAQ page or contact our office directly; our staff is happy to answer any questions or set up a tour of the Academy, where you can see what we do and how we do it.

Kelowna Arts Academy prides itself on its sense of community, building and fostering lasting relationships. Ensuring that our academy is the right fit for our prospective students is of the utmost importance. We also offer short-term trials where your child can experience our classroom setting first-hand.